STRATFORD, Conn.–Sikorsky Credit Union organized financial reality fairs for the students of Abbott Tech High School, Bunnell High School, Seymour High School, Stratford High School, and Shelton High School to give students the unique opportunity to get a glimpse of how their financial future may look.
Students were able to choose a profession with an assigned entry-level salary and were given a chance to visit several expense tables where they could spend their “hard-earned money.” They were required to allocate money towards housing, transportation, food, and utilities, and also asked to make some lifestyle purchases, such as concert tickets, vacations, and electronics. Students were asked to spin the “Wheel of Reality,” which features many circumstances that people may find themselves dealing with in real life. Depending on their result, they could find themselves acquiring or owing money.
After completing their purchases, students met with volunteer financial counselors to go over their decisions and see how they were able to manage their budget. This hands-on activity helped students to understand what exactly goes into maintaining the lifestyle they may see for themselves and look at what financial challenges may lie ahead, the credit union said.