A

Tell us about someone who made a fortune by investing at the right time.

John D. Rockefeller is a famous example of someone who made a fortune by investing at the right time. He was an American industrialist and philanthropist who became one of the wealthiest people in modern history through his investments in oil and other industries.

Which modes of transport are quite economical compared to others?

Public transport such as buses, trains, and trams are usually quite economical compared to other modes of transport such as cars or taxis.

How difficult is it to get shops to accept the return of an item you had bought if you don´t have the receipt?

It can be quite difficult to get shops to accept the return of an item you had bought if you don´t have the receipt, as most stores require proof of purchase before they will accept a return or exchange.

Have you ever shown a coupon at the checkout of a store and received a free gift?

Yes, I have shown a coupon at the checkout of a store and received a free gift before. It was a great feeling!

If you received a CD by a singer you were not keen on as a gift, which group/singer would you exchange it for?

If I received a CD by a singer I was not keen on as a gift, I would exchange it for something by my favourite artist or group, which is currently Taylor Swift!

Have you ever had an incident with fake notes?

No, I have never had an incident with fake notes before.

What do you think when you hear most shops saying they have unbeatable offers which are only available until the end of a period?

When I hear most shops saying they have unbeatable offers which are only available until the end of a period, I think that it is likely just marketing hype and that there may be better deals available elsewhere if you look around for them.

How much change do you have on you right now?

Right now, I have about $10 in change on me – mostly coins!

How would you feel if you saw something you fancied in a shop window, and when you went to the shop a few days later, the price had gone up?

If I saw something I fancied in a shop window and when I went to the shop a few days later, the price had gone up, then I would feel disappointed that I had missed out on getting it at the lower price!

B

What do you think of buying house-brand washing powder compared to the leading brands?

Buying house-brand washing powder can be a great way to save money compared to the leading brands. Generally, house brands are cheaper and offer a similar quality, so it can be a good option for those on a budget.

What are the most common steps governments take if the economic situation worsens and continues to do so?

Governments typically take a number of steps if the economic situation worsens and continues to do so. These steps may include cutting public spending, raising taxes, increasing interest rates, and introducing austerity measures.

Tell us about a real bargain you found whilst/while shopping.

Recently I was shopping for some new clothes and found an amazing bargain. I found a pair of jeans that were originally priced at $50 but were on sale for only $15! It was an incredible deal that I couldn’t pass up.

Are local businesses complaining that the cost of labour is rising? Why/Why not?

Local businesses may be complaining that the cost of labour is rising due to increased minimum wages or other regulations that require employers to pay their employees more. This can put pressure on businesses as they have to pay more for their labour costs while still trying to remain competitive in the market.

What would you do if you saw a robbery where the robbers told the cashier to put all the money from the till in a sack?

If I saw a robbery where the robbers told the cashier to put all the money from the till in a sack, I would call 911 immediately and try to provide as much information as possible about what was happening without putting myself in danger.

Do you take enough cash out with you or find the nearest bank when you need it?

Generally, I take enough cash out with me when I need it so that I don’t have to find the nearest bank or ATM machine. This helps me save time and avoid any potential fees associated with using an ATM machine from another bank.

Which store has the best summer sale?

It really depends on what type of items you are looking for, but many stores have great summer sales with discounts on clothing, electronics, furniture, and more. Some stores even offer additional discounts if you buy multiple items at once!

Have you ever been offered a discount if you bought an extra of an item at the same time?

Yes, I have been offered discounts when buying multiple items at once before. For example, when buying groceries at my local supermarket they often offer discounts if you buy two or more of certain items such as canned goods or cleaning products.

Which supermarket stocks the most/best household products at low prices?

Many supermarkets stock household products at low prices but some may be better than others depending on what you are looking for. For example, some supermarkets may specialize in organic products while others may focus more on budget-friendly options. It’s best to compare prices between different stores before making your purchase decision.

Have you ever checked the receipt on your way out of a shop and noticed that you had paid twice for an item?

Yes, this has happened to me before where I paid twice for an item without realizing it until after leaving the store. Fortunately, most stores will refund you if you bring back your receipt and explain what happened so it’s important to always check your receipt before leaving any store just in case something like this happens!

