FINANCEMonths to result

The Sound Money Framework

Store of value

Problem it solves

poor financial decisions

Best for

Individuals looking to understand the economics of sound money

Not ideal for

Those seeking a get-rich-quick scheme

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Sound Money Framework is a conceptual structure for understanding the role of money in an economy. It emphasizes the importance of sound money, which allows people to think about the long term and to save and invest more for the future. The framework is based on the idea that sound money is essential for a free society, as it provides an effective bulwark against despotic government.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Sound money allows people to think about the long term and to save and invest more for the future.
  2. Sound money is essential for a free society, as it provides an effective bulwark against despotic government.
  3. The value of sound money comes from its ability to store value over time, allowing individuals to hold wealth in a form that is not subject to unexpected inflation or confiscation.

Steps

4 steps
  1. Understand the function of money
    Money serves as a medium of exchange, a store of value, and a unit of account. Understanding these functions is crucial for grasping the concept of sound money.
    Pro tipConsider the historical examples of money, such as gold and silver, to understand how they have served as stores of value.
    WarningBe aware that unsound money can lead to economic instability and undermine the value of savings.
  2. Assess the salability of goods
    The salability of a good refers to its ability to be sold on the market whenever its holder desires, with the least loss in its price. This is a key property of sound money.
    Pro tipConsider the example of gold, which has high salability due to its durability and portability.
    WarningBe cautious of goods with low salability, as they may not be suitable for use as money.
  3. Evaluate the store of value function
    A good's ability to hold value over time is crucial for its use as sound money. Consider the example of Bitcoin, which has been designed to be a store of value in the digital age.
    Pro tipResearch the historical examples of stores of value, such as precious metals, to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
    WarningBe aware that unsound money can lead to a loss of value over time, undermining the wealth of individuals.
  4. Consider the implications of sound money
    Sound money has far-reaching implications for individuals, societies, and governments. It allows for economic freedom, stability, and prosperity.
    Pro tipStudy the examples of countries that have used sound money, such as Switzerland, to understand its benefits.
    WarningBe cautious of the risks associated with unsound money, such as inflation and economic instability.

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
The use of gold as sound money

Gold has been used as a store of value for centuries due to its durability, portability, and high salability. It has served as a medium of exchange and a unit of account, allowing individuals to hold wealth in a form that is not subject to unexpected inflation or confiscation.

OutcomeThe use of gold as sound money has allowed individuals to maintain their wealth over time, despite economic instability and government interference.
The rise of Bitcoin as a digital store of value

Bitcoin has been designed to be a store of value in the digital age, using cryptography and a decentralized network to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. Its high salability and ability to hold value over time have made it an attractive option for individuals seeking to store wealth in a digital form.

OutcomeThe rise of Bitcoin has provided individuals with a new option for storing wealth in a digital form, allowing them to maintain their wealth over time despite economic instability and government interference.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Confusing sound money with unsound money
Unsound money can lead to economic instability and undermine the value of savings. It is essential to distinguish between sound and unsound money to make informed decisions.
Overlooking the importance of salability
The salability of a good is crucial for its use as sound money. Ignoring this property can lead to the selection of unsuitable goods as money.
Failing to consider the store of value function
A good's ability to hold value over time is essential for its use as sound money. Neglecting this function can result in the loss of wealth over time.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of sound money has been discussed by economists throughout history. The Sound Money Framework is a modern interpretation of this concept, applied to the digital age.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The Bitcoin Standard
Saifedean Ammous · 2018
Open source →

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