“Not Enough Money? Then Let’s Try Helping Out!”

A Story About Inflation and the Power of Working

☕ Just as Hop’s Story Comes to an End…

As Mr. Hop wrapped up his warm tale—“Investing is like planning for the future”—a gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh herbs into the café.

Zippy: “Oh! That’s Mom!”

Coming in from the backyard, Mrs. Hop, Zippy’s mother, walked in with a basket full of herbs.
Alongside them, she carried trays with flour, eggs, and other cookie ingredients.

Mrs. Hop: “I see you’ve all been deep in conversation. Shall we start baking some cookies?”

🌿 Mrs. Hop’s Wisdom: “What Does It Mean to Work?”

Mrs. Hop: “You know, Zippy, Steady. Investing is important, but when inflation sticks around, working becomes just as powerful.”

Steady: “Is working just about making money?”

Mrs. Hop: “That’s part of it! When prices rise, having an income really helps. Plus, wages often increase along with inflation, which makes working one of the strongest tools against rising prices.”

Zippy: “So even paychecks grow when prices go up?”

Mrs. Hop: “They can. And more than that, working means using your time and energy to help others or create value.
Helping in the café, baking cookies, growing vegetables—those are all forms of ‘producing something valuable.’”

🍪 Zippy and Steady Take Action

Zippy: “Then I’ll help with the cookies, Mom!”

Mrs. Hop: “That’s wonderful, Zippy. Can you start by softening the butter?”

Steady: “I’ll make a chalkboard sign for today’s specials! Maybe I’ll draw some fun pictures too.”

Mr. Hop: “Now that’s what I call shaping the future—one action at a time!”

💡 Today’s Takeaway

Steady: “So it’s not just about investing—we can also protect our future by working.”

Zippy: “If I don’t have enough money, I can think not only about how to spend less, but how to create more!”

Mrs. Hop: “Exactly. Your actions can change your future.”

🐢🐇 Quiz Time!

Q1. What do we call it when prices go up?
→ ✅ Inflation

Q2. What happens to the value of money during inflation?
→ ✅ It goes down (You can buy less with the same amount)

Q3. What are some things you can do when you don’t have enough money? (Choose all that apply)

A. Save money
B. Earn income through work
C. Sulk and nap
→ ✅ Correct answers: A and B!

🌟 Message from the Café

“In times of inflation, believe in your ability to take action.
Awareness and small steps can build a brighter future.” ☀️