Dream Big, Save Smart
A Journey to Money Mastery
Sergey Rybnikov

© Sergey Rybnikov, 2025

ISBN 978-5-0065-3458-2

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

SERGEY RYBNIKOV

Dream Big, Save Smart:

A Journey to Money Mastery

Financial Literacy for kids 6+.

2025

SERGEY RYBNIKOV

Dream Big, Save Smart: A Journey to Money Mastery

Financial Literacy for kids 6+.

Dive into the Magical Kingdom of Money and embark on an exciting journey to financial literacy! This engaging book is designed for young readers, introducing essential concepts like budgeting, saving, and investing through fun stories and interactive activities. With vibrant illustrations and relatable characters, kids will learn how to navigate the world of money confidently. Join us in exploring the future of finance, where knowledge is the key to unlocking endless possibilities!

Introduction

Welcome to the World of Money!

Hello, young adventurers! Welcome to the exciting World of Money! You might be wondering, “What is money, and why is it so important?” Well, money is like magic! It helps us buy the things we need, save for our dreams, and even share with others. Just like any great hero’s journey, understanding money will give you the superpowers you need to navigate the adventures of life!

In this book, you’ll meet wonderful characters like Penny the Piggy Bank and Benny the Budgeting Bunny, who will guide you through fun stories and games. Together, we will explore the secrets of spending, saving, sharing, and even investing! So, get ready to embark on a thrilling quest where learning about money becomes a fantastic fairy tale!

Why Financial Literacy Matters

You might be thinking, “Why do I need to know about finances right now?” Well, here’s the secret: financial literacy is the key to unlocking your dreams! Just like learning to ride a bike or tie your shoes, understanding money is an essential skill that will help you in your journey to adulthood.

Imagine being able to buy your favorite toy, save up for a cool gadget, or even start your own business someday! When you learn about money, you’ll be prepared to make smart choices and face challenges that come your way. You’ll learn how to tell the difference between what you need and what you want, how to save for the future, and how to share your treasures with others.

By the end of this book, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to become a Money Master! So grab your magical thinking cap, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of finance together!

Chapter 1

The Magical Kingdom of Money

Meet Penny the Piggy Bank

Once upon a time, in a bright and bustling kingdom called Financia, there lived a cheerful little piggy bank named Penny! Penny wasn’t just any ordinary piggy bank; she had a magical sparkle in her eyes and a heart full of dreams. Every day, she watched as people came and went, exchanging shiny coins and colorful bills. Her biggest wish was to help kids like you learn all about the wonderful world of money!

One sunny morning, Penny decided it was time to share her secrets. “Hey there, young adventurers!” she squealed with glee. “Are you ready to explore the Magical Kingdom of Money with me? Let’s go on an adventure to discover how money works!”

As Penny began her journey, she waved her tiny hooves, and suddenly, a rainbow bridge appeared! It shimmered in the sunlight and led us straight to a treasure trove filled with coins and bills. “Look at all this treasure!” Penny exclaimed. “But first, let’s learn what these shiny coins and colorful bills really are!”

Understanding Coins and Bills: A Treasure Hunt

As we stepped into the treasure trove, Penny pointed to a dazzling pile of coins. “Each coin has its own story! Here we have the penny, worth one cent, shimmering like a tiny copper sun. Next, the nickel, worth five cents, is the best friend of the penny – together, they can buy a piece of candy!”

“Don’t forget the dime,” she continued, flicking her tail with excitement. “This little silver gem is worth ten cents! And then there’s the quarter, the big boss of the coins, worth twenty-five cents. If you find four quarters, you can buy a toy! Isn’t that incredible?”

Penny went on to explain how these coins were made and how they traveled from person to person, helping everyone buy what they needed. “Just like you, money loves to go on adventures!” she giggled.

Then, Penny led us to a colorful stack of bills. “And here we have the paper treasure! This is where the magic really happens!” she squealed, her eyes twinkling. “Each bill has its own value, too! The one-dollar bill is like a friendly little helper. It’s not much on its own, but with a few friends, it can do amazing things! The five-dollar bill is like a superhero, and it can help you buy a delicious pizza.”

“Can you believe the twenty-dollar bill is like a treasure map leading to even bigger adventures? You can save it for something special or use it to buy fun things with your friends!”

Feeling excited, I asked Penny, “What’s the biggest bill we can find in Financia?” She grinned and said, “Ah, that would be the hundred-dollar bill! It’s like a giant treasure chest just waiting for the right adventure to unfold!”

As we explored the treasure trove, Penny reminded us, “Money can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to know how to use it wisely. Just like in any great adventure, you must choose your path carefully!”

