The Credit Union of New Jersey, in conjunction with the New Jersey Credit Union League, held a Financial Literacy Fair at Ewing High School on June 6.
The event was attended by some 125 high school students from the school.
“The Reality Fair is a unique opportunity for students to experience some of the financial challenges they will face when they start life on their own,” said a CUNJ press release.
During the hands-on experience, students identified their career choice and starting salaries, and then complete a budget sheet requiring them to live within their monthly salary while paying for basics such as housing, utilities, transportation, clothing and food.
Additional expenditures such as entertainment and travel were also factored in as well.
Throughout the fair, the students were posed with many temptations for additional spending, and they had to learn to balance their wants and needs to live on their own.
After they visited the various booths covering components of independent living, students balanced their budget, and then sat down with a financial counselor to review their standing.
The Credit Union of New Jersey provides financial services to more than 40,000 members through five full-service offices located in Mercer and Burlington counties and an e-Branch at CUNJ.org.
Established in 1943, the $340 million credit union is headquartered in Ewing Township.Membership information may be obtained by calling (609) 538-4061 or visiting CUNJ.org.
Andrew Jaeger, president and CEO of the Ewing-based Credit Union of New Jersey, left, and Gary Chizmadia, board chairman, speak to a Ewing High School student at a Financial Literacy Reality Fair held at the school on June 6.,
