KIMBERLY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Students at Kimberly High School got a real-life look at budgeting for the future.
They learned the details of money management at the school’s 15th annual “Reality Store.”
The yearly financial literacy event is a fun, effective way for students to learn about personal accounting, financial responsibility and life choices.
Students start off with a blue packet. Inside there’s a part about who you are, which includes your job, salary and the types of loans you have. Listed on the second page are spending habits; like the type of car you own, where you like to shop and how often you dine out.
Inside the blue packet, students will also find a white sheet which is used to track their spending.
“Kind of just being in the adulthood of ‘what are you going to do’ and the experiences you’ll have,” said Robert Plass, a student at Kimberly high school. “It’s a cool experience.”
Plass says he learned a lot about budgeting that he didn’t know before.
“Financial situations can just change in one day really.”
This year, over 65 volunteers from area businesses and the community came to help make the Reality Store, a reality.
“When you walk out these doors it kind of hits you in the face,” said Dave Hoh, a volunteer. “If we can help them prepare themselves for when they walk out the door, they don’t get hit so hard.”
Hoh is the volunteer “judge” who deals with the “real-life” citations given to students. He tells FOX 11 he’s been volunteering this event for over 10 years.
“I take vacation to be here. It’s really important for us to teach kids this. Budgeting now is crucial.”
Dozens of students filled Kimberly high school’s gym on Tuesday for the event.
“I’ve done this for two years now and I’ve learned so much,” said Addison Slinger, a junior at the high school.
Slinger, also a co-brand manager for the school’s DECA chapter, helps put on the fair.
“It’s just a really big eye opener for budgeting and managing your money.”
According to a poll from the National Endowment for Financial Education, 88% of American adults say their state should require a semester, or year-long financial education course to graduate.
Wisconsin started requiring its schools to include personal financial literacy in 2017. But does not require a personal finance course to graduate high school.
15 states now either require a financial education course or are enacting one.
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