Sophomores attend financial Workshop
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On October 4 sophomores attended a financial workshop at Winfield High School called Reality U. Reality U is an exercise geared towards sophomores that helps youth understand some of the "realities" involved in preparing for an employable future and adulthood. As adults we must have money to buy food, clothing, shelter, transportation, etc. and more often than not, we have to figure that out not only for ourselves but perhaps a spouse and children. Reality U provides students the opportunity to learn about those choices that must be made as adults. This workshop provides a valuable service to teens helping them learn to determine spending priorities and budget their money. The goals of Reality U are to show teens that their performance in school today will affect their future, and give teens a chance to learn and practice personal finance skills in a fun way.
Students were given surveys before the workshop and based on their answers to questions about credit, spending, marriage, education, and occupations were given a "snap shot" of what their career, earnings, and life would look like at 26 years old. Some of the students chose to be married with children and others chose to be single. Each student then had the opportunity to visit booths and purchase goods/services that adults pay for every month. Several of the students were surprised about how money is needed for necessities every month such as housing, utilities, food, and transportation.
