BELLEVUE, OH (November 14, 2024) |
Firelands Federal Credit Union (Firelands FCU) is celebrating 10 years of Finances 101, a hands-on financial literacy program that has been helping local high school juniors gain real-world
budgeting skills since 2014.
At each event, students begin with a presentation on the importance of financial literacy. They are
assigned a career, calculate their monthly income after taxes, account for student loans, and set aside 10% for savings. From there, they navigate 12 interactive stations, making decisions on real-life
expenses such as buying a car, managing childcare, paying utilities, and budgeting for groceries. The goal is to finish with a positive balance and a better understanding of making smart financial choices.
Over the years, Finances 101 has expanded throughout Huron, Erie, and Crawford counties, reaching thousands of students across ten high schools and EHOVE Career Center. To meet the demands of the large number of students at these events, nearly 50 volunteers from Firelands FCU and local businesses assist in guiding students across the game or helping inform them on a specific financial topic.
“It’s like a sneak peek into real life, and the students really get into it,” said Brett Montague, Firelands FCU President/CEO. “They’re balancing bills, choosing homes, figuring out their budget—it’s fun to
watch, but also amazing to see them learn what goes into smart money decisions. Ten years later, and we still look forward to bringing Finances 101 to local schools!”
