The third book in the Financial Fairy Tales series is The Last Gold Coin. The story revolves around a prince who inherits a once prosperous kingdom close to ruin. The people look for others to blame and lack the skills or desire to take responsibility. While a simple act of kindness has magical consequences for the prince and his future.
In many ways its a case of life imitating art with the recent financial troubles in Ireland, Greece and other places around the world.
Enjoy this exclusive sample followed by ideas to help your children learn about money:
The Kingdom of Arum was a prosperous land full of gold. The citizens spent their lives digging the precious metal from the ground and filling their vaults with treasure.
As gold was very valuable, the people of Arum found themselves wealthy, although many of them became greedy and selfish.
They always spent and never saved. Worse, they never shared their wealth. There was always more gold to be found in the ground, so the people had few worries.
Until one day the gold ran out!
Not even King Henry, the most skilled miner in the Kingdom, could find a single nugget of the precious metal.
Thankfully, King Henry and his wife, Queen Alice, were wise. They advised their citizens to save their gold and use it sparingly.
The people of Arum didn’t listen; they frittered away their wealth until they had nothing left.
King Henry was saddened by his people’s carelessness. He gave away a lot of his money but every day the people returned to the castle gates, begging for more.
He was determined that his only son, Prince Leon, would never become so foolish. He taught Leon how to save his money and how to bargain well. He taught him how to share his money with those in need, who wouldn’t waste it.
He wanted to be sure that one day his son would be a wise ruler. So Henry sent Leon to explore the Land of Argent, instructing him to come back in a year’s time. It was King Henry’s hope that his son would learn the ways of the neighbouring Kingdoms and thus learn how to reverse the folly that overcame Arum.
Prince Leon travelled the world with one purse of gold, spending it only when necessary. He bought food and shelter and was content to live simply. During his travels, he learned many valuable skills, how to farm, to weave and to carve wood. When the year came to a close, he headed home.
When he was only a day’s journey away from Arum, he came across a frail old woman. She sat in tattered clothing against the side of an inn, holding an empty cup.
“Please sir, I’ve been robbed. Could you spare a coin so I can eat?”
Although she asked several people, everyone passed her by.
Prince Leon noticed the bruises on her face and the hole in her purse and realised the woman spoke the truth and really did need his help. So, he placed his last three coins in her cup.
The wizened lady held his hand in hers and, to his surprise, she transformed. The old woman turned into a beautiful maiden before his eyes and she blessed him before disappearing into the night.
Key Money Lessons for Children
Money Management—the importance of saving and paying yourself first
Diversification—generating multiple streams of income
Responsibility—take charge of your own financial future
Learn Money Making Skills—follow successful examples
Charity—there is always someone less fortunate than yourself
Enjoy the full story of The Last Gold Coin by purchasing here
