Houston High hosts financial reality fair

A joint partnership between the Mat-Su Borough School District and Matanuska Valley Federal Credit (MVFCU) is geared toward making high school students more financially saavy--both now and as they prepare to leave the safe confines of public education. Houston High School hosted the third of six planned Get REAL Financial Reality Fairs Wednesday.

The event is designed to teach financial literacy. Organizers try to make the event fun and hands-on as participants learn about managing personal finances. To help, members of the community with financial experience, such as banking, assist in making prudent decisions about everyday expenses and provide financial advice about budgeting.

Forty nine Houston students participated in the fair. Many said they were shocked at what it would take to live on their own and stay on-budget. Other comments centered on how quickly expenses add up when not following a budget and how anything can happen at any moment that could throw your world into financial chaos.

The HHS event was third in a series of five. Burchell High School kicked off this year's series Nov. 2 and Palmer High followed last week. Wasilla High School will have the learning opportunity next Thursday. Colony High School conducts its fair next spring.

The fair is now part of a foundation response www.financialreality.org. According to Mat-Su Borough School District Public Information Officer Catherine Esary, the foundation exists for consumers of all ages to develop skills and acquire knowledge using a realistic approach that helps them achieve their financial goals. Each event, is staffed by volunteers. Esary said that's true in Mat-Su as well. There are bankers, legislative aides, community voices, realtors, and more.

The fairs have been reaching high school students since November of 2011. To date, more than 5,000 students from 39 schools have participated, while 400 community members have volunteered their knowledge.