Money Smart Week - Student Reality Fair at EPCC Valle Verde

A Reality Fair (or “Financial Reality Fair”) is an interactive financial literacy tool for students. It is a unique opportunity for students to experience some of the financial challenges they will face when they start life on their own. It is a hands-on experience in which students identify their career choice and starting salaries then complete a budget sheet requiring them to live within their monthly salary while paying for basics such as housing, utilities, transportation, clothing, and food. Additional expenditures such as entertainment and travel are factored in as well.

Throughout the fair, there are many temptations for additional spending, and students must learn to balance their wants and needs. After the students have visited the various booths covering components of independent living, students balance their budget, and then sit down with a financial counselor for review.