When a consumer has a choice to make, there is usually both a financial cost and an opportunity cost of them making their decision.
The financial cost of a decision is how much you spend to make the decision.
The opportunity cost is the item you miss out on by choosing something else.
KEYWORDS
Mary is planning how to spend their pocket money with their friends this Friday. They have the following options:
OPTION 1 Go to the cinema for €10 OPTION 2 Buy a meal in a restaurant for €10
If they choose the cinema: ґ The financial cost is €10.
ґ The opportunity cost is the meal they did not buy.
If they choose the meal: ґ The financial cost is €10.
ґ The opportunity cost is going to the cinema.
EXAM CORNERINTRO ACTIVITY 2023 Q16 (a) (ii)
Martin would like to go on holiday with his friends at the end of the summer. He is also interested in buying a laptop which would be useful when he goes to college in September. His two options are shown below:
Option 1 Holiday in Spain €450 Option 2 Laptop €450
Martin has decided to go ahead and purchase the laptop. Identify the financial cost and the opportunity cost of Martin’s choice:
Financial Cost: €450 3m Opportunity Cost: The holiday in Spain they miss out on 3m
Make sure you don’t leave out the € sign from your answer. TOP TIP 5
STRAND 1 CHAPTER 1: Reviewing your personal resources