Book Review: It’s Only Money and It Grows on Trees

What visions come to mind when you think about money? Do you have negative or positive associations with earning and accumulating wealth? Do you believe anyone can achieve wealth or do you believe in the scarcity mentality that most of us will struggle to achieve financial success throughout our lifetimes?

What have you learned about money from your grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and neighbors? What memories do you have of your parents succeeding or struggling in their day-to-day lives or early on in their careers?

In order to attain wealth I believe you must first understand your relationship with money. What is it and what can it do for you?

Think back on your first memories of money. Try to remember the first time you saved money in your piggy bank, paid for a toy or were told you couldn’t buy something because your parents did have enough money to pay for it.

Now imagine you were seated in a class with students of different races and religions. Imagine you all came together to discuss the topic of finances and wealth. Imagine how many differing opinions and points of view you might have. Also, imagine how many common themes and feelings you would share.

Cara MacMillan’s book It’s Only Money and It Grows on Trees introduces us to the concept of money in a diverse classroom.

The kids sat down just as the guest professor walked in.

“Hi, my name is Catherine. I am here to teach you about money. Let’s start with a question—let me qualify, every answer is right—so, what is money?”

There was silence for a while. Then finally, the answers started to come…
“Money makes you popular.”
“Money is power.”
“Money means shopping.”
“Money means rich.”
“Money means you can buy whatever you want.”
“Money means you don’t have to work.”
“Money is something you fight over.”
“Money is greed.”
“Money is fun.”

This book encourages readers to reflect on their upbringing, their culture, their past, present and future in order to define a new relationship with money. MacMillan tells us there is abundant money to be had by all. The key is to figure out how to earn it, save it, invest it and let it grow.

This would be a great book for a young high school or college student. It focuses on the importance of figuring out your talents, living within your means and finding ways to let your money earn money for you.

I would love to give away a copy of this book to one lucky reader. If you are interested simply leave a comment below or drop me an email.