Understanding Money

Money has little or no intrinsic value. It's a piece of paper or a shiny rock or (more likely) a number on a screen. You can't eat it (at least you shouldn't...), drink it, live in it, etc. So why do we want it? Because it allows us to get all those things. It's a means to an end.

But it's a very important means to an end, because it stores the value of our work so we can buy stuff today, and more importantly, tomorrow! I would like to protect what I have and make it grow if possible. Not in a greedy way, but in a not-stupid way.

I've been thinking a lot about our recent economic meltdown which started freaking people out in 2008 (but really probably started way before then). Maybe it's even continuing now despite apparent improvement in the worldwide stock markets. I want to understand what happened, why it happened, how the hell I can avoid being damaged by one, and maybe how I could even profit from recognizing one. So I've been listening to podcasts, reading books, watching videos, and other such knowledge gathering to see what I can figure out. Undoubtedly, it's complicated, and there's no single answer to why something like that could happen. In the mix are greed, ignorance, fear, and manipulation for sure. Nasty stuff.

Maybe writing down some thoughts on this blog will be interesting and possibly helpful in helping me manage my finances. I have some thoughts coming down the pipe for conversation. I also know I have a lot of smart friends, and I'm interested in their opinions.

So hit me with some knowledge.

IN:
Me
Cool/Smart People

OUT:
Bad guys
Ignorant people