Did you know that every time you buy a new hat, a pet cat, a strawberry float, or a rubber
boat, you're a consumer.
A what?
A consumer, and every time you take a trip, fix a drift, rent a bike, you're all alike.
You're all consumers.
What's a consumer?
A consumer is anybody who buys things or pays for someone's services.
Mickey is a consumer, Donald is a consumer, and Goofy, so are you.
You're all consumers.
From the morning's first light, till you hit the bed at night.
You mean consumers spend money all day long?
Absolutely.
You see, there are a lot of things in your life that cost money that you probably don't
even think about, like the house you live in, the food you eat, even the electricity
that turns your lights off, and on.
These are all the things you need, but it still takes money, nickels, dimes, quarters,
and dollars to pay for them.
Of course, when you're young, your parents take care of your needs with their income.
That is, the money they earn working at a job.
But if you're a kid, you probably have an income too.
Maybe you get an allowance for doing chores around the house, or a gift for your birthday,
or money doing errands for people.
There are lots of ways for kids to earn an income if you think about it, and that means
they have money to spend on things they want.
In fact, kids have more income to spend on wants than any other age group.
How do you spend your money, Goofy?
Oh, I buy cowboy suits, and gym sets, and boxing gloves, and I think I'll buy a glider.
Hold on.
Do you really have enough money to buy all those things?
Is $40.42 enough?
Like most of us, Goofy, you don't have enough money to buy everything you want, so you need
to choose your purchases carefully to make sure you get the most you possibly can for
your money.
How do I do that?
Well, you can start by taking a good look at those things you want to buy and ask yourself
if you really need them.
Well, I do really like a bike, but I guess I don't really need it.
That's true.
For you, a bike would be a luxury.
Now, Donald, on the other hand, needs his bike to make deliveries and earn money.
For him, a bike is a necessity.
Now, Goofy, you really need a new suit because your clothes don't fit.
But do you think Daisy really needs that new hat?
All your life, you're going to have to pay for things you need and things you want to
buy.
It's a good idea to get in the habit of taking care of your needs first.
Then you can spend the money you have left on things you want.
Oh, and don't forget to put a little aside for savings.
That's important, too.
Okay, I'll do that.
But if I can't buy everything I want, how do I decide which things to buy?
Good question.
Maybe you should figure out why you want all those things, Goofy.
What makes you buy the things you do?
Well, it seems.
Sometimes I buy things to have fun.
And sometimes I buy things that make me look good or feel important.
And sometimes I buy things because I want to be like my friends or because I see
something advertised.
Right, Goofy.
Many of our buying decisions are influenced by advertising or by our friends.
Sometimes it's important to feel like you're one of the gang.
But it's also important to think for yourself.
For example, everybody you know may own a basketball.
But if you don't enjoy playing basketball, it doesn't make sense for you to spend your
money that way.
Don't let yourself get lost in the crowd.
Now let's see what advertising does for us.
It tells us how much things cost and where we can buy them.
And it introduces us to all kinds of new products.
In other words, it gives us information.
But some advertising also tries to persuade us that a product can make us more beautiful
or more popular or stronger or make our lives simpler and better.
But not every product is right for every person.
So think before you buy.
Just remember, Goofy, that once your money is gone, it's gone.
So choose your purchases carefully and don't get talked into something you don't want.
But do ask opinions.
Maybe your pal bought something and now he's sorry.
Find out why and then you won't make the same mistake.
When you're buying clothes, think twice or you could end up wearing a horrible mistake.
Smart consumers look for sales to stretch their money.
They check labels carefully to learn about products.
They check prices.
Maybe the same thing can be bought for less at another store.
And they're careful of bargains that are too good to be true.
It would mean poor quality.
Smart consumers look for guarantees.
A guarantee means that if a product breaks down, the manufacturer will stand behind it.
If you have a guarantee, the manufacturer may replace your merchandise
or refund your money if you're not satisfied.
When you buy something that gives you a lot of trouble
and doesn't work the way it's supposed to,
it's your responsibility as a consumer to let the business people know.
When a product or service is faulty, ask them to do something about it.
That's a good idea.
Okay, Goofy, tell us how to get the most for our money.
Well, first, ask yourself if the product is right for you.
Be certain it's something you'll use or enjoy a lot.
Then, decide if it's a good buy.
Make sure it's a quality product and that the manufacturer will stand behind it.
Finally, make sure you can afford it.
Good, Goofy. What have you decided to buy now?
I'd really like to get that glider, but I don't have enough money for it.
Then why not save up for it?
Huh?
It's a very good habit to always put part of your income away as savings,
either in your piggy bank or in a savings bank.
That way, you'll have money when you need it to pay for little surprises
or big surprises or that special something you've always wanted.
So whether you're buying a new hat or a strawberry float,
a pet cat or a rubber boat,
bars and bells to exercise or traveling on a plane that flies,
it always pays to economize.
So remember, Goofy.
I know.
Fire B.Y.