Posts Tagged With: skilled money management

“A decision by OPEC this week to maintain current levels of oil production is hammering major energy companies in the U.S. and abroad.”

This article explores the winners and losers of lower energy prices.  For consumers, lower energy and gas prices means increased discretionary funds for purchasing consumer goods including food, clothes, electronics, and presents for friends and relatives during the holiday season.  Also, both large and small retailers benefit because consumers have more money to spend.  And airlines, package delivery services, cruise lines, and other companies are spending less on fuel.

The disadvantages of lower energy and gasoline prices are already causing the stock prices of big oil companies including Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil, Marathon Oil, and British Petroleum to decline.

For more information go to http://finance.yahoo.com/news/plunging-crude-prices-hammer-energy-companies-123639239–finance.html

Teaching Suggestions

You may want to use the information in this blog post and the original article to

• Discuss the impact of the cost of energy and gasoline on a consumer’s budget.
• Describe alternatives uses for the savings that result from lower energy and gasoline prices.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the current price for a gallon of gasoline? How does this compare with the cost 6 months ago?  What impact does this have on your spending patterns and your personal budget?
2. While you are saving money at the pump, the big question may be how you plan to use the savings. Are there alternatives to spending the money on clothes, entertainment, or holiday gifts?
3. Now that the value of energy company stocks has declined, would you invest in a company like Exxon Mobil or Chevron? Explain your answer.