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Gesa in the Community —

Financial Learning Simulations

Making a positive impact through real-life financial learning

Simulations and experiential learning programs are a powerful expression of Gesa’s commitment to education and making a positive impact in our communities. They are open to members and non-members, schools, faith-based groups, civic clubs, local businesses, and community organizations. Simulations are more engaging and beneficial than a standard classroom setting because of the environment created during the session.

Real-life community experiences – Life Simulations

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

Connect your lifestyle choices to your retirement savings plan – Retirement Fair

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”.

Financial Reality Fair for high school students

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.

Request a Simulation

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.

More from Gesa in the Community

Scholarships

Gesa’s community commitment to higher education.

Learn More

Seminars

We offer free financial literacy materials and workshops to high schools, colleges, clubs, businesses, and other groups.

Learn More

Sponsorships

Looking for Gesa to sponsor your next event? Check out the sponsorship guidelines.

Learn More

Notes & Fees Glossary

	Disclaimer
*APY	* APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates, terms, and fees are subject to change. APY is accurate as of the first day of the month – the last dividend declaration date.
SmartPlus Checking	*To earn the higher rate, you must: Enroll in eStatements Make a monthly direct deposit of over $200 Complete 15 debit card transactions Provide and maintain a valid email address Limit one account per member For any month where the account does not meet the qualification requirements, the account will earn a lower rate. Minimum balance of $5 needed to open.Qualifying account balances meet minimum requirements. APY subject to change monthly. Rate may change after the account is opened. The qualifying period begins with the first day of the calendar month and ends on the last day of the calendar month at 6:00 P.M. Pacific Time. No monthly fees and no minimum balance required to maintain account. Minimum opening deposit of $5. Fees could reduce earnings. Limit of one specialty checking account (Smart Plus Checking) per member.

Disclaimer

*APY

* APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates, terms, and fees are subject to change. APY is accurate as of the first day of the month – the last dividend declaration date.

SmartPlus Checking

*To earn the higher rate, you must:

Enroll in eStatements
Make a monthly direct deposit of over $200
Complete 15 debit card transactions
Provide and maintain a valid email address
Limit one account per member

For any month where the account does not meet the qualification requirements, the account will earn a lower rate. Minimum balance of $5 needed to open.Qualifying account balances meet minimum requirements. APY subject to change monthly. Rate may change after the account is opened. The qualifying period begins with the first day of the calendar month and ends on the last day of the calendar month at 6:00 P.M. Pacific Time. No monthly fees and no minimum balance required to maintain account. Minimum opening deposit of $5. Fees could reduce earnings. Limit of one specialty checking account (Smart Plus Checking) per member.

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