Blue Collar Money: Theories of Middle Class Investing
101 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago -The middle class needs to take control of their financial future and learn the narrative of investing. We are playing a rigged game when we invest in the stock market and the small stack of chips in front of you has a target on it. Learn how to navigate the markets and secure your family's financial future. Join entrepreneur and performance coach, PW Gopal, as he explores the changing landscape of investing in today's markets.
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Episodes
How Mike used the SpeedEquity System to pay off his mortgage in 7 years.
April 07, 2021 05:00 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBAll opinions expressed by PW Gopal and Mike Hatch, or any podcast guests are solely their own. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for legal, tax, and investment decisions. All comments are based upon information participants consider to be reliable, and PW Gopal and Mike Hatch are not responsible for the consequences of any decisions or actions taken because of the information provided. The Speed Equity System is a system created by H...
Constructing Your Financial Narrative - Identifying the Driving Factors in Your Plan
March 31, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 54.9 MBAfter sitting down with Investment Advisor, Daniel Johnson III last week, we wanted to explore the foundational principles and action steps that can better prepare us for financial success. As you may have discovered, it's one thing to enjoy a great story but it's quite another to be able to write one - especially when we are unfamiliar with the metrics of great stewardship. Wealth and financial independence dont happen overnight and they certainly dont happen without significant planning...
Diversification Through Real Estate: Our Interview with Investment Advisor, Daniel Johnson
March 24, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 55 MBWe took pages of notes from our time with Daniel Johnson so it may take repeated listens to this episode to take in all the gold in his comments. Feel free to reach out to Daniel through email or message him on LinkedIn to set up an appointment: URL: www.refocusfp.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljohnsoniii/ PW Gopal: [email protected], [email protected] www.pwgopal.com Mike Hatch: mikehatch@thebluecollarmone...
Money Does Grow on Trees - the Story Behind Your Stimulus Checks, Part 2
March 17, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBThe old adage, "money doesnt grow on trees" only applies to us but not to the US government. They can grow money on their money tree all day long in partnership with the Fed and that is, unfortunately, where our upcoming stimulus checks are coming from. So it begs the question... where is it coming from? How is it created and why don't we have to pay it back? In Part 2 of this discussion we tackle some ideas around planning for the economic winter on the horizon as well as what God woul...
Money Does Grow on Trees - the Story Behind Your Stimulus Checks, Part 1
March 10, 2021 06:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBThe old adage, "money doesnt grow on trees" only applies to us but not to the US government. They can grow money on their money tree all day long in partnership with the Fed and that is, unfortunately, where our upcoming stimulus checks are coming from. So it begs the question... where is it coming from? How is it created and why don't we have to pay it back? in Part 1 of this discussion we tackle the backstory of the partnership between the Federal Reserve and the US Treasury to fill i...
Redeeming the Standards in the Marketplace Through the Trades - Our Interview with Entrepreneur and Machinist, Chris Hare
March 03, 2021 08:23 - 59 minutes - 54.9 MBOne of the best things we learned from our previous interview with Jerry Bowyer was that Jesus sees and has a heart for the "load bearing structures" in our society, specifically the folks that are getting their hands dirty and working in the trades - Chris and Jaime Hare of CJT Machine / Shepherd Tactical Supply fit that bill. We had the opportunity to sit down with Chris and hear his heart for redeeming the quality standards used in the market but also how God has been stirring him to ser...
Financial Intelligence - the Highest Priority for the Millennial Investor
February 24, 2021 06:00 - 59 minutes - 54.3 MBIn a season where information is highly manipulated, it is becoming increasingly difficult to trust curated information - information that you want to use to build a wealth strategy. So how do you move forward? Especially as a young professional or working stiff, where is the margin / time to weigh the words of one side against the other. 1. LISTEN: START A MEDITATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - listen and listen and listen for his voice. It can only happen with practice and stilln...
