One day, a young man proudly told his mentor, “Yes, I’ve saved for myself!” when asked if he had set aside part of his earnings. Curious, the mentor asked, “And what have you done with those savings?”
The young man replied confidently, “I gave them to Karo, the bricklayer. He’s traveling to distant lands and promised to buy rare gems for me. When he returns, we’ll sell them at high prices and split the profits.”
The mentor sighed deeply and said, “Every person must learn their lessons. But tell me, why would you trust a bricklayer to know about gems? Would you ask a baker to explain the stars? Of course not! You’d go to an astrologer. Similarly, if you want advice about gems, you must go to a jeweler.
“Son, you’ve uprooted your financial tree before it even had a chance to grow. But don’t despair—plant another seed. Next time, if you want to grow your savings wisely, seek advice from someone who truly understands what you want to achieve.”
Lesson 1: Save for Yourself First
This story begins with a crucial habit: saving for yourself before spending on anything else. Every time you earn, set aside a portion of your income. Even a small amount is enough to start. This habit helps you grow your wealth steadily, like planting a seed that will one day become a tree.
Lesson 2: Seek Advice from the Right People
The young man’s mistake was trusting Karo, who knew about bricks but nothing about rare gems. It’s an important reminder: when making financial decisions, always go to someone with real knowledge and experience in that area.
For example:
- If you want to invest, talk to an investment expert.
- If you want to start a business, learn from successful business owners.
- If you’re curious about saving, ask someone who has managed money wisely.
Just like you wouldn’t ask a carpenter how to fix your car, don’t take financial advice from someone who isn’t skilled in that field.
Lesson 3: Be Cautious About Free Advice
The mentor also warned about free advice, saying, “Not all advice is worth following.” This is true in life and money matters. Sometimes, people give advice without fully understanding what they’re talking about.
Before following advice:
- Think about the source. Does the person giving advice know what they’re doing?
- Check for proof. Have they achieved what you’re trying to do?
- Get a second opinion. It’s smart to double-check advice with others or do your own research.
Lesson 4: Learn and Try Again
While the young man lost his savings, his mentor’s advice offered hope: “Plant another seed.” Mistakes are part of life, especially when learning to handle money. What matters most is that you take the lesson to heart and try again.
If you’ve made a poor choice with your money, don’t give up. Save again, make better decisions, and grow stronger from your experience.
The Takeaway: Build Wealth with Care
This story reminds us that building wealth isn’t just about saving—it’s about using your money wisely. To do that, you need:
- The habit of saving for yourself.
- Guidance from people with real knowledge.
- Caution when following advice.
- Resilience to start again when things go wrong.
Your financial tree can grow tall and strong if you plant it carefully and nurture it with good decisions. Start small, save regularly, and seek the right advice. Over time, you’ll enjoy the rewards of a sturdy and fruitful tree of wealth.
Remember, every tree begins with a single seed. Start planting yours today!
