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The Budget Pals. A Youth Money Management Story - ebook
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The Budget Pals. A Youth Money Management Story - ebook
Worried about your child's understanding of money? Now, with The Budget Pals, kids ages 8-12 can learn valuable money management skills in a fun, engaging way! The Budget Pals follows Zoe, a creative 10-year-old who rallies her friends to form a financial club after observing her own parents arguing over unpaid bills. By brainstorming business ideas, creating educational games, interviewing neighbors, and documenting money lessons along the way, Zoe gains confidence to advise her stressed-out parents on budgeting, expense tracking, payment plans, and more. Written for third to sixth graders, this relatable story makes financial literacy fun by using practical, kid-friendly examples that empower children to take part in their family's financial decisions. The Budget Pals transforms confusing money topics into lessons that young readers can put into action right away. Are you ready to let your child unlock the secrets to smart money management? Grab your copy and the adventure begin!
| Kategoria: | Dla młodzieży |
| Język: | Angielski |
| Zabezpieczenie: |
Watermark
|
| Rozmiar pliku: | 178 KB |
FRAGMENT KSIĄŻKI
Hello readers!
My name is Elena Chapman and I'm excited to share with you the story of the Budget Pals.
I first came up with the idea for this book when I volunteered at a local after-school club for children. As I watched the fun and inspiring activities they did together, I was struck by how engaged they became when learning through hands-on projects and adventures in their community. It was clear these kids couldn't wait to discover new things about the world!
That's when it hit me - why not create a story following a group of friends as they explore important life lessons in a way that's exciting and meaningful to young readers? I wanted to show how topics like money management, civic participation and cooperation aren't just boring rules, but keys to empowering young people and building a just society.
So I set out to write the adventures of the Budget Pals, a club where friends support each other on journeys of discovery. Through exploring careers, visiting local shops and playing entrepreneur, they learn vital skills - but also gain understanding of our shared responsibility to care for one another.
My hope is that this story sparks your imagination about making positive change, however big or small. Just as the Pals did, keep an open and curious mind!
There is so much potential when we share gifts of compassion and community spirit.
So now it's time to join the fun as our story begins. I can't wait to hear what you think - your insights might just inspire the Pals' next adventure. Keep shining your light for others.
––––––––
The future is yours!
Elena Chapman+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+
| | | |
+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+
CHAPTER 1: ZOE'S FAMILY MONEY TROUBLES
Problems Paying Bills
Zoe awoke to the sound of her parents arguing in the kitchen. This had become an almost daily occurrence over the last few months since her dad lost his manufacturing job. Zoe glanced at the clock - 6:15am on a Wednesday. Her parents were already up and battling about money before work again.
She crept out of her room and sat at the top of the stairs where she could just make out their worried voices.
"I'm sorry, Margaret, but we're going to have to choose between groceries or the electric bill this month," her dad Charlie said, his voice heavy with shame and fatigue. "I've only brought in $300 so far from handyman jobs. That barely made a dent in late fees, let alone monthly expenses."
Zoe heard her mom let out a weary sigh. "I know, sweetheart. You're doing the best you can. But we've got back-to-back shut off warnings from National Grid and ConEd. No power or heat would be catastrophic."
There was the sound of shuffling papers and her mom let out another distressed groan.
"Oh no! I forgot the mortgage deadline was moved up after we requested a late payment extension last month. It's due in 3 days now. But we're still $650 short even if we use your whole paycheck."
Zoe's eyes widened in alarm. Their house payment was overdue AGAIN? That meant the bank could start the foreclosure process soon. Where would they live?
She pictured them crammed into a tiny, dirty apartment like the urban homeless shelters they spotlighted in class. A knot formed in her stomach at the thought of losing everything familiar and safe.
"Damn blood-sucking vultures," her dad muttered angrily. "As soon as someone's down on their luck, they swoop in for the kill with their outrageous late fees and penalty hikes."
Zoe's mom attempted to calm him. "Getting angry won't help. Let me make some calls today to credit counselors and see if they can negotiate terms or refinancing given our hardship case."