A Millennial's Perspective on Getting Financially Unstuck
February 17, 2021 06:00 - 51 minutes - 47.6 MBWe were really excited to do this episode with friend and listener, Chase Hardin - not just because he is a close friend but because he brings a unique perspective to stewardship and finance as a millennial trying to understand a shifting landscape. Millennials have a lot on their plate dealing with trust issues for people and resources and keeping focused on the timing of their professional pivots. Our hope is that you get to see Chase's heart for people seeing and experiencing Jesus - ...
Lessons We Learned in 2020, Part 2
February 10, 2021 06:00 - 51 minutes - 47 MBThe following are personal lessons we took away from 2020. We hope that they, in some way, resonate with you and affirm the values that you are working with to bolster your goal of having a redemptive influence in your community. We must not forget to take our daily activities and goals to God to sift on a weekly basis Values, while they may serve you for a season, may need to be refined at different stages of your life to better lead you though where God is taking you. Take care of ...
Silver Squeeze: Should You Buy Silver Now?
February 03, 2021 06:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBPrevious Relevant Episodes: E5: The Order of Investing, Part 1 E6: The Order of Investing, Part 2 E15: The Pivot E29: Biblical Investing, Part 2 E32: Interview with "Rigged: Exposing the Largest Financial Fraud in History" author, Stuart Englert Resources / Mentions: Rigged: Exposing the Largest Financial Fraud in History Apmex - Precious Metals Bullion Dealer Contact: PW Gopal - [email protected], [email protected] Mike Hatch - mike.hatch@thebluecolla...
What GameStop Teaches Us About Market Manipulation
January 29, 2021 16:59 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBResources and Mentions: Citron Research Melvin Capital Game Stop Flash Boys : A Wall Street Revolt Previous Podcasts: BCM Episode "10 Essential Principles for Investing in 2021" BCM "The Mindset of an Investor Series"... Mindset of An Investor, Lesson #1 Redemptive Economics Course - Mike Hatch
Lessons We Learned in 2020, Part 1
January 27, 2021 05:50 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBBelow are a few bullets that outline our takeaways from 2020. Please take a listen for further details and reach out if we can help you in any way to bring clarity to this information, resources or your financial goals. 2020 Investment Lessons (not comprehensive) 1 . We are living in a time of "mania" where folks are "stacking maybes" keeping their money tied up in the stock market without counting the cost of the historical and mathematical narratives. We think the risk of market corre...
Essential Partnerships You'll Need to Succeed in 2021
January 20, 2021 06:15 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBContact: Mike Hatch - [email protected] PW Gopal - [email protected], [email protected] Resources/ Mentions: Success Magazine - www.success.com
10 Essential Principles to Build Your Financial Future in 2021, Part 2
January 13, 2021 06:00 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBBelow are a list of investing principles to consider when approaching your financial plan for 2021. This episode is paired with E37 (part 1). BIBLICAL NARRATIVE - trade and invest by the Biblical narrative which we nickname "tree, fruit, tree..." Our investments need to be in a machine or tree that is able to bear fruit which can grow another fruit bearing tree. This allows us to be in close proximity to the growth and also allows us to be generous monthly instead of after receiving a...
10 Essential Principles to Build Your Financial Future in 2021, Part 1
January 06, 2021 06:00 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBBelow are a list of investing principles to consider when approaching your financial plan for 2021. This episode is paired with E38 (part 2) so the second half of the notes will be attached to the audio in E38. BIBLICAL NARRATIVE - trade and invest by the Biblical narrative which we nickname "tree, fruit, tree..." Our investments need to be in a machine or tree that is able to bear fruit which can grow another fruit bearing tree. This allows us to be in close proximity to the growth a...
Execute On What Matters Most - The Hill of Entrepreneurship
December 30, 2020 06:00 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBWe hope this episode encourages you in your journey as an entrepreneur. The following is a basic outline of key points from our discussion that may be helpful in your journey to execute on your values. Stop reacting - instead, execute on your values. And if you don't have a list of family or business values then it's time to sift through what matters most to you as you seek to provide value to your community. Pretense Isn't Helpful - it will always be a trap to look good while you le...
