“The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest.”
Albert Einstein
On a day so calm, under sky so blue, just like in a fairy tale, though this story’s true; a mommy and daddy brought a girl to their world.
She was tiny and perfect. Her small body curled into a comma until she stretched out; giggling, and sniffling, and wiggling about.
Her eyes were so bright, her skin like fresh cream. She was the beguiling answer to their beautiful dream.
She looked as full as a promise, so that’s what they said, when they named her that night, as they lay in their bed.
They looked on their newborn, with nothing but love, as pure and as still as the heavens above.
A flawless gift given, she demanded respect. Mom and Dad must be mindful, and know what to expect.
They were both wise, to indeed understand: all life is exciting, though all life can’t be planned.
It can be prepared for, and so that’s what they’d do. I know this story’s fantastic, but I swear it’s all true.
Living is quite costly, and they shouldn’t spend too much, buying things they didn’t need, and drifting further out of touch.
Savings are important, especially when you’re young – if you wish to climb life’s ladder without slipping down a rung.
As Promise grew, her needs would too. The pressure would surely mount. Before we get too busy, let’s pause and start to count:
College, car, a wedding day; plus, Mom and Dad could bet, their Promise would need at least ten things, not invented yet.
Now here’s the rub – the problem large, at which Mom and Dad were staring: how could they do what should be done and keep their daughter caring?
They wanted Promise to have the World, while staying nice and gracious; like living in a one room flat, and thinking that it’s spacious.
They did not want to spoil her, or cause her head to swell. No, Promise must be humble and she must treat others well.
They would keep her savings secret, until she could understand, that the finest things in life are those you gain with your own hand.
The road was long in front of them. They would have to start their walk. Mom and Dad had a cup of tea and a long and winding talk.
They had to save more money, but they had none left to save. They would need to change some habits, and financially behave.
A little isn’t much, until time prods it toward a lot. Just keep adding, rain or shine, and soon that’s what you’ve got.
Mom and dad, each one had, some things they could improve. It’s the little things that mean a lot when you financially improve.
Dad went to the Jolt-N-Bolt to help him stay awake.
He loved their roasted coffee and the muffins they would bake.
Mom bought lots of magazines and fancy haircuts too. She quit with both these luxuries; the least that she could do.
Day by day, Mom and Dad, gathered all their extra cash. At the end of the month, a BIG surprise, look how much they had stashed.
Three hundred bucks, and yes I know, it sure sounds like a lot. But let’s add lots of time on top, and then see what we’ve got.
When you gather lots of money, your horizons are uncurled, and that’s why compound interest is the Eighth Wonder of the World.
At three-hundred a month, for five straight years, they now had twenty-five grand. Let’s not get too excited. Instead, let’s watch these funds expand.
Three-hundred a month, was now one-fifty a week, because their interest grew. What an amazing secret, they thought. What if everybody knew?
Mom and dad kept squirreling dough in all the falling years, saving money helped them shed unnecessary fears.
They never gave attention to what everybody knew. Especially with their Promise watching everything they do.
They never spent their dollars on a lot of useless stuff, and when their daughter asked for more, they said, “No, you’ve had enough.”
Let’s skip ahead now, several years, until Promise is nearly grown. Mom and Dad are perfectly proud with the qualities she has shown.
A humble girl, just as they wished. They had taught her many things – like how to think intelligent, and how to spread her wings.
Promise was a modest girl, always willing to work hard. She never failed to pay herself, with her own debit card.
She looked ahead, toward her brightest future yet to come. It was almost time to leave for school, and that is a substantial sum.
But Promise insisted on paying it all – every tuition bill (even though she was clueless she was worth a quarter mil).
Just three-hundred a month could add up to that? How could that possibly be?
It’s the miracle of compound interest. Keep on reading and you’ll see.
Let’s jump ahead seven years. Promise is twenty-five. She is brilliant, bold, and beautiful. She is vividly alive.
She had found someone with whom she wanted to share forevermore, but weddings were expensive; a fact that she could not ignore.
But Promise had saved just enough for the day inside her head. She wanted things to remain quite simple, at least that is what she said.
Promise still had no clue what lay quietly in wait – one half a million dollars, by her pending wedding date.
Our tale concludes with another five years piled on our story. Promise and her husband had worked to finalize their glory.
They had a house, and a baby too, a descendent of their own. Someone they could love and cherish, until he was all grown.
Promise was an angel. She was diligent and kind. Her family’s future never strayed too far outside her mind.
Mom and Dad were ready to tell, and fully confident, that thirty years of saving had been three decades nicely spent.
Just three-hundred a month, every month, in Promise’s account, had blossomed, bloomed and burgeoned into a generous amount.
