Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- daunting /DAAN-tuhng/
- burgeoning /BUR-juh-ning/
- phobia /FOH-bee-uh/
- counseling /KOUN-suh-ling/
- underlying /UHN-der-lahy-ing/
[adjective] – making you feel slightly frightened or worried about your ability to achieve something
Traveling abroad alone is a daunting thought.
[adjective] – growing or developing quickly
The burgeoning transport system is proof of the town’s development.
[noun] – an extreme fear of a particular thing or situation, especially one that does not have a reasonable explanation
Shane has never been on a plane before. She has a phobia of flying.
[noun] – the job or process of listening to someone and giving that person advice about his or her problems
All students have access to academic and personal counseling.
[adjective] – real but not immediately obvious
The movie’s underlying message is all about love.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
“In my twenties, I was able to pay for everything with my pay checks. Once I had a child, I needed to factor in childcare [and] saving for the future.” Freelance personal finance writer Anna Davies understands the financial strains that come with being a single parent. It’s daunting, and she’s ashamed by how far she’s fallen behind on her savings goals. However, she later discovers the burgeoning field of financial therapy, which combines personal finance and mental wellness.
Instead of treating the behavior itself, financial therapists use their psychology background to treat the root of money stress. Israeli psychologist Daniel Kahneman’s research confirmed that money decisions are truly emotional. According to a 2019 survey by employee experience platform Perk-Box, money is the leading source of stress in the UK. Money, according to 61% of 1,139 respondents, causes them more stress than work or family. Professor Brendan Burchell at the University of Cambridge claims that money phobia exists. He explains that we have a strong emotional reaction to money, and that checking bank statements is comparable to having a severe phobia of spiders and clowns. Burchell goes on to say that counseling is ineffective and that seeking out doctors who specialize in treating phobias is the best option. Burchell’s claim is supported by several financial therapists. Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a registered financial therapist in Michigan, USA, encourages her clients to match their spending patterns with their values by spending more on what they value most and saving less on what they value least.
Financial therapy is a new field, but many specialists, including Burchell, believe that stress or phobia isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem; there could be other underlying psychological issues at play. It’s an intriguing concept, but some people may find it difficult to embrace. At least, not right now.
Instead of treating the behavior itself, financial therapists use their psychology background to treat the root of money stress. Israeli psychologist Daniel Kahneman’s research confirmed that money decisions are truly emotional. According to a 2019 survey by employee experience platform Perk-Box, money is the leading source of stress in the UK. Money, according to 61% of 1,139 respondents, causes them more stress than work or family. Professor Brendan Burchell at the University of Cambridge claims that money phobia exists. He explains that we have a strong emotional reaction to money, and that checking bank statements is comparable to having a severe phobia of spiders and clowns. Burchell goes on to say that counseling is ineffective and that seeking out doctors who specialize in treating phobias is the best option. Burchell’s claim is supported by several financial therapists. Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a registered financial therapist in Michigan, USA, encourages her clients to match their spending patterns with their values by spending more on what they value most and saving less on what they value least.
Financial therapy is a new field, but many specialists, including Burchell, believe that stress or phobia isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem; there could be other underlying psychological issues at play. It’s an intriguing concept, but some people may find it difficult to embrace. At least, not right now.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you experienced “money stress”?
- Was there an incident when you feel “afraid” of finances?
- If you were Anna Davies, would you seek a counselor or a doctor specializing in phobias? Why?
- Do you believe that we should save money on things we do not value as much?
- In your opinion, what are the underlying issues of money stress?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- fall behind
- root
- comparable
- seek out
- intriguing