Battered Penny
What is the Battered Penny worth?

I started sharing a thought recently about making money and how easy it can be.

Making Money, It’s Not About Money, and today: What is the Purpose of Money?

In a nutshell, money represents time and value. The more you value something, the more time it will take to acquire. The more others value the same thing, competition for the product will raise its value. Then it will take more time than before because you are competing. If it’s rare? Even more value! Maybe. It depends on the demand.

What are you willing to give of your value and time to acquire the money you need for life? We pay for things we Value with our Time. Sometimes we barter for things, and other times we sell off things we own to acquire different stuff. Mostly? We work jobs. For money. And others are willing to pay for our time and value.

Here’s a good question.

How much do you value yourself? Talents? Abilities? Calling? Is there anyone willing to give you money in exchange for your ability? If you are valued more than others, can you set the price for your time? How much time will it take to get the money to spend on the things you need or want?

If you want to increase your value, then you train and prepare for faster service or a better outcome. Essentially, that means you are more valued, and your time is worth even more. Sometimes that equals higher wages. Other times? You’ve outpriced your market.

Today, when you walk through life, glance at your feet for that battered penny someone tossed or lost. Maybe they did not see value. But if you understand value, then you understand potential. A penny, no matter it’s shape, is still worth a penny. A penny in better shape and of particular timing may be worth much more.

1920 Lincoln Head Penny
1920 Lincoln Head Penny

Both pennies are worth the same in everyday currency. But, I will hold on to the older one for it’s value quicker than the battered penny which was minted in 2016 (??). The older penny has different value due to it’s age and contents. And it’s more rare since it’s over 100 years old.

Hmmm…. Why then was it hard for me to get a job when I moved to Washington? Repeatedly, I was told: You’re too old, made too much money, have way too much experience, and you won’t stay long enough for us to recoup a hiring decision.

Sometimes we overvalue things (people) and don’t see how they fit in. That’s life. We learn to live with it. I’m worth a lot, but my skills may degrade if I don’t keep them going. Except, I value myself by who I am, and what I think, therefore, I’m worth a lot. It’ll take a lot of money to buy my value!

Disclaimers

Disclaimer: I may not have personally done any one of these, but my hopper is always full of ideas.

Second Disclaimer: This is very important. The more you make the more you spend. Unless you have a handle on your finances you will never get ahead. That’s a future thought I’ll share soon.

Third Disclaimer: It’s an ask, I know, but if you like what I’m sharing there are many ways you can help me move my world forward. Look below, and there are share buttons for many social platforms. Please help me get the word out! Thank you.

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(Below, you may find other topics similar to this one. Please read on!)

By Michael Gurley

Making Sense of Life, One Thought at a Time!