The Nitty-Gritty of Money
Constructing Twelve Money Principles for Youth and Adults
by
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School was out for the summer. Ryan and Kayla had a huge list of fun things they were planning to do. They planned to swim, camp, hike, go on vacation, and do everything else they could cram in before school restarted. They were also looking forward to spending a few weeks with their grandparents. Compared to their mom and dad, their grandparents seemed to have more time to do fun things.
Ryan and Kayla counted their money as they planned their trip to Grandpa and Grandma’s. They planned to take some cash along to add to the fun of their stay. Their dad popped in and said, “This year your visit to Grandpa and Grandma is going to be exciting! They are planning a money camp where you will learn and earn some money while you are there. So you can leave your money at home this time.”
Ryan quickly had thoughts about a money hunt and finding bags full of money. Kayla had a vision of a magical money tree with leaves made of dollar bills. They started putting away their money and talked about changes with some of their friends. Some had moved away because of job changes in their families. Two houses in their neighborhood had been taken back by the banks. They heard frequent conversations about money problems and the tensions that created in some families.
After a week of anticipation, it was time to visit their grandparents. The trip was a few hours’ travel to the medium-sized city where their grandparents lived. Mom and Dad stayed to have ham sandwiches and visit for a few hours, and then they left for home. The kids and their grandparents played darts, went for a walk, and later, got ready for bed.
As they were doing their final nighttime chores, Grandpa said, “Tomorrow we will start our journey of learning about money.” Wow—that was all it took for Ryan and Kayla to think about all the great things they could get with more money. They said their prayers to finish the night but had trouble falling asleep, much like at Christmastime, as they were thinking about the mysterious events of the coming days.
The next morning was a beautiful day. The birds were singing, there was a pleasant, cool breeze, and plenty of flowers were in bloom. “After breakfast, as soon as you are ready, we will take our first money trip,” Grandma said. In half the time it took them to get ready for school, Ryan and Kayla were ready and were waiting at the door.
“I will give each of you $2 if either of you can guess where we are going,” Grandpa said. “But you cannot start guessing until we are on the road, and you have only six tries.”
When they were on the road, Ryan yelled, “A bank!”
“Nope, sorry,” Grandma said.
Kayla saw a library. “A library,” she blurted out.
“Sorry, that is not it,” said Grandpa.
Kayla spotted a loan company. “A loan company?” she asked hesitantly.
“Wrong again,” said Grandma.
They went by a small college. “Are you taking us to a school?” asked Ryan.
“Nope,” said Grandpa.
Kayla and Ryan both spotted a sign that said “Money Markets, Securities, Brokers, and Advisors.” “Are we going to that money place over there that says something about brokers and advisors on it?” asked Kayla.
“Those are all good guesses, but that is still not it,” Grandpa answered.
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About the Book
Ryan and Kayla are looking forward to spending a few weeks with their grandparents during summer vacation. During the visit, their grandparents present twelve basic principles to help guide the children in successfully managing money as Christians. Through games, activities, and biblical references, Ryan and Kayla learn about tithing and setting financial priorities, setting and working within a budget, the difference between wants and needs, and the time value of money. This educational guidebook teaches practical, faith-inspired financial lessons that encourage financial independence, wise spending habits, and a charitable mindset.
About the Author
Brad Brunkow relies on biblical-based principles to help others successfully manage money. Along with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Personal Financial Planning, he has thirty-three years of diverse experience in management, engineering, maintenance, projects, and operations. Brad and his wife, Susan, have two adult children and live in Oklahoma.