Opportunity cost is a concept in economics that refers to the value of the next best alternative that is forgone when making a choice — i.e., the cost of the best alternative that is not chosen.

Essentially, opportunity cost is the potential benefits or gains an investor, consumer or business misses out on when one alternative is chosen over another. Here are some key takeaways: You cannot ...

Once you understand opportunity cost, you’ll make smarter financial decisions, especially when you’re managing side gigs or investing your effort, time and money. Here’s what you should know, so you ...

Businesses need to minimize the risk of failure and maximize the chances of success, which is why managers need facts and numbers to work with when developing business strategies and choosing options.

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Opportunity Cost Definition Opportunity cost is the value of what you lose when you choose from two or more alternatives. It’s a core concept for both investing and life in general. When you invest, ...

Opportunity costs are not actual expenses you incur while doing business, but they could represent a loss to business revenue that's greater than your actual out-of-pocket expenses. Some opportunity ...

Will Kenton is an expert on the economy and investing laws and regulations. He previously held senior editorial roles at Investopedia and Kapitall Wire and holds a MA in Economics from The New School ...

Learn how outlay costs impact business decisions, differentiate between outlay and opportunity costs, and understand cash vs.

Whether it means investing in one stock over another or simply opting to study for a big math exam instead of meeting a friend for pizza, opportunity cost pervades every facet of life. That’s because ...