An article written publish on youth.gov stated that “a survey of 15-year-olds in the United States found that 18 percent of respondents did not learn fundamental financial skills that are often applied in everyday situations, such as building a simple budget, comparison shopping, and understanding an invoice.”  As the Lyon County 4-H Youth Development Agent I believe that it is my job to make certain that the youth in Lyon County learn and practice fundamental skills such as financial literacy. The Reality Store program is a great experience for 8^th graders in Lyon County to gain knowledge, skills, and confidence in financial literacy. With the partnership of Lyon County 4-H, Lyon County Schools Family Resource Center, and Lyon County School Community Education, the Reality Store program was presented to over 60 8^th grade students. The students attended lessons before the program that covered the topics of budgeting, education requirements, and banking etiquette. During the Reality Store program the students had the opportunity to experience the Real World which included depositing their monthly earnings, paying a monthly car payment, making a house payment or paying rent, buying groceries, paying for childcare, and additional necessary monthly expenses. The Reality Store program is a great opportunity for students to understand the real meaning of needs versus wants. At the end of the program students were evaluated on their experience, here are the results:  

1. Has your Reality Store experience changed your thoughts about your educational goals?
   1. 60-Yes   87%                                       b. 9-No   13%
2. Do you think your grades in school now will affect your career and salary?
   1. 63-Yes 91%                                                         b. 6-No 9%
3. After Reality Store will you plan better for unexpected things in your life?
   1. 69-Yes 100%                                                       b. 0-No     0%

Change Awareness of these topics:

1. Budgeting your money
   1. Decreased: 12             b. Stayed the Same: 14                        C. Increased: 41 or 59%
2. Making wish financial choices
   1. Decreased: 3                 b. Stayed the Same: 16                     C. Increased: 48 or 69%
3. Making career choices
   1. Decreased: 1              b. Stayed the Same: 20                         C. Increased: 46
4. Added Expense of Children
   1. Decreased: 8                  b. Stayed the Same: 17                    C. Increased: 41
5. Importance of Staying in school and making good grades:
   1. Decreased: 2                  b. Stayed the Same: 16                     C. Increased: 48

Some Comments from Student’s: “Everything was more expensive than I thought.” “Housing cost more than I had planned.” “Now I will plan for the unexpected.” “Money is a big deal and saving is bigger even with kids.”  

Students visit drug testing booth to understand the consequences of using drugs in the REAL WORLD. 

Volunteers encourage students to make smart financial decisions.