To find truth, remain open-minded until you find it – then hold on tight.
For everyday people struggling to get ahead in a system that feels rigged, the path to financial security does not in fact, come from getting the degree, working hard, and trying to be liked. That’s the old world. In the new world, to build new wealth, we have to quest for objective truth. Really? Sounds a bit full on, but by being open minded over 7 years ago, I stumbled on what may be the answer to the title of this article.
Sound money.
What is sound money? It’s a form value that can’t be interfered with by government or central banks.
About seven years ago, a conversation with someone close to me brought this into sharp focus. He and his wife were frustrated at their apparent lack of wealth-progress. Their jobs demanded long commutes, and though they owned a home, they could barely afford to live where they did once kids arrived. “How do people like us get ahead?” he asked, exasperated but curious. He did the numbers and they didn’t lie. Their income left no room to service the larger home for the growing family, nor was it enough to fund retirement. I felt bad by not having an answer then. Yes, I could have told him to budget harder, invest in low cost funds, and make sacrifices, but that wasn’t the type of answer he needed. His question stuck with me – how do everyday people get ahead?
Can we shift from barely getting by, to building a better future?
If we search for the truth long enough, we’ll be tempted by the quick comforts of divisive left-right politics. Cognitive coping mechanisms like this should be brushed aside. A genuine search for truth keeps going, but it might not be what you were expecting. Initially for me, I thought the answer to getting ahead was in working hard, smart, and thinking creatively. I now see things differently.
The reason why most hard working, everyday people don’t get ahead, is because there’s a problem with the money. We work for, and denominate our wealth in, a form of money that’s designed to debase.
Most currencies, like the New Zealand dollar, are designed to lose value—over 25% of its purchasing power vanished in the last five years alone.
If we spend our lives earning a currency programmed to erode at 3-7% annually, we’re fighting a losing battle. We should invest yes, but we should save too.
For the sake of a sound mind, save in sound money.
Gold, silver, or Bitcoin. These assets hold value outside the control of governments and central banks, offering genuine protection against loss of purchasing power. Bitcoin, in particular, is a powerful tool for everyday people, because most people still have no idea what it is. It’s like every other speculative cryptocurrency to them and it’s only good for making a quick win. As such, people treat it as a bet. But Bitcoin is distinct – it’s of crypto, but it’s not crypto.
Holding Bitcoin is not about chasing a quick profit; it’s a form of money designed to preserve wealth over the long-term, for the long-term.
By saving in sound money before the mainstream catches on, you can get ahead. A diversified portfolio which includes property, shares, managed funds, startups, or even crypto – has its place, but Bitcoin’s role is unique.
Bitcoin is for saving, not speculating
If you’re balancing your income with your expenses to the point where there’s leftover money, start small. Try to accumulate, or allocate, a portion of your overall wealth to Bitcoin. As an investor, you may wish to consider 1-10%. As a saver, you may go much higher. You’ll feel crazy doing this (I do) but you’ll also feel at peace with with the world, and your place within in.
For everyday people, the system may feel stacked against you, and you’re right. It absolutely is. Wealth migrates to fewer hands over time – and often it’s the hands that are closest to the printing press. Property investors know this well, but so does anyone who can borrow in depreciating currency to buy appreciating assets. Digital sound money offers a way out. If you can save a portion of your wealth in Bitcoin, and never let it go, you’re not just protecting your wealth – you’re reclaiming your time, energy, and future. Truth: that’s how you get ahead.
