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Idioms Financial Trouble TV

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16 views5 pages

Idioms Financial Trouble TV

Uploaded by

Pi Pi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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IDIOMS: FINANCIAL

TROUBLE
Activity 1: Read the text and match the idioms in bold to their definitions.

In today's increasingly complex financial landscape, many individuals are finding it


necessary to tighten their belts in order to make ends meet. With the cost of
living steadily rising and wages often remaining stagnant, a significant number of
people find themselves living paycheck to paycheck and struggling financially.
For some, the situation has escalated to the point where they are in the red – their
expenses surpass their income, and they're forced to rely on credit to bridge the
gap. In some cases, this precarious position stems from living beyond one's
means. The allure of instant gratification and the pressure to keep up with societal
expectations can lead to overspending and accumulating unnecessary debt.
To avoid being in such situations, it's crucial to establish a rainy day fund. This
fund acts as a safety net for unforeseen emergencies. Here are a few simple tips
on how to start:
1. Save automatically: Arrange for money to be automatically transferred from
your current account to your savings account every month.
2. Spend wisely: Cut down on unnecessary spending.
3. Use extra money: Put money like tax refunds or bonuses into your rainy day
fund.
4. Make sure you are not throwing good money after bad: If an investment you've
made is not unprofitable, it is better to cut your losses and save your money for
something better.
Breaking free from this cycle requires a shift in behaviour. By adopting a more
mindful approach to spending, individuals can begin to save and gradually reach
financial stability.
Definitions:
a) to spend more money than one can afford, often by borrowing or using credit:
living beyond one's means
b) to invest more money in a failing project that is unlikely to succeed: throwing
good money after bad
c) money set aside for unexpected emergencies or future uncertainties: a rainy day
fund
d) to have enough money to cover basic expenses such as food, housing, and bills:
to make ends meet
e) living with just enough money to cover basic expenses until the next payday:
paycheck to paycheck
f) to reduce one's spending and live more frugally, often due to financial
difficulties: to tighten their belts
g) to have a negative financial balance, indicating that expenses exceed income: in
the red
Choose the correct idiom to complete the opinions below. Then
Activity 2:
discuss the opinions in pairs or small groups.

1. It's easy to get caught up in the desire for the latest trends and live a lavish
lifestyle, even if it means living beyond your means/tightening your belt. But in
the long run, this path can lead to a financial disaster. It's wiser to embrace a
lifestyle that aligns with your actual income, even though you might need to give
up immediate luxuries.

2. While it's ideal to save and invest, the reality is that many people can't afford
to do that because they live paycheck to paycheck/throw good money after
bad, which is incredibly stressful and limiting. It leaves little to no room for
financial growth. Breaking free from this cycle often requires careful financial
planning and budgeting.

3. In a world where the cost of living is rising faster than wages, blaming
individuals for struggling to be in the red/make ends meet isn't fair. It's often a
systemic issue that requires broader solutions, such as fair wages and affordable
housing.

4. Building a rainy day fund/Living beyond your means is a financial strategy


that everyone should embrace. Life is unpredictable, and emergencies can
quickly worsen your financial situation. Having money set aside for such
circumstances can provide a crucial safety net, reducing stress.

Discuss the questions below, giving more information, examples


Activity 3:
and possible solutions.

Do many people in your country ...


live beyond their means?
have a rainy day fund?
struggle to make ends meet?
live paycheck to paycheck?

Have you ever ...


thrown good money after bad?
been in the red?
had to tighten your belt?
Read the dialogue and match the idioms in bold to their
Activity 4:
definitions.

Tom: Hey, Sarah, I heard you're planning a long trip away this summer. Isn't
that going to break the bank?
Sarah: Well, not exactly. I found some great deals on flights and
accommodation.
Tom: That's impressive! How do you manage to travel so much without going
flat broke?
Sarah: Oh, I used to be terrible with money. I would spend money like water
on unnecessary things. But I've learned my lesson. Now, I budget
carefully and it allows me to have a good time even if I am travelling
on a shoestring.
Tom: That's a smart approach. I should learn from you. I always seem to end
up with nothing left in my account by the end of the month. I think I buy
too many things on a whim, and many times I don't even use them,
which is practically throwing money down the drain.
Sarah: It's all about finding a balance. Trust me, it's worth it in the long run.
Tom: Thanks, Sarah, I'll try, but changing bad habits is not easy.
Sarah: Let me know how it goes and if you need any more advice.

Definitions:
a) having no money at all; being completely out of funds: flat broke
b) to waste money on something unproductive or useless: throwing money
down the drain
c) to do something with very little money: on a shoestring
d) to spend a large amount of money, to use up all of one's savings or
resources: to break the bank
e) doing something impulsively or without careful thought: on a whim
f) to spend money extravagantly and without restraint: spend money like water

Complete the sentences so that they are true for you. Then
Activity 5:
share them with a partner, giving more information.

1. ......................................................................................... nearly broke the bank, but the


results were well worth the cost.
2. On a whim, I decided to ....................................................................................................................
3. I decided to plan my ........................................................................................ on a shoestring.
4. I found myself flat broke when I ...................................................................................................
Paraphrase the sentences below, using a suitable idiom
Activity 6:
from activity 4 (in the correct form).

I regret buying that expensive gym membership; it's a waste of money


because I never use it.
I regret buying that expensive gym membership; it's like throwing money
down the drain because I never use it.

We wanted to go on a weekend trip, but I can't join because I don't have any
money right now.
We wanted to go on a weekend trip, but I can't join because I am flat broke
right now.

They filmed that independent movie with a very limited budget but still
received critical acclaim.
They filmed that independent movie on a shoestring budget but still
received critical acclaim.

Going on that extravagant holiday would cost us all our savings, so we


opted for a more budget-friendly trip.
Going on that extravagant holiday would break the bank, so we opted for a
more budget-friendly trip.

He quit his job impulsively, without considering the consequences.


He quit his job on a whim, without considering the consequences.

Role-play the situation below. Try to use at least 3


Activity 7:
idioms from this lesson.

Student A: You are known for your Student B: You often find yourself
frugal and careful spending habits. unable to resist the urge to buy things
Your role is to give advice and on a whim, even when you don't really
guidance to Student B, who tends to need them. This has led to financial
make impulsive purchases. troubles, and you're frustrated with
Encourage Student B to think before how you've been throwing money
making purchases, cut wasteful down the drain. Your role is to discuss
spending, and consider the long-term your impulsive spending tendencies
consequences of their financial and seek advice from your frugal
choices. friend (Student A).
Activity 8: Discuss the questions below with a partner.

1. Is credit card debt a financial pitfall or a useful tool?


2. Does impulse buying lead to financial regret or enjoyment?
3. Is renting a better financial choice than buying a home?
4. Are student loans a wise investment in future success?
5. Is it better to be frugal or embrace the present moment financially?
6. Should financial education be a mandatory part of school curricula?

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