NEWS RELEASE
LIMESTONE FCU
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Limestone Financial Credit Union (Limestone FCU) recently partnered with Malcolm High School to host a Financial Reality Fair, with support from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, providing students with a hands-on opportunity to navigate real-world financial decisions. Approximately 50 students participated from Malcolm High School in this interactive event, designed to teach budgeting, smart spending habits, and the importance of Financial Reality Fairs.
During the fair, students stepped into the role of working professionals, selecting careers and managing monthly expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, entertainment, and more. The goal was to create a balanced budget while dealing with unexpected financial challenges, mirroring real-life financial responsibilities.
“This is an outstanding event where students engage in real-world financial decision-making in a fast-paced, interactive setting. Guided by community volunteers, they navigate choices on essential expenses such as housing, transportation, insurance, and discretionary spending on items like cell phones, TVs, and internet plans. This simulation underscores the importance of financial planning and responsible budgeting. Financial Reality Fairs are the cornerstone of Limestone FCU’s financial literacy programming, providing education in a way that is both relevant and engaging for students,” said Jennifer C. Watson, CEO.
Feedback from students highlighted the program’s impact. One student shared that they realized they will need to set aside money for emergencies in the future. Another mentioned that they need to focus on saving money for needs vs. wants. Other students found the event fun, and with careful budgeting, they were able to purchase their dream cars.
"The Financial Reality Fair is an invaluable opportunity for our students that provides hands-on experience into financial decisions and responsibilities they will face in the real world. We are fortunate to have community partners that understand the importance of financial literacy and are willing to share their expertise and engage our students in lessons on budgeting, decision-making, and planning for the future. It is always a fun eye-opening event for our students giving them important life skills that will help prepare them for life beyond high school," said Sandy Sawyer, principal, Malcolm High School.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following volunteers for their dedication and support: Jennifer Benedetto, Jessica Blaess, Jennifer Blair, Madison Bunker, Kristin Graham, Emma Jones, Darlene Jorgenson, Cameron Mansell, Nikki McKechnie, Marielle Nava, Sabrina Oshelski, Heather Purple, Alexandria Read, Domenic Rizzo, Tamara Santana, Sophie Shepard, Alyssa Swanson, Marcy Thorne, Alexis Tyslicki, Andrea Vaught, and Michaela Zuzula. Their time and efforts were invaluable to the success of the event, and Limestone FCU is deeply grateful for their contributions.
Limestone FCU remains committed to promoting financial education within the communities it serves. By equipping young adults with financial knowledge and practical experience, the credit union continues to empower students to build strong financial foundations for their futures.
For more information on Limestone FCU, visit limestonefcu.com or text our team at 906-341-5866.
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