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Ten Principles of Economics

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The first principle in the Ten Principles of Economics is “People Face Trade-Offs”. This principle is based on the idea that we need to give up one thing in order to receive another. This plays a role in my life because I work a full time job, have started a family and am a full time student. I have to give up something to do all of these to the best of my ability. I usually sacrifice time spent sleeping, or in entertainment. This idea continues on to the second principle “The Cost of Something Is What You Give Up to Get”. The price I have to pay in order to be a part of the three most important things in my life is only the cost of entertainment and sleep. “Rational People Think at the Margin” is used in my life to thoughtfully come up with a plan to achieve my three objectives. The student objective comes with an incentive, like mentioned in the fourth principle, I am able to work for my degree online. The fifth principle is used in my life with the family I live with. I am able to give something for them and they give something to me. We are both better off because of it. The remaining principles play a role in my life like they do anyone else’s. In the future I will have to make multiple decisions, the biggest is when I decide to buy a house. I can use the principles taught in chapter 1 and throughout this class to help make my decision. Understanding that government will play a role in our countries economy and that there will be times when markets and inflation make home buying more enticing.

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