Finding Your Motivation By Learning What You Hate - PW Gopal's Path to Purpose
December 23, 2020 06:00 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBMISSION The mission of The Hundred Movement is to provide points of exit for survivors of sex trafficking through specialized counseling, support, and educational services. We engage individuals, organizations, and the church to create sustainable models of aftercare and a cultural movement. VISION The vision of THM is providing personal and specialized care for survivors of sex trafficking that allows opportunities for self-determination, health, and stability. Our heart is for the co...
Multi-Million Dollar Business Born Out of Suffering - Interview with Luke Walker
December 16, 2020 06:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBLuke Walker lives in Columbus Ohio with his wife Carrie and 3 kids Jude, Titus, and Maggie. Luke loves working with his hands and tinkering with anything mechanical. Jesus, family, and helping those in need are Luke's top values. He is also an entrepreneur and started an auto repair shop in 2009 at 22 years old (also the year he married his wife:-). The rent was $350 a month for a 1 bay shop. The first full year (2010) Luke's Auto did $260K in sales. 11 years into business there are now 16...
Deciphering the Mixed Signals of the Market: Unpacking Our Interview with Author and Journalist, Stuart Englert
December 09, 2020 06:00 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBWe continue to challenge ourselves to fill in the gaps in the financial narrative we use to write our own financial and investment strategies. Luckily, Author and Journalist, Stuart Englert was willing to sit down with us and unpack the historical events that formed the largest financial fraud in U.S. and world history. We were able to get specific answers regarding the differences between real money and currency and also identify the lasting monetary value of gold and silver. Below are j...
Stuart Englert - Author of "Rigged, Uncovering the Largest Financial Fraud in History"
December 02, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBWe continue to challenge ourselves to fill in the gaps in the financial narrative we use to write our own financial and investment strategies. Luckily, Author and Journalist, Stuart Englert was willing to sit down with us and unpack the historical events that formed the largest financial fraud in U.S. and world history. We were able to get specific answers regarding the differences between real money and currency and also identify the lasting monetary value of gold and silver. Below are j...
Entrepreneurs, the Pillars For Rebuilding Our Economy: Unpacking Our Interview with Jerry Bowyer
November 25, 2020 06:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBThere was so much to unpack in this episode - our time with Jerry was mind blowing and inspiring! We hope that this short list of points will spark you to learn and investigate the principles in his book - principles that can surely charge your investing future for success. In the marketplace we are used to discussing the role of buyer, seller and speculator. Unfortunately, we cannot in all honesty speak of them in the first person. Jerry outlines the characteristics of the Galilean ...
Jerry Bowyer - Jesus' Unique Perspective on Economics and Entrepreneurship
November 18, 2020 05:34 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBWe were absolutely blown away by this interview and we think this will be one of the most valuable hours you will spend listening to Jerry unpack his thoughts on Biblical Economics and entrepreneurship. We were thrilled that he was willing to sit down with us and share his thoughts on Jesus' unique perspective on these topics. Jerry Bowyer is a Forbes contributor, contributing editor of AffluentInvestor.com, and Senior Fellow in Business Economics at The Center for Cultural Leadership. Jer...
Biblical Investing, Part 2
November 11, 2020 05:26 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBWe hope this episode allows you to have a better understanding of the difference between money and currency and the need for the paradigm and lifestyle of cashflow. The following is an outline of today's conversation and a deeper look at the foundational principles of Biblical investing. Review: We have fiat currency that violates the laws of money and is disobedient to God's mandate for "just weights & measures." (Deut. 25:15) Our fiat currency system is NOT an accurate information ut...
Biblical Investing, Part 1
November 04, 2020 05:58 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBWe hope this episode allows you to have a better understanding of what the Bible calls, "just weights and measures" - outlining for us what investing looks like for people pursuing a life of stewardship and integrity. The following is an outline on the topic of money and currency that Mike leads us through as we take a deeper look at the foundational principles of Biblical investing. PART 1: I. It All Starts with Trust in God A. Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25) B. Genesis 1:28 -...
