Good as Gold: How to Unleash the Power of Sound Money

by Judy Shelton

From the 2008 crash, to pandemic price-spikes, to today's sky-high inflation, everyone the economy has seen better days.

 

But as soon as pundits and politicians start discussing economics, things get murky. Most books ask more questions than they answer.

Most books...but not this one.

Judy Shelton—Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute, Former Chairman of the National Endowment for Democracy, and critically acclaimed monetary economist—has written a book with answers.

And not a moment too soon.

With clarity and moral courage, Shelton charts the course to a brighter future. She's one of the few economists bold enough to challenge the inflationary policies of the Federal Reserve, emphasizing how today's policies enrich elites at the expense of—you guessed it—poor and middle-class Americans. This, Shelton insists, must end. And it can end—easily.

But Shelton doesn't stop there. Her vision is for not only America, but also for people around the world. Global, economic upliftment, she insists, need not come at the expense of domestic prosperity. We can have both—but not without a sound and stable U.S. currency.

And history is very clear on this point. When the U.S. dollar is backed by gold, America prospers, and so does the rest of the world. In this book, Shelton casts a powerful vision that is as revolutionary as it is time-tested...a vision that shows how the future American dollar can perform as good as gold...

...or even better.

But this is no curmudgeonly demand to return to the gold standard of yore. Neither is it a demand to return the Bretton Woods era. Instead, Shelton offers something an explanation of how we can use gold for a new international monetary order. Step by step, she lays out how gold can provide a universal measure of value across borders, create new financial opportunities, and dramatically increase prosperity around the world.

Genres: Economics, Finance

240 pages, Hardcover

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[Sergio Bordenabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most insightful works on the topic of sound money, this book stands out as a must-read for anyone interested in economic stability and monetary systems. The author masterfully provides a comprehensive overview of various monetary plans throughout history, delving into both their theoretical underpinnings and the realities of their implementation.

What sets this book apart is its balanced perspective. The author evaluates each era with a critical yet fair eye, presenting both the strengths and shortcomings of the systems examined. Readers will appreciate the nuanced discussion, which avoids oversimplification and invites thoughtful reflection.

The true highlight of the book, however, lies in the author’s visionary proposal for the future: the introduction of a new "TTB" framework. This innovative concept offers a fresh approach to addressing the challenges of modern monetary policy and could serve as a blueprint for reform.

This book is not only an educational resource but also a call to action for policymakers. One can only hope that those in positions of power will read and seriously consider the author's ideas, as they have the potential to reshape the future of global finance.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well thought out presentation of what has worked, or not worked, in the past and why. You get a fair history of money and policy to set the stage.
Judy also puts forward a bold plan to fix what is broken with our monetary policy today, utilizing gold backed Treasury Trust Bonds issued by the United States Government. If something like this were to be put into action, it would keep the budget more balanced and Congress more honest by providing citizens the ability to see how their taxes are utilized. If Congress spends to much it would show up right away as a problem. A far more desirable situation than having the Fed manipulate interest rates to counter Congressional spending. Our bloated government would have to be more self regulated than it is now. Imagine a more honest political environment?
Government programs having nothing to do with infrastructure or defense would certainly be the first on the chopping block in an effort to return to fiscal sanity. Judy Shelton's monetary plan gets my vote and this book gets two thumbs up with a snap.

[Vance Ginn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judy Shelton provides a great overview of currencies and the banking system domestically and internationally. She provides insights on fiscal, monetary, and currency exchange p practice and policies. Her main point is that gold isn’t without flaws but is better than alternatives and puts checks and balances in fiscal and monetary policymakers. Check it out.

[Thomas Ernst · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I found the author's case for a gold backed currency interesting, I was more impressed by her critiques of deficit spending and the little attention Washington gives to the problem.