Eighth grade students at JKL Bahweting School participate in the financial reality fair. (Photo courtesy of Limestone Financial Credit Union)

SAULT STE. MARIE — Limestone Financial Credit Union recently hosted a middle school financial reality fair for 8th grade students at JKL Bahweting School, with support from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation.

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.

“Students were given a job, some had families, and all had bills to pay,” said Aaron Litzner, middle school language arts teacher at JKL Bahweting. “The financial simulations provided students an opportunity to make financial decisions and experience the outcome of their decisions. Some students went into debt while others were able to save some money. The students were engaged and enjoyed the activity.”

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,” said Sophie Shepard, branch manager and loan officer at Limestone Financial Credit Union. “The 8th 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.”

Student feedback highlighted the meaningful impact of the financial reality fair, with many participants describing the experience as both engaging and eye-opening. Several students shared that the activity was more enjoyable than expected, with one noting, “It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. I learned a lot about budgeting.”

A common takeaway among participants was a greater awareness of the cost of everyday living, including housing, transportation, food and family expenses. One student even remarked that they learned children are really expensive, reflecting a new understanding of the financial responsibilities that come with adulthood.

Others commented on the importance of making thoughtful spending choices, with one student sharing that the experience taught them not to be afraid of choosing lower-cost options. Overall, most students said the fair helped them better understand budgeting, how quickly expenses add up and the importance of planning ahead when managing money.

“It was awesome sauce,” said one JKL Bahweting School student.

Volunteers participated from Limestone FCU, 4Front Credit Union, Chippewa Luce Mackinac Community Action Agency, Sault Area High School NHS Students, and UP Michigan Works!.

Volunteers included: Sheena Adams, Alena Alcorn, Macy Collia, Jakob Davie, Marissa Delorey, Ayla Habusta, Kiarra Herson, Joy Kerfoot, Sami LaPlaunt, Jen Labonte, Brinna Metrish, Hayden Pace, Lynn Pulfrey, Emily Pruitt, Sophie Shepard, Sabrina Oshelski, Isaac Terrian, Andrea Vaught and Emma Zabik.