Ron: Uh, could I borrow a few bucks until payday? I'm a little strapped for cash. Nancy: Uh, yeah, I guess, but I'm pinching pennies myself, and you still owe me $20 from last week. And mom and your friend Ron said you borrowed money from them this past week. [Oh, yeah.] How ARE things going anyway? Ron: Well, not very well. To be honest, I'm really in the hole, and I can't seem to make ends meet these days. Nancy: What do you mean? I thought you landed a great job recently, so you must be loaded. Ron: Well, I do have a job, but I've used my credit cards to pay off a lot of things recently, but now, I can't seem to pay the money off. Nancy: Uh, do you have a budget? I mean, how do you keep track of your income and expenses? Ron: Well, when my money runs out, I come to you. Of course. [Great!] No, but I guess I should have some financial plan. Nancy: Well, let me see if I can help you. How much money do you spend on your apartment? Ron: Uh, I pay $890 on rent for the studio apartment downtown ... not including utilities and cable TV. But the place has an awesome view of the city. Nancy: Uh, $890! Why are you paying through the nose for such a small place when you could find a cheaper one somewhere outside of the downtown area? Ron: Yeah, I guess. Nancy: Okay. How much money do you spend on food a month? Ron: Hmmm. I'm not really sure. I think I spend around $600. [$600?!] Well, I go out to eat at least four times a week, so those expenses add up. I just don't enjoy eating alone, and I don't have a knack for cooking like you do. Nancy: Well, I can understand that, but perhaps you ought to buy some microwaveable meals you could prepare at home. Ron: Well, I guess I could. Nancy: And entertainment? Ron: Well, I spend a few dollars here and there on basketball and movie tickets, a concert or two, and ballroom dance lessons. Nancy: Uh, exactly how much do you spend on all of these? Just a "few" dollars? Ron: Well, oh ... about $400 or so. Nancy: Or so? No wonder you're having money problems. You can't just blow your money on things like that! And what about transportation? Ron: Oh, I commute to work everyday in my new sports car, but I got a great deal, and my monthly payments are only $450. Come outside and take a look. We can go for a spin! Nancy: No, I've heard enough. You've got to curb your spending, or you'll end up broke. I suggest you get rid of your credit cards, cut back on your entertainment expenses, and sell your car. Take public transportation from now on. Ron: Sell my car?! I can't date without a car. What am I going to say? "Uh, could you meet me downtown at the bus stop at 7:00?" Come on! Nancy: And you need to create a budget for yourself and stick to it, and start with paying off your bills, starting with me. You owe me $50 dollars. Ron: Fifty dollars! Wait, I only borrowed $20 from you last week. How did you come up with $50? Nancy: Financial consulting fees. My advice is at least worth $30!, Question: Which sentence best describes the man's dining practices? (A) He tries to go out to eat every night. (B) He doesn't know how to cook very well. (C) He prefers to eat alone.
(B) He doesn't know how to cook very well.