Congratulations! You have received your first salary. How
are you going to spend it? Are you going to go out and buy that
new cell phone or those cool sneakers? Well, don’t!
Before you spend a cent, you have to make a budget and
plan your spending. First, write down your income (how much
money you receive). Then calculate your expenses (rent,
transportation, food, etc). If your expenses are __________ than
your income, you are on the right road! Now you know how
much money you have left to spend each month. But don’t
overspend or you will have to borrow money. Borrowing money
from the bank is expensive. Interest rates are high. Always check
to see if a friend or family member can lend you the money.
You also have to think about the long term. How are you
going to pay for that holiday at the beach or buy your family
presents? You will have to save money every month. So, that
new cell phone can wait. Manage your money and maybe you’ll
be able to take that holiday at the beach ‐ in Mexico!
Adapted. World English 1B. 2010. Heinle Cengage Learning.