Hawai‘i Island Students Learn Household Budgeting at HFSFCU Reality Fair

HFS Federal Credit Union volunteer, Sandra Wacker helps a student review his decisions to see where he can make better choices for his budget. PC: Kane Tolentino

HFS Federal Credit Union hosted its first community Reality Fair for High School juniors and seniors on the Big Island on Oct. 1, 2017.

The event brought together 67 high school students from various schools along with over 30 HFSFCU 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.

The Reality Fair simulated a scenario 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.

This proved to be a challenge for some of the participants.

While learning about staying within budget, students also learned how to write checks, keep a register, and were instructed about the difference between debits and credits.

The event elicited positive responses from the students:

“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!
or more information about HFS Federal Credit Union, contact us at (808) 930-1400 or visit us on the web at www.hfsfcu.org.