Eastmont Middle eighth graders stepped into adult roles during Reality Town, a financial literacy simulation where students budget monthly expenses based on assigned careers and family scenarios.

Two students from the Jordan High National Defense Cadet Corps program watched as students earned bonus “money” for their households by doing push-ups at a mock military recruitment station. 

“It gave us experience what real life would be like,” Jordan High freshman cadet Brock Johnson said.

His fellow cadet, Brighton High sophomore Flynn Johnson, shared his budgeting experience: “I’d see where I could spend the least money for the best value, like buying a used sedan for the family, so I’d have money at the end.”

Parent volunteers were curious to see how their children handled the challenge. 

Bryce Smith wasn’t sure of his son Brysen’s plan. 

“We didn’t talk about balancing money in real life or strategies for Reality Town, so this will be his best judgment,” he said.

Juliana Powell’s son Max faced a tough situation.

“He earns $32,000 by doing ski patrol and he has three kids to support,” she said. “He has a wife; I hope she has a good job because he is going to see how little his salary will buy when stretched over 12 months. Plus, he's never been skiing, so careerwise, if he breaks a leg, then how will they make it?”

School counselor Megan Gebhard said the simulation encourages students to think critically about spending.

“In Reality Town, they’ve basically been transplanted to a new community, at 30 years old, with a randomized family and are expected to set up their household using their monthly income,” she said. “It's a budgeting experiment that gives them perspective.”

Students could earn extra income through second jobs, CTEC or military service, but Gebhard said learning to balance is key. 

“We had one student ask if he could ride a horse instead of buying a car, but that’s not learning the idea of compromise,” she said. “We want them to reflect—what did they learn? Were they surprised by anything? How could they do better?”

Eighth-grader Isaiah Chavez, assigned a $3,619 monthly income as a clinical research coordinator, joked: “I could leave my wife and kids and move to Bali and survive on my salary.”

Jordan High work-based learning coordinator Jen Boyd said the exercise is eye-opening: “Some want to save money and others want to spend it all. They realize how much things cost and they do need a good job. It hits them—it’s reality.”

Student leaders from Jordan High helped, including freshman Cadence Cardall, who along with sophomore Sophie Opperman, staffed a station. 

Cardall shared practical advice: “Do the important stuff first, then you can spend on fun things later.”

Eighth-grader Clover Taylor found budgeting tough to support her 4-year-old daughter, on her data entry paycheck.

“With one salary, it becomes a challenge to manage,” she said.

Her classmate, Rylee Zonellner, added: “We’re learning to be responsible and to use our money wisely so in the future, we don’t go broke.”λ