Lession 1. ABCs of Money Master
Pre-Listening Exercises
What are common monthly expenses for a student living on their own, including student or car loans? How about a family of four? Write a list of your expenses, figure out how much money you spend on each area, and what percentage of your income pays for each.
HELPFUL TIP: Don’t spend more money than you earn and get into debt. It will follow you and become an unwelcomed friend. Following a budget will help you keep out of debt.
Sau khi nghe Audio bạn hãy làm bài tập dưới đây. Sau đó hãy kiểm tra đáp án và có thể đọc lại Script và Key Vocabulary.
Ex 1. Choose the right answers
1.To whom is the man speaking?
A. his friend
B. his sister
C. his mom
2.Which sentence would identify the man’s current situation?
A. He is in debt & is trying to borrow money
B. He has a decent job but he is looking for a new one
C. He has a lot of expenses including student loans.
3. How would you describe the man’s apartment?
A. a small place with a nice view of the city
B. a spacious apartment that includes cable TV
C. an apartment downtown with free parking
4. Which sentence best describes the man’s dining practices?
A. He tries to go out to eat every night.
B. He doesn’t know how to cook very well.
C. He prefers to eat alone.
5. What does the woman suggest the man do at the end of the conversation?
A. He should be careful when using his credit cards.
B. He ought to get rid of his car to save money.
C. He should stop spending money on entertainment.
Ex 2. Fill in the blanks
Ron: Uh, could I borrow a few bucks until payday? I’m a little (1) for cash.
Nancy: Uh, yeah, I guess, but I’m pinching pennies myself, and you still (2) me $20 from last week. And mom and your friend Ron said you borrowed money from them this past week. [Oh, yeah.] How ARE things going anyway?
Ron: Well, not very well. To be honest, I’m really in the (3), and I can’t seem to make ends meet these days.
Nancy: What do you mean? I thought you landed a great job recently, so you must be loaded.
Ron: Well, I do have a job, but I’ve used my credit cards to pay off a lot of things recently, but now, I can’t seem to pay the money off.
Nancy: Uh, do you have a (4)? I mean, how do you keep track of your income and expenses?
Ron: Well, when my money runs out, I come to you. Of course. [Great!] No, but I guess I should have some financial plan.
Nancy: Well, let me see if I can help you. How much money do you spend on your apartment?
Ron: Uh, I pay $890 on rent for the studio apartment downtown . . . not including (5) and cable TV. But the place has an awesome view of the city.
Nancy: Uh, $890! Why are you paying through the nose for such a small place when you could find a cheaper one somewhere outside of the downtown area?
Ron: Yeah, I guess.
Nancy: Okay. How much money do you spend on food a month?
Ron: Hmmm. I’m not really sure. I think I spend around $600. [$600?!] Well, I go out to eat at least four times a week, so those expenses add up. I just don’t enjoy eating alone, and I don’t have a (6) for cooking like you do.
Nancy: Well, I can understand that, but perhaps you ought to buy some microwaveable meals you could prepare at home.
Ron: Well, I guess I could.
Nancy: And entertainment?
Ron: Well, I spend a few dollars here and there on basketball and movie tickets, a concert or two, and ballroom dance lessons.
Nancy: Uh, exactly how much do you spend on all of these? Just a “few” dollars?
Ron: Well, oh . . . about $400 or so.
Nancy: Or so? No wonder you’re having money problems. You can’t just blow your money on things like that! And what about transportation?
Ron: Oh, I (7) to work everyday in my new sports car, but I got a great deal, and my monthly payments are only $450. Come outside and take a look. We can go for a spin!
Nancy: No, I’ve heard enough. You’ve got to (8) your spending, or you’ll end up broke. I suggest you get rid of your credit cards, cut back on your entertainment expenses, and sell your car. Take public transportation from now on.
Ron: Sell my car?! I can’t date without a car. What am I going to say? “Uh, could you meet me downtown at the bus stop at 7:00?” Come on!
Nancy: And you need to create a budget for yourself and (9) to it, and start with paying off your bills, starting with me. You owe me $50 dollars.
Ron: Fifty dollars! Wait, I only borrowed $20 from you last week. How did you come up with $50?
Nancy: Financial (10) fees. My advice is at least worth $30!