PREAMBLE: The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest-in other words, your passion.
NOTE: The following article was originally written for the citizens of the island nation of Saipan. It therefore includes references of a nature unique to that nation’s economic situation.
When you think of what can help the you elevate yourself from your current economic situation, it’s important not to lose sight of a few important ideas and truths about money, value, and economics.
I. MONEY IS A MEANS OF EXCHANGE
No one ever gives you money except in exchange for something of value.
II. EXCHANGE IS THE REAL ISSUE