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Topic 12 of 60

Discussion picture Discussion questions Key words

Picture warm-up

1. What do you see in this picture?
2. Who are these people, and what are they doing?
3. Does this look like your life here, or in your home country? How is it the same or different?

Discussion questions

1. Do you think it is easy or hard to save money in the U.S.? Why?
2. How do you keep track of your spending?
3. Did you open a bank account when you arrived? Was it difficult?
4. Do you prefer paying with cash, a debit card, or a credit card?
5. What do you know about credit scores? Why are they important here?
6. How did your parents teach you about money?
7. Is it OK to lend money to friends or family?
8. What is the biggest expense in your life right now?
9. How do people send money to family in other countries?
10. Do you use apps like Zelle or Venmo? Do you feel they are safe?
11. What would you do if you won $10,000?
12. Do you think money can buy happiness?
13. What is a smart way to avoid debt?
14. How have prices changed since you came to the U.S.?
15. What financial advice would you give a newcomer?

Key words

Say the word, then read the example sentence out loud.

• budget
  We made a budget so we can save for a car.
• save
  I save $100 every month.
• debt
  They are trying to pay off their credit card debt.
• credit score
  A good credit score helps you rent an apartment.
• checking account
  My paycheck goes into my checking account.
• savings account
  Put your emergency money in a savings account.
• deposit
  I need to deposit this check at the bank.
• withdraw
  I withdrew $40 from the ATM.
• interest
  This savings account pays 4 percent interest.
• loan
  They got a loan to buy a house.
• bill
  The electric bill is due on Friday.
• expense
  Rent is my biggest expense.
• overdraft
  I paid an overdraft fee because my balance was too low.
• transfer
  I transfer money to my family every month.
• income
  Our household income increased this year.

Next topic: 13. Work & Jobs

Topic chosen by comparing popular ESL conversation resources (see How these topics were chosen). Questions and example sentences are original to this collection. Translations are a guide and should be reviewed by a fluent speaker.