Welcome back to our journey through the history of money. We've explored how early societies moved beyond barter, using shells and beads as early forms of currency. But as civilizations grew more sophisticated, these simple solutions began showing their cracks. After all, shells could be gathered by anyone with a beach and a basket, and beads could be manufactured at will. Something more enduring was needed…

Welcome to the first post in our series, "What Is Money?" It might seem like a simple question, but the answers profoundly impact our lives, our families, and even the future of humanity. This might sound like an overstatement, but as you follow this series, you'll see just how true it is.

In my nearly 25 years in personal finance, I’ve noticed that although money plays a crucial role in our daily lives, many of us don’t truly understand what it is. This series aims to help us think more clearly, and more deeply, about the true nature of money.