Press release

As adults, each of us works hard to make our monthly income cover the necessities and still have some left over at the end of the month for retirement savings and long-term goals. Wouldn’t it be great if we could have had a “trial run” at adult spending decisions while we were still young and able to choose our future career?

That’s the idea behind Real Money. Real World., a program developed by Ohio State University Extension and coordinated locally by Allison M. Cooper and the Wynford Jr. High Staff. This program is designed to allow middle and high school students to make life choices and get a taste of the real world.

On January 20, 2017 freshman students from Wynford Jr. High School will have the opportunity to experience first-hand how expenses for necessities, as well as luxuries, must be balanced with the reality of monthly income. Students will be given an occupation, monthly income, credit card debt, and even a child or two.

“I am thrilled to work with the freshman at Wynford Jr. High. Real Money. Real World. is a great program that helps youth realize that their career choice, the education required for a career, and potential lifestyle are all related,” said Allison M. Cooper Crawford County 4-H Youth Development Educator.

Here’s how Real Money. Real World. works: School officials and the local program coordinator invite community business representatives and volunteers to volunteer at spending booths at the school. The booths provide various services such as banking, groceries, transportation, child care, and utilities. With their randomly assigned monthly “paychecks” in hand, students are required to visit each store to purchase goods and services. Those who spend wisely may have money left over at the end of the month; students who make lower salaries or make expensive purchases barely break even, or may even go bankrupt. For those who can’t make ends meet, there’s a Financial Advice booth where advice and options are offered.

“This program couldn’t be possible without the support of Wynford Local Schools and all of the wonderful volunteers who are going to help make this program into a reality in just a few weeks,” said Cooper.

It’s all just make-believe, but it carries a serious message.

“A lot of teens have big ideas about buying a fancy car or a big house, but they really can’t afford it. Going through Real Money. Real World. and seeing for themselves how expensive life can be makes a big impact with the students. I know real life was a big wake up call for me after high school and I think it is for most people,” said Cooper.

Real Money. Real World. is planned to simulate real life as closely as possible. Students select a random career, and number of children. They quickly learn how child care is one of their biggest expenses. They also must visit the “chance” booth where “life” deals them something unexpected. It could be good, like winning free groceries or bad, such as having to buy new tires for the car.

Students may choose from a long career list that includes careers with various education requirements. Students with degrees beyond high school are required to make a monthly student loan payment. A minimum wage job may sound like a lot of money to someone who is 16, but we want them to ask themselves if minimum wage will meet their needs when they are responsible for a family as an adult.

The popularity of Real Money. Real World. is growing all around Ohio and Crawford County is no different.

For more information about the Real Money. Real World. program, local 4-H, or OSU Extension, contact Allison M. Cooper at the Crawford County OSU Extension Office 419-562-8731 or e-mail cooper.2360@osu.edu.