Most likely, you aren’t the family breadwinner. But doing a small job or getting a weekly allowance (零花钱) would put some money in your pocket. For kids and grown-ups alike, money is easy to spend. If you aren’t careful, it can be going in no time.
Being responsible with your money is an important skill to learn — and the sooner you start the better. Whether you are tracking your spending or saving for something special, creating a budget can help you deal with your expenses and plan for the future. All you need are paper and a pencil — and some self-control.
First, take a look at our sample monthly budget. Then, use a separate sheet of paper to plan your own. In the first two columns (栏), list your sources (来源) of income and how much you expect to earn from them. In the third and fourth columns, list what you expect to spend your money on and the amount.
The left-hand total should be more than or equal to the right-hand total. If it is, you have an effective budget. Budgets are not complex, but sticking to them can be tough. When planning your budget, be realistic about your expenses. If you know that you drop $18 at a movie, don’t write $12 in that space simply because you wish you were spending less.
If you are eyeing a big purchase, such as a $150 skateboard, spend less and save more until you have the total amount. No matter how attractive it may be, avoid spending your savings. One day, you will thank yourself!
| Monthly Income | Amount | Monthly Expense | Amount |
| Allowance | $20.00 | Snacks | $20.00 |
| Money earned selling drinks | $25.00 | Music downloads | $12.00 |
| Money earned babysitting | $12.50 | Movies | $18.00 |
| Money earned delivering newspapers | $30.00 | Video rental | $10.00 |
| Total | $87.50 | Total | $66.00 |
56. Who is the passage written for?
A. Children. B. Parents. C. Breadwinners. D. Bank managers.
57. The purpose of making a budget is to help people _________.
A. learn to be realistic B. increase their saving
C. manage their money well D. test their power-control
58. What should people do when planning a budget?
A. Fill in the expenses as they really are. B. Avoid spending money on expensive things.
C. Set aside a fixed amount of money as savings.
D. List income and expenses on two pieces of paper.
59. Which of the following budgets is effective?
A.
| Monthly Income | Amount | Monthly Expense | Amount |
| Allowance | $20.00 | Money earned walking dogs | $20.00 |
| Bus fares | $40.00 | Movies | $28.00 |
| Total | $60.00 | Total | $48.00 |
B.
| Monthly Income | Amount | Monthly Expense | Amount |
| Allowance | $20.00 | Movies | $30.00 |
| Money earned washing cars | $10.00 | Bus fares | $10.00 |
| Total | $30.00 | Total | $40.00 |
C.
| Monthly Income | Amount | Monthly Expense | Amount |
| Allowance | $27.50 | Money earned brushing shoes | $22.00 |
| Money earned washing dishes | $22.50 | Birthday gifts | $28.00 |
| Total | $50.00 | Total | $50.00 |
D.
| Monthly Income | Amount | Monthly Expense | Amount |
| Allowance | $26.00 | Video rental | $22.00 |
| Money earned doing yard work | $24.00 | Birthday gifts | $28.00 |
| Total | $50.00 | Total | $50.00 |
60. The passage mainly tells us ________.
A. the importance of making a budget B. how to make a budget
C. how to form good habits D. how to spend money