Money as a Tool

Society often treats money as a moral scorecard: If you have it, you’re “successful,” and if you don’t, you’re not. This is false.

Money is just a “tool.” When you view it as such, you realize it has three specific functions:

• Shield: It protects you from the financial consequences of unexpected disasters (e.g., car crashes, medical bills, job loss).
• Lever: It allows you to do more with less effort (e.g., buying a laptop allows you to be more productive).
• Choice: This is the most important function. Money gives you the ability to say “No” to life’s little hassles, and “Yes” to things that give you more comfort and control.

Like any power tool, money is dangerous if you don’t read the manual before using it. If you misuse a chainsaw, you can get hurt. If you misuse credit and debt, you can lose your freedom.

This book is the manual on how to use money safely. Read it before you turn the tool on.