Can you remember the first time you had your own money to spend?

B Natural answer

Yes. The first time I really had my own money was when I did a short summer job at sixteen. After a few weeks, I got paid and suddenly I could decide what to do with it. I remember feeling careful at first because I wanted to save some and still enjoy a bit. I bought a second-hand backpack, paid for lunch with friends, and kept the rest in a small envelope at home. That was the moment I learned how good it feels to have money to spend and also how fast it can disappear if you are not careful. It was a small thing, but it felt important.

Key phrases in this answer

• save some — keep part of the money instead of spending it“I wanted to save some for later.”
• kept the rest in a small envelope — stored the remaining money in an envelope to keep it safe“I kept the rest in a small envelope at home.”
• money to spend — money available for buying things“After I got paid, I finally had money to spend.”
• my own pocket money — money that belongs to me and I can spend myself“When I got my own pocket money, I felt very independent.”
• money in my pocket — cash I have with me“I felt safer when I had money in my pocket.”
• real spending power — the freedom to spend your own money as you choose“Getting paid gave me real spending power.”