A unique opportunity to deliver a fun, interactive simulation of saving, spending, and budgeting based on education, career choices and lifestyle choices. Awareness: Student exposure and understanding of the importance of practical money management skills. Interest: Increased excitement in learning about earning, spending, and saving. Experience: Deliver experiential learning without facing real harmful financial repercussions. Skills: Improved financial decision making and consumer confidence. Please rank by importance the Reality Fair objective: *Also mentioned: CU Difference, Collaboration* Financial literacy among individuals results in more stable communities. Improved financial literacy, particularly early in life, results in a higher standard of living over the long term, including retirement. Research has shown that young people determine their attitude about handling money by the time they finish the 5th grade. Only 32% of American parents talk to their children regularly about personal finance. Students that are financially literate are more likely to make better financial decisions. High school students that choose sound financial decisions are more likely to borrow prudently when financing their higher education. Helps student understand how they view and use money differently than other participants. Allows students to make financial mistakes in a safe environment without the real world consequences. Credit unions in the Network are collaborating with other credit unions and leagues are also starting to be in charge of Reality Fairs. Reality Fairs reported Students reached We are hoping to add this feature to the website this year. Check all the age groups Reality Fairs reach: *Also mentioned: fairs for Families and Teachers* Check all groups reached in Reality Fairs: Curriculum or non-curriculum? What programs are being used for Reality Fairs? *Also mentioned: Reality Store, Reality of Money, OH State Real Money, Real World* *Also mentioned: developed own curriculum* How many times do you go into the classroom before a Reality Fair? How many hours are involved in your Reality Fairs (includes classroom, prep time, and fair time)? *Actual answer* What is your budget for a Reality Fair? Venue Transportation Materials Food Other Collaboration! *Also mentioned: food for vendors and student transportation can be the biggest expense* Rate the biggest challenge you face in Reality Fairs School Staff Local Businesses Students Volunteer Programs City Chambers Other CUs Other? *Also mentioned: students, time, more demand than we can accommodate* The students comments and the confidence they gain makes it all worth while. I have been involved with all sides of the Reality fair program. It began when I was a student, then a classroom teacher, next as a parent of a student, onto a business banker volunteer and now host to over twenty events per year. In my thirty years of adulthood and have loved every minute of my time involved. There are so many resources and programs already designed!/fltf/youth-financial-fair-toolkit-final pdf Step 1: Form a planning committee Step 2: Determine date and location Step 3: Recruit volunteers and community Step 4: Prepare students and teachers Step 5: Budget or fundraise for fair Step 6: Plan outreach strategy Step 7: Develop Career and Spending plans Step 8: Confirm arrangements Step 9: Promote the fair Step 10: Survey and review for future