At different stations students learned about money management. They received assigned jobs, spent their income, registered their expenses, and updated the balances of their checkbooks. When participants ran out of money, they got a second—or third—job!
Through Welcome to the Real World! students learn:
- how spending influences quality of life.
- how education impacts income.
- how budgeting—and planning—can increase available money.
Each student is assigned an educational level, job, marital status, and children.
Once “payday” comes, students discover they have many expenses to cover:
- cell phones
- housing
- childcare
- insurance
- clothing
- internet
- credit card debt
- personal care
- emergencies
- savings
- entertainment
- taxes
- groceries
- transportation
- healthcare
- utilities
Students move around the stations, spend their money, and talk about their financial decisions.
Students want to spend money on the things they want, but Welcome to the Real World! shows them what’s realistic and how to balance wants with true necessities.
Thank you to Mrs. Jane Chamblee and MSU Extension for providing this special program for our students.