How easy/hard is it to take something back to a shop and try to get a refund or be offered another item instead?

Taking something back to a shop and trying to get a refund or exchange can vary depending on the store’s policy but generally, it is not too difficult if you have proof of purchase such as a receipt or credit card statement showing that you bought the item from them recently. Most stores will also allow exchanges if they still have stock available of what you are looking for instead of a refund.

Have you ever had any problems at a restaurant with the waiter bringing you the bill?

No, thankfully I haven’t had any problems with waiters bringing me my bill at restaurants yet! Usually, they come by after we finish our meal and ask us if we would like our bill which is very convenient since we don’t have to wait around too long after eating our meal before paying up!

How is the heavy industry in your country? Do you import a lot of goods from abroad?

The heavy industry in my country is doing quite well overall although there are some areas where imports from abroad are necessary due to a lack of resources or technology available locally which helps keep costs down while still providing quality goods and services for consumers

C

Can you always bank on being paid back when you lend your friends/family money?

No, you cannot always bank on being paid back when you lend your friends/family money. It is important to be aware of the risks involved in lending money to people close to you.

When was the last time you made out a cheque to someone? Is it still common to make out cheques to people?

The last time I made out a cheque to someone was about two years ago. It is not as common as it used to be, but it is still possible to make out cheques to people if they prefer that method of payment.

Why should you try to put by/away a little money every week?

You should try to put by/away a little money every week in order to build up savings for unexpected expenses or for future goals such as retirement or a vacation. Having some savings can also provide peace of mind and financial security in case of an emergency.

What do you get through the most in your family every week?

In my family, we get through the most food and household items every week. We also spend quite a bit on entertainment and leisure activities such as going out for dinner or seeing movies.

How often do you go into town to look around the shops?

I usually go into town once or twice a month to look around the shops and see what new items are available.

Do you know anyone who won´t be able to explain how they have come by such a large amount of money if the police asked them?

Yes, I know someone who won´t be able to explain how they have come by such a large amount of money if the police asked them because they obtained it through illegal means such as fraud or theft.

Why do some millionaires give away their entire fortunes to charity?

Some millionaires give away their entire fortunes to charity because they believe in giving back and helping those less fortunate than themselves, or because they want their legacy to live on after they are gone by supporting causes that are important to them.

D

What kinds of things did you have to do without as a kid that other kids had?

As a kid, I had to do without some of the latest technology and gadgets that other kids had. I also didn’t have access to the same kind of activities or experiences that other kids did.

Did you only live on your dad´s wage or your mum worked too?

My family only lived on my dad’s wage when I was growing up. My mum stayed at home to look after me and my siblings.

How much does a family with two kids need to get by nowadays?

A family with two kids needs a minimum of around 50,000 Euros per year to get by nowadays, depending on where they live and their lifestyle choices.

Talk about the last thing you saved up for?

The last thing I saved up for was a new laptop computer for school. It took me several months of saving up my allowance and doing extra chores around the house to be able to afford it.

Have you ever come across anything valuable?

Yes, I have come across some valuable items in my life, such as antiques or collectibles that were worth more than their original purchase price.

If you came into a fortune, what would you do with it?

If I came into a fortune, I would use it to invest in businesses and real estate so that I could generate passive income for myself and my family in the future.

What do you do to make up for all the things that you have had to do without in life?

To make up for all the things that I have had to do without in life, I try to focus on what I do have rather than what I don’t have and be grateful for all the blessings in my life no matter how small they may be.

E

How important is it to teach kids to save some money for later?

It is very important to teach kids to save some money for later. This helps them to develop good financial habits and teaches them the value of money. It also helps them to plan for their future and be prepared for unexpected expenses.

Talk about someone who made a profit when they sold their business.

When someone sells their business, they can make a profit if they have managed it well and the market conditions are favourable. They may receive a lump sum payment or ongoing payments from the new owner, depending on the terms of the sale.

What kinds of products is there little demand for?

Products with little demand are those that people do not need or want, such as luxury items or items that are outdated or no longer fashionable.

