Hands-On Learning Brings the Credit Union Philosophy to Life

As International Credit Union Day highlights the power of people helping people, Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union in Petersburg, Virginia brought that philosophy to life through hands-on financial education.

More than 85 City of Petersburg interns recently participated in a Bite of Reality simulation, powered by Credit Union Impact Foundation. The program gives teens a taste of real-world financial decision-making by assigning them a fictional career, salary, and family, along with student loans, credit card debt, and everyday expenses. Participants then visit vendor stations to “purchase” essentials like housing, transportation, food, and childcare while learning how quickly money decisions add up.

Credit union staff guided students through the experience, offering support when budgets ran tight or unexpected life events appeared through the “Fickle Finger of Fate.” The activity challenged them to balance wants and needs while exploring the value of credit unions as trusted financial partners.

Please visit the Credit Union Impact Foundation website for more information on how you can bring Bite of Reality to your members.

Written by
Katie Bailey
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