Money, the bank and saving: English Listening Practice

Intermediate · B1–B2 Episode 17 · about 2 minutes · Hosts: Mel and Josh

1. Before you listen: key words

Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.

fortnightly every two weeks
bills money you owe for services like electricity
direct debit automatic payments from your account
budget a plan for spending money
put money aside save money
scam a trick to steal money or information
cashback taking cash out when paying by card

2. Listen to the episode

Press Play. The line being spoken lights up so you can read along. Start with Slow if you're a beginner, then try Normal. For a challenge, hide the transcript the first time you listen.

3. Check your understanding

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4. Shadow the hosts

Shadowing means repeating a line straight after you hear it, copying the speed, stress and rhythm. Press 🔁 next to any line in the transcript, then press 🎤 and say it. Your browser shows what it heard. Try 3 to 5 lines a day.

5. Talk about it

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Listening Room, episode 17: Money, the bank and saving

Intermediate (B1–B2) · englishcoaching.co

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

fortnightly: ________________________
bills: ________________________
direct debit: ________________________
budget: ________________________
put money aside: ________________________
scam: ________________________
cashback: ________________________

2. Questions

What does 'fortnightly' mean?
☐ Every week ☐ Every two weeks ☐ Every month
What is a direct debit?
☐ An automatic payment ☐ A loan ☐ A cash payment
A text says your bank account is locked and asks you to click a link. What should you do?
☐ Click it ☐ Don't click; call the number on your card ☐ Reply with your PIN
What does 'put money aside' mean?
☐ Save money ☐ Spend money ☐ Lose money
What is 'tap and go'?
☐ Paying by tapping your card ☐ A dance ☐ A bus service

3. Talk or write about it

Give a friend three tips for managing money when they first arrive in Australia.

Transcript

Mel: Welcome to the Listening Room. I'm Mel.

Josh: I'm Josh. Today we're talking about money. Not the most exciting topic, but a very useful one!

Mel: Let's start with pay. Many Australians get paid fortnightly, so every two weeks.

Josh: And you'll hear 'pay day', which is the best day of the fortnight!

Mel: Then come the bills: rent, electricity, phone, internet.

Josh: A lot of people set up direct debits, so bills are paid automatically.

Mel: Some people make a budget. That's a plan for how you spend your money.

Josh: And many people try to put a bit aside each pay. 'Put money aside' means save it.

Mel: What about the bank? Josh, what might you say?

Josh: 'Hi, I'd like to set up a savings account' or 'Can you explain the fees on this account?'

Mel: Good. And now something serious: scams.

Josh: Yes. You might get a text that looks like it's from your bank, saying 'Your account is locked. Click here.'

Mel: Don't click it! Banks don't ask for your password or PIN by text, email or phone.

Josh: If you're worried, hang up and call the number on the back of your card.

Mel: Another phrase you'll hear: 'tap and go'. That's paying by tapping your card.

Josh: And 'cashback'? At some shops, you can take out cash when you pay by card.

Mel: So: fortnightly pay, bills, budget, put money aside, and watch out for scams.

Josh: Thanks for listening, and look after your money!

Mel: See you next time!

Answers: 1. Every two weeks · 2. An automatic payment · 3. Don't click; call the number on your card · 4. Save money · 5. Paying by tapping your card

Frequently asked questions

Is there a transcript for this English listening practice?

Yes. The full transcript is on this page and each line lights up as it's read. You can also print a worksheet with the transcript, questions and answers.

What English level is this episode?

Intermediate (about B1–B2). Beginners can use the Slow speed and read along.

Which words will I learn in this episode?

fortnightly, bills, direct debit, budget, put money aside, scam, cashback. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.