Making Sound Decisions in a Complex World
Economic Summit 2010
A Two-Day Conference for High School Educators
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
June 8–9, 2010

Perhaps nothing has done more to emphasize the need for financial literacy and the understanding of basic economics than the turmoil the U.S. economy has experienced within the last couple of years. The increased complexity of financial markets and key policy issues has made it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.

“Making Sound Decisions in a Complex World” attempted to unravel some of these complexities. Key policy and personal finance issues were examined. Helping students become better decisionmakers at both the individual and institutional levels was an integral part of the program.

• Economic Thought in Decisionmaking
• Understanding Consumer Behavior
• Recovering from the Housing and Financial Crisis
• More Beer, Less Foam: How to De-Froth the Financial Markets
• What to Do? Understanding the Complexities of Key Policy Issues
• Financially Literate Consumers Make Better Decisionmakers
• Understanding the New Consumer Laws
• The Psychology of Debt
• Recession Proof Your Finances

Agenda

Tuesday, June 8

8 a.m.		Registration and Breakfast
8:20 a.m.		Welcome
		Sherry Kiser Director of Economic Education Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
8:30 a.m.		Recovering from the Housing and Financial Crisis John Duca Vice President and Senior Policy Advisor Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
9:45 a.m.		More Beer, Less Foam: How to De-Froth the Financial Markets Jeffery Gunther Vice President and Senior Economist Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
10:45 a.m.		Break
11 a.m.		What Happens When Your Bank Fails? The FDIC Resolution Process Cheryl Bates Assistant Director, Monitoring and Risk Analysis Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., Dallas Regional Office
11:45 a.m.		Luncheon Address
		Economic Education: The Past, the Present and the Possibilities Tim Shaunty Former President Texas Council on Economic Education
1 p.m.		The Psychology of Debt and Understanding the New Consumer Laws Todd Mark Vice President of Education Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas
2:15 p.m.		Break
2:30 p.m.		Recession-Proof Your Finances Todd Mark
3:30 p.m.		Wrap-up and Adjourn Bank Tour (optional)

Wednesday, June 9

8:30 a.m.		Financially Literate Consumers Make Better Decisionmakers Princeton Williams Senior Economic Education Specialist Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
9:30 a.m.		The Greek Crisis and the Future of the European Monetary Union Mark Wynne Vice President and Director, Globalization and Monetary Policy Institute Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
10:30 a.m.		Break
10:45 a.m.		Getting to the Bottom of the Latino Pay Gap Pia M. Orrenius Research Officer and Senior Economist Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
11:45 a.m.		Lunch
1 p.m.		Economic Thought in Decisionmaking Anne Macy Gene Edwards Professor of Finance West Texas A&M University
2:15 p.m.		Break
2:30 p.m.		Health Care Reform and Its Impact on the Broader Fiscal Picture Jason Saving Senior Economist Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
3:30 p.m.		Adjourn