United Way brings together social agencies, schools, organizations, and governments to make a meaningful difference in the community through local programs and services that empower people to improve their lives. By working together, we create lasting change and build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.
When you support United Way, you are an important part of a movement with others who share your social purpose and want the best for our community. Your contribution to United Way stays 100% local, providing life-changing support to individuals and families within the Edmonton region.
Let’s work together to align your corporate social purpose and values with the community needs you care about. Partnering with United Way gives your employees immersive personal and professional development opportunities, team-building exercises, engagement activities, and positive recognition and celebration for the difference they are making in community.
Keep up with the latest news, stories, and events happening in the local community.
United Way is a network of more than 75 local United Way offices. Since 1941, we’ve worked in the Alberta Capital Region for the betterment of all.
Whether you are an individual looking for support or an organization looking to collaborate, please reach out to connect.
Search United Way Alberta Capital Region
Home / Programs / Life Empowerment Skills and Education / 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.
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.
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.
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
“This experience helped me realize how expensive life is and how I really need to save and be careful how I spend my money.”
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.
