TruWest Credit Union recently launched its signature Bite of Reality financial education program for students in grades 8–12 as well as college students.

The simulation is intended to provide kids and young adults with the opportunity to budget strategically and manage money in real world situations, according to a press release.

Through the program app, students are assigned a profile that comes with a job title, salary, family situation, debt level (if any) and monthly budget information. Participants are then prompted to begin evaluating and making choices for housing, tech, transportation, grocery, child care, travel and entertainment based on their budget, salary and lifestyle. On site volunteers facilitate the process.

“Exposing students to budgeting and money management at a young age will have an invaluable impact on their financial future,” Chief Financial Officer Mike Ward said in the release. “TruWest’s Bite of Reality simulation is a memorable and effective program for kids and young adults.”

Inevitably, some students will go over their budget and have the opportunity to visit the credit union in order to receive counsel on financial decisions and guidance to adjust spending to get back within budget, the release stated.

TruWest is a local credit union with branches located in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert and Scottsdale.

For more information regarding TruWest Credit Union and the Bite of Reality youth financial education program, visit truwest.org/bite-of-reality/.