While there were lines at times at most every station, from communication to clothing, there were several students looking at their options how they could make more money at supplemental income.

“It’s so fun, but I spent my money so fast,” an eighth-grade Butler Middle School student said. “I only make $3,329. You have to save it or it’s going to go by so quick.”

This is Reality Town.

It’s an option for about 300 students to dress professionally to match their assigned profession and learn how to budget their monthly salary to support themselves and their assigned families. Students are expected to purchase housing, transportation, food, taxes and other necessities before they spend for optional choices such as a pet or entertainment.

“Reality Town gives them a glimpse into adulthood,” said Megan Brush, who was volunteering at the doctor’s office station. “It helps them understand finances and budgeting; it’s a life skill that’s invaluable.”

She was one of about 50 volunteers who staffed tables and helped students understand how to balance their budget, explain the difference of a debit versus credit card, and review their spending.

Alyssa Olson, who has worked in finance for seven years at Cyprus Credit Union, volunteered to help students.

“I love Reality Town; it gives everybody a great opportunity to learn young,” she said. “We’ve seen a lot of people make financial mistakes, but even learning the small things they do at Reality Town makes it more realistic for them so that they can prevent those mistakes in the future.”

Volunteer Janica Hillesheim supports that belief.

“I have five kids and I’m in a finance class now,” she said. “What I’m learning now would have been so much more valuable when I was younger.”

Hillesheim said students being more knowledgeable about investments and retirement now will impact decisions about the amounts to save and invest as an adult.

“It’s an amazing program for them to be learning about this now,” she said.

Another eighth grader thinks Reality Town might be a little unrealistic.

“I think that the jobs are a little bit non-realistic because my job normally would earn six figures and I’m only making $71,000 before taxes,” she said, adding, “Other than that, I think it’s OK.”

Another student thought, “It’s overwhelming.”

Then she continued, “but it’s important to learn this stuff because it’s important later in life when you’re an adult. And you have to keep track of your money so you don’t go into debt.”

Brighton Work-Based Learning Facilitator Eileen Kastler helped with the event.

“Many of the students faced some surprises – some found themselves with a large family, had a limited income or were a single parent – making it necessary to adjust their choices to fit their situations,” she said. “Some had to give up a family vacation or skip a sporting event to cover the essential expenses like childcare or groceries. Reality Town gave them a dose of reality – and they learned that sometimes it can be rough.”