“What do you do when there is more month at the end of the money than there is money at the end of the month?” Many folks have heard this question, or experienced the answer first hand.
Fannin County High School ninth graders were able to get a taste of this reality last Wednesday without the effects real life offers.
School officials partnered with Fannin County Family Connection and local businesses to hold Reality Day at the school.
Sherry Morris, executive director of Family Connection, said, “This event is much like our Poverty Simulation, but designed to help students realize the importance of career and financial decisions now as it affects the rest of their lives.
“Good choices now can help reset the poverty cycle and that’s what Reality Day is all about,” Morris said.
Students picked a career, researched the going pay rate and figured their net pay. Banks provided check registers and students began Reality Day with a month’s salary.
The simulation took them through paying their mortgage, utilities, car payment and insurance, and other monthly expenses.
The goal was for students to budget enough income to expenses to “make it through the month,” Morris said.
Morris said Family Connection had considered such an event, but the school came to them with the idea. She credited teacher Amy Williams and Parent Liaison Dawn Heaton with spearheading the project. Family Connection promoted the event and found volunteers.
Family Connection “is excited to have had the opportunity to work with the school system,” Morris said.