With an emphasis on decision-making, this book explains the resource management process and ways to cope with issues such as time, energy and financial constraints. Using a five-step model, it discusses how to identify needs, determine resources, and even evaluate the end-result. This fourth edition is fully revised to meet the standards needed for the CFLE designation and includes more on stress, the environment, and current economic conditions. Each chapter incorporates new case studies, new critical-thinking exercises, chapter-opening illustrations and activities that help individuals and families learn how to navigate daily life within an increasingly complex world.