Recovering From Crisis, Part 2: How A Big Chicken Builds Wealth and Plans for Legacy
October 28, 2020 13:39 - 59 minutes - 54.3 MBThere's nothing tricky about the principles outlined in this episode as PW's "big chicken" methodology is a result of his second go-round with financial crisis. The first, coming from his poor financial decisions - the second, coming from his daughters health crisis. What does the chicken want? 1. Safety and Guarantees 2. A Smooth Path 3. Balancing your best hours and secondary hours. We encourage you to go back and listen to the episode on the Order of Investing. Our hope is ...
Recovering From Crisis: How A Big Chicken Survives Financial Hardships
October 21, 2020 14:14 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBThere's nothing tricky about the principles outlined in this episode as PW's "big chicken" methodology is a result of his second go-round with financial crisis. The first, coming from his poor financial decisions - the second, coming from his daughters health crisis. What does the chicken want? 1. Safety and Guarantees 2. A Smooth Path 3. Balancing your best hours and secondary hours. Our hope is as you listen to this discussion you are encouraged to prepare, educate yourself and ...
Invest In Yourself - Unpacking Our Time with Myles Alexander
October 14, 2020 04:18 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBMyles Alexander has been a great friend for years and it was an honor to sit down and hear more of his story and specifically hear about his investment strategy as a small business owner but more importantly what engineering your financial futures looks like when you dont include the stock market. In this episode we decided to talk through the specific lessons that Myles taught us about his process but more specifically unpack what that could mean to you as someone investigating different a...
Myles Alexander - You Are Your Best Investment
October 07, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBMyles Alexander has been a great friend for years and it was an honor to sit down and hear more of his story and specifically hear about his investment strategy as a small business owner but more importantly what engineering your financial futures looks like when you dont include the stock market. We know this episode is longer than previous episodes but we think you will gain some great insight into making yourself you first investment. Myles went all-in on building a set of businesses th...
The 7 Roads of Investing, Part 2
September 30, 2020 05:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBEpisode Notes We have done extensive work in researching some of our favorite roads of investing - our hope is that it may save you some time and help you with your pivot into a cash flow investing space. Our GUIDELINES are steeped in the following investing principles: People - we invest to make use of what God has given us and to be able to invest in people so that they could have a better picture of who He is. Transparency - We strive to employ "honest weights and measures" and we se...
The 7 Roads of Investing
September 23, 2020 05:00 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBWe have done extensive work in researching some of our favorite roads of investing - our hope is that it may save you some time and help you with your pivot into a cash flow investing space. Our GUIDELINES are steeped in the following investing principles: People - we invest to make use of what God has given us and to be able to invest in people so that they could have a better picture of who He is. Transparency - We strive to employ "honest weights and measures" and we seek that in the ...
Unpacking Our Time with Ryland and Katie Weber
September 16, 2020 03:55 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBValues Based Enterprise is business and investment based on a set of values driving action points - moving your individual, family or team towards growth and profit and best of all... creating value for others. Follow these simple steps and let us know if you need help or clarification: Write your Values and test your values - email us for a pdf worksheet on Values. Pick a Lane - We normally pick lanes of investment from narratives that are handed to us. Remember that there is more than...
Ryland and Katie Weber: Value Driven Enterprise
September 09, 2020 03:53 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBThe Webers run Convive Coffee Roastery in Pittsburgh, PA and have done an amazing job building a business around values that bring about a redemptive influence. They have put years into building an intentional environment for discourse, diversity and enterprise. In our conversation, Katie said that part of their motivation in serving people coffee is knowing that "there are an infinite amount of dreams and inspirations happening right in front of [them]" - such a rich thought and motivatio...
Unpacking Our Time with Entrepreneur, Jon Coyne
September 01, 2020 06:02 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBWe are really excited to launch our first digital course, Redemptive Economics - A Gospel Centered Approach to Business and Economics, written by our very own, Mike Hatch! Please click the link below to check out the course : mikehatch.thinkific.com Coupon code: bcm (all lower case) There so many great lessons learned from our time with Jon that we decided to take the time to unpack some of his comments. Some, we will leave for you to interpret as they are self explanatory. We ...
