Bite Of Reality
Credit unions nationwide are working hard to bring financial education to their communities!
Bite of Reality is a hands-on app-based simulation that appeals to teens while giving them a taste of real-world financial realities. Teens are given a fictional occupation, salary, credit score, spouse and a child, student loan debt, credit card debt, and medical insurance payments. The teens then walk around to various table-top stations to “purchase” housing, transportation, food, clothing, and other needs. Fortunately, the game also includes a “credit union” to help with their financial needs.
This interactive activity will teach teens how to make financial decisions and give them a better understanding of the challenges of living on a budget. Teens will have to deal with a pushy “car salesperson” and a commission-based “realtor,” and weigh their wants versus their needs. There’s even a “Fickle Finger of Fate” that will give the students unexpected “expenses” or “windfalls”—just like in real life.
13
Events Held in 2024
15%
Improvement in Financial Confidence
and Behavior
1,964
Students Reached in 2024
What is Bite of Reality?
What are the Benefits of Bite of Reality?
- Teaches basic money management in a safe, fun setting
- Simulates everyday financial challenges and situations
- Introduces the next generation to the benefits of credit unions
- Helps you build relationships with schools, educators, and parents in your communities
- Free to the students
How can my chapter or credit union participate?
Contact the Credit Union Impact Foundation, which will supply:
- Access to the Bite of Reality2 App
- Training materials for volunteers
- 10 volunteer adults to play the role of various merchanges (per 75 students)
- One hour of on-site preparation on the day of the event
- 1.5 hours for simulation and debrief
- 50+ teens (target is grades 8-12)
- A facilitator
Event Resources
Request Event Code
The following information is required to complete your Bite of Reality® event code request.
Please submit your request for each event you have scheduled at least two weeks prior to your event. You will receive your unique event code within three business days of receiving your request.
