Good evening Steemit Community! This is my first go at a story I hope is beneficial and inspiring for others.
Earlier this evening my wife got in from teaching Yoga and I heard her helping my 22 month old son putting some Change in the Piggy Bank. It got me thinking about when i was younger what my parents instilled in me about Money and Saving. I am 32 years old and up until about 2 years ago I kept all of my savings in different bank accounts, 401k's and other "paper" instruments. My parents always taught me to be conscious about what you spend and make sure to save more than you are spending, I took that to heart and provided myself quite a nest egg for our family.
First of all, schools do not teach much in the way of Personal Finance which I think is absurd. The more I thought about it though If they taught everyone to save the economy would come to a halt. Ever since my parents grew up, the system told them to save via 401k through work, IRA's and low interest savings accounts. Until the last downturn that seemed like a great plan. I did not realize how manipulated and controlling the government was of my own money. I came to the terms that if I do not have access, control or am outright holding my wealth it is not truly mine.
We are currently surviving on a system of debt that has allowed us to borrow beyond our means and spend without thinking. It has really hurt people but the worst is yet to come. Our system is unsustainable the way it is so what we do not have or do not control will eventually go away.
My 22 month old son has a long time to go before he really needs to be thinking about money and how it will effect his future but I can tell you I will be changing from the "norm" on what I talk to my son and family about. Fiat Money has lost its purchasing power over the years at the magnitude of over 90%. I remember when I could buy a candy bar for $.50 when i was younger, can you? I think sound Money such as Gold, Silver and now Bitcoin will all play a part in the future of how the monetary system will function.
What are your thoughts?