SAULT STE. MARIE – Limestone Financial Credit Union recently hosted a Middle School Financial Reality Fair, with support from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, for eighth grade students at JKL Bahweting School.

This event provided middle school students with a hands-on opportunity to navigate real-world financial decisions at an early age. A total of 54 students participated in the interactive event, designed to teach budgeting, smart spending habits and the importance of financial literacy.

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 navigating unexpected financial challenges that mirror real-life financial responsibilities.

“Watching students work through their budgets at the Financial Reality Fair is always so rewarding. The eighth grade students at JKL Bahweting were incredibly engaged as they navigated real-world financial decisions and experienced firsthand how budgeting works in everyday life. Events like this give students an early introduction to financial responsibility,” said Sophie Shepard, branch manager and loan officer.