The 12 Properties of Money: What Really Makes Something Valuable

In a world where everything — from your paycheck to your crypto wallet — claims to be “money,” Alan Hibbard asks a question few ever stop to consider:  What actually makes something a true store of value?  In Episode 3 of Hidden Secrets of Value, Alan breaks down the 12 properties that define real money, exposing why most currencies fail—and why gold continues to stand the test of time.  A $100 Gift Card and a Painful Lesson   In his twenties, Alan received a $100 Pier 1 gift card — a little stash of value he decided to save for later. But when […]

Why Don’t We Use Gold to Buy Coffee?

Why don’t we pay for coffee with gold? It’s a fair question — after all, gold has been considered money for thousands of years. But if it’s so valuable, why don’t we use it for everyday transactions?  In a recent video, Alan Hibbard unpacks this common misconception, offering a powerful explanation of why gold still matters — not as a medium of exchange, but as a store of value. Below, we’ve broken down the key concepts from his talk, laying the groundwork for what will be a six-part educational series, Hidden Secrets of Value.  What It Means to “Use” Money  […]