Mini is a bright, funny and inquisitive kid. Somehow every day she manages to inspire me to wonder and keep me grounded to reality. From a young age, Mini’s creativity and kindness showed her unique approach to problem-solving. Whenever I have been particularly stressed and especially about money, she always found the perfect words for me.
Favorite Mini Wise Money Quotations:
“Mommy, don’t be scared of monies. I am here. [MWM gave DWM a hug.] Don’t be scared of monies.”
— Toddler MWM comforted DWM, who seemed distraught on the phone, talking about the expensive medical school she was about to start.
“Told you I was gonna take care of you when you are old, mommy.”
–4 year old MWM said to DWM, while massaging shoulders of her weary MS4 mother who just returned home from multiple residency interviews across the country .
“How much money will I make when I give kitty [Citi] bank my money?”
–4 year old MWM asked DWM after depositing her piggy bank money into her first bank account at Citibank.
“I want to buy a part of Toyota, so they can work and make money for me.”
–7 year old MWM, when asked about what she wanted to do with her Christmas gift money from Grandpa.
“They are so poor that the only thing they have is money.”
–8 year old MWM, when talking about rich people who are mean to others.
Mini Wise Money’s Businesses:
- Walkie Doggie: Dog walking, grooming, sitting service for the neighborhood.
- Freelance Artist: Sell original and replica of her artwork including oil painting, sculpture, water-color pieces.
How MWM’s Art Started:
“I can paint the turtle”
MWM’s story: illustrated & narrated by MWM/ Transcribed by DWM
Once upon a time, there lived a turtle. Her name is Melinda. Melinda is 20 years old. She learns how to help at turtle school. She rescues only fishes and turtles, but no sharks. One morning, she woke up; it was really hot. She went in river really deep. She said, “this feels great for me.” She saw a fisherman trying to catch 5 fishes, so Melinda tried to rescue them. She swam and found the fishes; she said to the fishes, “swim onto my back.” She hurried and went away. The little turtle, Melinda’s kid, always helps her mommy. The sun feels the love Melinda has for her kid and the fishes so it turned into a heart shape. The sun shines yellow warm dots onto the river and all the creatures in there.
“I can see the fish”
MWM’s story: illustrated & narrated by MWM/ Transcribed by DWM
Once upon a time, there lived a mommy fish named Shizalon. She has 7 kids. Every morning, she gives them milk. At fish school, she learns how to catch other fish for her babies. She also learns how to read. She learned that she has 5 taste buds on her tongue: sweet at the tip, sour all the way in the back, salty next to sweet on the sides, bitter, umami. One morning, there was a big shark, called a great white shark. Shizalon swam as fast as she could and stopped at the deep deep ocean where the shark could not even try to swim. Her babies swam along by holding her fins. The other morning, the babies woke up earlier than Shizalon. It was school day; the baby fishes hopped on Shizalon to wake her up. “Is this school day” Shizalon yawned. “Yes yes mom.” “Ok, whatever, hold my fin, I’ll take you all to school.
You can read more about MWM/DWM’s family value on money here:
- Raising Mini Wise Money
- Sharing $ sense with kids
- Takes a village to raise a kid
- Wholesome foods, wholesome prices!
- Awesome ways people have paid for their education.
- My American Dream Part II “Budgeting”
- My Daughter’s Grandma
- DFD’s parents
- How have your kid(s) change your life?
- What have they taught you about personal finances or life in general?
- What are your most cherished family activities?
Share you insights, experiences & questions below.