"And what until then?" her dad asked sarcastically. "We've got no savings left to keep juggling daily expenses. Your paycheck from the bakery covers the health insurance and that's it."
Zoe watched through the railing as her parents sat at the kitchen table with faces etched in fear and stress, stacks of unpaid bills surrounding them. She thought about all the things they provided her that she took for granted - a warm safe home, electricity so she could do homework, groceries for healthy lunches, gas for school transportation. Even her arts camp registration was on that table somewhere. Her lip quivered realizing her parents had probably skipped bill payments just so she wouldn't miss out on activities with friends this summer.
She wanted so badly to help carry this heavy financial burden they'd been saddled with. But she was just a 10-year-old kid. It's not like she could walk into the bank president's office or National Grid headquarters and argue her family's case. She had no money savings or income to contribute. For the first time in her life, Zoe truly understood the meaning of "helplessness."
She watched tearfully as her parents clung to each other, emotionally and financially bankrupt, before trudging off to their low-paying jobs. Then she sat staring at the stacks of unpaid bills flooding the kitchen counters and table.
"There HAS to be a better way," Zoe whispered to herself angrily. "When I grow up, I'm going to help people avoid getting so deep in debt."
Credit Card Debt Piles Up
A few evenings later, Zoe paused her favorite sitcom when she heard her mom curse loudly from the dining room. She peeked her head in to investigate since her mom rarely used bad words.
"Just got both credit card statements in the mail," her mom fumed, shaking her head. "I can't believe those greedy vultures! They lured us in with promotional rates years ago and now that we've hit hard times, WHAM! Our interest rates have more than doubled on both cards."
Zoe's forehead creased in confusion. Her class hadn't covered stuff like credit cards rates yet. "So what does that really mean?"
Her mom laughed bitterly. "It means making even tiny purchases with these pieces of plastic now means we pay out the nose over time. The rates are so high that even if I just buy $20 in groceries, after interest and fees we'll end up paying more like $35-40 for that privilege by the time it's paid off."
Zoe thought hard, trying to make sense why her mom seemed so upset over a little percentage. "Well, interest is kind of like the credit card company's fee for loaning you money up front, right? Can't we just not use the cards anymore until Dad's working full-time? Use cash only?"
Her mom smiled wanly. "Oh, you wise little owl. I wish it were that easy. We've already racked up quite a bit charging emergency expenses like car repairs and doctors bills this year. Almost $2500 worth! We make payments monthly, but can barely scrape together the minimum with your dad doing side jobs. These new rates mean the balance will now take years to pay off."
Zoe's eyes widened as she did quick math converting days into years. Years of debt for things they'd used for only days or weeks? That seemed really unfair.
Her mom continued grimly, "On top of that, the bank has decided we're 'too risky' now with your dad unemployed. So they've slashed our credit limits by over half. It's almost like penalizing us when we're down which makes it impossible to ever dig out."
Zoe stood quietly, noticing again the dark circles under her mom's eyes and streaks of gray hair from uncontrolled stress. She gave her mom's hand a supportive squeeze. But inside, her young mind raced with money questions. Were all adults living perpetually in debt, even with good jobs? How did people afford big stuff like college if tiny grocery bills chained them for years? It seemed scary and overwhelming.
There had to be a better way...one they could understand.
Collection Calls Come Daily
The following weeks, Zoe noticed how her parents' mood shifted every evening when the phone rang announcing yet another creditor on the line. She'd watch them take the cordless into their room, speaking in urgent hushed tones peppered with phrases like "past due notice" and "deadline dates."
They always emerged looking more exhausted and dejected. She knew they were trying to shield her and her brother from the harsh reality of their financial freefall. But she couldn't ignore the arguments seeping through her bedroom walls late at night either.
One Friday after school, Zoe hesitated before entering the kitchen when she heard her mom pleading with someone over the phone.
"Yes, yes, I realize it's been over 60 days since the last mortgage payment," her mom said, distress evident in her voice. "As I've explained in documentation, my husband lost his job and has been unable to find steady work. We've done our best but simply don't have $345 for even the minimum due."
