At some point in human history, someone decided it was easier to carry metal coins to the market than to barter chickens for textiles. Money was born and agreed upon as an acceptable unit of trade.
By its nature, money retains no moral or immoral attributes. It only makes trading goods more convenient. If I have enough currency to provide for my basic needs, it should not be a source of pain or anxiety in life.
Unfortunately, this is not typically the case. According to a recent study, nearly three out of four adults reported feeling stressed about money at least some of the time. [1] There are any number of reasons why that number is so high, and they vary from person to person.
Into that environment steps Simple Money Magazine. Our hope, with each issue of this magazine, is to provide simple, practical financial advice for the modern family, helping each of us to handle our money more effectively and intentionally. And in that way, to alleviate as much stress as possible for individuals.
In this issue of Simple Money, you will find a Harvard MBA, a clinical social worker with a specialty in child and family practice, an award-winning columnist, the recognized “father” of life planning, a financial behaviorist, and stories from people just like you and me.
Thank you for being part of the Simple Money community. We know you will be encouraged and challenged by each of the articles.
— Joshua Becker and Brian Gardner