According to 2018 data from the state Office of Financial Management, over 10% of Washingtonians live in poverty. It can be difficult for those who are financially secure to truly understand the situations, decisions, fears, and frustrations that low-income families experience every day. We invite you to walk a mile in their shoes by participating in this real-life community experience. 

 

Attend a free life simulation to: 

• Make day-to-day decisions through this powerful, role-playing activity 
• Understand the life circumstances that impact your customers and employees 
• Discuss the challenges that poverty presents and how your organization can work for positive change in your community 

Are you interested in hosting a simulation at your business, organization, or community group? Life Simulations include:  

• Free 2-hour training 

• Minimum of 40 participants and a maximum of 90 participants per session 
• Host at your location anywhere in Washington State or at United Way in Kennewick, WA 

In this experiential learning simulation, participants visit seven lifestyle booths with themes such as gifts and charitable giving, travel and leisure, and housing. At each booth, participants answer a series of questions and assess how much they will likely spend on that aspect of their lifestyle. After visiting each booth, participants will learn how to connect their lifestyle choices to their retirement savings. This simulation takes approximately 60 minutes to complete and is designed to prompt participants to help assess and save for their ideal retirement lifestyle and “Retire on Track”. 

The Financial Reality Fair concept is a unique learning opportunity for students to navigate many of the financial realities they will face as adults. Gesa’s Reality Fair is a hands-on experience in which students identify a career choice and starting salary and aim to develop a balanced monthly budget, paying for items like housing, transportation, and childcare. Throughout the fair, students are faced with temptations for additional spending and must learn to balance their wants and needs.

 

Designed specifically for high school students, this two-hour experiential learning program is a perfect complement to state financial education curriculum. Our customized setup options allow us to bring this simulation to any community organization or school.

To inquire on how to host a simulation for your group, please fill out the form below and we will follow up with you shortly.