Reality Fair Teaches Money Management Skills to Students Before They Launch by Doria Maselli | Photography courtesy of Yelm School District
Balancing a monthly budget. Calculating and tracking expenses. Planning and saving for the future. These are all things that become a routine part of adult life. And now, thanks to Reality Fairs started by WSECU, students in the region are getting important lessons on these skills to prepare for their futures. WSECU has been designing curriculum, planning and putting on Reality Fairs across Thurston and Mason counties. The events give students a glimpse into the reality of becoming self-sufficient and financially independent adults. WSECU's goal is to host a Reality Fair at every high school in Thurston and Lewis County this year. Volunteers assign students a scenario – a career and salary as a recent college graduate; the careers and salaries vary. Like many college graduates, they thurstonchamber.com
graduate with some debt, student loan payments and savings. They are asked to create a monthly savings goal and manage the rest of their salaries, factoring in expenses including rent, health insurance premiums, as well as federal tax withholdings, and other living expenses.
such as an unexpected car repair or a monetary birthday gift from a family member. At the end, students meet with a financial coach who helps them recap their spending and expenses and assess their priorities and financial decisions.
The Reality Fair was held at Yelm High School for the first time last year. “Our At the fairs, stations are set up for goal is for every student to participate students to visit. The volunteers manning in a Reality Fair before they graduate as the booths are encouraged to “sell” to part of their High School and Beyond students, things such as vacations, pets Plan, a state mandated graduation and tattoos. Other stations include requirement,” says Teri Pablo, Career regular items like groceries, cell phones and Technical Education (CTE) Director and other necessities. The Life Happens with Yelm Community Schools. The station, a required stop, can often be a events also rely heavily on the time reality check, as it includes a “wild card,” and support of volunteers. Thurston County Chamber VOICE
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