MTH8

docx

School

Eastern Gateway Community College *

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Course

102

Subject

Economics

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

1

Uploaded by anaelibaldor

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Hello everyone! As a consumer, economic forces have a significant impact on my purchasing decisions. Among these forces, employment plays a crucial role as it directly affects my financial capacity to make purchases. While I generally feel secure in my job and confident about my financial situation, there are times when I hesitate to make major purchases due to concerns about unforeseen circumstances. The fear of unexpected illnesses or a period of unemployment can lead to a cautious approach, questioning whether I would be able to afford my existing obligations without falling into debt. As I grow older, I have become more mindful of pricing and interest rates, leading me to carefully evaluate my needs before making any impulsive buying decisions. This shift in mindset has made me more cautious and calculated in my purchasing habits. Interest rates play a significant role in shaping my major purchasing decisions. Thankfully, when my spouse and I bought our home years ago, we were fortunate to secure a mortgage at an extremely low- interest rate. Given the current market conditions, I realize that purchasing a home now would not be as financially feasible. While renting may seem like an alternative, the rising cost of living makes it less appealing. It has been challenging to explain the concept of interest rates to our young teenage daughter, especially when she is eager to have a brand-new car. However, the pandemic has shifted my perspective on financial matters. Witnessing the hardships faced by friends and family during this time has made me more cautious. Nowadays, I only make major purchases if I have the cash on hand and, when necessary, utilize credit cards with zero percent interest rates and no hidden fees. This approach helps me maintain financial stability and avoid unnecessary debt. Furthermore, consumer confidence plays a crucial role in shaping my purchasing decisions. When consumer confidence is at a high level, reflecting a positive outlook on the economy, I tend to feel more optimistic about the future. That optimism translates into a greater willingness to make purchases, both essential and discretionary. However, when consumer confidence is low, I tend to adopt a more cautious approach. During such times, I become more aware of my spending habits, reduce expenses and increase my savings as a precautionary measure. Overall, economic forces such as employment, income, prices, interest rates, and consumer confidence all have an extreme impact on my purchasing decisions as a consumer. These factors influence my perception of financial security, affordability of goods and services, borrowing decisions, and overall optimism about the economy. Understanding these economic forces helps me make informed choices that coincide with my own life and finances.
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