Unless they've lost their job most people don't understand how economic circumstances really affect them. I think there are short term pains on the horizon that even now most people can't imagine. Here's an article that might help get you thinking about how economics can really affect you:

http://www.whiskeyandgunpowder.com/road-trip-through-montgomery-the-collapse-of-consumerism-and-suburbia/

For more articles like this try this website:

http://www.whiskeyandgunpowder.com/

I know this is a blog where the blogger is suppose to write occasionally but why spend all that time writing when so many other writers have already given plenty of material to get the gears turning. I don't necessarily agree with it all but it does make you think, critically.

Nathan