Final answer:
The correct order of the four steps in solving personal financial challenges is option 1, 2, 3, 4: considering opportunity costs, assessing risks and returns, setting short- and long-term goals, and assessing needs and wants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct order of the four steps in solving personal financial challenges is option b) 1, 2, 3, 4. Here's a breakdown of each step:
- Considering opportunity costs: This involves thinking about the potential benefits or opportunities that may be lost when making a financial decision. For example, choosing to spend money on a new gadget may mean sacrificing the opportunity to save for a future goal.
- Assessing risks and returns: This step involves evaluating the potential risks and rewards of different financial choices. It's important to consider the potential gains as well as the potential losses before making a decision.
- Setting short- and long-term goals: This step involves identifying specific financial objectives that you want to achieve in the short-term (e.g., saving for a vacation) and the long-term (e.g., saving for retirement).
- Assessing needs and wants: This step involves distinguishing between essential needs (e.g., food, shelter, healthcare) and non-essential wants (e.g., luxury items, entertainment) when making financial decisions.