Who would you never want to be in debt to in your family/friends who you would never borrow any money from?

You would never want to be in debt to someone in your family or friends who you would never borrow any money from because it could cause tension and strain relationships if you are unable to pay back what you owe.

Talk about something that was cheap in the past but costs a fortune now.

Something that was cheap in the past but costs a fortune now is technology, such as computers and mobile phones which have become increasingly sophisticated over time and therefore more expensive.

Why is there sometimes an increase in inflation?

There is sometimes an increase in inflation when there is an increase in demand for goods and services which causes prices to rise due to the limited supply of those goods and services.

What is something that you keep spending your money on that you want to stop buying?

Something that I keep spending my money on that I want to stop buying is take-away food as it can be unhealthy and expensive in the long run if I buy it regularly instead of cooking at home.

Why do some average people go to the expense of hiring limousines?

Some average people go to the expense of hiring limousines for special occasions such as weddings or proms because they want a luxurious experience that they may not be able to afford otherwise.

Do/Should shops charge people for breaking items while they are inside?

Shops should not charge people for breaking items while they are inside unless it was done intentionally or recklessly, as accidents can happen without any fault of the customer’s own.

How do you feel about banks losing a large amount of money in a robbery compared to an average person losing a large amount of money in a robbery?

I feel bad for banks losing a large amount of money in a robbery compared to an average person losing a large amount of money in a robbery because banks have more resources available than individuals do, so it can be more difficult for them to recover from such losses financially speaking than individuals can be able to do so with their own resources alone.

Do you have enough money to go on holiday this year? Where could you go with the money you have?

No, I do not have enough money to go on holiday this year but I could go somewhere closer by like camping or visiting nearby cities with the money I have saved up so far this year.

Would you agree with the following statement by Donald Trump: I succeeded through hard work, clever decisions, and, last but not the least, luck?

Yes, I agree with Donald Trump’s statement that he succeeded through hard work, clever decisions, and luck because success often requires all three elements working together in order for someone to achieve their goals . 

If the shopkeeper didn´t notice a shoplifter taking a packet of crisps but you did, what would you do?

If I noticed a shoplifter taking a packet of crisps, I would alert the shopkeeper immediately so they could take appropriate action against them. 

Who does the shopping in your family? Where do you do the shopping?

In my family, my parents usually do the shopping but sometimes my siblings and I help out too depending on who has time available. We usually go grocery shopping at our local supermarket but we also buy other items online when needed.

F

Talk about a time you were charged for something in a way that was a surprise.

I was recently charged for something in a way that was a surprise when I went to the store to buy some groceries. I had assumed that the items would be priced as they were marked on the shelf, but when I got to the checkout, I was told that there was an additional fee for each item. It was quite unexpected and I felt frustrated and taken advantage of.

What is your reaction when someone begs you to give them money in the street?

When someone begs me for money in the street, my initial reaction is usually one of sympathy and empathy. However, depending on the situation, I may also feel uncomfortable or even scared if it is someone who is aggressive or intimidating.

What is something that you always forget to do?

One thing that I always forget to do is to turn off all of the lights in my house before leaving for work in the morning. It’s something that I have been trying to remember to do more often but it’s still a habit that slips my mind from time to time.

Who do you always argue with? What about?

I usually argue with my siblings about small things like who gets what seat at the dinner table or who gets to watch what TV show first. We don’t usually get into serious arguments but we can get quite heated over these little things!

Why would a bank demand that one of its clients pay back the loan immediately?

A bank may demand that one of its clients pay back a loan immediately if they have missed payments or are not meeting their repayment obligations as agreed upon in their loan contract. This could be due to financial difficulties or other reasons such as fraud or criminal activity related to the loan funds.

What is something that most working-class families can´t afford to buy for their kids?

One thing that most working-class families can’t afford to buy for their kids is expensive extracurricular activities such as private music lessons, sports teams, or tutoring services which can be very costly and out of reach for many families living on tight budgets.

What do you think about people paying the money to the person at the till and leaving without saying hello or goodbye?

