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"Testing: 1, 2, 3. Brain testing.
Is this thing on?"
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It's official, folks – I am hooked on crack.
Brain crack, that is.
It's a harsh metaphor, but if you think about it, we all have some kind of cerebral drug. An intellectual stimulant, subject of interest, or even a game that we can't get enough of. We all choose to 'crack out,' just with different ingredients. How else can I describe my unexpected love affair with a subject that formerly sent alarm sirens blaring through my skull?
'Econ' is the quickest and most painless way that college students can refer to a subject that no one should broach
unless in a moment of absolute necessity (you know, the night before a
final, or at gunpoint). But Econ to me has recently taken on a new identity,
and in the words of Nat King Cole, “ it's almost like being......
in loooooooooove!”
Before you wheel me to a room with rubber walls, let me plead a case for sanity. First, even if I am a finance geek, can't you think of worse things to be? (Like a real crack addict, or a “Wookie”).
Second, the study of Economics provokes free thought and fun, intelligent, often controversial, conversation. This means you get to know people who not
only follow the current financial situation in America, but have
actually pooled enough neurons to form an original opinion about it. There is something sexy about a non-conformist; of that I'm sure.
You may want to join this group of market watchers, and
I'll give you some good reasons to do it. Many don't realize the
consequences of all the money being printed by the Fed, or how it will affect them. But knowledge is power, especially in this case. We're
cranking out $1 trillion a year with no signs of slowing down. That
much cash is diluting our money supply, just like melting ice dilutes what was once a good, cold drink. This is why the American dollar has been losing its value for almost an entire century.
This is also the reason that inflation will continue to rise. What does
this imply for us average American joes? The game of follow the
leader goes sour when the leader walks off the cliff. So you can be a
sheep, and follow Uncle Sam into certain doom, or you can break
formation. In order to think originally, you need information! This
is where Economics can help you.
Clear your mind of what you think you know about Economics, and try to view it as an investment in yourself. Your mental health is your greatest asset, and therefore understanding money and the way societies use it is an essential foundation for anyone who hopes to exit the 9 to 5 rat race. These are not my words - they are those of a billionaire investor. When billionaires talk, it's probably a good idea to listen.
The truth is we don't learn about the real value of money and assets in traditional school, so those of us who want to explore our curiosity about the market and use it to our advantage must take our education into our own hands. It doesn't matter if you have a little money or a
lot. It's better to start off wise and poor than to suddenly find yourself rich, but with no idea as to how money works. As
my father says, “a fool and his gold are soon parted.” Sit back and think about all the people you know who suddenly earned or somehow came into a large sum. Chances are good that they burned right through it (just Google "the curse of the lottery" if you need extra assurance.)
Yet if you choose to go against the majority, and allow yourself to be educated, you will be fascinated.
For instance - do you know the
difference between money and currency? And that one is much stronger
than the other? Why do only 1 out of 10 people in Singapore drive a
car, and does this have anything to do with the nation being home to
a higher percentage of millionaires than any other in the world?
Would you be interested to know why
have so many U.S. businesses have disappeared overseas, and what can
you do to protect your money despite impending dollar inflation? How
did Jim Rogers retire at 37 doing something you can do, too?
Oh, and should you consider being a
farmer? According to some very wise, wealthy people, yes, you should!
Economics answers these questions, and
will make you think about so many more. You might even get to the
point like me at which you have a favorite economist. That's
when you are knee-deep in dorkiness. Not even Screech from Saved
by the Bell will challenge you at this point. But come on.. who wouldn't value the
opinion of the only person to predict in detail the housing crash and
depression of 2008 – 2010? Peter Schiff, cheers to you.
Does anyone smell a wealth transfer
cooking? Crank up the heat.
Cheers,
Cherry Pie
Leaders are Readers! ...What I'm Reading This Week:
Crash Proof 2.0 by Peter Schiff: interesting insight into how the U.S. got into its current mess, and how it's going to painfully wedge its way out
The Advocate: the newspaper is powerful!
Environmental Report: How Asphalt Shingles Are Recycled, and Their Potential Uses
-----Do you have any good books to recommend? Please comment below..----
One of my goals of 2013 is to
acknowledge those who inspire my blog posts, so, this week's
inspirations are:
My Dad, who finally talked business
today with me after what seems like years of pestering. Thanks,
Grogg!
My future business partner who just by
believing in me makes me feel invincible
My close friend Ray Schlabach, who has
always inspired me to dream big
you rule!
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