For my 9th birthday, I want to start my own business called “Mimi’s Lil’ Fancy Face”. My mom was excited and willing to help. However, my dad said, “not so fast”, and suggested that I read “I Got Bank”, a book about a little boy saving and earning money from a car wash business that his friend’s family owned. I was not happy about reading it before I started the business, but I learned a lot from the book.

I learned that I should know how to save, make, and keep money just like Jazz Ellington. I also learned that I should talk to a trustworthy elder that knows lots about money, like Jazz talked to and wrote letters to his granddad. I learned that I should start my own business to earn more money and use it wisely, so I do not spend it on things I do not really want or need.

In the book, Jazz wrote many letters to his grandfather. He explained that he needed help with saving his money and keeping it from his desperate family that wanted a car loan, concert tickets and a new car that his brother wanted. In one of his letters, Jazz explained that he needed help with his family, and that even though he was the youngest, he was the only one that believed his granddad. Eventually Jazz saved tons of money from the car wash and gave it to his family.

Even though Jazz earned enough money for all his family’s wants and needs, little did he know his sister did not wait. She used Quick Check Cashers and bought concert tickets before she had enough money. Instead of paying $150, she had to pay $750! I learned a lot from that. I learned that I need to save money and wait so, I do not use unnecessary money lenders like Quick Check Cashers. His brother did not wait either and his car got robbed! I learned that I should pay for something with the exact money it costs and not use a penny more than that.

I will admit that even though I did not initially want to read the book because I thought I was ready to start my business, it taught me many things about money and business. For example, I know now that you should save money for things that you need, wait until you have enough money to buy something, ask a trustworthy elder to help you with money, and use your own money instead of using tricky money lenders, like Quick Check Cashers. My dad gave me the book to help with my business, and it did! Now I am ready to start my business, “Mimi’s Lil’ Fancy Face”!