For me Economics are better way to understand how money works in our life, does it really has value, can it be replaced in the future and so on.
As i don't want to live with hope that someday i will get my pension, i do also study economics in order to find better solutions for my pension.
Economics are on of the most important part of life of modern mankind, without knowledge in this area you and your pocket could become a victim of manipulation and fraud.
Moreover in high school, it was important to do the basics anyway, but I do not see it as a necessity when it comes to tertiary level.