Personally, I think it’s rude when people pay money at the till and leave without saying hello or goodbye; it shows a lack of respect and appreciation for those working hard behind the counter who are providing a service for them.

G

Why do some people say that Europe is heading for a financial crisis even though some people are spending more money on luxury items and recreation than ever before?

Some people say that Europe is heading for a financial crisis because of the increasing amount of money being spent on luxury items and recreation. This could lead to an unsustainable level of debt, which could cause a financial crisis.

Would you ever borrow money from a bank? Why/Why not?

I would consider borrowing money from a bank if I needed it for something important, such as buying a house or starting a business. However, I would make sure to understand the terms and conditions of the loan before taking it out and make sure that I can afford to pay it back.

Why are banks willing to lend us more and more money?

Banks are willing to lend us more and more money because they can make a profit from the interest they charge on loans. They also benefit from having more customers who use their services.

How do banks profit from their clients?

Banks profit from their clients by charging interest on loans and other services such as overdrafts, credit cards, and investments. They also make money from fees charged for services such as account maintenance or foreign exchange transactions.

What do you think about people spending money which doesn´t really belong to them in the form of bank loans?

I think it is important to be responsible when spending money which doesn´t really belong to us in the form of bank loans. We should only borrow what we can afford to pay back and be aware of any potential risks associated with taking out a loan.

Why is it important for us to save up for our old age?

It is important for us to save up for our old age because we may not have enough income when we retire or become unable to work due to illness or injury. Having savings will help us maintain our standard of living in later life and provide financial security in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies.

H

What can studying economics at university lead you to?

Studying economics at university can lead to a variety of career paths, such as working in finance, banking, or consulting. It can also provide a strong foundation for further study in related fields such as business or law.

Despite making a lot of money from gambling being just a great dream and the reality being that most people lose everything, why do people do it?

Despite the fact that most people lose money when gambling, people continue to do it because of the potential for a big win and the excitement of taking risks.

How can we deal with the problem of poverty in the developing world?

To address poverty in the developing world, governments need to invest in education and healthcare systems, create jobs and provide access to financial services. Additionally, international aid organizations can help by providing resources and support to those in need.

When can we see celebrities expensively dressed in weird and wonderful outfits?

Celebrities are often seen wearing expensive and unusual outfits at red-carpet events such as award shows or movie premieres.

What kind of people don´t find current affairs programmes boring and endless?

People who are interested in current affairs and have an inquisitive mind tend not to find current affairs programmes boring and endless.

How have people´s lives changed after being able to make their payments at any of the thousands of cash machines around the country?

After being able to make payments at any of the thousands of cash machines around the country, people’s lives have become much more convenient as they no longer have to wait in line at banks or post offices.

What kinds of clients do bank managers offer some financial assistance to?

Bank managers may offer some financial assistance to clients who are facing financial difficulties due to unexpected circumstances such as job loss or medical bills.

Do you know any companies that give their employees a daily allowance to cover the cost of meals?

Some companies offer their employees a daily allowance to cover the cost of meals while they are travelling for work-related purposes.

How could a company do better financially if it had had a tough previous year?

A company that has had a tough previous year could do better financially by cutting costs where possible, increasing efficiency through automation or outsourcing certain tasks, and investing in new products or services that could generate more revenue.

What kinds of problems are connected to being extremely wealthy?

Being extremely wealthy can lead to problems such as feeling isolated from others due to a lack of understanding about their lifestyle, difficulty trusting people due to fear of being taken advantage of financially, and feeling guilty about having so much while others have so little.

Have you ever told your boss/workers that something was completely unacceptable at work?

Yes, I have told my boss/workers that something was completely unacceptable at work before when I felt it was necessary.

What kinds of things become valueless as soon as you leave the shop with them?

Items such as food or drinks become valueless as soon as you leave the shop with them because they cannot be returned for a refund once they have been purchased.

What are the little luxuries that make life enjoyable for you?

My little luxuries that make life enjoyable include reading books on my balcony with a cup of tea on sunny days, going out for dinner with friends on special occasions, taking long walks through nature trails on weekends, and listening to music while cooking dinner after work.