This document is one in a series of three monographs developed by the National Association of State Boards of Education and designed to acquaint the reader with consumer education issues and how they affect policies. Included in these monographs are articles on what should be taught as part of consumer education, how consumer education programs should be designed, and some current consumer education topics. The articles contain some suggestions for developing policies intended to provide students with practical life skills without detracting from the high priority placed upon reading and math. Focusing on current topics and issues, this monograph presents the following articles: "Energy Scarcity: The Impact on Consumer Expenditures and Life Styles," by Roger LeRoy Miller; "Human Services: The Growing Expenditure," by Alan Gartner; and "Consumer Education for Economic Survival in the 80's," by Virginia H. Knauer. (BM)