CUNJ Brings Interactive Financial Reality Fair to Three Mercer County Schools

EWING, N.J., June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit Union of New Jersey, in conjunction with the New Jersey Credit Union League, brought Financial Literacy Fairs to high school students in three Mercer County schools.  The fair was held at Lawrence High School in Lawrence, NJ on May 10th.  Approximately 150 high school students from Ewing, Lawrence, and Hopewell High Schools were in attendance.

The Reality Fair is an interactive financial literacy tool for high school students.  It helps teach them the importance of budgeting their money and how they will be spending their money when they begin their professional careers.

After choosing a career and finding their starting salary in that field, students were provided a monthly budget worksheet. They then pretended to go through "life", stopping by booths set up in the school's library to purchase cars, rent homes, finance furniture, etc. Their goal for the Fair was to stay within budget and have money left in their pockets after paying all their bills for the month and making some extra purchases along the way.

Students were busy financing cars and furniture, figuring out living situations, and sometimes making some extravagant purchases along the way, marking them all down on their budget worksheets. Students then spun the Wheel of Reality, a wheel that could either help or hurt their finances with real-life situations such as having to pay for car repairs or receiving a bonus at work.

Financial Counselors took time with each student at the end of each period, going over the students' monthly expenses and one-time purchases, offering advice and guidance. All of the students enjoyed the hands-on, interactive experience of putting their financial literacy skills to the test.

Credit Union of New Jersey provides financial services to over 42,000 members through six full-service offices located in Mercer & Burlington Counties and an Internet branch at CUNJ.org.  Established in 1943, the $300 million credit union is headquartered in Ewing Township.  Membership information may be obtained by calling 609-538-4061 or visiting CUNJ.org.

SOURCE Credit Union of New Jersey