'Bite Of Reality': Hampton Bays Teens Gain 'Real-World Money Skills': District

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Hampton Bays High School seniors took a "Bite of Reality" recently as they participated in a financial literacy virtual simulation designed to prepare them for life after graduation, the district said.

The program, facilitated by Bite of Reality in partnership with the People's Alliance Credit Union, gave teens the opportunity to make real-world financial decisions through a web-based virtual program, the district said.

During the simulation, students were each assigned a career, income, credit score and family profile, and were tasked with budgeting for essential and lifestyle expenses, the district explained.

They navigated to a series of booths run by community volunteers that each represented common monthly expenses, including housing, transportation, dining, entertainment and childcare, district officials said.

At each booth, they selected from options that worked with their budget. They also explored borrowing options, learning firsthand how loans and credit impact their overall financial picture, the district said.

The experience challenged students to think critically about spending, saving and financial planning while reinforcing the importance of making informed decisions, school officials said.