As Richmond Middle School eighthgraders worked through budgeting scenarios, the experience brought new awareness to everyday expenses. The activity was part of the school’s Reality Fair, where eighth-grade students were assigned a career and a monthly income, then rotated through a series of stations simulating real-world financial decisions. At each station, students made choices about housing, transportation, health care and other everyday expenses while working to stay within their budget. As they moved through each station, students began to see what it takes to balance income with necessary costs and make decisions that fit within their financial limits. “It was a good experience because we got to see what happens in real life and how much money you have to have,” said student Ariel Lee. “We saw how we have to spend our money and what you need to do to be able to make it in life and be successful.” The exercise also introduced students to situations not previously considered…