Peninsula Credit Union Gives Students a “Bite of Reality”

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on May 5, 2025

Wash.-based Peninsula Credit Union recently hosted a Bite of Reality financial fair for freshmen and seniors from Shelton High School. Using the Bite of Reality financial game app is a fun and safe way to help the local teens learn the importance of budgeting, credit, and the twists and turns of grown-up life.

The credit union has hosted financial fairs for several years, focusing on one or two events for seniors and freshmen at Shelton High School each year, but also participates as volunteer supporters at other nearby schools in Mason and Grays Harbor counties.

“We hope that the surprise nature of the Bite of Reality gives students a reality check into the real financial challenges and opportunities that are headed their way,” shared Billy Thomas, Peninsula’s Director of Marketing. “Having to make serious financial decisions like housing, childcare, and transportation, with a salary and a credit score that was handed to you without prior budgeting as well as some participants having spouses with incomes and some not, can be challenging. With the Bite of Reality and subsequent follow-ups in class, these students will be ready to be successful, financial superheroes!”

“The ultimate goal of this program, of this exercise, is to present the actual costs for being able to survive outside and out from under the roof of their guardian,” said Peninsula’s Community Financial Educator, Darrell McVea. “And hopefully by the end of it, they’ll have a been understanding and appreciation for financing.”

Local radio and YouTube personality Jeff Slakey from KMAS 1030 AM/ 103.3 FM was onsite at the recent financial fair to interview students and volunteers about their experience. Check out his video below.

Bite of Reality financial reality fair kits are available to GoWest member credit unions through grants from the GoWest Foundation. For more information, please visit: https://gowestfoundation.org/financial-reality-fairs/

 

 

Posted in All Articles, Financial Reality Fairs.