Recently, escaping chatter about the current economic plunge is a difficult feat. It seemed to happen overnight, this startling drop in economic well-being. However, what is possibly more frightening than the speed at which this situation has arrived, is the apathy that resides in our youth. The presiding idea, especially among students here, is that since the economy is something adults deal with, the economy is something that will also only affect adults. This theory is blatantly wrong.

Not to completely fault the students, one of the biggest problems is that this whole economy issue is hard for students to wrap minds around. Students don’t deal with it on a day-to-day basis so naturally it is not their expertise. But students need to take the time and effort to understand the economy because it is a problem that will affect their lives in both the near and long-term future.

In the near future, the downturn may affect students’ ability to get part-time and summer jobs. According to Fox News, Chrysler is planning to lay off 25 percent of its “white-collar” employees, which translates to over 4,500 jobs – roughly the population of CHS. This is but of dozens, maybe hundreds, of examples of how companies are cutting down on what they no longer need in order to adapt to the economic swing. Where will those unemployed citizens turn until they can obtain another stable career? The easy-to-get, fairly minimum wage jobs – the jobs that high school students currently hold. In many cases employers may choose an experienced middle-aged adult over a teen. Also, many businesses may simply not hire additional help in order to save money. It’s one of the few ways struggling companies can control their expenses, and unfortunately this will impact students.

Another short-term affect students might notice is the change in either abundance or price of Christmas gifts this year. This could spread to birthday gifts as well. In addition, the little things such as going out to eat, unnecessary shopping trips, and other recreational activities may be cut from the agenda of many families in attempts to cut spending.

Looking further out, students should also be concerned about their college plans. Money is being stripped from investments all over, including college investments. High school teens today may not see the financial aid for college they were expecting from their parents. Banks are becoming more reluctant to grant loans, also. The instability of the banking business right now requires them to further examine how their money is being handled and where it is all going.

And from a long-term perspective, because of the instability of the banking industry right now, some students may rethink that field of study, and others like it, as a career. Several major banks have gone under in this economic downturn, so choosing a job in the banking business – long considered a low-risk, high-yield profession – may prove to be an incredibly risky and financially sticky situation.

Also, as retirement and college funds deplete, some current middle-aged citizens may not be able to retire as early as they had hoped or provide the amount of tuition for their children that they had planned. This may likely be where students feel the economic impact the most. Money is being stripped from investments all over the place – including college investments. High school teens today may not see the financial aid for college they were expecting from their parents.

Being educated on how to take care of money proves to be a talent one can literally take to the bank. This process will soften the potential financial blow that could be possibly felt in the future. Other than preparing for what is to come, being aware of the country’s current economic status is important and beneficial. This makes room for understanding as opposed to confusion.