SAFE Credit Union holds Reality Fair for Interns and Students at SAFE Headquarters
Posted on August 02, 2019
SAFE Credit Union held a Richard Myles Johnson Bite of Reality Fair at its headquarters for high school interns, employees’ children, and interns.
Quote:Infographic on SAFE Credit Union's internship program reach since inception.
SAFE Credit Union held a Richard Myles Johnson Bite of Reality Fair at its headquarters for high school interns, employees’ children, and interns. Dozens of students took the journey from curiosity to “a-ha” moments about financial choices their families face and what they are likely to encounter as adults.
“This program provides important lessons in a topic not included in a lot of school curriculums,” said SAFE Financial Education Specialist Gina Richardson, who oversees production of Bite of Reality fairs around the Greater Sacramento area on behalf of SAFE. “At SAFE, we work hard to improve the financial health of our members, and that extends to their children and our community. This program allows teenagers to learn how to make these decisions in a safe, supportive environment. I always enjoy it when I see them personally discover what goes into making tough financial decisions. A lot of these kids are looking at getting their first jobs soon, and this helps them better understand the value of every dollar they’re going to earn.”
Bite of Reality fairs let students experience realistic financial situations through crafted simulations. Each student starts with a portfolio that details a career, salary, family size, and debt load. They use that foundation as they travel to various booths where they make necessary purchases such as child care, utilities, housing, transportation, and clothing. Participants experience a taste of independent living while temptations for additional spending and a few “surprise” expenditures are thrown in to illustrate the nature of adult financial realities.
The teens say they gain a new perspective on budgeting and spending.
“You have to make sacrifices to be able to get everything you want,” said student Jeweliannia Melendez. “You need to budget out the things you really don’t really need. A really nice car or a really big car aren’t necessities.”
SAFE Credit Union offers Bite of Reality Fairs at high schools throughout the Greater Sacramento region. If your school or organization is interested in hosting a Bite of Reality Fair, contact Gina Richardson at Eugenia.Richardson@safecu.org.
About SAFE
SAFE Credit Union has made members an integral part of its vision since 1940. Over the years the credit union has kept the focus on what really matters, putting members first, a formula that has seen SAFE grow into a leading financial institution in Northern California with $3 billion in assets and more than 235,000 members. SAFE is a not-for-profit, community-chartered credit union with membership open to businesses and individuals living or working in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yuba, Amador, and Alameda counties. Insured by NCUA. http://www.safecu.org
