Thinking back to my college days as a business major, I sure could have used this book as a resource. I still remember my Econ professor, and although I miraculously passed the class and graduated, I was never able to relate what I learned with reality. Had I learned and retained the information, I might have known the basics of growth, unemployment, inflation, and trade. The Economy Always Gets Better answers all the “why’s” and “hows” and relates with the human side of a collapsing economy with bits of humor sprinkled in.

Using the “stuff” approach, Finlay describes the terms and tools of economics in a way students like me could understand. Terms I’d heard but couldn’t grasp the meaning of like Gross Domestic Product, (a measure of economic performance or the value of all goods and services produced during a year). Or Consumer Price Index that tracks prices. You see, I wouldn’t remember any of that, but for this book.

Of course, we all remember the problems and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, but did we know the reasons for the many changes in our lives? Supply shortages, the demand for goods, unemployment. And there are terms I knew of and practiced in my career—especially managing resources like labor and technology to increase productivity. Now that I’m retired, it helps to understand more about social security benefits. It’s not surprising to learn that almost twenty percent of beneficiaries rely on social security for ninety percent of their income. That, I understand very well.  

Interestingly, after each chapter the author asks, “How would you explain this concept to your eight-year-old?” Well, I happen to have an eight-year-old granddaughter who is pretty smart. I’m excited to ask what she knows about supply and demand. Or maybe trade!

After reading this book, I realized there are still some economic terms and calculations I don’t understand because my brain doesn’t work that way. But for readers with some business sense who want a better understanding of how the economy works, this book is for you.

An Epilogue asks an important question: “What do you do next?” Pay attention. Ask questions. Vote. And the most encouraging takeaway is “The Economy Always Gets Better,” which just happens to be the title! 

Find the book here and enjoy!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GVVTV6K7

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-economy-always-gets-better-navigating-uncertain-times-with-confidence-nikki-m-finlay-phd/39d27227fb2cadc9?ean=9798891388826&next=t

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-economy-always-gets-better-nikki-m-finlay-phd/1149852075?ean=9798891388826

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251045332-the-economy-always-gets-better