For Promise, and her family, the sum was oddly strange. Living life was mostly a cinch with a million bucks and change.
Writer Dad
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About Sean Platt
Wonderfully written, Writer Dad!
I am a big believer in saving, and especially saving for our kids futures. While helping them to realize the simpler pleasures in life. So, I couldn’t agree more with what you’ve written. How you’ve written it is so poetic, and that’s what makes it wonderful to read.
Lances last blog post..Maintenance, Do You Do It?
Wonderfully written, Writer Dad!
I am a big believer in saving, and especially saving for our kids futures. While helping them to realize the simpler pleasures in life. So, I couldn’t agree more with what you’ve written. How you’ve written it is so poetic, and that’s what makes it wonderful to read.
Lances last blog post..Maintenance, Do You Do It?
Great poem, and I like that it was easy to digest and didn’t take a 2,000 page dictionary, a couple headaches and an advil to unearth its meaning.
Boy, that muffin in your poem looks awesome. It would go so well with a cup of coffee.
The last picture, to finish it off. Perfection.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Weirdest Olympic Sports
Great poem, and I like that it was easy to digest and didn’t take a 2,000 page dictionary, a couple headaches and an advil to unearth its meaning.
Boy, that muffin in your poem looks awesome. It would go so well with a cup of coffee.
The last picture, to finish it off. Perfection.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Weirdest Olympic Sports
So meaningful! I love the words expressed here! :-) I’m looking forward to your future posts… I just subscribed! Big fan..
Christinas last blog post..I Need to Remember [pic]
So meaningful! I love the words expressed here! :-) I’m looking forward to your future posts… I just subscribed! Big fan..
Christinas last blog post..I Need to Remember [pic]
Focusing on the multitude of pictures you link to, many of which from Flickr accounts, any reason why you don’t give those people photo credits other than links to their photostreams?
As I also upload my photos to Flickr, I take advantage of the Creative Commons licensing but there are different levels and not everyone uses it. I’d like to click on one of your photos and be taken directly to the photo page, not the stream.
Focusing on the multitude of pictures you link to, many of which from Flickr accounts, any reason why you don’t give those people photo credits other than links to their photostreams?
As I also upload my photos to Flickr, I take advantage of the Creative Commons licensing but there are different levels and not everyone uses it. I’d like to click on one of your photos and be taken directly to the photo page, not the stream.
Abbas: Thank you. I’m glad you liked the pics. It has come to my attention that I have not been providing proper attribution. I am taking care of it this weekend. I am glad you think it is interesting.
Rita: I am very glad that Alex introduced us. Writer Dad has a nice sing-song quality to it that Author Dad doesn’t. Author Dad does sound a bit more prestigious though; I can see him with a pipe dangling from the corner of a thoughtful expression. But I don’t think I could ever go back now. For the last few weeks, from nowhere, I hear, “Writer Dad…” Daisy’s words are then followed by something adoring or inquiring. Picture “Writer Dad” said with one foot up in the air and you can see what I wouldn’t want to change.
Lance: Thank you. I can’t wait to surprise you next week.
Bamboo Forest: It would indeed. Run walking??
Christina: Thank you for subscribing. I am truly glad to have you.
Ari: No, there is no reason whatsoever. I am new at this, and I must have misunderstood the guidelines. I will address it immediately. Can you tell me what I’m supposed to do? I tried to email you but it bounced. I will try to leave a comment on your site. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Abbas: Thank you. I’m glad you liked the pics. It has come to my attention that I have not been providing proper attribution. I am taking care of it this weekend. I am glad you think it is interesting.
Rita: I am very glad that Alex introduced us. Writer Dad has a nice sing-song quality to it that Author Dad doesn’t. Author Dad does sound a bit more prestigious though; I can see him with a pipe dangling from the corner of a thoughtful expression. But I don’t think I could ever go back now. For the last few weeks, from nowhere, I hear, “Writer Dad…” Daisy’s words are then followed by something adoring or inquiring. Picture “Writer Dad” said with one foot up in the air and you can see what I wouldn’t want to change.
Lance: Thank you. I can’t wait to surprise you next week.
Bamboo Forest: It would indeed. Run walking??
Christina: Thank you for subscribing. I am truly glad to have you.
Ari: No, there is no reason whatsoever. I am new at this, and I must have misunderstood the guidelines. I will address it immediately. Can you tell me what I’m supposed to do? I tried to email you but it bounced. I will try to leave a comment on your site. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Dad,
I was just “trying it on for size.” Don’t EVER change! :-)
Rita
Ritas last blog post..The FIRST Time I Almost Got Expelled From College: Part II
Dad,
I was just “trying it on for size.” Don’t EVER change! :-)
Rita
Ritas last blog post..The FIRST Time I Almost Got Expelled From College: Part II
Hello Writer Dad! First of all, many thanks for stopping & your kind words. Much appreciated! Also, I’ve altered my comments settings so they should be easier now – again, thank you for that!
