Money – Meaning and Functions
This section delves into the concept of money, describing it as a widely accepted medium of exchange that has superseded the barter system for facilitating trade. The elimination of barter has led to increased efficiency in transactions.
Functions of Money
Money serves four crucial functions:
1. Medium of Exchange: Money simplifies the buying and selling of goods and services, facilitating transactions.
2. Measure of Value: It provides a common standard for measuring and comparing the prices of different goods and services.
3. Store of Value: Money can be saved and retrieved for future use, maintaining its value over time.
4. Standard of Deferred Payments: It is used for settling debts and obligations in the future, making financial commitments more manageable. Understanding these functions is fundamental to comprehending money's role in an economy.