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LIFESTAGE RESOURCES - YOUTH

Money Doesn't Grow On Trees

Have you heard your parents or grandparents say, "Money doesn't grow on trees?"

What do they mean? Is there a money tree somewhere? How can I get one of those trees?

Unfortunately, there are no money trees. When someone says that money doesn't grow on trees, they are trying to tell you that money is not easy to earn.

Earning money takes a lot of time, and sometimes, a lot of hard work. Since it takes hard work to earn money, we need to be smart with how we spend it. Money is very important and we only have a certain amount. This means we must be very careful with the money we have.

Money is used not only to buy food for our families to eat and clothes for us to wear, it is also used to make sure we have a house with air conditioning and heating to sleep in. Money is also used to fix something, like the truck, when it breaks. It is also important to save some money for when you get older. It is smart planning to have money in a savings account in case there is an emergency.

Carnival Apples Recipe (Serves 5)

Ingredients:
5 apples
5 wooden craft sticks
1 pkg (14 oz) caramel candies
1 Tbsp water
½ c chopped nuts or chocolate candies

Directions:
1. Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper and grease with a dab of butter or margarine.
2. Wash and dry the apples and remove the stems. Insert craft sticks into each apple.
    (Parents can do these first few steps while kids unwrap the caramels.)
3. Let kids add the caramels and measure out the water into a microwave-safe bowl.
4. Heat on high for about 3 minutes. Stop the microwave and stir the caramels every minute or so.
    (Parents will want to do this part.) Continue heating until the caramels are completely melted and smooth.
5. Help kids dip the apples into the caramel. Some children may need help holding the apples over the bowl to let the excess caramel drip away. Dip once or twice to coat the apples. Use a knife to scrape the apple bottoms to remove excess.
6. Roll the bottoms of the apples in a bowl of chopped nuts or chocolate candies.
7. Set the apples on the waxed paper and place them in the refrigerator for about an hour to allow the caramel to set. Store the leftover caramel in the refrigerator.

Financial coach that teaches teenagers to manage their money wisely. Complete a financial lesson and get free music downloads.

Youngsters from K-12 can learn about money matters and life issues.

Do you have a question on a financial topic or need a little help learning to manage your money? Visit CU Succeed for advice on all things financial.

Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy is a coalition that encourages curriculum enrichment to ensure that basic personal financial management skills are attained during the K-12 educational experience

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