This guide for program planners and curriculum developers identifies and describes the basic concepts in consumer education. Consumer education is defined as the process of gaining the knowledge and skills needed in managing consumer resources and taking actions to influence the factors which affect consumer decisions. The primary focus of consumer education historically has been to teach individuals to become more skilled and rational buyers. The current and future needs of consumers demand a broader view of the consumer role than has traditionally been presented. Consumer education must help persons cope, ask questions before purchasing, plan their financial future, consider alternatives and consequences when purchasing, conserve resources, and influence change. The consumer education concepts are then outlined by three broad categories--decision making, resource management, and citizen participation. In this classification system, concepts have been identified to the fourth level. Following the classification outline, each of the major concepts is defined and its application to consumer education discussed. Sub concepts and cross references are listed for each. One section of the guide examines how contemporary factors such as inflationary pressures and attitudes toward economic growth affect consumer decisions. The guide concludes with a bibliography of program reports, curriculum guides, textbooks, speeches and articles, and books of general interest related to consumer concepts. There is also an index to consumer education concepts. (Author/RM)