Photo by © AP Photo/Seth Wenig via
The Mainichi
Pre-Reading Questions:
- Where do you usually spend your money? Why?
- Do you keep track of your expenses? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
- system /SIS-tuhm/
[noun] a way of doing things; a method
Romaji is a Japanese writing system using the Latin alphabet.
- visualize /VIZH-oo-uh-lahyz/
[verb] to imagine something by forming a picture in your mind
It’s hard to visualize how this carpet would look in our living room.
- expense /ik-SPENS/
[noun] something that makes you spend money
According to our records, our largest expense this year was our Christmas party celebration.
- automatically /aw-tuh-MAT-ik-lee/
[adverb] if a machine or device does something automatically, it does it independently, without human control
The employees’ laptops updated automatically.
- in the long run /in the LAWNG ruhn/
[idiom] at some time in the future
We need to do a lot of things now but everything will be worth it in the long run.
Marie Kondo’s system of organizing influenced a lot of people to get rid of the mess. But did you know that you can also apply the same approach to money? Follow these steps on how to use the KonMari method on your budget:
Set your goals
Start listing your goals. Begin by visualizing what you’ll achieve once you lessen your costs. Doing this will make it easier for you to do the rest of the steps that follow.
Divide your expenses
The KonMari method focuses on cleaning up by categories such as clothing and books. You can also do the same in budgeting. It is recommended to separate your money into three categories: wants, needs, and savings.
Manage payments
Manage your payments by automatically deducting them from your account. This is a good way to avoid missing a payment accidentally. This also means you can throw away old financial statements once you automate your payments.
Focusing on your goals while following these steps will surely benefit you in the long run. “Spark joy” by organizing your finances, Marie Kondo style!
Comprehension Questions:
- Based on the article, what should you do first when using the KonMari method on your money?
- What inspired people to tidy up their mess?
- What does the KonMari method focus on based on the article?
- According to the article, what is a good way to prevent missing a payment by mistake?
- In the article, what are the three categories on how to spend your money?
Discussion Questions:
- Have you heard of the KonMari method? What can you say about it?
- Do you think automating payments is effective? Why or why not?
- How do you organize your expenses? Please tell me more.
- What are your “needs” and “wants” when it comes to spending money? Kindly elaborate.
- In your own opinion, at what age should people start saving money?
※レッスン教材に関するアンケートのお願い
[noun] a way of doing things; a method
Romaji is a Japanese writing system using the Latin alphabet.
[verb] to imagine something by forming a picture in your mind
It’s hard to visualize how this carpet would look in our living room.
[noun] something that makes you spend money
According to our records, our largest expense this year was our Christmas party celebration.
[adverb] if a machine or device does something automatically, it does it independently, without human control
The employees’ laptops updated automatically.
[idiom] at some time in the future
We need to do a lot of things now but everything will be worth it in the long run.
Set your goals
Start listing your goals. Begin by visualizing what you’ll achieve once you lessen your costs. Doing this will make it easier for you to do the rest of the steps that follow.
Divide your expenses
The KonMari method focuses on cleaning up by categories such as clothing and books. You can also do the same in budgeting. It is recommended to separate your money into three categories: wants, needs, and savings.
Manage payments
Manage your payments by automatically deducting them from your account. This is a good way to avoid missing a payment accidentally. This also means you can throw away old financial statements once you automate your payments.
Focusing on your goals while following these steps will surely benefit you in the long run. “Spark joy” by organizing your finances, Marie Kondo style!