Zoe held her breath listening to the man on the other end continue to badger her mom about foreclosure and ding to their credit rating if the deadline wasn't met. She watched tears fill her mom's eyes as she whispered almost inaudibly, "I understand. Thank you for your time."
As her mom hung up and noticed Zoe hovering nearby, she quickly dried her eyes and rearranged her face into a smile. "Oh! Hi sweetie. How was school?"
But Zoe noticed her mom's hands shaking as she pretended to busy herself around the kitchen. A painful lump formed in Zoe's throat. Her parents could barely afford food or electricity right now. How could some stranger demand hundreds of dollars from them with threats and guilt?
She knew her parents were under unrelenting strain. If only there was some way SHE could help earn money too...
Arguments About Money
That weekend, Zoe sat watching cartoons with her little brother Timmy, trying to drown out another heated money argument from her parents' bedroom.
"I just got off the phone with my mom," Zoe's dad said, clearly agitated. "She has the gall to lecture me about needing to 'step up and provide for my family' when she knows I'm working every odd job I can get!"
"I'm sure she didn't intend it as an attack," Zoe's mom replied wearily. "She just worries like any grandmother about her grandkids' wellbeing."
"Oh she made her judgment of my failure loud and clear!" he retorted bitterly. "Apparently I'm not hustling hard enough if bill collectors keep harassing YOU about unpaid debts that I recklessly accrued!"
Zoe winced as she heard her dad's voice rise to a shout.
"How DARE she imply this is somehow my fault or that I'm not killing myself to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table! Does she think I WANT to be begging family and friends for loans to cover the gas bill? I am BUSTING my ASS here!"
"Language, Charlie!" Zoe's mom scolded, nodding toward the kids in the living room. "I understand why you're upset. But getting defensive and playing the blame game won't change our situation or make more money magically appear."
Her dad growled in frustration. "Then tell me Margaret, what WILL fix this? Because I'm at my wits end! We've got collection calls hounding us at all hours. I'm working 14 hour days doing grueling manual labor. Somehow WE'VE become the irresponsible bad guys for getting laid off and having the audacity to keep our kids fed!"
Zoe felt tears running a trail down her cheeks. She looked over at her little brother who was also staring wide-eyed toward their parents' yelling.
"Why are they so mad?" Timmy asked in a small frightened voice. "Will the bank people really take our house?"
Zoe wiped her running nose on her sleeve and pulled Timmy in for a comforting cuddle. "I won't let anyone make us leave," she declared, hoping the tremor didn't show in her voice.
Truth was though, Zoe had no clue how to make these financial threats go away. Could an eviction really happen just for being poor at math?
She held Timmy tighter, vowing to learn everything she could to help take the money stress off her suffering parents' backs.
Zoe Worried About Home Life
On Monday morning, Zoe sullenly stirred cereal around her bowl, unable to meet her parents' eyes after overhearing their bitter battle.
"You've hardly touched your breakfast, sweet pea," her mom said gently. "A growing kid needs fuel for the school day ahead."
When Zoe just shrugged numbly, her dad chimed in. "Yeah kiddo, no need to worry your pretty little head," he assured her with an exaggerated playful hair tussle. "Your mom and I just had a...heated debate about some boring money stuff. But everything's A-OK!"
Zoe glanced skeptically between her dad's too-bright grin and her mom's tired eyes. She wasn't some dumb little kid. The "boring money stuff" they argued about was whether bill collectors could leave them homeless. How could they expect her NOT to worry?
But she just nodded silently and carried her half-eaten breakfast to the sink before heading to school with a sinking feeling in her gut.
After the final bell, Zoe's best friend Lucy caught up to her on the playground. "You've been majorly spacey all day," Lucy noted. "Penny for your thoughts?"
Zoe sighed, not sure how much to confide about her private home life. But she was tired of holding this burning secret alone. "My parents money situation is getting really bad Lucy. Like debt collectors yelling threats on the phone bad. I'm scared we won't have electricity or even a house soon if they can't pay."
Lucy gave her hand a sympathetic squeeze. "Oh wow, that majorly sucks! I remember when my parents almost lost our apartment a couple years ago between jobs. Maybe I can ask my mom to give you some budget help?"