Unpacking the Challenges of Entrepreneurship with Jon Coyne
August 26, 2020 16:11 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBWe are really excited to launch our first digital course, Redemptive Economics - A Gospel Centered Approach to Business and Economics, written by our very own, Mike Hatch! Please click the link below to check out the course : mikehatch.thinkific.com Coupon code: bcm (all lower case) Resources and mentions: The Lean Startup - Eric Ries Contact Jon Coyne with questions at [email protected] URLs: www.healuxcbd.com www.riseupt.com
Modeling, Part 2
August 19, 2020 04:32 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBOur conversation with entrepreneur and investor, Bob Faletti led us to review some of the important points behind Modeling - the sequence of constructing a moving narrative to pivot your investments. The following list includes some of the key points you may want to consider as you investigate taking back control of your financial future. It is an unusual time in the markets with a lack of accountability, transparency and looming mania driving the markets to record highs. Therefore, it...
Modeling, Part 1: A Case Study in Beginning Real Estate Investing with Bob Faletti
August 12, 2020 06:21 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBWe had a great time interviewing Bob Faletti and hearing about the start of his real estate investment business. Our conversation centered around 7 crucial steps that he suggested for beginners to integrate into their investment plan. Assess the risk and the work involved. Structure: Full time or part time work. Vendors: make sure you hire the right vendors to help you keep your workload in check. Find a successful model to mimic Work with a coach or strategist who has a proven trac...
The Pivot
August 05, 2020 05:37 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBWe'd like to start with a series of critical questions: how much do you believe in moving to a cash flow focus? how much do you believe in erasing debt? how much do you believe in pivoting your investment mentality to include a "safety" conversation - protecting your families assets through a will, trusts and insurances? is it time to stage for your new investment season by freeing up brain space to learn first the language of investment, then the lifestyle of investment? have you worke...
No Free Markets, Just Manipulations
July 29, 2020 16:04 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MBCapitalism at its root thrives on a free market where a buyer and seller can exchange value but throughout history we see that markets are not just a place for these two types of people. There are multiple opportunities for people to help with the transaction, multiply transactions and even profit from the manipulation of the buyer/seller relationship. In this episode we discuss a few of the added layers in the US financial markets and the difficulty in having the small stack of chips in a...
Investor Mindset - Value #9 Seasons, Part 2
July 21, 2020 15:28 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBMike said it best in this episode. God is looking for people who are willing to take a risk to provide redemptive, restorative influences in our communities. In that paradigm we need to be looking to set ourselves up for success in 3 ways: Cash Flow - determine and build out cash flow streams that build into your monthly or quarterly budget Velocity - Be the quarterback and determine where and how that reproducing seed is used and replicated. Listen and let God direct you in your pursui...
Investor Mindset - Value #9 Seasons, Part 1
July 16, 2020 15:52 - 36 minutes - 33 MBThere is a season for everything under the sun according to Ecclesiastes 3 - understanding these specific seasons help us measure the implications of each season on us as the investor and the markets that we are investing in. This marriage of observation and execution is what makes our decision making process so complex when deciding what market is past its prime, what is ripe and what ground needs cultivating. Having said that, in our worldview as followers of Jesus, Mike and I believe th...
Investor Mindset - Value #8 Generosity First
July 08, 2020 15:54 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBWe outlined 7 Principles in considering the Value of Generosity: 1) Malachi 3 - Our example for generosity comes from God and we are reminded that His generosity needs to be remembered in a basic tithe but also as a test to God to "open the storehouses" to us to engage in the value of generosity. 2) Ownership - God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and everything in between and wants us to act in faith in considering our stewardship and finances. Where traditional market makers and in...
Investor Mindset - Value #7 Creating Value
July 01, 2020 04:56 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBValue creation comes at a cost but allows us as a value creator to use our gifts and to serve and bless others in our community. As we consider how we will create value we need to be looking at ourselves as either a steward of God's resources or a storehouse for his resources. As we steward, we manage, invest and give away God's resources and as a storehouse we hoard and stockpile what is intended for others. PREPARATION: Some key questions to ask yourself as you prepare to put money at ...
