On Friday, February 9th, the eighth-grade students of Penn and Trafford Middle Schools participated in a Financial Reality Fair. The event was held at Penn Middle School in collaboration with the PHEPLE Credit Union.
The fair provided a unique opportunity for students to experience some of the financial challenges they will face when they start life on their own. The students rotated through sessions with PHEPLE personnel which covered student loans, taxes, utilities, transportation, clothing, food, housing, and entertainment. Next, each student completed a budget sheet by listing a career of their choosing and their projected monthly salary, then deducting for taxes and other necessary expenses and considering what’s left over for savings and discretionary spending.
At the end of the fair, each student sat down with a financial counselor to review their budget.
“The students gained real-world experience by making financial decisions based on the income earned through their prospective career choice,” said Penn Middle School Counselor Mrs. Schrinel. “We are grateful for the services that PHEPLE Credit Union and their volunteers provide to students throughout our district.”
PHEPLE’s Anthony Turner presents the topic of budgeting for clothing and entertainment; he was a PHEPLE student teller when he attended Penn-Trafford High School
Students got to spin the ‘Wheels of Reality’
Maria LaVelle, PHEPLE Credit Union CEO, talks about managing transportation expenses
