ILHS College and Career Readiness students learned a lot about finances and the challenges of making ends meet while playing "The Game the Life."
Honda Federal Credit Union teamed up again this year with the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center and the Logan County Chamber of Commerce to bring this expense-planning exercise to area high school students. Indian Lake juniors participated recently at Bellefontaine High School.
Organizers say "The Game of Life" is modeled after a program taught near the Indiana Honda facility.
Prior to the event, CCR students researched careers, selected a job and chose their family situation. During "The Game of Life," they got a monthly pay stub with their earnings after taxes. Then students made their way around the cafeteria to about 20 different local business and organization representatives where residents typically spend their money. Students were required to pay for housing, transportation and insurance, but could make other spending decisions based on their income. They had to consider groceries, utilities, child care, pet care, recreation, student loans, charitable giving and many other types of possible costs.
Students were also required to draw a card featuring an unexpected life event, like a speeding ticket or medical problem, that might cost them more money.
After they visited each station, the students took their budget sheet to Honda Federal Credit Union employees to get advice and recommendations on their spending.
ILHS College and Career Readiness educator Mr. Alex Jacobs plans to expand on this concept in the classroom over the next few weeks while teaching more on financial literacy.