Interviews

Intermediate

If you had a million dollars, how would you use this money for your personal use and/or for the benefit of others?

Here are some words and expressions that appear in the video:

• (be) a big deal (idiom): be very important or significant
  – I don’t have a lot of money to buy a lot of nice things, but that isn’t a big deal to me as long as I have what I need.
• pay off something (phrasal verb): pay a debt in full
  – I want to pay off my student loans as soon as possible.
• blow money on something (phrasal verb): waste money on something
  – Don’t blow all of your money on video games, fancy clothes, and lavish lifestyle. Save some of your money.

Now, watch the interview and answer the comprehension questions. You can also turn on the automatically-generated captions for the video once you start it.

Randall: In this video, Emily and I are going to talk about money. And here is the question, Emily. If you want $1 million, and this is after taxes, how would your life change or not change?

Emily: Well, the after-taxes part is a really big deal because taxes take a lot. Um, first off, I would pay off all of my debt. I have a home loan, and I have some student debt. I would pay all of that off, and I would help out some friends and family, and I would possibly invest in real estate. I think that’s what I would do with it.

Randall: Okay. And is there anything I wouldn’t do with it?

Emily: Well, I certainly wouldn’t blow it on a lot of useless things like buying a whole bunch of fancy cars or yacht or anything like that. I would want to make sure that that money lasts as long as possible.

Randall: All right. Well, thank you for sharing those thoughts today.

Emily: You’re welcome.

Intermediate:

1. If you won $1 million after taxes, what are some responsible things you would do with the money?
2. Would winning $1 million after taxes change your life in any significant way? Why or why not?
3. According to Emily, what are some practical steps she would take if she won $1 million after taxes?
4. Why does Emily emphasize the importance of paying off debt and helping friends and family with the money?
5. How does Emily’s perspective on handling a large sum of money differ from someone who might spend it extravagantly?

Advanced Level:

1. In what ways does Emily’s approach to handling a financial windfall demonstrate financial responsibility and long-term planning?
2. How might Emily’s decision to invest in real estate after winning $1 million after taxes contribute to her financial security and future wealth?
3. What does Emily’s attitude towards money reveal about her values and priorities in life?