Someone is Richer Than They Think! Or Are They?

Greetings!  Howdy!  Salutations!  And all that happy stuff.

Yes...yes...I know I post far too infrequently for you people.  It's not for a lack of material mind you....it's really a lack of time.  It takes a lot of time to apply for dozens of jobs that you know you're not likely going to hear back about....but I try anyways.  I'm sure there's a job out there that was meant for me....just haven't found it yet.  If by some chance you've seen it - please let me know?  :)

Ok...were where we?  Oh.  Right.  We aren't anywhere...but the title of today's post should give you an idea as to where today's post is headed.

That's right.  Money!  Banking!  Finances!  Or....how Daddy apparently is made of money - and how someone has no concept of what it really means?

Let me rewind a bit - and put things into context for you.  My son like eBay...and Amazon.  You see there's a new fad toy out there that he's totally into.  They are called Moshi Monsters....and he thinks they rock.  He likes to browse the web looking for Moshi creatures to add to his collection.  He has quite a few already....but honestly?  I'm getting kind of tired of being pumped for coin to buy the latest fad.

So....what's a parent to do?  Why work 'em - that's what!!  There are chores that need to be done....and trust me - nothing gets a kid moving faster than the promise of a loonie or twoonie to do some inane chore.  I think my son is overpaid by the way....but what can ya do?  Nicholas is pretty good with doing the stuff we ask him to do....he'll even do it without the promise of money - but he moves faster when there is.

So at least my son is learning that you have to work in life to get the money to get the things you want.  That's all well and good.  Problem is - he doesn't understand the savings part of it.  And that's what I'm working on right now.  I happened to mention that he should save some of his money for a rainy day (or at least the next time Daddy's car needs another round of expensive repairs)....but this kid is super literal.  "You  mean when it rains - I can spend my money?"

"Um....no.  Not exactly."

The other day (he was home from school)....he announced that he was bored and that he wanted to go out somewhere.

"Well....where do you want to go?"

"I don't care....just out!  This house is boring!"

I tend to agree....hence the increased effort in finding employment outside of the home

"Ok.  Let's go to the bank and open an account for you."

"Yeah.  Sure.  We can do that.  Anything is better than hanging out here all day!"

You're welcome to move out just as soon as you're 18.  I don't voice these thoughts....like I said - the kid is literal.


After much debate about which shoes to wear (me...not him for a change)....we pile into the car and head down to the local TD Bank branch.

Upon arrival - my 10 year old little dude marches up to the front desk (money jar in hand) and announces to the three ladies who were standing there that "I'd like to open a bank account please!  Can someone here help me?".

A nice lady - who's name I don't recall (she was Persian I think) says that "Yes indeed!  I can help you with that.  Would you like to come into my office so we can get you started?".

"Sure thing!  Let's do it up.  I have lots of money!  See!!  (coins jangling in jar noise here).  I'm rich!  But Daddy says I need to save some of my money".

For the record....he had $8.50 in his jar.....I guess rich is a relative thing.  I didn't have that much on me....so I guess the kid is loaded?

"Well alright then.  Let's do it up indeed!  And get you started!".

So we go into her office - take out seats and begin to fill out forms.  Actually....all we had to do was sign a few things, show some ID.....and voila!  Instant No-Fee bank account....with a GreenCard to boot!  My son seemed to enjoy "writing" his name on the forms....and on his bank card (which only really says Nicholas L. - he seems to prefer just going my the initial L.....none of this full surname stuff for him).

On our way out of the banker lady's office....my son grabs one of her business cards.....and then announces that she is now his personal banker....and that he only wants to deal with her from now on....and would appreciate not having to wait in line with other people.

Well....he certainly acts likes he's rich anyways.....

We leave the bank - head over to McD's for ice cream sundaes and are happily digging into our so called ice cream when I am informed of the the following:

"Daddy!  I know you're going to post this on your blog.  You always do.  I think I should be getting paid for this stuff you know.  If that Justin Bieber guy (he pronounces it Justin Bye-Ber) can make money singing....I should be making money for allowing you to write about me.  I'm totally worth it you know."

"Ok Nicholas....let me mull that one over - and see if there is anyway I can monetize your blog.  You want me to solicit donations or something?  Perhaps add a Donate Now button that links to my PayPal account so that people can kick coin into your bank account?"

"Yes.  That sounds like a great idea.  Make it happen please!"

Here Nicholas....I made it happen.  Let's see what happens now....

(Oh...and don't mind the banner image for my eBay store....seems that PayPal has integrated that into their interface).  If you got here via Facebook - close the little 'X' that appears in the top right hand corner within the gray bar....it'll work.  Trust me.  I tested it.  :)