Kenny Ross Cares was proud to recently participate in Pheple FCU’s insightful Financial Reality Fair at Penn Trafford High School. This engaging program offered students a unique and impactful experience, allowing them to step into the shoes of adults and navigate the complexities of personal finance.
The concept behind the Financial Reality Fair is brilliant. Students were tasked with making real-world financial decisions based on projected future careers and incomes. They had to grapple with choices that many adults face daily: Will they live alone or with roommates? Will they purchase a car or rely on public transportation?
From there, the students had to build a budget, allocating their hypothetical income to essential expenses like groceries, entertainment, and insurance, and even considering the costs of pet care! This hands-on approach truly brought the realities of budgeting to life.
What was particularly powerful was the element of problem-solving. If a student’s budget didn’t balance, they had to seek advice from a financial counselor and make tough choices – either finding a “second job” or re-evaluating their initial lifestyle decisions to make ends meet.
The Financial Reality Fair was more than just an exercise; it was a genuine eye-opener for these young adults. It provided them with a valuable glimpse into the financial responsibilities that lie ahead and underscored the importance of careful planning and budgeting.
Kenny Ross believes in empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Participating in events like the Financial Reality Fair allows us to connect with students and help them develop crucial life skills. We commend Pheple FCU for creating such an impactful program and are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it. It’s an investment in their future, and ours!
