The Mystery of the Disappearing Savings

In this lesson, learners will practice a fun and lighthearted conversation about money management between a husband and wife. The conversation includes teasing, humor, and practical finance-related vocabulary. It also introduces expressions related to saving money and spending habits.

(Mom shakes the small money-saving box and looks inside, confused.)

Mom: Huh? Why is there so little money in here? I thought I was saving!

Dad (relaxing on the couch, smiling): Well… you did put some money in. But you also took it out a few times.

Mom: No way! I don’t take that much!

Dad: Really? Last week, I saw you put in money once. Then, later, you used the key—one time… then again… and oh, a third time!

Mom: That’s not true! …Wait, maybe just a little. But I needed it!

Dad: Uh-huh. And what was it for?

Mom: (mumbling) A coffee… a cute notebook… and maybe a little sale at the store.

Dad: (laughing) So you’re saving… but also un-saving at the same time? That’s not how it works!

Mom: (pouting) Well, sometimes I need extra money for small things.

Dad: Maybe you should get a real savings box. One without a key. No little door to open. No backup plan!

Mom: No key? What if I really need the money?

Dad: Then you’ll think twice before spending it!

Mom: Hmm… I’ll consider it. But for now… (smiling) can I borrow a little extra from your wallet?

Dad: Oh no, no, no. My wallet is a real savings box—with no key!

(Both laugh.)

Vocabulary List

  • Savings box – a small box where people store saved money
  • Key – a tool used to open something locked
  • Backup plan – an extra plan in case the first one doesn’t work
  • Pouting – making a sad face to show disappointment
  • Consider – to think about something before deciding

Grammar Tips:

  1. Past tense verbs in storytelling
    • “Last week, I saw you put in money once.” (saw is the past of see)
    • “Then, later, you used the key.” (used is the past of use)
  1. Expressing humor with exaggeration
    • “So you’re saving… but also un-saving at the same time?” (Playful use of language for humor)
  1. Conditional sentences for advice
    • “Maybe you should get a real savings box.” (should is used to suggest something.)
    • “What if I really need the money?” (What if expresses concern about a possible situation.)

FILL IN THE BLANK

Story with Missing Words

Mom: Huh? Why is there so little money in here? I thought I was !
Dad: Well… you did put some money in. But you also took it out a few .
Mom: No way! I don’t take that !
Dad: Really? Last week, I saw you put in money once. Then, later, you used the —one time… then again… and oh, a third time!
Mom: That’s not true! …Wait, maybe just a . But I needed it!
Dad: Uh-huh. And what was it for?
Mom: (mumbling) A … a cute notebook… and maybe a little sale at the .
Dad: (laughing) So you’re saving… but also un-saving at the same time? That’s not how it !
Mom: (pouting) Well, sometimes I need extra money for small .
Dad: Maybe you should get a real savings box. One without a . No little door to open. No backup plan!
Mom: No key? What if I really need the ?
Dad: Then you’ll think twice before it!
Mom: Hmm… I’ll consider it. But for now… (smiling) can I borrow a little extra from your ?
Dad: Oh no, no, no. My wallet is a real savings box—with no !
(Both laugh.)

Heart Divider
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