Real Money Real World Overview
01/21/2026
Real Money Real World Overview
Studies consistently show that structured financial literacy education in elementary and middle school helps form healthy financial habits in students. Despite this, financial literacy education remains inconsistent across the United States. Real Money Real World aims to remedy this by offering a week-long program to middle schoolers to show them the ins and outs of financial responsibility. Let’s take a deeper look at this program.
Financial Literacy is simply teaching students about money and things like paying bills, starting savings accounts, and interest. Real Money Real World takes these concepts and puts them in a real-life simulation.
Students are given a scenario where they are 28 years old and married to a person named “Chris.” Chris has recently decided to go back to school and has moved to part-time work. They have a random number of children (usually one to three) of varying ages. The students must then use their budget to pay for things like childcare, student loans, and transportation. Along the way, they may receive a traffic ticket or visit the Chance booth (meant to simulate those little things in life that you don’t plan for). They could receive an inheritance or get into a car accident and pay their $500 deductible!
Over the course of the simulation, students are encouraged to make smart financial decisions using the concepts they have been taught over the course of the week by one of the Ohio State University Extension Office’s employees. While students are presented with luxury cars and high-end clothing options, and are free to choose them, many students learn that money runs out quickly. Therefore, they often must go to the financial advice booth to see where they can save some money. Oftentimes, this means returning the SUV or moving to an apartment. Throughout the event, it is up to the volunteers to teach the students about how choices affect their budget.
Over the course of our many years helping with this simulation, we often see a lot of students making excellent decisions. A lot will have to visit the financial advice booth, but many are able to finish with the requisite $1 to reach the Finish Line. For volunteers, Real Money Real World is one of the most rewarding events we help with throughout the year. It also helps us learn where certain age groups are on their financial literacy journey and what resources might be best for our communities.
The first simulation of the year is coming soon, and we are very much looking forward to being out in the community helping students! If you would like to learn more about the program or become a volunteer yourself, check out the Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County Facebook page for more information!