Like the perfect gumbo, there is a recipe to help reach financial success. Financial literacy is the key ingredient.
Regions associates added lagniappe – a Louisiana French term meaning gift, or a little something extra – by giving hundreds of young people a lesson in money matters.
At Regions, we believe financial education should be accessible for people of all ages. Graham Ralston, market executive for Regions Bank in Southeast Louisiana
Regions presented a Next Step Reality Check, an interactive way for students to learn about building and balancing a budget, to more than 375 eighth-grade students from all six junior high schools across St. Mary Parish in South Louisiana. Held over two days, the engaging event gave students a firsthand look at managing money, budgeting, and making responsible financial choices.
“At Regions, we believe financial education should be accessible for people of all ages,” said Graham Ralston, market executive for Regions Bank in Southeast Louisiana. “The Reality Check program helps students develop practical money-management skills in a fun and interactive way, ensuring they have the knowledge to make informed financial decisions in the future.”
During Regions Next Step Reality Check, students are assigned a persona and then select real-life options that will directly impact their budget. The goal is to make the assigned decisions during the course and complete the experience with a budget surplus. Navigating real-world scenarios, students gained an understanding of how their decisions impact their financial well-being – insights that will benefit them for years to come.
Through hands-on learning, they now have a greater appreciation for financial planning and the tools needed for a responsible financial future. Noelle Lowrimore, STEAM & CTE Liaison with St. Mary Parish Public Schools
Students were challenged to create and manage a budget while considering expenses like housing, transportation, savings, and entertainment. Along the way, they encountered unexpected obstacles – just as they might in real life – giving them a better understanding of the importance of planning and saving.
“This experience was eye-opening for our students,” said Noelle Lowrimore, STEAM & CTE Liaison with St. Mary Parish Public Schools. “Through hands-on learning, they now have a greater appreciation for financial planning and the tools needed for a responsible financial future. We are grateful to Regions Bank for workshops like these, which are essential in equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills to help them succeed.”
With the right mix of guidance, engagement, and real-world experience, Regions associates are helping students stir up the skills they need for lifelong financial wellness. With community partners helping with lagniappe as the extra ingredient, Regions is proud to be part of the recipe.
