B1/B2 Learn English Through Story Control Your Expenses

Part 2 Control your expenses

The aroma of sizzling bacon and pancakes hung heavy in the air as Elias shuffled into the diner, his stomach growling in anticipation. He’d been up since dawn, working on a particularly stubborn engine at the garage. He was tired, hungry, and frankly, ready to indulge in a hearty breakfast.

He slid into a booth, the worn vinyl cool against his back. As he scanned the menu, his eyes landed on the “Special of the Day” – a towering plate of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns. His mouth watered. He could practically taste the sweet syrup drizzling over the fluffy pancakes.

Suddenly, a voice startled him. “Mind if I join you?”

Elias looked up to see Mr. Henderson, a twinkle in his eye as always.

“Not at all, Mr. Henderson,” Elias replied, sliding over to make room. “Care to join me for breakfast?”

Mr. Henderson settled into the booth, his gaze sweeping over the menu. “Tempting,” he chuckled, “but I’m more of a coffee and toast man these days. Keeps me from indulging too much.”

Elias raised an eyebrow. “Indulging? But isn’t that the point of a good breakfast?”

Mr. Henderson chuckled. “Indulgence has its place, of course. But true enjoyment comes from balance. You see, Elias, many people focus solely on earning, believing that more money will solve all their problems. But true wealth isn’t just about how much you earn, it’s about how wisely you spend.”

Elias, intrigued, leaned forward. “What do you mean, Mr. Henderson?”

Mr. Henderson leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "Think about it. You work hard, you earn your money, and then what? You spend it. On things you want, on things you think you need. But often, those wants and needs are fleeting. A new video game, a fancy meal out – they bring temporary pleasure, but they don't build lasting value."

Elias nodded slowly, pondering Mr. Henderson's words.

"The key," Mr. Henderson continued, "is to 'Control thy expenditures.' To understand the difference between needs and wants. Food, shelter, clothing – those are needs. A new truck, a fancy vacation – those are often wants. Not that wants are bad, but they shouldn't come before your needs, before your long-term goals."

Elias began to see his point. 'So, I should focus on spending my money wisely, on things that truly matter?'"

"Exactly," Mr. Henderson affirmed. "It's about making conscious choices. Do you really need to stop by the diner here every morning for coffee? A cup of coffee every day adds up quickly."

Elias thought about it. He usually did stop by the diner for a coffee on his way to work.

"A cup of coffee at the diner is $1.50," Mr. Henderson continued. "If you bought a thermos for, let's say, $40, and a month's supply of good coffee for around $20, you could brew your own coffee at home. You'd save $45 a month, that's $540 a year!"

Elias was surprised. He hadn't thought about it that way.

"And what about lunch?" Mr. Henderson asked. "Do you eat out every day?"

Elias nodded. "Usually, yeah. It's easier than packing something."

"But how much does that cost you each day?" Mr. Henderson inquired.

Elias thought for a moment. "Probably around $10 a day, maybe more."

"That's $200 a month," Mr. Henderson calculated. "If you packed your lunch even three times a week, you could easily save $60 a month. That's $720 a year!"

Elias was starting to see the bigger picture. "Wow, I didn't realize it added up so quickly."

"It's about making small changes," Mr. Henderson explained. "Small changes that can have a big impact over time. It's about finding joy in the simple things, in experiences, in building a life you truly value. You don't need to sacrifice happiness to save money. You just need to make conscious choices."

He leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know, Elias," he continued, "there's really no difference between earning an extra hundred dollars and saving a hundred dollars. They both mean you have a hundred dollars more in your pocket at the end of the month. But saving is often easier than you think. It's about changing your mindset, about viewing your expenses as investments in your future."

He paused, taking a sip of his coffee. "Think of it this way. Every dollar you don't spend is a dollar you're investing in your future. That hundred dollars you save could go towards a down payment on a house, towards your children's education, towards a comfortable retirement. It's about building a solid foundation for the future, a foundation that will provide you with security and peace of mind."

Elias pondered Mr. Henderson's words. He realized that the old man was right. Saving wasn't about deprivation; it was about making conscious choices that aligned with his long-term goals. It was another way of investing in his future self, about creating a life that was truly fulfilling and meaningful.

Elias, intrigued by the old man's wisdom, decided to take heed. He started tracking his expenses, a small notebook becoming his constant companion. He was surprised by how much he was spending on seemingly insignificant things – daily coffees, impulse buys at the convenience store, and frequent trips to the movie theater.

He began to make conscious choices. He packed his lunch, brewed his own coffee at home, and limited his entertainment spending. It wasn't easy. The urge to indulge was always present, but he reminded himself of Mr. Henderson's words: "Control thy expenditures." He was learning to find satisfaction in simpler pleasures, in the joy of a home-cooked meal, in the company of friends, in the quiet satisfaction of knowing he was building a stronger financial foundation for his future.