Tag: finance

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As we step into 2025, it’s time to reassess and strengthen your financial strategies. Here are six actionable tips to help you navigate 2025 with greater financial confidence and security.

Read the article to know more about the steps to help you achieve financial wellness this year.

https://www.morganstanley.com/articles/financial-planning-new-year-financial-resolutions

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “liquid account” mean? A general rule of thumb for an emergency fund is saving three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a safe, liquid account.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “asset consolidation” mean? “Think about revisiting your asset allocation, or how your investments are split within your portfolio amongst equities, fixed income and cash.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “market volatility” mean? “If recent market volatility has caused your portfolio investments to stray away from your target allocation, it may be time to rebalance.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some areas in your current budget where you feel you could cut back or reallocate funds to improve your financial health this year?
2. Do you already have an emergency fund in place, or is building one a priority for you in 2025? How do you plan to achieve this goal?
3. Have you revisited your investment portfolio recently? What factors do you consider when deciding how to diversify or adjust your investments?
4. What are your top financial goals for 2025, and how do you plan to stay motivated to achieve them?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

To tackle debt efficiently, two popular approaches are the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods. Ultimately, the choice depends on your financial goals and personality. If you’re motivated by quick successes, the snowball method could keep you on track. If minimizing interest and reducing total repayment time is your priority, the avalanche method may be a better fit.

Read the article to know more about the difference between these two methods.

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/avalanche-vs-snowball-which-repayment-strategy-is-best/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “variable interest rate” mean? “For example, if you used a cosigner for a student loan or have a loan with a variable interest rate that’s likely to rise, you may want to pay off that loan first regardless of the balance.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “debt consolidation loan” mean? “Debt consolidation loans also offer a fixed repayment term.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “minimum payment trap” mean? “A debt consolidation loan can help you avoid getting stuck in a minimum payment trap.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Explain the difference between debt snowball and debt avalanche method.
2. Give one advantage and disadvantage for both debt payoff methods.
3. Which between the two do you think is a better strategy in paying debts off and why?
4. Share your own approach/es in getting rid of debts.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In response to growing demand for sustainable energy sources, nuclear energy stocks have performed remarkably well, especially as major tech companies like Amazon and Google invest in nuclear power to meet data center energy needs.

Read the article to know how the Market Vectors Global Uranium and Nuclear Energy Index has surged, reflecting increased interest in this clean energy sector​.

https://www.ajg.com/us/news-and-insights/2024/oct/weekly-financial-markets-update-october-21-2024/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “front month contract” mean? “ The 2024 gold rally took another step higher last week, with the front-month futures contract for the metal hitting another all-time high and surpassing $2,700 an ounce for the first time.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “jolt” mean? “Nuclear energy stocks received a jolt last week after Amazon and Google each announced deals to secure power from nuclear facilities to meet soaring AI data center demands.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “scalability” mean? “The tech giants recently closed multiple investments and partnerships focused on small modular reactors (SMRs), an innovative nuclear technology offering enhanced scalability. ” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think nuclear energy is becoming more popular as an investment option right now?
2. How might companies like Amazon and Google using nuclear energy impact the clean energy sector overall?
3. What are some reasons investors are choosing nuclear energy over other renewable sources like solar or wind?
4. Do you think increased investment in nuclear energy stocks will lead to more sustainable practices, or could there be challenges?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In a surprising turn, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate by 0.5% in September, marking its first reduction since 2020. This shift is a response to approaching inflation targets and is anticipated to lower borrowing costs for consumers. Further rate cuts are expected, which may impact interest rates on credit cards, loans, and mortgages, though savings rates could decrease as well.

