Me and Money | A Personal Diary of Financial Adventures

3rd Chapter | Tree with money-shaped leaves

As they were concentrating on writing down their most important personal aspirations, they were surprised to hear Rareș off in the distance. He was coming running towards them, telling them about a money tree as he kept waving his hat.

Rareș is one of the boys from the village, who also came to stay with his grandparents, along with his two cousins, Ana and Daniel.

Rareș is 13 years old, very cheerful, athletic, always on the move and passionate about nature and music. He is idealistic, sincere and fascinated by mysteries. He seems slightly shy but is bold and sociable. He is empathetic, helps without question and is a dedicated volunteer.

Ana is 14 years old, a bright, very agile young woman who learns quickly. She tends to take baby steps at first, because she likes to feel out the terrain before she jumps in head-first. She is brave, fearless and spirited.

Daniel is 15, pragmatic and very curious, loves robotics and is passionate about history and contemporary art. He has linguistic talent and reads with great ease. His family is always challenging him to evolve, guiding him in the process of self-discovery and personal growth.

Rareș: Hey, have you heard about the Money Tree? They say there's a magic tree in the forest nearby that can make money grow!

Ada: Really? It sounds too good to be true. But imagine if it were real! We could use that money to do so many things.

George: Well, I know we could all use some extra money. I've heard stories about this tree. They say it can only grow for those who understand the value of money and know how to use it wisely.

Let us remember that money is not everything. It is important to be responsible with our finances and make smart choices.

Rareș: What are you saying, that we shouldn't just rely on a magic tree? :)))

George: Yes, I say we could learn how to earn money, save it and invest it.

Ada: In other words, we can create our own opportunities. Sounds good!

Rareș: George, how could we understand the value of money?

George: My grandfather told me this story when I was little. A local villager was looking for firewood and came across this mysterious tree with leaves that looked like they were made of money. Whenever he plucked a leaf from the tree, it turned into real money. Excited by his discovery, the villager began to use the money for various purchases and treats. As he wasted the money from the tree, the villager realised that money does not grow on trees forever and that he had to learn how to manage his wealth wisely.

Ada: How did he do that? Does the story continue?

George: Yes, disappointed that the source of the money he found was exhausted, looking for other trees in the forest, our villager had the chance to meet a wise elf who subjected him to all sorts of challenges that helped him learn the consequences of his impulsive spending, the benefits of setting financial goals, and the satisfaction of delayed gratification. My grandfather told me that the villager became more financially responsible because that's how he understood the value of money, beyond the temptation to have it and spend it. They say that's how he learned to prioritize his financial goals, set aside savings, and make informed choices about how to use his money effectively. Legend has it that this villager is the founder of the nearby dendrological park. Inspired by the money tree and confident in the power of growing one, he set out to create a special place where the material value of money can be easily transformed into emotional value or utilitarian value.

Rareș: Ah, I was in that place just recently. Activities, creative and sports competitions for children, even for adults, dancing, painting, fairs and exhibitions are never lacking during the summer. If you don't have the money to pay for your entrance ticket, you can do various jobs in the park to help the organisers and at the same time get access to that unique experience.