Spring Break Mad City Money

It's Spring Break for Corning/ Painted Post Schools!  Luckily this break coincided with Money Smart week this year,April 23-30, 2016.  This gave me the opportunity to schedule our annual Mad City Money event presented by the Corning Credit Union.

Mad City Money, presented by Corning Credit Union

Mad City Money is real life simulation game, quite like the Game of Life.  Please read  this description of our Mad City Money event from 2015 to get a feel for all of the excitement. There were less students available this year, which means Spring Break is not a good time to plan a financial literacy event.  Nevertheless, 12 students got a real life lesson on being adults. 

"Bills, bills, bills!  It's so hard being an adult!"

These kids got a taste of how hard balancing a budget for needs is when you have the world of desires at your fingertips.  Who wants to buy a bus pass when a Ferrari is an option?!  And while dealing with a highly persuasive used car salesperson, like we did, choosing wisely might not be the easiest option.

Trust the salesperson or trust your gut?

After a two hour simulation, the students regrouped to discuss their experience.  All agreed this was a great lesson.  None of them underestimate the struggle their families face daily.  

But all were equally relieved that the simulation was over and it was time to be a kid again!

"I want to stay a kid forever!"

A special note of gratitude goes to our volunteers who became "merchants" for an afternoon.  Extra KUDOS go to the Corning Credit Union team who make this program possible in our region.  Great work!

Mad City Money with Corning Credit Union

Suppose you are given a folder...
Your life's details are laid out with a chosen career, selected spouse and pre-named child for whom you need to dress, feed and educate.  Surprised by these circumstances?  Do you have the skills to survive this game of Life??  This is exactly how Mad City Money is played.

Everyone needs a little FINANCIAL LITERACY, especially young adults.  On January 30, 2015, Corning Credit Union was invited to lead this real life simulation game in the library.

There was a short training for volunteer "vendors" and each game player.

This training is serious business.  You never really get a chance to PRACTICE at LIFE.

After a short introduction to the game, everyone got to work learning how to balance big decisions in all of life's avenues.

There is no "pause" button in The Real World.  

 There are 8 vendor stations.

Clockwise from top left:  Corning Credit Union,  Home Stuff, My Closet, Fun Stuff  

Clockwise from top left:  Really Realty, Gotta Eat, Mad City Mall, Kid Care

The goal of the game is to purchase items and services from all 8 vendors and only have $100 in your bank account.  To many, having only $100 left seemed like unwise planning, which proved these kids are aware of life's hardships.

The Corning Credit Union was busy with financially strained "families."

It was quickly realized that "adults have it tough," 
as one participant summed up the scenario. 

Some sales people are more helpful than in real life, but watch out for Fate

Big Wheels are fun to buy.  Beware of unforeseen costs...

As many adults know, Fate can strike at any time.  You may need to buy new tires for your car when, SURPRISE!, your washing machine breaks.  The choices you make determine your successes and strides in life.  These choices are very difficult, especially when consulting with a spouse or house mate.

   The Fickle Finger of Fate is the one vendor no one anticipated.  You can never prepare for these "special" surprises.  Sometimes you win, most times you struggle.

Southeast Steuben County Library offers programs that inform, inspire, enrich, and amaze, creating an environment that fosters lifelong learning and community connections. 

Mad City Money is one of such programs.  All parties involved had an excellent time. There was no school on this particular day, but we educated more young adults in financial literacy than we average in most of our regular craft programs.  

This game is designed for high school students, but it is effective with younger kids, too.  

A patient parent is the best guide in this game.

Please join us next year for another chance at "LIFE."  

We can all use a little practice before the big league.