PAULDING -- With the help of community volunteers staffing 14 business booths, 48 students from Paulding Middle School and High School were assigned a career, a monthly salary and a specific number of children.
Each student rotated through the "Real Money, Real World" simulation last week, making spending decisions at each booth, and hoping they would have enough money to make ends meet by the end of the month. The program was organized by OSU Extension educator Sylvia Altenburger who collaborated with teachers, Sue Helle and William Wonders, to offer the money management program.
One of the biggest surprises to the students was the cost of child care. One youth, who came into the simulation with a very limited salary and two children, was discouraged to learn that using the grandmother for free baby-sitting was not an option.
"Many students commented on how budgeting properly can help prevent them from working a second job," said Phil Recker from Edward Jones at the financial assistance booth.
"Students were not aware of the tax advantages available to them depending upon their income level and the number of children they have," he added. "In today's world, the earlier children can be taught financial responsibility, the better off they will be in the long run."
By providing the simulation, Paulding teachers hope that students will start to think about how much it costs for their parents to provide for their families.