Money

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Bilibili: 雅思口语Part 1 – Money_哔哩哔哩_bilibili

Speaker: Joseph

Do you often use cash or credit cards?
I usually use a debit or credit card because it’s faster and more convenient. I only carry cash for emergencies or places that don’t accept cards.

Is it easy for you to manage your money?
Yes, I find it quite easy because I plan my spending in advance. I also track my expenses, which helps me stay within my budget.

What do you usually spend your money on?
Most of my money goes on basic necessities like food, transport, and rent. I also spend some on entertainment and social activities.

Do you prefer to save money or spend it?
I prefer to save money, especially for future plans. That said, I don’t mind spending on things that improve my quality of life.

Did your parents teach you how to manage money?
Yes, my parents played a big part in teaching me how to handle money when I was growing up. They always made sure I saved a bit of my allowance and taught me to think about whether I actually needed something before buying it. That’s probably why I’m so disciplined with my budget today.

Do you think money is important for happiness?
I think money is important to a certain extent because it provides stability and reduces stress. However, I don’t believe it guarantees happiness on its own.

How do you usually pay for things: online or in shops?
I usually pay online because it’s quick and convenient. However, I still prefer paying in shops when buying clothes or groceries.

Have your spending habits changed in recent years?
Yes, my spending habits have changed quite a lot. I’ve become much more intentional with my outgoings. Instead of buying on a whim, I usually evaluate the utility of an item before I commit to the purchase.

Do you think young people are good at saving money?
It really depends on the individual, as some young people are quite good at saving once they have a specific goal in mind. On the other hand, many find it difficult because the cost of living is so high these days and there’s a lot of pressure to keep up with friends. I think it’s a lot harder to set money aside now than it was for previous generations.

What do you think is the best way to save money?
I think the best way is to set a monthly budget and stick to it. Saving a fixed amount regularly makes the process much easier.

Speaker: Blondie

Do you often use cash or credit cards?

To be honest, I’m almost exclusively a card user these days. I find carrying a bulky wallet full of coins quite cumbersome, so I usually just tap my phone or use my credit card for everything. It’s just so much more seamless, especially with contactless payments being the norm now.

Is it easy for you to manage your money?

I’d like to think I’ve got a good handle on it, but it can be a bit of a tightrope walk sometimes. I use a few budgeting apps to track my outgoings, which helps me stay disciplined. That said, when “sale” season hits, my self-control definitely gets put to the test!

What do you usually spend your money on?

The lion’s share of my income goes toward fixed costs like rent and groceries. However, whatever is left over—my “fun money”—usually goes toward socialising with friends, whether that’s grabbing a matcha latte or checking out a new brunch spot. I’m also a bit of a sucker for quality skincare products.

Do you prefer to save money or spend it?

I’m definitely a saver by nature. There’s a certain peace of mind that comes with having a “rainy day fund.” While I do enjoy the occasional splurge on a nice outfit, I find much more satisfaction in seeing my savings account grow, knowing I have a safety net for the future.

Did your parents teach you how to manage money?

Yes, they were quite firm about it! My dad used to give me a small allowance when I was a kid, but once it was gone, it was gone. That really taught me to be responsible with money early on. The rule was basically: if I didn’t have enough in my piggy bank for that toy or game I wanted, I just had to wait and keep saving until I could go out and buy it. There were no ‘advances’ or loans in our house!

Do you think money is important for happiness?

I think it’s a double-edged sword. Money certainly provides security and comfort, which are foundations for a happy life; it’s hard to be happy if you’re constantly stressing about bills. However, I don’t think it’s the source of joy. Real happiness comes from relationships and experiences, though money definitely helps facilitate those experiences.

How do you usually pay for things: online or in shops?

It’s a bit of a mix, but I’m leaning more toward online shopping lately. The convenience of having everything delivered to my doorstep is hard to beat. That said, for things like clothes or groceries, I still prefer going into physical stores because I like to see the quality of what I’m buying firsthand.

Have your spending habits changed in recent years?

Definitely. A few years ago, I was much more of an impulse buyer. I’d see something cute and buy it instantly. Now that I’m working and understand how hard it is to earn that money, I’m much more intentional. I tend to invest in “investment pieces”—items that are higher quality and will last longer—rather than fast fashion.

Do you think young people are good at saving money?

It’s a mixed bag. On one hand, the “hustle culture” on social media has made many of us very financially literate and keen on investing. On the other hand, we live in a world designed to make us spend, with targeted ads and “buy now, pay later” schemes. I think many of my peers struggle because the cost of living has skyrocketed.

What do you think is the best way to save money?

In my opinion, the most effective strategy is “paying yourself first.” This means as soon as your salary hits your account, you automatically transfer a set amount into a savings or investment account before you even have a chance to spend it. If you wait until the end of the month to see what’s left, there’s usually nothing there!