The Realty Store is a simulation game in which high school students identify their career interests, research a specific career, and receive a mock checkbook with the monthly income entered for the specific career. Students then visit booths manned by community members at which they pay their monthly bills. At each booth, students make decisions concerning the standard of living they’ll assume.
Students learn basic skills in financial planning, goal setting, decision making, and career planning. The Reality Store will help students examine their attitudes about their futures and career expectations. After their trip through The Reality Store, students will have developed a more realistic idea of the financial impact their future decisions will have.
Event Overview:
- Prior to the event students choose the future career and receive their monthly salary deposited in their checking account.
- Students enter The Reality Store with their check book. They first stop at “Uncle Sam” for their tax deduction. They then proceed to “The Bank/Credit Union” for their student loan deduction. Students then have to visit 13 other booths making purchases for their life. Ex: buy a car, home, groceries, utilities, etc.
Volunteers:
- Staff one of the various booths
- Assist students in making wise financial choices based on their salary
- No experience necessary
Event goals for the students:
- Learn basic skills in financial planning, goal setting, decision making and career planning
- Help students examine their attitudes about their futures and career expectations
- Develop a more realistic idea of the financial impact their future decisions will have.