Secondly, that’s a good story today. In fact, I’ve just come back from staying with my sister, her husband works in finance and they have three small kids. I’m not privvy to the details (& wouldn’t ask) but I bet they have something along those lines on the go.
30 years – my niece and god daughter, Smoo (real name Siena) may well be in that position in 26 years. Yikes! The mind boggles … all on its own.
Thanks again for stopping by.
Hello Writer Dad! First of all, many thanks for stopping & your kind words. Much appreciated! Also, I’ve altered my comments settings so they should be easier now – again, thank you for that!
Secondly, that’s a good story today. In fact, I’ve just come back from staying with my sister, her husband works in finance and they have three small kids. I’m not privvy to the details (& wouldn’t ask) but I bet they have something along those lines on the go.
30 years – my niece and god daughter, Smoo (real name Siena) may well be in that position in 26 years. Yikes! The mind boggles … all on its own.
Thanks again for stopping by.
Such a simple storyline but so poignant.
I’ll certainly be back for more and will be looking into introducing your site to some of my friends!
Evelyn
Evelyn Lims last blog post..How To Build Intuitive Awareness For Inspired Actions
Such a simple storyline but so poignant.
I’ll certainly be back for more and will be looking into introducing your site to some of my friends!
Evelyn
Evelyn Lims last blog post..How To Build Intuitive Awareness For Inspired Actions
Beautiful, interesting, great message & photos! Thanks for it all! I believe in compound interest, too.
Keep writing, WD!!
Linda Abbits last blog post..Funny Fridays: Because It Is Better to Laugh than to Cry!
Beautiful, interesting, great message & photos! Thanks for it all! I believe in compound interest, too.
Keep writing, WD!!
Linda Abbits last blog post..Funny Fridays: Because It Is Better to Laugh than to Cry!
I liked the flow of this story. The rhyming worked perfect and you even managed to teach your readers something. Compound interest is indeed amazing stuff, certainly on the long run.
Manictastics last blog post..Sorry Comes In Silence
I liked the flow of this story. The rhyming worked perfect and you even managed to teach your readers something. Compound interest is indeed amazing stuff, certainly on the long run.
Manictastics last blog post..Sorry Comes In Silence
Rita: I’ll evolve, but I won’t transform.
Chris: You’re very welcome, and thank you.
Evelyn: Thank you, and thank you.
Linda Abbit: I will, I promise.
Manictastic: Thank you. It’s all about patience.
Rita: I’ll evolve, but I won’t transform.
Chris: You’re very welcome, and thank you.
Evelyn: Thank you, and thank you.
Linda Abbit: I will, I promise.
Manictastic: Thank you. It’s all about patience.
Oh, how beautiful. It makes it all seem worth it, no? :)
deepalis last blog post..august goals: week 2 checkin
Oh, how beautiful. It makes it all seem worth it, no? :)
deepalis last blog post..august goals: week 2 checkin
What a fresh take on wise, old advice. I admire the doing and the story- telling. I think you will motivate many!
SpaceAgeSages last blog post..In the eye of a tornado? Well, kind of … see photos
What a fresh take on wise, old advice. I admire the doing and the story- telling. I think you will motivate many!
SpaceAgeSages last blog post..In the eye of a tornado? Well, kind of … see photos
Wow. That was seriously amazing. I loved the story and the content and the sentiment…and now I am gushing.
texasholly @ June Cleaver Nirvanas last blog post..Living in the zone(s)
Wow. That was seriously amazing. I loved the story and the content and the sentiment…and now I am gushing.
texasholly @ June Cleaver Nirvanas last blog post..Living in the zone(s)
I wish I had something like this read to me as a youngster. We’ve only just learned the beauty of being financially fit. Thanks for sharing this with us. I really enjoy the way you poetically write.
Kool Aids last blog post..we love the zoo
I wish I had something like this read to me as a youngster. We’ve only just learned the beauty of being financially fit. Thanks for sharing this with us. I really enjoy the way you poetically write.
Kool Aids last blog post..we love the zoo
Deepali: It is indeed worth it. Every bit.
Space Age Sage: Thank you. It is my intent.
Texas Holly: I like gushing. It is good for my ego.
Kool Aid: We owe it to our kids. If we know better, we can do better.
Deepali: It is indeed worth it. Every bit.
Space Age Sage: Thank you. It is my intent.
Texas Holly: I like gushing. It is good for my ego.
Kool Aid: We owe it to our kids. If we know better, we can do better.
Is this 12%?
Dereck Coatneys last blog post..How to become both philosopher and warrior
Is this 12%?
