Financial Reality Check
Financial Reality Check is an engaging, hands-on budgeting simulation designed to equip youth with essential financial literacy and money management skills. By building upon classroom learning, students gain real-world financial decision-making experience in a safe environment.
Volunteer
How It Works
Financial Reality Check allows students to practice making financial decisions without the risk of real-life consequences. During this two-hour simulation experience hosted at select local high schools, students navigate a personalized, simulated life scenario, with the goal of living within their monthly salary, paying expenses, and coping with financial challenges and temptations. Students will:
Choose a Career
Each student selects a career from a list of common professions, which determines their monthly salary and serves as the foundation for their budgeting decisions.
Create a Budget
Using their assigned salary, students plan for necessary expenses such as housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, and debt payments. They must allocate their income wisely, ensuring they can afford their basic needs while also considering savings, entertainment, and unexpected costs.
Navigate Real-Life Scenarios
Throughout the simulation, students must use critical thinking and problem solving as they encounter financial challenges and lifestyle choices that test their budgeting skills. Volunteers play the role of “salespeople” at booths representing everything from banks to cell phone providers, nightclubs to clothing stores, and everything in between. There students will make “purchase” decisions while managing their budget and trying to live within their means. They may face unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, or be tempted by discretionary spending on vacations or dining out.
Make Informed Decisions
As they progress, students must decide how to manage their money based on their budget constraints. They may need to adjust their spending habits, explore cost-saving options, or determine whether they can afford certain lifestyle choices.
Review with Financial Coaches
Following the simulation, students meet with volunteer financial coaches — professionals from the banking and finance sectors — who help them assess their budgeting choices. Coaches provide valuable insights on financial planning, savings strategies, and debt management, ensuring students leave the experience with a stronger understanding of financial literacy.
The Benefits of Financial Reality Check
For Students
Financial Reality Check turns financial concepts into real-world experience. By actively managing a budget, students learn how to balance income, expenses, and unexpected costs. This hands-on approach builds confidence in money management and helps them develop problem-solving skills that will serve them in adulthood.
For the Community
Financial literacy is a key factor in building a strong, resilient community. When young people gain financial knowledge early on, they are better equipped to avoid debt, build savings, and make informed economic choices. This contributes to a more financially stable population, reducing long-term reliance on social supports and increasing overall economic well-being.
“This experience helped me realize how expensive life is and how I really need to save and be careful how I spend my money.”
– Eastglen High School Student
Volunteer with Financial Reality Check
Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and/or 11:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Eastglen High School | 11430 68 Street NW, Edmonton Alberta
Sign UpFinancial Coaches
Review students' budgets, check their calculations, and offer guidance on financial planning, savings, credit, and debt management. (Financial accreditation or certification required).
Salespeople
Run a booth and “sell” products and services to students as they manage their budgets and make purchasing decisions. No financial experience required — just enthusiasm and engagement!
Thank You to our Generous Sponsors
United Way is grateful to its sponsorship partners for their financial support and commitment to advancing financial education among local youth.
Learn More
Help prepare youth for a financially stable future. Whether you're a volunteer, an educator, or a corporate sponsor, contact us to learn how you can get involved.
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