Investor Mindset - Value #6 Cash Flow and Risk
June 24, 2020 04:39 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBOur goal and your goal should be economic independence from the stock market. Even if you trust the market you should share interest in flattening your portfolio and moving risk to investments that you have proximity to and knowledge around. The market wants to be below 18 and we believe the Dow will end up moving below 18,000 unless more financial engineering occurs and drives the market back past 27K to 29K. If these moves happen then there is a outside chance at mania where the market ...
Investor Mindset - Value #5 Entry Fees, Part 2
June 17, 2020 15:27 - 41 minutes - 37.7 MBWe group ENTRY FEES into 6 subheadings: 1 - Cost to play the game 2 - Cost to play the game well 3 - Cycles of each market 4 - Defining the end game 5 - The emotional and mental weight of investing 6 - Relationships Resources and mentions: Michael Hyatt - Full Focus Seminar Garret Gunderson - Velocity Stephen Covey - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People ("start with the end in mind") The Fourth Turning - Strauss and Howe All opinions expressed by PW Gopal and Mike Hatch,...
Investor Mindset - Value #5 Entry Fees, Part 1
June 09, 2020 16:42 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBEntry Fees: 1) Cost to play the game - we usually see this as the upfront cost - the cost of entry associated with buying a stock, buying a franchise or investing in a futures index. 2) Cost to play the game well - we think of these costs as hidden costs, long term costs and the cost of draw downs or losses. 3) Understanding the market cycles - every market has a rhythm as the people investing in them have rhythms. Investors are responsible for the majority of the cycles as cycles are cr...
Investor Mindset - Value #4 The Order of Investing, Part 2
June 03, 2020 04:58 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBValues - family values that dictate direction, risk and investment strategy Emergency fund - the benefit of having a $1500 emergency fund set up to offset healthcare or automotive bills. This is especially effective when paying off debt and pushing any excess funds to reducing debt. Debt - speaks for itself - every family and individual needs to utilize a plan for reducing debt to prepare for an investment future. Hedge - a safety bet meant to protect market investments. Our discussion ...
Investor Mindset - Value #4 The Order of Investing, Part 1
May 26, 2020 16:00 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBAssessment - The process takes us through the practical day to day numbers including current family or business budget, debt and cash flow. We snapshot the current and expected margin to try and get an understanding if the client is able to live on 70% of their cash flow while investing, saving and giving the remaining 30%. Narratives - As investors we must understand the impact of what we call, The 5 Meta Narratives: Global Economics, US Finance, Politics, Civil Rights and Media/Techn...
Investor Mindset - Value #3 Seek Margin First
May 20, 2020 04:13 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBMargin is the 3rd Value in our Mindset of an Investor series and is paramount in framing the lifestyle of investment. Our process is simple: Arena: what lanes you are running in and what plates are spinning - in short, what requires attention and focus in your life. Assessment - how much energy is required in the following areas of your life: personal life professional life spiritual life economic life emotional life physical life Automate - what steps can you take to automate cer...
Investor Mindset - Value #2 Learn the Narratives
May 12, 2020 16:22 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MB7 Truths of the Financial Narrative: There will always be a market. There will always be an arbitrage. There will always be speculators. People will always cheat, not all but some. Every smaller timeframe, season, or event will be blamed for a move in the market. People are people, and human nature does not change. The herd will always consume. Film: The Big Short Proverbs 13:22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up...
Investor Mindset- Value #1: Treat information amorally
May 05, 2020 18:40 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBKey Points: treat information without morality - it helps to recover valuable information to help us understand the landscape in which we invest and trade. money is only one measure of wealth wealth is not just for us but it allows us to create and generate productivity and progress. (Genesis reference - be fruitful and multiply) Wealth helps us to impact the culture and people around us = human flourishing Fiat currency - "let it be so" - our government instituted a fiat ...