"Thanks, but I doubt they'd take advice from other struggling people," Zoe said glumly. "They barely listen when I try suggesting stuff like using coupons or selling old toys for cash."
Lucy pondered this silently before her face lit up. "Ooh I know! Let's create our own money club at school to teach ourselves finance basics. Then make a newsletter for your parents sharing money tips that could help. Peer wisdom from fellow experts!"
Zoe mulled this over, a tiny spark reigniting inside. She DID still believe knowledge was power. And who better to tackle a kid-world money problem than smart kids themselves!
My name is Elena Chapman and I'm excited to share with you the story of the Budget Pals.
I first came up with the idea for this book when I volunteered at a local after-school club for children. As I watched the fun and inspiring activities they did together, I was struck by how engaged they became when learning through hands-on projects and adventures in their community. It was clear these kids couldn't wait to discover new things about the world!
That's when it hit me - why not create a story following a group of friends as they explore important life lessons in a way that's exciting and meaningful to young readers? I wanted to show how topics like money management, civic participation and cooperation aren't just boring rules, but keys to empowering young people and building a just society.
So I set out to write the adventures of the Budget Pals, a club where friends support each other on journeys of discovery. Through exploring careers, visiting local shops and playing entrepreneur, they learn vital skills - but also gain understanding of our shared responsibility to care for one another.
My hope is that this story sparks your imagination about making positive change, however big or small. Just as the Pals did, keep an open and curious mind!
There is so much potential when we share gifts of compassion and community spirit.
So now it's time to join the fun as our story begins. I can't wait to hear what you think - your insights might just inspire the Pals' next adventure. Keep shining your light for others.
––––––––
The future is yours!
Elena Chapman+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+
| | | |
+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+
CHAPTER 1: ZOE'S FAMILY MONEY TROUBLES
Problems Paying Bills
Zoe awoke to the sound of her parents arguing in the kitchen. This had become an almost daily occurrence over the last few months since her dad lost his manufacturing job. Zoe glanced at the clock - 6:15am on a Wednesday. Her parents were already up and battling about money before work again.
She crept out of her room and sat at the top of the stairs where she could just make out their worried voices.
"I'm sorry, Margaret, but we're going to have to choose between groceries or the electric bill this month," her dad Charlie said, his voice heavy with shame and fatigue. "I've only brought in $300 so far from handyman jobs. That barely made a dent in late fees, let alone monthly expenses."
Zoe heard her mom let out a weary sigh. "I know, sweetheart. You're doing the best you can. But we've got back-to-back shut off warnings from National Grid and ConEd. No power or heat would be catastrophic."
There was the sound of shuffling papers and her mom let out another distressed groan.
"Oh no! I forgot the mortgage deadline was moved up after we requested a late payment extension last month. It's due in 3 days now. But we're still $650 short even if we use your whole paycheck."
Zoe's eyes widened in alarm. Their house payment was overdue AGAIN? That meant the bank could start the foreclosure process soon. Where would they live?
She pictured them crammed into a tiny, dirty apartment like the urban homeless shelters they spotlighted in class. A knot formed in her stomach at the thought of losing everything familiar and safe.
"Damn blood-sucking vultures," her dad muttered angrily. "As soon as someone's down on their luck, they swoop in for the kill with their outrageous late fees and penalty hikes."
Zoe's mom attempted to calm him. "Getting angry won't help. Let me make some calls today to credit counselors and see if they can negotiate terms or refinancing given our hardship case."
"And what until then?" her dad asked sarcastically. "We've got no savings left to keep juggling daily expenses. Your paycheck from the bakery covers the health insurance and that's it."
Zoe watched through the railing as her parents sat at the kitchen table with faces etched in fear and stress, stacks of unpaid bills surrounding them. She thought about all the things they provided her that she took for granted - a warm safe home, electricity so she could do homework, groceries for healthy lunches, gas for school transportation. Even her arts camp registration was on that table somewhere. Her lip quivered realizing her parents had probably skipped bill payments just so she wouldn't miss out on activities with friends this summer.
