1. inflation = the rise in the price of goods and services which result in a fall in the value of money:
People’s income has gone up, but inflation is high, so the cost of living has also risen.
2. can’t afford = not having enough money:
House prices are rising and many young people can’t afford to buy somewhere to live.
3. currency = the system of money that a country uses:
Our currency is unstable and exchange rates fluctuate a lot.
4. cost a fortune = be very expensive:
They’ve got a ten-bedroomed house. It must have cost a fortune.
5. spend money like water = in large quantities:
Jack’s broke again. I’m not surprised. He spends money like water.
6. it’s good value for money = its products or services are worth the price:
That restaurant has good food at a reasonable price. It’s good value for money.
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7. can’t make ends meet = can’t live on the money you have:
Their income doesn’t cover their basic expenses. They can’t make ends meet.
8. be in the red = have a negative bank balance:
I have an overdraft at the bank. I’m in the red.
9. tight-fisted = mean:
Do you think Mark will lend me the money? No way. He’s really tight-fisted.
10. have more money than sense = have a lot of money but not know how to spend it:
Dan has bought two sports cars. He’s got more money than sense.
11. living beyond their means = living a lifestyle which they can’t afford, i.e. spend more than you have:
They have a luxurious lifestyle which they can’t really afford. They are living beyond their means.
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