Money Makes The World Go Around, Part 1

Last week, the titles in some financial stories in the Globe went like this:

TD profit tops $1-billion mark
Talisman profit hits $2.08-billion record for the year
Rogue wheat trader loses $141-million
CIBC swings to loss on C$3.38 billion in charges
and audaciously, just "$250-billion".

These guys fiddle with money in the millions and billions. The Man spends money in the thousands. Meanwhile, I try to balance our home budget in dollars and cents.

There is something surreal about the different scales of money that passes through our hands. At the million and billion level, corporations could rescue countries, correct a social ill, alleviate poverty, or improve community programs. But they don't. Most of money goes back to owners and investors. But companies with a socially conscious board or owners donate amounts in the thousands to causes that align with their values.

At the thousand level, The Man could take part in Afghanistan's internal economy of bakshis. But he doesn't. He helps build infrastructure in a war-torn country; as a capacity-builder, he trains his staff to acquire new skills and experience; and he provides employment to his staff.

At the dollars and cents level, I could watch TV and eat bonbons all day and night. But I don't. Except chocolate, which is an essential food group and should never be eaten with the distraction of the TV. I maintain the roof over our head, I keep us clothed and fed, and I try to engage our family in positive life experiences. At least those are the rudimentary goals.