HFS Federal Credit Union Reality Fair teaches household budgeting to high schoolers
HILO, HI (October 11, 2017) — HFS Federal Credit Union hosted its first community Reality Fair for High School Juniors and Seniors on the Big Island. The fair, held on October 1, 2017, simulated a reality in which students had households of their own including a career, a spouse (for some), a child, and debt. Students then chose the type of housing they wanted, transportation, food, personal care items, etc. while trying to stay within their monthly household budget, which proved to be a challenge for some! While learning about staying within budget, students also learn how to write checks, how to keep a register, and the difference between debits and credits.
The event brought together 67 high school students from various schools along with over 30 credit union volunteers and 26 local business members, all of whom were excited to participate in an event designed to help teach financial education to local students. When we asked the students to share their thoughts on the Reality Fair, we received great responses!
- “I learned I have to prioritize my needs from my wants.”
- “I now see that it is helpful to maintain an accurate check register.”
- “It made me realize that having a budget is important.”
- “It made me realize I didn’t have to live a bare minimum life, just a careful one.”
With financial education being a priority, HFS looks forward to providing more opportunities like this to the Big Island. Mahalo to all who participated in making this event a great success!
For more information about HFS Federal Credit Union, contact us at (808) 930-1400 or visit us on the web at www.hfsfcu.org.
Credit Union volunteer, Sandra Wacker helps a student review his decisions to see where he can make better choices for his budget.
Photo Credit: Kane Tolentino
About HFS Federal Credit Union
HFS Federal Credit Union (HFS FCU) is the largest not-for-profit and member-owned financial institution on Hawai’i Island. Established by just nine individuals in 1937, HFS started with very humble beginnings. The Credit Union continued to grow from serving just employees of the Federal and Territorial Governments in the County of Hawai‘i and their families, to now offering membership to any person who lives, works or attends school on Hawai’i Island.
For more information about HFS FCU and additional eligibility criteria, contact the Credit Union at (808) 930-1400, visit www.hfsfcu.org or stop by any of our branches in Hilo, Kea‘au, Prince Kuhio Plaza, Honoka‘a, Waimea or Kona. You’ll quickly see why HFS is the credit union where caring counts.
