听力题 M: Uh, could I borrow a few dollars until payday? I need cash badly. W: Uh, yeah, I guess, but I''m short of pennies myself, and you still owe me $20 from last week. And mom and your friends said you borrowed money from them this past week. M: Oh, yeah. W: How are things going anyway? M: Well, not very well. To be honest, I''m really in the hole, and I can''t seem to make ends meet these days. W: What do you mean? I thought you landed a great job recently, so you must be loaded. M: Well, I do have a job, but I''ve used my credit cards to pay off a lot of things recently, but now, I can''t seem to pay the money off. W: Uh, do you have a budget? I mean, how do you keep track of your income and expenses? M: Well, when toy money runs out, I come to you, of course. W: Great! M: No, but I guess I should have some financial plan. W: Well, let me see if I can help you. How much money do you spend on your apartment? M: Uh, I pay $890 on rent for the studio apartment downtown not including utilities and cable TV. But the place has an awesome view of the city. W: Uh, $ 890! Why are you paying through the nose for such a small place when you could find a cheaper one somewhere outside of the downtown area? M: Yeah, I guess. W: Okay. How much money do you spend on food a month? M: Hmmm. I''m not really sure. I think I spend around $600. W: $600?! M: Well, I go out to eat at least four times a week, so those expenses add up. I just don''t enjoy eating alone, and I don''t have the ability for cooking like you do. W: Well, I can understand that, but perhaps you ought to buy some microwaveable meals you could prepare at home. M: Well, I guess I could. W: And entertainment? M: Well, I spend a few dollars here and there on basketball and movie tickets, a concert or two, and ballroom dance lessons. W: Uh, exactly hoe much do you spend on all of these? Just a "few" dollars? M: Well, oh about $400 or so. W: Or so? No wonder you''re having money problems. You can''t just blow your money on things like that! And what about transportation? M: Oh, I commute to work everyday in my new car, but I got a great deal, and my monthly payments are only $450 a month. Come outside and take a look. We can go for a spin! W: No, I''ve heard enough. You''ve got to control your spending, or you''ll end up broke. I suggest you get rid of your credit cards, cut back on your entertainment expenses, and sell your car. Take public transport from now on. M: Sell my car? I can''t date without a car. What am I going to say? "Uh, could you meet me downtown at the bus stop at 7:00?" Come on! W: And you nee to create a budget for yourself and stick to it, and start with paying off your bills, starting with me. You owe me $50 dollars. M: Fifty dollars! Wait, I only borrowed $20 from you last week. How did you come up with $50? W: Financial consulting fees. My advice is at least worth $30!