She wanted so badly to help carry this heavy financial burden they'd been saddled with. But she was just a 10-year-old kid. It's not like she could walk into the bank president's office or National Grid headquarters and argue her family's case. She had no money savings or income to contribute. For the first time in her life, Zoe truly understood the meaning of "helplessness."
She watched tearfully as her parents clung to each other, emotionally and financially bankrupt, before trudging off to their low-paying jobs. Then she sat staring at the stacks of unpaid bills flooding the kitchen counters and table.
"There HAS to be a better way," Zoe whispered to herself angrily. "When I grow up, I'm going to help people avoid getting so deep in debt."
Credit Card Debt Piles Up
A few evenings later, Zoe paused her favorite sitcom when she heard her mom curse loudly from the dining room. She peeked her head in to investigate since her mom rarely used bad words.
"Just got both credit card statements in the mail," her mom fumed, shaking her head. "I can't believe those greedy vultures! They lured us in with promotional rates years ago and now that we've hit hard times, WHAM! Our interest rates have more than doubled on both cards."
Zoe's forehead creased in confusion. Her class hadn't covered stuff like credit cards rates yet. "So what does that really mean?"
Her mom laughed bitterly. "It means making even tiny purchases with these pieces of plastic now means we pay out the nose over time. The rates are so high that even if I just buy $20 in groceries, after interest and fees we'll end up paying more like $35-40 for that privilege by the time it's paid off."
Zoe thought hard, trying to make sense why her mom seemed so upset over a little percentage. "Well, interest is kind of like the credit card company's fee for loaning you money up front, right? Can't we just not use the cards anymore until Dad's working full-time? Use cash only?"
Her mom smiled wanly. "Oh, you wise little owl. I wish it were that easy. We've already racked up quite a bit charging emergency expenses like car repairs and doctors bills this year. Almost $2500 worth! We make payments monthly, but can barely scrape together the minimum with your dad doing side jobs. These new rates mean the balance will now take years to pay off."
Zoe's eyes widened as she did quick math converting days into years. Years of debt for things they'd used for only days or weeks? That seemed really unfair.
Her mom continued grimly, "On top of that, the bank has decided we're 'too risky' now with your dad unemployed. So they've slashed our credit limits by over half. It's almost like penalizing us when we're down which makes it impossible to ever dig out."
Zoe stood quietly, noticing again the dark circles under her mom's eyes and streaks of gray hair from uncontrolled stress. She gave her mom's hand a supportive squeeze. But inside, her young mind raced with money questions. Were all adults living perpetually in debt, even with good jobs? How did people afford big stuff like college if tiny grocery bills chained them for years? It seemed scary and overwhelming.
There had to be a better way...one they could understand.
Collection Calls Come Daily
The following weeks, Zoe noticed how her parents' mood shifted every evening when the phone rang announcing yet another creditor on the line. She'd watch them take the cordless into their room, speaking in urgent hushed tones peppered with phrases like "past due notice" and "deadline dates."
They always emerged looking more exhausted and dejected. She knew they were trying to shield her and her brother from the harsh reality of their financial freefall. But she couldn't ignore the arguments seeping through her bedroom walls late at night either.
One Friday after school, Zoe hesitated before entering the kitchen when she heard her mom pleading with someone over the phone.
"Yes, yes, I realize it's been over 60 days since the last mortgage payment," her mom said, distress evident in her voice. "As I've explained in documentation, my husband lost his job and has been unable to find steady work. We've done our best but simply don't have $345 for even the minimum due."
Zoe held her breath listening to the man on the other end continue to badger her mom about foreclosure and ding to their credit rating if the deadline wasn't met. She watched tears fill her mom's eyes as she whispered almost inaudibly, "I understand. Thank you for your time."
As her mom hung up and noticed Zoe hovering nearby, she quickly dried her eyes and rearranged her face into a smile. "Oh! Hi sweetie. How was school?"
But Zoe noticed her mom's hands shaking as she pretended to busy herself around the kitchen. A painful lump formed in Zoe's throat. Her parents could barely afford food or electricity right now. How could some stranger demand hundreds of dollars from them with threats and guilt?
