Business Leaders Provide Students Real World Budget Lesson

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, in E.T. Peters Gym, Ozark Federal Credit Union hosted a Reality Fair, its third budget-planning event involving Poplar Bluff Schools, with the participation of 280 high school seniors along with 38 local businesses and organizations.

Students each received a unique packet stating their occupation, salary, debt history, marital status and whether or not they had children. Then they were assigned to visit with real industry professionals to purchase necessities such as a mock house, transportation, furniture, clothing and food. The object was to attempt to keep within budget in a workbook.

Student Julius Hightower contemplates with real estate agent Terry Stewart of Poplar Bluff Realty whether it would be in his best interest to rent or take out a mortgage.

Student Julius Hightower contemplates with real estate agent Terry Stewart of Poplar Bluff Realty whether it would be in his best interest to rent or take out a mortgage.

As one of three ‘fickle finger of fate’ volunteers, KWOC’s Brittney McKay delivers senior Brannon Anthony an unexpected bill that students were supposed to prepare for under their ‘emergencies savings and spending plan.’ A few lucky students received good news.

As one of three ‘fickle finger of fate’ volunteers, KWOC’s Brittney McKay delivers senior Brannon Anthony an unexpected bill that students were supposed to prepare for under their ‘emergencies savings and spending plan.’ A few lucky students received good news.

Jamie Hobbs, a PBHS senior, visits the ‘fun stuff’ table manned by Sgt. Clark Parrott of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, to select from entertainment activities including sports equipment, hobby supplies, movies, concert tickets and vacation packages.

Jamie Hobbs, a PBHS senior, visits the ‘fun stuff’ table manned by Sgt. Clark Parrott of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, to select from entertainment activities including sports equipment, hobby supplies, movies, concert tickets and vacation packages.

Sponsored by the Missouri Credit Union Association in partnership with the Missouri Council for Economic Education, the Ozark Federal Credit Union Reality Fair has become the largest in the state, according to Davine Conover, business development specialist. The Ozark FCU is a certified community development financial institution under the U.S. Department of Treasury, teaching financial literacy in a six-county region, including Butler.