Financial Reality Fairs

Engaging high school students in healthy financial decision-making.

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Financial Reality Fairs prepare high school students throughout the region to make sound money-saving and spending decisions that will benefit them for a lifetime.

By partnering with the region’s credit unions, we provide real-world simulations that guide students through a day-in-the-life of an adult’s financial responsibilities through an app-based platform called “Bite of Reality.” Students complete the 90-minute budgeting exercise by making everyday purchases and deciding on expenses, which impact their budget in real time, giving them a realistic look at money management.

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At Verity Credit Union in Seattle, Bite of Reality is used as a tool to facilitate further conversations about money and spending. “It’s a great opportunity both for students who have never thought about budgeting to give it a shot, as well as for students who are budget-savvy to put their skills to the test.”

Rebecca Hunter, Community Relations Coordinator at Verity Credit Union

In Arizona, students have embraced the program. “It really gives you a sense of what going out into the real world is like and all the budget cuts and sacrifices you have to make, especially for your family. It taught me a lot.”

Grant Waldron, student from Highland High School in Gilbert, Arizona

After fairs last year, teachers, financial counselors, and nonprofit volunteers in Mesa and Tempe expressed more interest in starting conversations about finances, the value of credit scores, and creating a more positive relationship with money.

Rachel Caballero, Community Development Manager, TruWest Credit Union

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Get Involved

All GoWest Credit Union Association members are invited to submit a grant application to host a financial reality fair in their community. The Foundation provides all materials and support to facilitate a successful financial reality fair. We recommend submitting an application six to eight weeks prior to your planned fair date.

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Learn More

If you’re interested in learning about the Bite of Reality program or other ways we support financial literacy efforts of credit unions, please submit below. We are available to discuss opportunities and potential solutions for your community and member needs.

Submit Interest

Financial Reality Fairs

Apply for a Kit

Submit Interest

Questions?

Get Involved

Learn More

Foundation Articles

Balancing Budgets and Real-Life Choices: Credit Unions Use Bite of Reality Fairs to Teach Financial Literacy That Sticks

Colorado Credit Union Brings Real-World Financial Education to Local Students

Peninsula Credit Union Gives Students a “Bite of Reality”