Read the article to know how this policy move signals the Fed’s confidence in economic stabilization while addressing inflation control.

https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/latest-personal-finance-news/

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “curtail” mean? “It’s also the first time since July 2023 the committee adjusted the rate, which reached its highest level in more than 20 years after a sharp series of hikes implemented in an effort to curtail inflation.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “pummel” mean? “Persistently high inflation rates have pummeled consumers’ wallets over the past few years.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “blip” mean? “While rates have largely trended downward in 2024, the latest blip adds more uncertainty to the timeline for housing costs to become more affordable again.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think are some of the reasons behind the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates?
2. How might lower interest rates affect people with mortgages or credit card debt?
3. Do you think cutting rates will have a big impact on inflation, or will it take time to see the effects?
4. In what ways might these rate cuts influence the economy over the next few years?

B2 – Upper  Intermediate 

Amidst the low confidence in what the future holds for the economy, Chinese women are seeking for partners or “da zi” they can join forces with in order to save money.

Saving money has never been harder. Many women are concerned so they must find ways on how to cut down on their expenses wherever they can or finding something to do to earn extra bucks, thereby, increasing their savings.

Read the article about how Chinese women are teaming up with saving partners in order to be able to put some money aside.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-68692375

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “impulse purchase” mean? “They also help to stop each other from making impulse purchases.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
2. What does “blunt” mean in this context, “However, if people continue to avoid spending and save their money instead it could blunt the bank’s ability to influence the economy.”? Use this word in a sentence.
3. What does “banknote” mean? ”I feel safe and satisfied seeing stacks of banknotes getting thicker and thicker.” Use this word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion on having saving partners?
2. What might be the pros and cons of having “da zis”?
3. How has having saving partners help Chinese women save money?
4. What are your thoughts on more traditional saving methods such as keeping cash at home?
5. Are people in your country saving more or less in the recent years? Why do you think this is the trend?
6. What are some things you have done in order to save money? How about to make extra cash?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the digital age, millennials might be in need of specific budgeting strategies tailor-fitted to their financial needs and challenges, handling student loan debt, managing irregular income streams, balancing discretionary spending with saving for long-term goals like homeownership or retirement, and utilizing technology for budgeting purposes, to name a few.

Read this article about the financial challenges and how to they can be effectively managed in the digital era.

https://moneycoach.ai/blog/money-management-for-millennials-navigating-financial-challenges-in-the-digital-age

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “at one’s disposal” mean? “From digital payment platforms to investment apps, millennials have a wide range of tools at their disposal.“ Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘at one’s disposal’ in your own sentence.
2. What does “round-up savings” mean? “Additionally, explore investment platforms that offer features like round-up savings or recurring investments.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “to diversify one’s portfolio” mean? “Understand the risks involved and diversify your portfolio to minimize potential losses.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the article address the unique financial challenges that millennials face, and what are some specific strategies recommended for overcoming these challenges through budgeting?
2. Are there any insights provided in the article regarding how millennials can navigate irregular income streams or variable expenses while maintaining a budget, and what practical steps are recommended to address these issues?
3. Does the article discuss the balance between short-term discretionary spending and long-term financial goals for millennials, and if so, what advice does it offer for prioritizing and achieving these goals through budgeting?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Budgeting is the key to achieving financial stability.

The article below provides insights into how budgeting can help individuals manage their expenses, save money, and plan for future financial goals.

Read this article to know about some tips on creating and sticking to a budget, managing debt, and maximizing savings.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to provide a clear picture of something” mean? “It provides a clear picture of where your money comes from, where it goes, and how you can optimize its use.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “to live within one’s means” mean? “By setting spending limits within your budget, you ensure that you live within your means.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “cushion” mean in this context? “By allocating a portion of your income to an emergency fund within your budget, you create a financial cushion to cover unforeseen costs without resorting to borrowing or depleting your savings.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘cushion’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some key benefits of practicing budgeting for individuals seeking financial stability?
2. What roles does budgeting have in managing debts?
3. Discuss any potential challenges or obstacles that individuals might encounter when trying to adhere to a budget.
4. What advice can be given to individuals struggling with debts?
5. Cite some practical tips or strategies for creating and maintaining an effective budget.