There is approximately over 2.278 billions worth of US dollars in circulation, as of 2022. That's quite a bit of cheddar. It's quite eye-opening to look at how it has grown over the years.
By now, I'm sure we're all familiar with the Federal Reserve and Jerome Powell's infamous "money printer" that goes "brrrrr." Perhaps some of us are now wishing it didn't run so hot and we could take back a few of those memes. Maybe so, maybe not. But that's neither here, nor there.
Okay I had to do it, there it is.
Really depending on who you ask, the United States economy may or may not be heading into a recession. In the simplest terms, a recession is a fall in GDP in two consecutive quarters. "Real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased at an annual rate of 1.6 percent in the first quarter of 2022, following an increase of 6.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2021."
If you asked the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta three days ago, they would lead you to believe we're heading into a recession -- with a GDP growth estimate of -1.9 percent. Their latest estimate, released two days ago, is a bit more optimistic but still has us in recession territory.
A strong June jobs report shows no signs of recession. Many point to the positive labor numbers and say there's no way a recession can be on the horizon.
But again, I digress. I have grossly deviated from my original subject matter which is "the world's most valuable currency." If it's not the US Dollar, or any other fiat currency, then what is it? Is it Bitcoin? Is it Ethereum? Dogecoin?
The answer, in my opinion, none of the above. It is time. I certainly don't be the first to make this claim, but the more I think about it - the truer it rings. Perhaps it's seeing my recently retired father putz around the house on a daily basis, enjoying listening to his music and read his books. The fact of the matter is that it isn't just money that makes us rich. It's having the luxury of time, to do as one pleases. To be able to fully dedicate one's self to one's passions.
Imagine for a moment, as I'm sure you have, being able to spend your day doing the things that you truly love. Engage in your favorite hobbies all day, every day without the obligations of work to sustain your lifestyle. Sure, I suppose if you really love your job and that your work is your passion, then you are already rich.
Unfortunately, for myself, there is a disconnect between the two. However, I can remain at peace with that for now, knowing what lies ahead. The irony is that once most of us reach the age of retirement, our remaining time is ever-dwindling. Make the most of every day. Don't waste time. Just like Bitcoin, there is a limited supply.
