JA PROJECT
Students calculate monthly expenses as they circulate through various Reality Fair stations .
Reality Fair committee members gather for a photo prior to presenting at McKellar Technology Center at Columbus High .
Reality Fair
Reality Fair offers an interactive opportunity for students to better understand the importance of making wise financial choices . As the cost of living constantly evolves , committee members work diligently to update the cost of living , content and materials to better enhance the experience for Reality Fair participants . With the gracious partnership of BankFirst Financial Services , students can confidently receive expert financial advice while they participate in the presentation .
To begin the fair , students receive a monthly payment stub , less taxes , based on randomly selected career paths and use a checkbook style ledger to record and balance their monthly expenditures . Students then circulate through five booths staffed by Reality Fair committee members that include housing , groceries , transportation , technology , and clothing / hygiene . Each station gives package choices that range from basic needs to more luxurious options . Simulating potential real-life circumstances , students take a spin on the Wheel of Chance where they may land on a surprise windfall or a dreaded unexpected expense . The final destination is the bank , where students are encouraged to focus on the future by making wise choices today . “ It was eye-opening to see how much stuff costs monthly . I already try to save my money , but this shows me that I ’ ll always have to pay attention to what I spend monthly !” - Student , McKellar Technology Center .
The hopes of this project is that students will realize the importance of budgeting for their needs versus wants while keeping in mind their future career earnings potential . Junior Auxiliary of Columbus and BankFirst Financial Services has presented this project to over 700 students at Lowndes County Career and Technology Center , Lowndes County Alternative School , McKellar Technology Center , and Heritage Academy .
Students take a spin on the Wheel of Chance where they may land on a surprise windfall or a dreaded unexpected expense .
Students circulate through five different stations to choose what realities their mock monthly incomes can afford .
Report to the Community 2025 Junior Auxiliary of Columbus , Mississippi , Inc . 57