Economic principles can help dual career couples weigh the benefits and costs of living in the same city for potential impacts on future career trajectories.
When deciding when to have children, it is essential to consider the costs and benefits of waiting versus having children sooner, evaluating factors such as career establishment, fertility decline, and finding the right partner.
Deep dives
Borrowing Money for College and Career Trade-Offs
One significant decision faced by dual career couples is whether to restrict their job search to the same city. While living in the same city allows for daily interaction, it can limit career opportunities. Economic principles can help weigh the benefits and costs of living in the same city and consider the potential impacts on future career trajectories.
When to Have Children and the Costs of Waiting
When deciding when to have children, it is essential to consider the costs and benefits of waiting versus having children sooner. Waiting to have children can provide more time to establish a career, but it also presents risks such as declining fertility. On the other hand, waiting allows for more time to search for the right partner. The decision-making process involves evaluating these factors and determining what is best for individual circumstances.
Retirement Planning and Consumption Smoothing
Retirement planning involves thinking about how to allocate money and maintain a consistent standard of living throughout life. It is crucial to consider the trade-off between spending money now and saving for retirement. Uncertainties, such as life expectancy, need to be factored in, along with the benefits of purchasing insurance or annuities to ensure financial security in later years. By utilizing economic principles and considering the marginal benefits of spending, individuals can make informed decisions about saving for retirement.
Think Like An Economist has taken you on a journey through the economic principles, showing you the tools of economics, and how they can be applied at home and at work. In this season finale, Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers reveal the big life choices they've made using those tools of economics, and how you can apply economics to help make decisions throughout your life.
Co-Host: Nastaran Tavakoli-Far. Editor: Alastair Elphick. A Modulated Media Production.