Clinton-Massie Middle School eighth graders immerse themselves in the Real Money, Real World program, honing financial literacy skills. Facilitated by the Ohio State University Extension and volunteers, students navigate a budgeting simulation, gaining practical insights into financial decision-making and real-world consequences. The program, enriched by community participation, equips students with essential financial skills for the future.
Submitted photos
CLARKSVILLE — Eighth grade students at Clinton-Massie Middle School recently took part in the “Real Money, Real World” program, a financial literacy initiative facilitated by the Ohio State University Extension Office and its volunteers.
The program provided students with practical insights into budgeting, financial decision-making, and the real-world implications of their choices.
In the week leading up to the simulation, students engaged in preparatory activities, learning about budgeting, financial institutions, and various financial offerings. They formulated their budgets by considering simulated career options, education levels, and net incomes.
During the simulation, volunteers played a crucial role in guiding students to make sound financial choices based on their budgets, spending allowances, and family sizes. To add a touch of realism, Sheriff’s Office deputies contributed by handing out tickets to students for simulated offenses such as “distracted driving,” “driving” a car without insurance, and failure to yield to other students while walking.
When asked about the single most important point learned during the Real Money, Real World financial literacy unit, Jackson Randolph, an eighth-grader at Clinton-Massie, responded, “The most important part is to get a high school diploma and to get further educated afterwards. I think this because the more education you get, the more money you can earn, and this will make your life easier in the long run.”
Will Lawson shared his realization during the simulation, saying, “Children are way more expensive than I thought. You have to pay for diapers, daycare, clothes, food, and health insurance.”
Eighth grader Haley Zeller concluded with valuable advice gained from the Real Money, Real World experience: “You should make sure to graduate high school. By graduating high school, many jobs open up to you. If you don’t graduate high school, you might not be able to support yourself. Another piece of advice I would give to someone now that I have participated in Real Money, Real World is that you should be cautious when spending your money. Choose the option that would best fit your family and your budget. Although one of the options may seem more appealing, go with the one that will best fit with your budget.”
Following the simulation, business owners and community volunteers visited to share their careers and insights with the students, providing additional perspectives on potential career paths and the importance of financial literacy.