With hearts filled with excitement and heads buzzing with newfound knowledge, we set off on our next adventure, ready to dive deeper into the enchanting world of finance! What will we discover next? Stay tuned, brave adventurers, as we continue our journey through the Magical Kingdom of Money!

Chapter 2

The Adventures of Spending and Saving

The Tale of Benny the Budgeting Bunny

In the heart of the Magical Kingdom of Money, there lived a wise little bunny named Benny. Benny wasn’t just any bunny; he was known as the Budgeting Bunny! With his fluffy white tail and bright, twinkling eyes, Benny had a knack for managing his carrots, and he loved sharing his secrets with everyone in Financia.

One sparkling afternoon, Benny hopped over to the town square, where a group of kids was gathered, excitedly chatting about their favorite toys and snacks. Benny couldn’t resist joining in! “Hey, friends! I overheard your chatter about wanting to buy all those cool things. But have you ever thought about how to budget your money?” he asked, his ears perked up.

The kids looked puzzled, so Benny decided to explain. “Budgeting is like creating a treasure map for your money! It helps you see where your coins go and how to save for the things you really want. Let me tell you a little story.”

Benny began to share his tale. “Once, I had a big basket of carrots worth ten shiny coins. I wanted to buy a new toy car that cost eight coins, but I also loved munching on my favorite carrot snacks! I knew I had to make a choice. I decided to spend just five coins on the toy car and save the rest for yummy snacks! That way, I could enjoy both!”

The children’s eyes widened as Benny continued, “And guess what? By saving those extra coins, I could buy my favorite carrot snacks for the next week! It felt amazing to have a plan and not run out of carrots too soon!”

With a hop and a skip, Benny encouraged everyone to think about their own treasure maps. “Remember, spending wisely is just as important as saving! Let’s all be like Benny, the Budgeting Bunny, and create our own money maps!”

The Great Spending Challenge: What’s Worth It?

Excited by Benny’s story, the kids decided to take on The Great Spending Challenge! Benny gathered everyone in a circle and explained the rules. “Today, we’ll have a fun game to help us figure out what’s worth spending our coins on! Let’s see if we can find the best treasures!”

The challenge began with each child receiving five shiny coins to spend. “Now, here’s the twist!” Benny announced. “You’ll have to decide between three options: a sparkly toy, a delicious treat, or saving your coins for something special later. Think carefully about what you really want!”

The kids eagerly surveyed their options. Some were drawn to the shiny toys, while others could almost taste the sweet treats. Benny hopped around, encouraging them to discuss their choices. “What makes you want to spend your coins on that toy? Is it just for now, or will it bring you joy later on?”

As they debated, one little girl named Lila raised her hand. “I really want the toy, but I know I can save my coins and buy something even bigger later!” Benny nodded in agreement, “That’s a smart choice, Lila! Sometimes waiting for something special can be more rewarding than an impulsive buy.”

Another boy, Tommy, was torn between a yummy ice cream and a cool action figure. “But what if I can’t enjoy both, Benny?” he asked. With a gentle smile, Benny replied, “That’s the beauty of budgeting! You can think about how to share your coins across different things, or save up for something even more exciting!”

After a spirited discussion, the kids made their decisions. Some chose to buy toys, while others opted for treats or decided to save. Benny cheered, “Great job, everyone! Remember, it’s all about making choices that make you happy in the long run.”

As the sun began to set, Benny gathered everyone for a final thought. “Money is like a treasure chest filled with possibilities. By learning to spend and save wisely, you’ll unlock even greater adventures in the future! Let’s continue our journey in the Magical Kingdom of Money and discover even more exciting lessons!”

With smiles on their faces and lessons in their hearts, the kids waved goodbye to Benny, ready for whatever adventures awaited them next!

Chapter 3

The Mysterious Land of Needs and Wants

The Fables of Finny the Fish: What Do You Really Need?

Deep beneath the sparkling waves of the Mysterious Land of Needs and Wants, there lived a clever little fish named Finny. Finny wasn’t just any fish; he was known as the Wise Fish of Financia! With his shimmering scales and a heart full of wisdom, Finny loved helping others understand the difference between what they needed and what they wanted.

One sunny day, a group of underwater creatures gathered around Finny’s coral home, all excited about the shiny treasures they had seen floating near the surface. “Finny, we saw the most amazing things! Can we have them all?” a curious clam exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.

Finny smiled and flicked his fins. “Ah, my friends, let’s dive into a little fable to help us understand what’s truly important! Gather “round!”

He began his tale. “Once, a little fish named Bubbles swam through the ocean, dreaming of a beautiful pearl necklace. Bubbles saw other fish wearing sparkling jewels and thought they would make her the happiest fish in the sea. So, she spent all her time searching for pearls. But soon, Bubbles realized that while pearls were pretty, they didn’t help her swim faster, find food, or escape from predators!”

