The Author

Brian Gahran is the founder of YPGBlog and the author of the Young Person’s Guide series. I have a doctorate in Strategic Management from United States International University (my dissertation), an MBA from National University, and a BS in Physics from Florida Institute of Technology. Professionally, I’ve been a software entrepreneur, information security consultant, and nuclear submarine officer (my LinkedIn profile).

My Shtick

Many young persons acknowledge the consequences of important life-choices and then put them out of their mind. It’s simply easier to put on blinders and believe everything will work out than to confront the complexities of modern life.

But experience proves otherwise. Experience is a “lantern on the stern,” which shines only on the waves behind us. And while experience is certainly an effective way to learn, it can be a painful way to go about getting it right.

Today’s young persons are looking for a navigator, not a street directory—specific guidance from a tribal elder who knows them, their situation, and has traveled that way himself.

Speaker

I love taking my message directly to young persons! If you would like me to speak at your school, corporate, or not-for-profit event, please contact me. We’ll work out the details.

Brian presenting to the freshman class at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida and the National Honor Society at Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii.

What is personal economics?

At its most basic, economics is about decision-making and choice—how we divvy up limited resources in an effort to satisfy everyone’s unlimited wants. Whether the problem involves foreign aid, Halloween candy, a mother bird feeding her brood, or scoring a ticket to see the Rolling Stones, you can’t always get what you want.

Behavioral economists study the intersection of economics and psychology; that is, how you think affects your choices in life. Whenever we are about to make a decision (“Need food”), there are tradeoffs (“I’d better order the healthy, lo-cal salad”). Although these tradeoffs do not necessarily involve money, frequently they do.

Traditional economists assume we are fully informed, perfectly rational, and we calculate exactly what choice will maximize our overall long-term happiness. Behavioral economists know better—people aren’t machines. We fall prey to a boatload of mental obstacles that short-circuit our intentions and lead to outcomes we later regret (“Make that a double-double with cheese. Bacon too.”).

Personal economics applies the principles of behavioral economics to your own life. Now, go do the right thing.

Over the horizon

Young Person’s Guide: Making Smart Choices is the first book in a planned three-part series. Fundamentally, if you don’t learn to be an effective decider, none of this matters anyway—someone else will cut your slice of the pie. The follow-on volumes are:

Scholarship

A portion of the profits from the sale of the book will be donated to the Thomas A. Crescenzo Memorial Scholarship Fund to help young persons succeed. If you want to get in touch with us regarding scholarship, please use the Contact form and enter “Scholarship” in the subject line.