Simulation Walkthrough
Students Will...
Arrive at JA Finance Park
Learn about the experience
Split up into small groups, each with a volunteer
Set Up Their Life
Choose an avatar and career path
Learn about each other's new personas and compare details
Calculate net monthly income (NMI)
Discuss the importance of savings & choose savings goals
Set aside savings to "Pay Yourself First"
Research & Budget for Expenses
Visit storefronts representing all budget categories
Learn new facts from interactive displays in each storefront
Discuss average monthly costs and considerations with volunteers stationed at each storefront
Set a budget for that category
Stretch their legs after sitting on wobbly stools for Setup
Go Shopping & Pay
Choose items and services to buy to make ends meet for a month as a young adult
Bargain with friends to split Netflix, request a divorce, or offer kids up for adoption
Pay off debt
Realize the true value of a dollar and express gratefulness toward their parent/guardian(s).
Rinse. Repeat.
Decide to add a spouse, child, and/or pet
Make purchases on behalf of their whole family
Reconsider their budget for the Working Adult phase
Make better choices than they did as a Young Adult
Visit the JA Career Center
Students consider their real future in the JA Career Center
Explore career options, lifestyle cost, interview etiquette, resume tips
Educators and JA staff engage in conversations with individuals
Discuss "career fit" to make sure their life and career dreams are compatible
