Courtesy photo Students take part in a Financial Reality Fair recently sponsored by businesses and groups in the Schoolcraft County area. Limestone Financial Credit Union partnered with the area businesses for the event.

MANISTIQUE — Limestone Financial Credit Union (Limestone FCU) recently partnered with MSU Extension of Schoolcraft County, Big Bay de Noc Schools, and Manistique Middle and High School to host a Financial Reality Fair, with support from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, providing students with a hands-on opportunity to navigate real-world financial decisions. Approximately 110 students participated from both Big Bay de Noc School and Manistique Middle and High School in this interactive event, designed to teach budgeting, smart spending habits, and the importance of Financial Reality Fairs.

During the fair, students stepped into the role of working professionals, selecting careers and managing monthly expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, entertainment, and more. The goal was to create a balanced budget while dealing with unexpected financial challenges, mirroring real-life financial responsibilities.

“This is an outstanding event where students engage in real-world financial decision-making in a fast-paced, interactive setting. Guided by community volunteers, they navigate choices on essential expenses such as housing, transportation, insurance, and discretionary spending on items like cell phones, TVs, and internet plans. This simulation underscores the importance of financial planning and responsible budgeting. Financial Reality Fairs are the cornerstone of Limestone FCU’s financial literacy programming, providing education in a way that is both relevant and engaging for students.”— Jennifer C. Watson, CEO

Feedback from students highlighted the program’s impact. One student shared, “I learned that if I become an engineer, I won’t make as much as I thought when I start.” Another remarked, “It helped me realize how much things might really cost and that I should have a plan for how to pay for them.” Some students recognized the importance of setting realistic financial goals, with one noting, “I might need to make more realistic goals.”

“The FRFs remind students that they will have expenses beyond their basic needs. Most will want to also eat out, have a pet, do some recreational activities, or subscribe to a streaming service for their favorite sports, and those expenses add up quickly!”

— Jill Connin, Education Coordinator, Limestone FCU, and 4-H Program Coordinator, MSUE of Schoolcraft County

Survey responses from participants indicated that the majority felt more prepared to manage their finances after attending the fair. Questions focused on financial responsibility, self-control when making purchases, and confidence in managing money. Responses largely ranged from “strongly agree” to “neither agree nor disagree,” demonstrating a range of perspectives on financial readiness.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following volunteers for their dedication and support: Jennifer C. Watson, Sue Hinkson, Sophie Shepard, Alyssa Swanson, JoLynn Zellar, Magan Peterson, Leah Cook, Lucy Berry, Irma Gonzalez-Hider (SMH), Lisa Sumbera (Transnation Title Agency), Travis Wood (Grover Real Estate), Abbey Wood (Grover Real Estate), Lisa Braun (Carmeuse), Lisa Jones (parent volunteer), and Bayleigh Buttermore (student volunteer and 2024 Learn It. Plan It. Pitch It. Program winner). Their time and efforts were invaluable to the success of the event, and Limestone FCU is deeply grateful for their contributions.