Hands-on Financial Planning Provided to JTHS Students During Reality Fair

Financial planning and budgeting became more than just a concept to Joliet Township High School Consumer Economics students during a Reality Fair held this week at both campuses. The fair provided students hands-on experience as they participated in financial simulations that allowed them to make financial decisions based upon a salary and occupation.

It was a very realistic event for our students,” said Joliet Township High School Project Director Carol Collins.  “Each student received checks, a check register with one month’s salary and a preselected occupation. Students went to stations for real world obligations like housing, insurance, utilities, food, clothing, and fun. After choosing expenses they wanted, students deducted the cost from their registers and assessed the funds they had leftover. Advisors and faculty then discussed with students what they could do differently in order to make sure they had enough money left at the end of the month.”

The fair was planned and implemented by the Financial Literacy Committee, a partnership between Joliet Township High School. Abri Credit Union, First American Bank, and the University of St. Francis.

“JTHS thanks this committee for providing our students with a unique and relevant education opportunity,” said Collins.