Are you confused when the national economy is discussed? Do you wonder exactly what people mean when they talk about the Fed, the trade deficit, the gross domestic product, the national debt, the federal budget deficit, the unemployment rate, and banks that are too big to fail? Economics affect all of us every day: our incomes, our borrowing power, the prices we pay, and the policies our government pursues. In plain language, this slim volume explains the basics of economics in a way anyone can understand. Simple Lessons for Understanding the Economy is straightforward, brief, and easy to read. Use it as an introduction, a refresher course, or a reference book. With clear charts and examples anyone can follow, Dr. Lopez-Aqueres breaks down the elements of how money works so you can grasp economics, commerce, and finance.