She knew her parents were under unrelenting strain. If only there was some way SHE could help earn money too...
Arguments About Money
That weekend, Zoe sat watching cartoons with her little brother Timmy, trying to drown out another heated money argument from her parents' bedroom.
"I just got off the phone with my mom," Zoe's dad said, clearly agitated. "She has the gall to lecture me about needing to 'step up and provide for my family' when she knows I'm working every odd job I can get!"
"I'm sure she didn't intend it as an attack," Zoe's mom replied wearily. "She just worries like any grandmother about her grandkids' wellbeing."
"Oh she made her judgment of my failure loud and clear!" he retorted bitterly. "Apparently I'm not hustling hard enough if bill collectors keep harassing YOU about unpaid debts that I recklessly accrued!"
Zoe winced as she heard her dad's voice rise to a shout.
"How DARE she imply this is somehow my fault or that I'm not killing myself to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table! Does she think I WANT to be begging family and friends for loans to cover the gas bill? I am BUSTING my ASS here!"
"Language, Charlie!" Zoe's mom scolded, nodding toward the kids in the living room. "I understand why you're upset. But getting defensive and playing the blame game won't change our situation or make more money magically appear."
Her dad growled in frustration. "Then tell me Margaret, what WILL fix this? Because I'm at my wits end! We've got collection calls hounding us at all hours. I'm working 14 hour days doing grueling manual labor. Somehow WE'VE become the irresponsible bad guys for getting laid off and having the audacity to keep our kids fed!"
Zoe felt tears running a trail down her cheeks. She looked over at her little brother who was also staring wide-eyed toward their parents' yelling.
"Why are they so mad?" Timmy asked in a small frightened voice. "Will the bank people really take our house?"
Zoe wiped her running nose on her sleeve and pulled Timmy in for a comforting cuddle. "I won't let anyone make us leave," she declared, hoping the tremor didn't show in her voice.
Truth was though, Zoe had no clue how to make these financial threats go away. Could an eviction really happen just for being poor at math?
She held Timmy tighter, vowing to learn everything she could to help take the money stress off her suffering parents' backs.
Zoe Worried About Home Life
On Monday morning, Zoe sullenly stirred cereal around her bowl, unable to meet her parents' eyes after overhearing their bitter battle.
"You've hardly touched your breakfast, sweet pea," her mom said gently. "A growing kid needs fuel for the school day ahead."
When Zoe just shrugged numbly, her dad chimed in. "Yeah kiddo, no need to worry your pretty little head," he assured her with an exaggerated playful hair tussle. "Your mom and I just had a...heated debate about some boring money stuff. But everything's A-OK!"
Zoe glanced skeptically between her dad's too-bright grin and her mom's tired eyes. She wasn't some dumb little kid. The "boring money stuff" they argued about was whether bill collectors could leave them homeless. How could they expect her NOT to worry?
But she just nodded silently and carried her half-eaten breakfast to the sink before heading to school with a sinking feeling in her gut.
After the final bell, Zoe's best friend Lucy caught up to her on the playground. "You've been majorly spacey all day," Lucy noted. "Penny for your thoughts?"
Zoe sighed, not sure how much to confide about her private home life. But she was tired of holding this burning secret alone. "My parents money situation is getting really bad Lucy. Like debt collectors yelling threats on the phone bad. I'm scared we won't have electricity or even a house soon if they can't pay."
Lucy gave her hand a sympathetic squeeze. "Oh wow, that majorly sucks! I remember when my parents almost lost our apartment a couple years ago between jobs. Maybe I can ask my mom to give you some budget help?"
"Thanks, but I doubt they'd take advice from other struggling people," Zoe said glumly. "They barely listen when I try suggesting stuff like using coupons or selling old toys for cash."
Lucy pondered this silently before her face lit up. "Ooh I know! Let's create our own money club at school to teach ourselves finance basics. Then make a newsletter for your parents sharing money tips that could help. Peer wisdom from fellow experts!"
Zoe mulled this over, a tiny spark reigniting inside. She DID still believe knowledge was power. And who better to tackle a kid-world money problem than smart kids themselves!
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