Reviving the PIGGY BANK to Teach Our Kids the Value of Savings and Austere Living

Art Evolution

Reviving the PIGGY BANK to Teach Our Kids

the Value of Savings and Austere Living*

"Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving." — Warren Buffett (American investor and philanthropist

Artworks and Verses by Dr Abe V Rotor

  

Coconut shell bank layered with green mussel shells (tahong), 

and glass marbles from wine bottles enlivens the sala table 

while it serves as a savings bank.  House guests may drop a coin 

akin to a wishing well.  AVR 2026

Art as a creative personal expression,

     of beauty, function and goal;

traditional, modern, and new vision,

     must be harnessed to the full.

Art evolution must revive tradition,

     of simple and frugal living;

for the sake of the new generation

     with the basic art of saving.

If we recall Aesop's popular fable,

     The Ant and the Grasshopper*

Like in old Joseph's Dream parable,

     who at the end emerged victor? - avr

 

Old stainless canister covered with clam shells and pearl-like 

glass marbles serves as table decor and savings bank. 

 

Eighten 12, author's grand-nephew, drops a buena mano coin 

into his new piggy bank given by his Lolo. 

Tip, easiest way to earn -

     earn, if at all;

unless treated saving,

     with earnest goal.

Change, however small,

     loose or strict;

treasure it, make it grow,

     as bank deposit. - avr

"A penny saved is a penny earned." — Benjamin Franklin

 

Hard rind of calabash or miracle fruit coated with gold paint, 

and topped with an emerald stone exudes a special appearance.  

"Save a coin, make it grow; reach for your dreams

of a Good Life tomorrow." - avr

"The habit of saving is itself an education..." — T.T. Munger

   

Job 8, drops a coin into his savings bank, given by the author,

 his grand-uncle. Top view of his bank on a painted background.  

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants." — Epictetus

  

Closeup views of a savings bank made of a liter size can, 

covered with painted paper strips and stones as base.

A pot of gold at the end of a rainbow,

     fantasy yet wishful belief;

when one works hard for tomorrow,

     through the arch he'll find a gift, - avr

 

Closeup of local coins ready for deposit.

"Never spend your money before you have it." — Thomas Jefferson

 

Chestnut shell (left), seashell, punched paper pieces, empty can, 

are made into an artwork instead of having them thrown as waste. 

"Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship." — Benjamin Franklin

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*The Ant and the Grasshopper (Aesop’s Fable)
Acknowledgement Internet fable and image  

One warm, sunny day, a grasshopper was bounding through the fields. He was happy, and sang a song as he jumped. As he got tired, he decided to lay down on a warm rock in the sunshine and watch the clouds.

Just then, an ant passed by, working very hard to carry an ear of corn to his nest. The grasshopper was so enjoying his day that he called out to the ant, “Hey! Why are you working so hard? It’s a beautiful day! Come enjoy the sunshine with me!”

The ant called back, “We need to store food for the winter. In not so many days, it will be cold, and we will be hungry.”

The grasshopper thought that was silly. “Why, there’s plenty of food!” he cried. He went back to lazing in the sunshine. The ant shook his head, and went back to work.

The next day, it was again sunny and the grasshopper decided to visit the riverside. He bounded from leaf to leaf over the crisp cool water, not a care in the world. Once again, he saw the ant pass by. This time, the ant was carrying a large leaf. The grasshopper called out again, “Hello friend! Why are you working so hard again today? Come sit in the shade and enjoy the sound of the river!”

Once again, the ant refused. “These pretty days are not so many, Grasshopper. Soon, the cold will come. We must be ready.” The ant returned to his work.

On the third day, when the grasshopper awoke, the sun was not shining. It was not warm. Winter had come overnight, and the ground was frozen and covered with snow. The grasshopper shivered. And as he looked for food to eat, he found nothing.

He walked for hours through the snow, searching for food and shelter. As he walked, he passed the ant’s nest. Inside, he saw ants warm and happy, and sharing a delicious looking meal. It was then that he understood that the ant was right all along – not all days are sunny.

The ant turned then and saw the grasshopper freezing and hungry. He felt pity for the poor grasshopper. “Come, friend,” he called. “There is room here, and there is food. I’ve saved enough for many seasons. Come in and eat.”

And so the grasshopper was welcomed into the ant’s home, and the ant’s preparations kept the ant, his family, and the grasshopper warm and fed the whole winter long.

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Savings provide financial security, independence, and the ability to handle emergencies without debt. They enable long-term goals like retirement, home ownership, and education, while offering peace of mind and reducing financial stress. Regularly saving helps build wealth through compound interest, often serving as a necessary buffer against inflation. AI Overview/ICICI Prudential Life Insurance