Tom and jacob are college students. both of them will probably get married later and have two or three children. each knows that if he studies more in college, he'll get a better job and earn more than if he doesn't study. earning more means the ability to spend more on their future familieslong dash—things like orthodontia, nice clothes, admission to an expensive college, and travel. tom thinks about the potential benefits to his potential children when he decides how much studying to do. jacob doesn't.