education Mad City Money by: Elizabeth Smith, VP of Events and Foundation, Bay County Chamber of Commerce
T
he Bay County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and Innovations Federal Credit Union have partnered to bring Mad City Money, a hands-on financial
The Chamber held the first Mad City Money at Mosley High School.
simulation, to Bay County Schools. The simulation, developed by
an occupation, family and monthly salary. After a quick introduc-
the Credit Union National Association, is a tool for teaching per-
tion, David Southall, President/CEO of Innovations and Chairman
sonal finance and life skills to high school students. Through the
of the Education Committee, gave these new adults instructions
school-based simulation, students discover the impact of their de-
about the exercise, along with their new identities and they quickly
cisions, learn about important financial concepts and practice mon-
got to work.
ey management skills in a creative role-playing activity.
while creating and following a realistic budget while achieving the
Carol Roberts, President/CEO for the Bay County Chamber said,
10
Students gathered for the two hour simulation and were transported to the future where they received a new identity; complete with
Their task: shopping for necessities and wants all
goal of a positive balanced budget.
“We are excited to partner with Innovations for this event. We are
Members of the Education Committee and Bay Young Professionals
learning more and more that as students are leaving school and
volunteered to serve as merchants to sell students the necessities
preparing for the future, they do not realize the impact of debt and
needed such as Really Realty and Utilities, Gotta Eat! Grocery, Fun
the importance of saving for their future; Nor do they have a con-
Stuff, Kid Care, Home Stuff, Big Wheels New & Used, My Closet and
cept of financial literacy. Mad City Money helps them recognize that
Mad City Mall. While students shopped, some were visited by the
small financial decisions today will impact their larger decisions to-
Fickle Finger of Fate, who passed out fortunes or unexpected ex-
morrow.�
penses such as repair a flat tire or medical bills.
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