The Reality Check event at Craig High School. After getting their personal information, high school students were required to pay taxes, get a checking account, arrange housing and get transportation before anything else.
Janesville high school students crowd around the banking, housing, and transportation tables during The Reality Check event at Craig on 03-04-09. After getting their personal information, students were required to pay taxes, get a checking account, arrange housing and get transportation before anything else.
Photo By: Bill Olmsted
United Way representative Linda Lyke discuses chatitable giving with a pair of Janesville high school students during the Reality Check event at Craig High School on 03-04-09. Lyke's booth, as well as several other discretionary expenditure booths saw little traffic early as students figured out their finances.
Photo By: Bill Olmsted
Nicole Buggs writes out a check for the payment on the used Mercedes car she bought during the Reality Check event on 03-04-09. Although Buggs had a good income, it dropped substantially when she learned the difference between 'pay' and 'take-home pay', AFTER she bought her car.
Photo By: Bill Olmsted
At the "Big Toys" table. students were tempted to spend money on a variety of items that although fun, did have impressive impacts on their bottom line. The Jet Ski was popular early.
Photo By: Bill Olmsted
David Ascherl makes his house payment for the older, lower-priced, home he bought during the Reality Check event on 03-04-09. Ascherl bought instead of renting because he felt the $295./ month cost was better in the long-term than renting.
Photo By: Bill Olmsted
Some students in the 03-04-09 Reality Check found themselves in trouble with the law and needing to pay fines. Others were rewarded for good behavior. Medical problems and benefits were also factored into the economics lesson.
Photo By: Bill Olmsted
Reality Check participants had a variety of vehicles, both new and used, to choose from for their transportation. The difference in cost was often hundreds of dollars a month.
