what is one of the reasons marketing is essential to the free market system A. it employs more people that any other career group. B. it helps educate consumers about competitive products. C. the sales of advertising makes television programming possible. D. it ensures that companies make healthy profit.

B. it helps educate consumers about competitive products.

Explanation:

In the free-market economy, entrepreneurs have the freedom to start and operate any business of their preference. They are no restrictions on the number or type of business to establish. Due to this reason, business competition is very intense. Producers provide a variety of products and services that offer solutions to customers' problems.

Marketing becomes important as it informs consumers of the various goods and services available. It equips customers with the knowledge to enables them to choose between products.

cognitive overload: having a lot on your mind impairs decision-making and tends to result in the simplest, but not necessarily best, option being selected.

empathy gaps: overlooking how you might feel in a different situation can result in unnecessary purchases, such as overbuying when shopping for food on an empty stomach.

optimism and overconfidence: wearing rose-tinted glasses and having unrealistic expectations about the future can affect money management and leave you unprepared for a change in circumstance.

instant gratification: seeking instant gratification drives impulsive spending and can undermine long-term planning and savings.

harmful habits: automatic or mindless behaviour can amplify a poor financial decision as it becomes a recurring event.

social norms: we are heavily influenced by the actions of others; while this can be in certain circumstances, it also contributes to the pressure to keep up with the joneses through conspicuous consumption.