Question

emily is getting ready for her first year at college and needs to buy some supplies. she has $500. emily heads to the mall with plans to purchase the things she knows she will need for the upcoming year away from home. she has a shopping list with all of the items budgeted. as she passes through a department store, she notices a pair of jeans and instantly falls in love with them. she tries them on and says to herself, \i need these jeans!\ she looks at the price tag and finds that they cost $140.
what questions should emily ask herself before deciding to buy the jeans? check all that apply.
□ can i afford them?
□ should i borrow $140 to buy them?
□ can i wait for school supplies?
□ is there a good alternative?
□ do i need them?

Explanation:

• "Can I afford them?": Emily has a fixed budget of $500 for necessary school supplies, so she must check if the $140 jeans fit within her remaining budget after accounting for planned purchases.
• "Should I borrow $140 to buy them?": Borrowing money would create debt, which is an important financial consideration for a college student managing funds.
• "Is there a good alternative?": Considering cheaper or similar jeans could help her stay within budget while still getting a similar item.
• "Do I need them?": The jeans are an unplanned impulse purchase, not on her list of required school supplies, so she should distinguish between want and need.
• "Can I wait for school supplies?": School supplies are her priority, so delaying them for non-essential jeans is not a responsible question to ask.

Answer:

• Can I afford them?
• Should I borrow $140 to buy them?
• Is there a good alternative?
• Do I need them?