Little Ted had been given some money by his Uncle Ian. Little Ted was holding a shiny coin in his hand.
“Thank you Uncle Ian” Little Ted said “I’m going to put this in my money box. I’m saving up for some LEGO mini figures so they can take part in games and stories I make up.”
“That’s a good idea” replied his Uncle “What type of piggy bank do you have?”
“It’s not a piggy bank Uncle Ian, it’s a bear bank. I think I was given it as a present when I was born. It has a slot on the top for putting the money in and a hole with a rubber stopper in the bottom so you can get it back out again. Although Mummy says my savings will grow faster if I don’t take any money out until there’s something I really, really want to buy. Would you like to see it?”
Little Ted went upstairs and came back carefully carrying his bear money box.
“Listen” Little Ted said shaking it gently “it’s got lots of money in it. Sometimes if I’ve been good and helped Mummy or Daddy they will let me keep the change when we’ve been shopping. And I found some money under the cushions on the sofa once and they let me keep that too.”
“Well it’s a good thing learning to save money” said his Uncle “you never know when you’ll need some money for a rainy day.”
“Why do you need money for a rainy day? In case you go to the cinema?” Little Ted asked.
“No, it’s more of an expression meaning you save money in case need it for something unexpected like the car breaking down. In your case it’s more likely to be saving money so you can buy a new toy or comic. Or you can decide just to spend it or share it with others.”
“Uncle Ian, would you like to play a game with me?” Little Ted asked. “We could do a shopping game, it’s called Shopping List – you have to fill your basket with all the items on your list. Have you played it before?”
“No” replied his Uncle “You’ll have to tell me all about it.”
Little Ted and Uncle Ian took turns turning over the cards and trying to match the pictures on their shopping lists. Because the cards were face down and you couldn’t see the pictures you had to remember where things were and Little Ted was the first to collect all the items and fill his basket. Then they had another game and Uncle Ian won. “Best of 3?” he asked. Little Ted nodded as he was sure he would remember where items were hidden and he was right, Little Ted was the overall winner. Once they had tidied the game away, Little Ted had another idea.
“Uncle Ian, will you take me shopping so I can buy my LEGO mini figures. I think I’ve got enough money. Can you help me count it.”
Little Ted emptied his bear money box and with Uncle Ian’s help, added up how much money he had. Then they went to the nearest toy shop and spent it on a packet of mini figures.
“Thank you” Little Ted said when they got back as he opened the packet and inspected which figures he got.
“You’re welcome” replied Uncle Ian “although it looks like you’re going to be more of a spender than a saver Little Ted.”
The End