Scarce Minutes, Endless Thanks

At its core, economics is the study of scarcity. Countries don’t have unlimited resources, land, or labor, so they’re always making choices about how best to use what they do have. Every decision—what to build, what to sell, what to buy—comes with a tradeoff.

Scarcity shows up everywhere in our daily lives. A family deciding whether to buy chicken or beef at the grocery store for dinner. A business choosing between hiring another employee or investing in new technology. Even the everyday choice of packing lunch at home or buying it out is, technically, an economic decision.

It’s Everywhere
And in December? Scarcity is everywhere.

When we think about what feels scarce this time of year, money usually tops the list. Budgets are pulled in every direction by gifts, travel, dining out, and end-of-year giving. But there’s another resource that’s even harder to come by in December—and it isn’t money. It’s time.

At the macro, or national level, time is running out to pass legislation extending the Affordable Care Act’s premium subsidies. If those subsidies expire, roughly 22 million Americans will see out-of-pocket premium costs increase 114% —putting health coverage out of reach for many families. The clock is ticking, and delay carries real consequences.

Zooming in to the microeconomic level, time is also running out for the to-do lists we face as the year winds down:

• Schedule remaining preventive screenings and vaccinations
• Spend down FSA funds that don’t rollover to 2026
• Boost retirement contributions to reach annual maximums or capture employer matches
• Use paid time off that doesn’t roll over—because rest is an investment, too

And let’s be honest—time is running out for the familiar December pressures as well. Often on the list:

• Finalize holiday plans with loved ones
• Finish (or start) shopping—for gifts or for yourself
• Decide, once again, who’s bringing what to gatherings
• Schedule last-minute self-care appointments

December is a crash course in economics: limited time, competing priorities, and constant tradeoffs!

Stop the Clock
So, before the calendar flips and the pace accelerates yet again, we want to pause.
Time is running out to say thank you—for:

• Reading The Download
• Sharing your thoughts and feedback
• And everything you do to support AEPC throughout the year

Your time is valuable, and we truly appreciate you choosing to spend a bit of it with us.

And speaking of time, The Download will be taking a short break until the new year—giving everyone a chance to recharge, reset, and reclaim a little of this most scarce resource.

We wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season, a restful close to the year, and a bright, healthy start to the new one. And be sure take a moment to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you—our time together is precious.

Happy Holidays,
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.