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Junior high students get a crash course on financials

(Photo Courtesy/Alison Jakubcin) Students receive tips from volunteers and employees of Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union.

Alpena — Over 300 Thunder Bay Junior High students got a taste of adult life through a ‘Financial Reality Fair’ at the Alpena Events Complex (APlex).

The middle school students chose a career. Based on their career, the kids were assigned a salary, certain amount of student loans, and credit score. Students had to also factor in food, housing, transportation, credit cards, leisure, clothing, and everything an adult would need to survive.

“That’s what’s it all about…” said Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union Chairman of the Board Chris Negro. “When you get that feedback from people that they did learn something or you were part of that ‘a-ha’ moment where they had a better understanding of the process, in this case of the financial literacy.”

Students could also donate canned goods for Hope Shores Alliance in order to receive a ‘tax break credit.’ The event was put on by Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union. Financial Reality Fairs will be coming to a number of local schools in the next few months.