How much of an impact does money have on history? You’ll probably be surprised to learn about a few examples. Here are seven incredible and true stories about money and how it shaped our financial futures to become the landscape it is today.
Money Has Been Around Since Mesopotamia
The first time money shows up in history is pretty far back: 3,000 BC, to be exact, in Ancient Mesopotamia. However, it came in a different form than we’re familiar with, with civilizations carving symbols into clay tablets to designate specific debts. It’s the first example that resembles modern money, even if it looks nothing like a crisp dollar bill.
Before Currency Came Bartering
Bartering, or trading goods and services for other goods and services rather than legal tender, is still around today. And it’s probably no surprise that this was how the ancient world did most transactions. This was another concept created by Mesopotamian tribes introducing bartering to Phoenicians.
Gold Influenced Money for Decades
Gold has often been used as the standard of value, but where did this concept originate? The first example was in England in 1816 as a way to back bank notes. It’s become less influential over the years, especially with the introduction of other financial avenues like Bitcoin and credit.
But the gold standard was a very real thing that dictated how countries created currency for quite some time.
Credit Cards Are Relatively New
Even if the idea of credit is nothing new, you might be surprised to learn that credit cards are. The first credit card was introduced in the 1950s by Diners Club. Perhaps even more interesting is that debit cards, despite being used for money a person already has, weren’t introduced until after credit cards were used, with the first examples dating back to the 1960s.
The First Coin Currency Came From China and Turkey
Historians first noted that coin currency came from China and Lydia (now modern-day Turkey). China made theirs out of bronze, while Lydia made them from a combination of gold and silver. Lydians were the first of the two to use it as their official currency.
Some of the First Paper Money Said Something Very Different From “In God We Trust”
Most Americans have seen the phrase “In God We Trust” printed on our paper currency. China’s paper bills carried a much different sentiment. “Those who are counterfeiting are to be beheaded.”
The Chinese emperor was vigilant about money and how transactions occurred, wanting to maintain a good hand on it as goods traveled down the Silk Road. They couldn’t have made themselves more clear!
Travel Time Made IOUs Popular in the First American Colonies
Despite cash being a norm in the first American colonies, the travel time between Europe and the Americas was long enough that they would often run out of it. The colonials didn’t go back to a barter system; instead, they started writing each other IOUs that they promised to make good on when a ship would return from Europe with official currency issued by the government.
20 Frugal Tips From the “Grandparents Generation” That Still Apply Today
Many of today’s grandparents had parents or grandparents who lived through the Great Depression. They adopted many of the frugal living tips they learned and passed them on to their own children.
Grandkids sometimes think that they know everything and that their grandparents are out of touch with today’s world and reality. And while there might be a kernel of truth to that, grandparents still have a wealth of knowledge that can really help. They may need to be tweaked to fit the current world but they are still valuable.
20 Frugal Tips From the “Grandparents Generation” That Still Apply Today
13 Signs You’re Financially Better Off Than the Average American
Achieving financial stability where you can meet your current financial obligations comfortably and still plan for the future is a goal everyone strives to attain.
However, while you may be able to pay your bills, save for vacations, and afford to dine out occasionally, you may feel left behind, especially if you compare yourself with your peers or others with higher salaries. You may be doing way better financially than the average American.
13 Signs You’re Financially Better Off than the Average American
14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking
More companies are now offering free samples to get customers to try a new product. Over time, these companies gain loyal customers and can increase their sales. As a customer, you also get to test out free products and sample foods you’ve never tasted.
Read on as we explore some companies that will give you food and products for free just by asking.
14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking
14 Powerful Frugal Living Tips for Middle-Class Americans
Inflation is high. This means that we don’t all need to understand, but we do understand that prices are high on basically everything. Everything costs more, and things are tough. Basic necessities like housing and healthcare are becoming increasingly unaffordable for most people.
As middle-class Americans adjust to the new reality, here are some powerful frugal living tips that can make our lives easier and better.
14 Powerful Frugal Living Tips for Middle-Class Americans