LOWELL, Mass. – More than 200 seniors from Dracut High School participated in Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s MoneyStrong For Life Fair. The Fair provides students with insight on the types of financial decisions they will be responsible for in adulthood.
Students chose their desired profession and were assigned a realistic income along with credit card debt, a savings account balance and student loan debt. Aspiring police officers, veterinarians, writers, choreographers, medical assistants and engineers moved from booth to booth making spending choices on life essentials while managing a budget based on their monthly income, the credit union said.
At each of the 13 booths, students made choices such as which insurance plan would be best, if they should purchase a car or opt for a bus pass, how much they would spend on clothes and furniture, what kind of apartment they would live in, and whether or not to have roommates, all while weighing the delicate balance of needs vs. wants to ensure their decisions fit into their budget. They were also assigned a credit score and learned what they could do to raise it if needed.
“We are pleased to provide local high school students with such a fun and effective learning opportunity each year,” said Mark S. Cochran, president and CEO of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “The Fair shows students the realities of adulthood, and demonstrates the ways they can make financially responsible choices now and in the future.”
Approximately 60 volunteers, the majority of whom were Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union employees, helped manage the booths and assisted students in the decision-making process.
Many students expressed the valuable lessons they learned from the event, such as the importance of preparing for emergencies and unexpected expenses, saving money and spending wisely, understanding the cost of living and raising a child, and spending on needs rather than wants.
At right, from left: Christopher Digaetano, Kuzi Mvududu, Meghan Gedrich. Mackendra Looney, Ayiman Ata and Matthew Rossetti.