Page:What to do for Uncle Sam; a first book of citizenship (IA whattodoforuncle00bail).pdf/119

Rh Your father earns a salary, or perhaps he has a farm, or a factory, or a store that pays him a certain amount of money every year. He does not keep this money in gold and silver and bills, but divides it and exchanges it for certain values that make your home, and help your town. He pays rent or taxes for your house. He buys food and clothes for you and your mother. He may pay a certain amount of money in taxes that help support the schools, the fire, police, and street departments. In this way your father changes his money for something else that is quite as valuable. He buys a shelter, food for supporting life, education, and safety.

Boys and girls may use money in a similar way. Buying firecrackers means burning up money with no return except a noise. The same amount of money spent for vegetable seeds may mean more money in your pocket. It will surely mean a saving in the grocer’s bills. Uncle Sam tells us that a loaf of bread, a book, a lead pencil, a shovel, or a plow represents wealth. With them you are ready to do something to earn more money than you spent in buying them. That is the test he wants you to make of every cent that you spend.

It is important to save, but this is a very different matter from hoarding.