LAFCU to present Financial Reality Fair for local high school students July 22

LAFCU, in partnership with CASA for Kids, Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region and Child and Family Charities, will present its Financial Reality Fair for local high school students Wednesday, July 22, giving teens a hands-on look at real-world financial decision-making.

Open to rising 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students, the event will take place at Child and Family Charities, 407 W. Greenlawn Ave. Lunch and socializing will be held from noon-1 p.m., followed by the Financial Reality Fair from 1-3 p.m. Attendance is free, and lunch and snacks will be provided.

The two-hour simulation gives students a chance to experience one month of adult living. Participants select a future career and create a budget based on their projected salary, making spending decisions for expenses such as housing, transportation, food and other necessities.

Students will work with LAFCU financial counselors to review their spending choices and better understand budgeting, saving, borrowing and building credit.

“Financial literacy is one of the most important skills young people can learn before they begin making major financial decisions on their own,” said Shelia Scott, LAFCU community financial education and business development officer. “The Financial Reality Fair shows students how quickly expenses can add up and why planning, saving and making informed choices matter.”

The event is designed to give students practical experience with financial decision-making while connecting them with community organizations invested in youth development.

Students interested in attending can register here.