The little creatures listened intently as Finny continued, “One day, Bubbles met an old turtle who shared his wisdom. ‘Dear fish, it’s wonderful to dream, but don’t forget about what you truly need to thrive! Your needs are like the water you swim in – essential for your happiness and survival!’”

Finny smiled, “From that day on, Bubbles learned to appreciate the things she really needed: clean water, delicious food, and safe places to hide. She still enjoyed pretty pearls, but she knew how to prioritize her needs first!”

With a twinkle in his eye, Finny reminded them, “Just like Bubbles, it’s important to understand the difference between needs and wants. Needs are things that keep us going, while wants are the shiny treasures that bring us joy but aren’t essential.”

The Game of Choices: Need or Want?

Excited by Finny’s fable, the underwater creatures decided to play The Game of Choices! Finny gathered everyone in a circle and explained the rules. “This game will help us practice deciding between needs and wants! I’ll name something, and you’ll tell me if it’s a need or a want. Let’s see how well you can navigate this underwater adventure!”

The first item Finny called out was “food.” The clam eagerly shouted, “Need!” Finny clapped his fins. “Correct! Food is essential for our survival.”

Next, he announced, “A new shiny shell for decoration.” The little octopus chimed in, “Want!” Finny nodded, “Right again! While a shiny shell is nice, we need food and shelter more.”

The game continued with Finny naming various items: “A cozy home,” “A treasure map,” and “A beautiful pearl necklace.” Each time, the creatures eagerly shouted out their answers, learning and laughing along the way.

Finally, Finny said, “Let’s add a twist! Imagine you have only five shiny coins. What would you spend them on? Choose something you need first, and then something you want!”

The creatures began discussing their choices. The clam decided to buy food first, while the octopus opted for a safe home. They all managed to save a little for fun items, like colorful seaweed snacks and a shiny necklace.

Finny beamed with pride. “Well done, everyone! You’ve learned an important lesson today! Needs are like the foundation of your treasure chest, while wants are the sparkling jewels you can add on top.”

As the sun began to set, casting beautiful colors across the ocean, Finny reminded them, “Remember, understanding needs and wants will help you make wise choices in life. It’s all part of becoming a Money Master in the Magical Kingdom of Money!”

With their hearts full of knowledge and excitement, the creatures waved goodbye to Finny, ready to explore more adventures in the mysterious land ahead!

Chapter 4

Earning Money: The Quest for Gold

The Story of Gary the Grown-Up: How Do We Earn?

As our journey through the Magical Kingdom of Money unfolded, we stumbled upon a lively area known as Jobtopia, where the sounds of laughter and the aroma of delicious food filled the air. Here, people were busy working, earning their shiny coins, and sharing their stories.

Suddenly, we were greeted by the warm and welcoming presence of Gary the Grown-Up, who wore a bright apron and had a sparkle in his eye.

“Hello, young adventurers!” Gary called out, waving enthusiastically. “I’m excited to share with you the secrets of earning money! Are you ready for a tale?”

The kids cheered, their eyes wide with anticipation. Gary began his story. “Once upon a time, in a bustling town, there lived a talented baker named Mr. Jenkins. He had a passion for baking the most delicious pies, and everyone in town adored them! But did you know that Mr. Jenkins didn’t bake just for fun? He baked to earn money!”

Gary continued, “Each morning, Mr. Jenkins would rise with the sun, gathering fresh ingredients to create his mouthwatering pies. People would line up outside his bakery, excited to taste his treats. The money he earned from selling his pies helped him pay for his home, buy food for his family, and even enjoy fun outings together!”

With a mischievous grin, Gary leaned closer and said, “But here’s the twist! Mr. Jenkins didn’t just keep his baking skills to himself. He taught his kids how to earn money too! They learned to do small chores around the neighborhood, like mowing lawns or walking dogs. They discovered that there are countless ways to earn coins by using their skills to help others!”

As Gary wrapped up his story, he emphasized, “Earning money is all about finding something you enjoy and sharing your talents with the world. Just like Mr. Jenkins, you too can embark on your own quest for gold!”

Fun Jobs for Kids: Lemonade Stand Challenge

Inspired by Gary’s tale, the kids were thrilled to take on a fun activity called the Lemonade Stand Challenge! “Let’s set up our very own lemonade stands and see how much money we can make!” Gary announced, excitement bubbling in the air.

Quickly, the kids gathered their supplies: bright yellow lemons, sparkling water, cups, and a big sign that read “Yummy Lemonade: Only One Coin!” They split into teams, each taking on different roles – some were the enthusiastic lemonade makers, while others were the cheerful salespeople.

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