Real-Life Budgeting, Real-World Learning
Preparing Today’s Students for Tomorrow’s Financial Decisions
The Wake Forest Area Chamber Foundation believes that financial literacy is essential for helping young people make responsible, informed decisions throughout their lives. Our Financial Literacy Fairs give students a realistic look at how money works—how to earn it, budget it, save it, and manage the many expenses that come with adulthood.
During the fair, students receive a personalized job profile with key financial details such as salary, number of dependents, education level and student loan obligations, and insurance coverage. Using this scenario, students must build a monthly budget and navigate a series of stations representing real-life expenses. These include housing, transportation, childcare, groceries and clothing, insurance, communications, banking, entertainment, and even the impact of taxes through “Uncle Sam.”
If students run into roadblocks or unexpected costs, they can visit the SOS table, where volunteers help them problem-solve and discover creative ways to stay within budget—just like in the real world.
Our fairs primarily serve 6th–9th graders, though the program can be adapted for younger or older students. Each participant also gains exposure to a variety of careers. Job scenarios are based on Department of Labor data and feature fields with strong projected growth—along with high-demand careers in the Triangle region such as biotech, IT, healthcare, and the skilled-trades.
Students leave the experience with a stronger grasp of needs versus wants, a clearer understanding of personal budgeting, and a meaningful appreciation for the financial decisions adults make every day. The program is led by the Wake Forest Area Chamber Foundation with the support of dedicated community partners and volunteers.