The living on your own Experience (LOYOE) gives young people (high school students) the opportunity to imagine their lives as young, employed adults. They are given random occupations, incomes, and family compositions (i.e. children, spouses, etc.).

They then visit tables and interact with adult volunteers as they make spending decisions about various aspects of life including transportation, housing, childcare, clothing, credit, and others.

Through the learning exercise, they learn about managing money, living within their means, identifying spending priorities, saving and dealing with unexpected expenses.

It’s a great experience and a different way to teach personal finance.