It Is Only Money and It Grows on Trees!

It Is Only Money Book Cover

It Is Only Money and It Grows on Trees!, by Cara MacMillan, is a narrative that explores how the concept of money differs throughout various world religions and cultures. It also looks at ways in which readers can increase their own wealth through consideration of these practices.

The story takes place in a classroom where a teacher named Catherine has written the word, Money, in large capital letters on the blackboard. She invites her students to help her define what money is. The students propose varying answers, and Catherine explains how each of these different definitions comes from our cultural, religious, family, and economic backgrounds.

It Is Only Money will inspire, challenge, and encourage you to ask: Why am I not rich? What do I need to learn? And how can I change my thoughts and actions?

“This is not a get rich quick book – it is a book about authenticity,” says MacMillan. “When we learn to break free of our patterns and choose to recognize that money is just a resource, we too can become rich and truly enjoy today.”

“Cara P. MacMillan's It Is Only Money is a well-written and imaginative multi ethnic and multi cultural look at acquiring wealth. I loved the give and take between Catherine, the teacher, and the diverse group of students who are in her class. Through this device, the author explores the role of money in Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other religions, and discusses how the biblical story, The Parable of the Talents, can be used as a way to explore one's own talents and ability to actively make money. MacMillan's thoughts on passive income streams, investments, and finding one's passion as opposed to merely doing a job one hates are well-presented… It Is Only Money is highly recommended.” - Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

It Is Only Money and It Grows on Trees! was published by Halcyon Consulting Publication in October 2015.  It is available for sale on Amazon.

Introduction

As the students walked in to the classroom, they looked up to see “Money” written in large letters on the whiteboard. Grumbling could be heard as kids elbowed each other and pointed to the board.

David finally spoke up. “It’s about time this class got interesting.”

The kids sat down just as the guest professor walked in.

“Hi, my name is Catherine. I am here to teach you about money. Let’s start with a question—let me qualify, every answer is right—so, what is money?”

There was silence for a while. Then finally, the answers started to come...

“Money makes you popular.”

“Money is power.”

“Money means shopping.”

“Money means rich.”

“Money means you can buy whatever you want.”

“Money means you don’t have to work.”

“Money is something you fight over.”

“Money is greed.”

“Money is fun.”

The answers paused at this point, so Catherine asked if anyone else had anything to say.

Amal spoke very quietly. “Money is responsibility.”

Joseph smiled. “Money grows on trees!”

Everyone laughed.

Dayo spoke up. “Money is everywhere.”

Prisha added, “Money is necessary.”

Sean said, “Money is abundance.”

“And what is abundance?” Catherine asked.

Sean smiled. “I don’t know, but I saw it on the board over there.”

With this the whole class laughed again. Catherine smiled and looked around the classroom. “You each have a true definition of money. Yes, they are all very different, but we each are very different. Our definition of money comes from our families, our cultures, and our society. We each have a paradigm, or a picture in our heads, about what money means to us. Today we are going to look at those definitions and try to come up with a class definition.

“So, what is money? Simply put, money is the resource that we use for exchange. We exchange work for money. We exchange other resources like food or shelter for money. But that definition did not come up in our brainstorming.

“It seems that we have added so much to the meaning of money that we all mean something very different when we say the same word. Why?

“Many aspects of our lives have become complicated. It is the price to pay for industrialization and globalization. e truth is, as we became industrialized, our demand for resources dramatically increased. So we wanted more things, and for that we needed more money. And we kept accumulating.”

“And the more things that we have, the richer we are, and the more popular we are,” Zoe said.

“But each culture still has its own teaching about money and our relationship with it. Each family has its own history and experience with money on top of the cultural teaching. So when we add this all up...it’s complicated.

“It is time to simplify and break it down into its basic components. What is money? What are our beliefs about money? What are society’s beliefs about money that are similar to our own? How do we follow our own beliefs about money rather than someone else’s?

“Are you ready? Let’s start.”

About the Author

Cara MacMillan is a thought leader in sustainability and financial management. She has the privilege of teaching and learning with courageous individuals who are committed to making a difference for themselves, their world, and future generations. As a thought leader, Cara regularly publishes in the areas of personal finance and investments.

As an adjunct professor in the School of Business at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada, her vision is to empower people to think and act for themselves financially.

She also serves as a Climate Reality Leader in The Climate Reality Leadership Corps. This group is a global network of activists committed to taking on the climate crisis by providing training in climate science, communications, and organizing to tell the story of climate change and inspire communities everywhere to take action. The result is a dynamic group of world-changers shaping the conversation on climate in forums from family dinners to international summits and building a 21st-century movement for solutions.

Cara lives in Ottawa with her life partner and best friend, David, and their two children. She is currently working on her next book, Make Big Money and Make a Big Difference, for readers who want to learn how to invest in responsible companies and opportunities.  It is due out later this year.

Readers can connect with Cara on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

For more information visit CaraMacmillan.com.

For further information, to request a review copy, or to set up an interview or appearance by Cara MacMillan, please contact Kelsey McBride at Book Publicity Services at bookpublicityservices@gmail.com or 805.807.9027.