This textbook, designed for use in the secondary grades, colleges, and for adult education, is intended for use in both consumer education and consumer economics courses. Its objective is to develop an awareness of the importance of making wise consumer decisions. A rationale for the textbook precedes 16 topical chapters, a glossary, a selected 10-page bibliography, and an index. Line drawings illustrate the text. A wide range of topics are covered, such as consumer fraud, the law, budgeting, advertising, buying practices, and the role of the government. This document is designed for use with a teacher's guide and a study guide, announced in this issue as VT 017 177 and VT 017 178. (AG)