It’s a scenario where deductions add up to the greatest lessons.
Rent. Groceries. Gas. And ugh, the unexpected flat tire.
Welcome to Regions Next Step Reality Check, an interactive financial education game teaching youth what it really costs to live.
Serenity Ross and Alanna Asiedu Ofei were among 90 students who gained real-world financial insights during a Reality Check session at Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) Statewide Career Conference this past spring. Eight Regions Consumer Banking associates taught the Des Moines session.
“Going around the tables, I wasn’t really thinking about what other financial commitments I would have, so I went to the shopping part first,” said Ross, a Davenport Central High School senior. “When I got to the rent table, I thought, ‘Oh no, I should’ve thought of that before I spent all this money.’”
“I also went to the shopping table first, even though I should have gone to the rent or phone bill table,” added Ofei, also a Davenport Central senior. “I should’ve gone to the shopping table last.”
Ashley Earle heard “I should have” often while staffing that tempting shopping and vacation station Ross, Ofei and others visited early.
“Those who stopped by my station first often regretted their decision quickly,” said Earle, manager of Regions’ Mulberry Street branch in Waterloo. “Students immediately began realizing the full picture of what it costs to be an adult, especially with a family. They were having fun, but it was also very eye-opening for them.”
Students immediately began realizing the full picture of what it costs to be an adult, especially with a family. They were having fun, but it was also very eye-opening for them. Ashley Earle, manager of Regions’ Mulberry Street branch in Waterloo
Where Budgeting Gets Real
Reality Check is built on a simple idea: practice builds financial confidence.
Travis Morfitt will tell you practice like this often serves as students’ introduction to saving, spending and money management.
“Not all families sit down and talk about finances,” said the manager of Regions’ Ridgeway branch in Waterloo who also volunteered. “The path to financial independence starts when you are young. Through Reality Check, we can provide real-life scenarios and let students know bankers are a resource here to help.”
The path to financial independence starts when you are young. Travis Morfitt, manager of Regions’ Ridgeway branch in Waterloo
‘Aha’ Moments That Build Lifelong Habits
In addition to the valuable takeaway of visiting the shopping and vacation table last, the day delivered more “aha” moments for iJAG youth:
“One young man needed to utilize the cheapest option at each table because he didn’t have a choice with his life scenario,” said Austin Bruns, a Relationship Banker at Regions’ University Avenue branch in Cedar Falls. “He realized you can only control certain things, so saving is more important than flashier things like eating out consistently.”
One of the most impactful parts of this experience was seeing our team members fully engaged with an organization making a real difference for students. Michelle Ziegler, Consumer Banking manager in Iowa
Students also gained valuable perspective from comparing scenarios.
“Some students drew the card for a 23-year-old, newer-to-the-workforce, with limited income, while others were doctors or more tenured employees with more disposable income,” said Morfitt. “Students were discussing what income they had left after expenses. By the end, they understood not everyone is going to have the same path, and many realized they would have to sacrifice some of the things they wanted.”
But the day’s value wasn’t only realized by the students.
“One of the most impactful parts of this experience was seeing our team members fully engaged with an organization making a real difference for students,” said Michelle Ziegler, Consumer Banking manager in Iowa. “Working with iJAG serves as a powerful reminder that our reach extends far beyond the branch.”
Making Small Changes that Last
Less than three months after that initial “uh-oh” moment, Ross and Ofei are already putting what they learned into practice.
“The game really opened my eyes about being more mature with money,” said Ross, who was employed at a daycare over the summer and is working in fast food during the school year. “It’s helping me realize I need to put aside money for things like prom or when I need to fix something with my car. Every student needs to know the basics of managing your own finances.”
This experience was one of my favorite presentations. It was interactive; I saw the smiles on everyone’s faces.Serenity Ross, a Davenport Central High School senior
“For me, the takeaway was about saving money for a car and for college,” added Ofei, who also had a summer daycare job. “I already save, but I can try to do more. And I can help pay for my phone bill, too.”
One day yielding lasting results for the students.
“This experience was one of my favorite presentations,” said Ross. “It was interactive; I saw the smiles on everyone’s faces.”
Including the volunteers.
“Watching our team step into teaching and mentoring roles reinforced how important our mission is,” said Ziegler. “I’m incredibly grateful Regions empowers our associates to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.”
How JAG is Preparing Students for What’s Next
JAG affiliates across the country empower students to build self-confidence, as well as job-readiness and leadership skills to help prepare them for their futures.
Serenity Ross and Alanna Asiedu Ofei, both iJAG Career Association leaders, have gained them all and more thanks to the organization.
“iJAG has given me the ability to learn new skills for my future career,” said Ross, who plans to study social work in college to work in the mental health field.
“I’ve had the ability to work on my passion to become a special education teacher,” said Ofei. “iJAG has helped me be more responsible and accountable for my future. I’m glad I have an idea of what’s next.”