Personal Economics 101

This little play list on YouTube will help you get acquainted with some economic principals in a very short time. Each is about 5 or 6 minutes in length and covers the Budget Process, Debt and the Deficit, Impact of the Economy on the Deficit, Benefits of International Trade, Composition of Gross Domestic Product and Understanding the Unemployment Rate.  He does not cover Supply and Demand, which is basic to all economics, but I will find a good course soon for that.  Enjoy. Econ-1 with John Taylor

Debt is a problem, and it will come calling home sooner or later. Be prepared. It could cause massive upheavals in global financial systems, and result in large moves down in markets. See my previous post on debt . But do not be afraid, just be prepared. I subscribe to a free weekly newsletter from John Mauldin called Thoughts from the Frontline .  You should subscribe. It's worth your time. In the July 20 issue , he provides this advice to small investors.  I f you are early in your investing career or still consider yourself small, the most important things you can do are: Simplify your lifestyle and save more money. That’s not particularly fun, but in the long-term will pay huge dividends. Get out of debt. Do not carry debt on credit cards. Pay your credit cards off as quickly as possible. Saving is easier when you aren’t paying 18% interest. You’re not going to get 18% on your investments. There are a whole host of options for how to save. For small investors, t...

The global debt level is reaching shocking new heights. The Institute of International Finance recently estimated the current total world debt is roughly $247 trillion —a truly unprecedented figure. But as frightening as the global debt has become because of the dangers it poses to the world’s economic stability, Americans should be far more terrified of what this problem might mean for them, especially if the globe endures another major financial collapse before the United States can get its fiscal house back in order. Put simply, America is on the verge of experiencing an absolutely catastrophic period of economic change, and it’s due mostly to its skyrocketing debt, which is the result of decades of reckless government spending—by both political parties. Full story here .