In partnership with Arbor Financial Credit Union and The Michigan Credit Union Foundation, Western Michigan University hosts a Financial Reality Fair to support, assist and educate local high school students in an effort to advance community members' financial well-being. The Financial Reality Fair is a fun, fast-paced, interactive session that makes a lasting impact on the financial understanding of participants.
During the hands-on experience, students identify a career choice and are provided a budget sheet showing their monthly salary and expenses for basics such as housing, utilities, transportation, clothing and food. With the many temptations for additional spending, students must learn to balance their wants and needs to live on their own. Students then balance their budget and review it with a financial coach.
The fair is a unique opportunity for each student to experience some of the financial challenges they will face when they start life on their own.