Hi there!
Mmm... That's quite strange. So, yes when you write the code $gameVariables.value(1) you print the current value set to Value having as ID 1. So, all variables have as default value 0, but assigning a value this should change - as you probably already know -. I've done a test on my end trying to set the value of Variable ID 1 by console to 24 and it seems to work properly:
The same thing should be if you set the value through event commands. Not sure why it do not update on your end. Have you tried to use the plugin in a void project?
About your second question, you can show the money value just using this script call: $gameParty.gold() assigning it to the proper plugin parameter. 
Furthermore you can change the Parameter Name from "Age" to what you prefer and you should have a similar result
Thank you for your support <3
Thank you so much for your help and reply, its super appreciated and helped me realize some things...
It DOES work properly; it reads zero because it IS zero when the game loads. However, the value displayed in the menu (which is zero at launch) does not update when the variable is increased through gameplay. let's say you pick up a seashell and the seashell counter started at zero but is now one. Thats the kind of interaction I'm trying to achieve, and it doesn't seem like the menu updates when the variable increases. Is this intended design or am I still confused haha...
Thank you so much for your help :)