Dereck Coatneys last blog post..How to become both philosopher and warrior
Thanks for the constant visit to watdawat. You’ve been diligent even though I have not returned the favor. And now that I’m a here, I will stay.
Your prose is beautiful!
Chriss last blog post..To Blog Or Not To Blog
Thanks for the constant visit to watdawat. You’ve been diligent even though I have not returned the favor. And now that I’m a here, I will stay.
Your prose is beautiful!
Chriss last blog post..To Blog Or Not To Blog
What a fantastic story. I’ve always marvelled at the power of compound interest. And because Promise grew up without ridiculous extravagences, or any idea of the sum that was growing, I’m guessing she’d find it easy to grow it even more.
Cath Lawsons last blog post..Business Ideas: Can You Keep A Secret?
What a fantastic story. I’ve always marvelled at the power of compound interest. And because Promise grew up without ridiculous extravagences, or any idea of the sum that was growing, I’m guessing she’d find it easy to grow it even more.
Cath Lawsons last blog post..Business Ideas: Can You Keep A Secret?
that was great, only 300 per month? what kind of bank account will end up with that kind of money instead of dwindling it with fees? lol loved your writing!
that was great, only 300 per month? what kind of bank account will end up with that kind of money instead of dwindling it with fees? lol loved your writing!
Derrik: I wrote this about nine months ago, but I believe at the time I was doing it on an assumption of 10% on average. The numbers are loose, of course, but the principles are sound.
Chris: Don’t feel bad, really. I wasn’t doing you a favor. I was enjoying your words. Thanks for enjoying mine, and have a great weekend.
Cath: That’s the whole point, right? Sometimes, those with the most money are the ones who appreciate it the least.
Elaine: A no load mutual fund, hoping for an average of 10% a year over a long period of time (not at all unreasonable). Thank you for loving my writing. I’ll have some more tomorrow.
Derrik: I wrote this about nine months ago, but I believe at the time I was doing it on an assumption of 10% on average. The numbers are loose, of course, but the principles are sound.
Chris: Don’t feel bad, really. I wasn’t doing you a favor. I was enjoying your words. Thanks for enjoying mine, and have a great weekend.
Cath: That’s the whole point, right? Sometimes, those with the most money are the ones who appreciate it the least.
Elaine: A no load mutual fund, hoping for an average of 10% a year over a long period of time (not at all unreasonable). Thank you for loving my writing. I’ll have some more tomorrow.
Author Dad – I followed the link from June Cleaver Nirvana to read this post…and I am so very glad I did. My husband and I have been discussing what to do financially for our 7 month old, thank you for putting into perspective another grand idea. As a non-profit volunteer manager, I plan on teaching her how to be a responsible citizen in this world. But I have to teach myself how to be fiscally responsible for her sake.
Again, thank you.
Kristi
Kristis last blog post..Please Sir, Can She Have Some More?
Author Dad – I followed the link from June Cleaver Nirvana to read this post…and I am so very glad I did. My husband and I have been discussing what to do financially for our 7 month old, thank you for putting into perspective another grand idea. As a non-profit volunteer manager, I plan on teaching her how to be a responsible citizen in this world. But I have to teach myself how to be fiscally responsible for her sake.
Again, thank you.
Kristi
Kristis last blog post..Please Sir, Can She Have Some More?
I think that is the coolest little poem I’ve ever read. I love your work.
Talk to you soon
T
I think that is the coolest little poem I’ve ever read. I love your work.
Talk to you soon
T
Kristi: Thank you for following the link, I’m glad you did. A non-profit volunteer manager…. you’re doing good work. Thank you, and you’re welcome.
T Edwards: Thanks, T.
Kristi: Thank you for following the link, I’m glad you did. A non-profit volunteer manager…. you’re doing good work. Thank you, and you’re welcome.
T Edwards: Thanks, T.
I just wanted to say that I found this when I googled my daughter’s name and fell in love with your writing. We, too, named our daughter Promise. She just turned 7 years old and she loves her name! She never ceases to amaze me and her name fits her soul. We gave her the name because we had lost a child before her and we knew that this child was His way of giving something back to us….His promise of a new and brighter day. Since we had Promise we were also blessed with a son, Journey (which is what we have been on ever since!). I enjoyed reading your words! Thank You!
I just wanted to say that I found this when I googled my daughter’s name and fell in love with your writing. We, too, named our daughter Promise. She just turned 7 years old and she loves her name! She never ceases to amaze me and her name fits her soul. We gave her the name because we had lost a child before her and we knew that this child was His way of giving something back to us….His promise of a new and brighter day. Since we had Promise we were also blessed with a son, Journey (which is what we have been on ever since!). I enjoyed reading your words! Thank You!