When I was listening to the financial news last night, they kept talking about penny stocks. Are these stocks that you can actually buy for a penny?
Signed, Three Coins in a Fountain

Dear Three Coins:

Any Stock that sells for less than a dollar is a penny stock. In other words, it's a stock that sells for pennies. You may also have noticed that most stores that sell "penny candy" are actually charging a lot more for it!

Sincerely,
Neale

Dear Neale:

My son is only eleven, but he is showing serious interest in the stock market. Is he too young to buy stock, or can he invest in the market?
Signed,
Mother of a Whiz

Dear Whiz-Mother:

Kids cannot buy stock until they are 18 or 21, depending on state law. However, they can purchase shares and mutual funds through a parent or guardian.

You can make it into a fun, learning family project. Talk to your son about the stocks he likes and design a portfolio. Even if you don't invest real money, there is certainly value in following the progress of the stocks and learning how to track the market.

Sincerely,
Neale

Dear Neale:

What was the earliest form of paper money in the United States? My son's third-grade class wants to know.
Signed, Room Mother

Dear Room Mother:

One of the earliest forms of money printed in the United States was the Tobacco note, money printed on actual tobacco leaves, which were used in Virginia as earl y as 1727.

Sincerely,
Neale

Dear Neale:

My mom couldn't tell me why there is a pyramid on the $1 dollar bill. Do you know why?
Signed, Confused in Connecticut

Dear Confused,

It is actually an unfinished pyramid that appears on the dollar bill. It symbolizes the idea that our country is still growing and building, and is striving for perfection. The eye on the pyramid represents the watchful eye of God.