Dealing with the bank B1
Sorting out money owed, bills, and getting by month to month.
Paying money back
pay back — return moneyA: Can you lend me $20 until Friday?
B: Sure, just pay me back when you can.
in the long run — over time; after a long periodA: Do you really think it's worth saving a little money every month?
B: Absolutely. It might not seem like much now, but in the long run, it really adds up.
Managing month to month
get by — manage with difficultyA: How's life in the city? Is it expensive?
B: It's not easy, but I get by.
set aside — save for a particular purposeA: Are you coming to the party on Friday?
B: I can't, I’ve set aside that evening to study for my exam.
fall back on — rely on as a backupA: What will you do if your business doesn’t work out?
B: Well, I still have my savings to fall back on, so I’m not too worried.
make ends meet — have just enough moneyIt's a struggle to make ends meet at the moment. (neutral)
We're just scraping by, honestly. (casual)
Paying back a loan
Adviser: So you'd like to clear the rest of the loan early?
You: Yes, I want to pay back what's left before the interest builds up.
Adviser: Sensible. That'll save you a fair bit in the long run.
You: That's what I was hoping — thanks for sorting it.
A tight month
You: Things are a bit tight at the moment — I'm only just managing to get by.
Adviser: I understand. A lot of people are in the same boat right now.
You: If it gets worse I've got a little set aside I can fall back on.
Adviser: That's good to hear. Do come in if you'd like to talk through your options.
Rent going up
You: The rent's going up again next month, so things are going to be tight.
Adviser: I'm sorry to hear that. Are you finding it hard to make ends meet at the moment?
You: Just about managing, but there's nothing spare once the bills are paid.
Adviser: Let's look at your outgoings together — there may be a few things we can ease.