Reality Check

 

The "Reality Check" event is an engaging simulation designed to help students experience life on their own in the real world. By assigning each student a career, salary, and possibly a family, the event emphasizes the importance of making informed choices about their education and career paths to achieve their desired lifestyle. Based on local job opportunities, the simulation uses realistic starting salaries for 25-year-olds. Students navigate essential life expenses by visiting booths like groceries, banking, and utilities, all staffed by community volunteers.

 

 

Booths: Here Is a Quick Rundown of All the Booths!

• Bank:
  Students start with their monthly income as a balance in their check register. They can choose to save some money and return later to manage their finances as they visit other booths to pay bills, often beginning with transportation or housing.

• Transportation:
  Students select a vehicle from options like a new or used compact car, mid-size sedan, small truck, or sports car, each with different costs.

• Housing:
  Students choose from three housing options: buying a house, renting a house, or living in an apartment, each with varying expenses.

• Insurance (Auto & Renter's):
  Insurance costs are determined by the choices made in the Housing and Transportation booths, reflecting the type of car and housing selected.

• Insurance (Dental, Eye, and Health):
  Insurance premiums are based on the student's marital status and whether they have children.

• Tag Agency:
  Students pay for their car tag and tax, with costs varying based on the type of vehicle chosen in the Transportation booth.

• Inspection Station:
  A $7 fee is charged for a vehicle inspection, with an additional registration fee already included in the tag cost.

• Utilities:
  Utility costs, covering water, garbage, sewage, and electricity, are calculated based on family size and housing choice.

• Child Care:
  Students decide the ages of their children and choose between professional or home day care for younger kids or afterschool care for school-aged children.

• Clothing:
  A set amount for clothing is deducted based on the student's income and family size.

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• Piper Cuts (Health/Beauty):
  Students can choose haircuts, hair coloring, and other beauty services, with costs varying for men, women, and children.

• Chance:
  Students draw life scenarios that can either add or subtract money from their check register, simulating unexpected life events.

• Charity:
  Students can donate to local charities or churches, with a fixed donation amount or a percentage of their income.

• Grocery:
  Grocery costs are predetermined based on family size, using data from official USDA food plans.

• Entertainment:
  Students choose from a list of leisure activities like concerts, movies, vacations, and more, with corresponding costs.

• Communications:
  Options include basic or unlimited bundles for cable TV, internet, and cell phones, or a prepaid phone option.

• Furniture:
  Students allocate funds for furniture, including essential household items, with lower-income students having the option to purchase garage sale items.

• Doctor:
  Each student is assigned a health scenario with associated costs, either actual or with insurance, depending on the situation.

• SOS (Second Job):
  If students run low on funds, they can visit the SOS booth for a second job. Volunteers may discuss spending habits and suggest making wiser choices before allowing a second job.