MERCED, Calif.— Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union said it recently brought its Bite of Reality financial literacy program to Golden Valley High School, giving nearly 65 students a hands-on lesson in budgeting, credit and real-world money management.
The Bite of Reality program, developed by the RMJ Foundation, uses an app-based simulation that assigns students fictional adult profiles—including a career, salary, credit score and family—and challenges them to manage a month of expenses, from housing and transportation costs to unexpected financial setbacks.
FIGFCU said the event also included access to the Zogo financial education app, which offers lessons on topics such as investing and credit health, along with a Merced Resource Guide connecting students to local services such as employment support, family safety programs and utility-assistance resources.
“Teaching young people how to manage money is one of the most valuable gifts we can give them,” FIGFCU CEO Mirella Reznic said in a statement.
Golden Valley High School Associate Principal Mark Melgosa said the program helps students build confidence in budgeting, saving, credit and investing before entering adulthood.