High Schoolers Gain Real-World Money Skills at Financial Literacy Fair

Over 450 students from 17 schools participated in a daylong budgeting simulation to prepare for adult finances.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:38pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of dollar bills repeated in a grid, conceptually representing the financial education and budgeting skills gained by high school students at a financial literacy fair.A financial literacy fair helps high schoolers develop real-world money management skills for the future.Hartford Today

More than 450 high school students from across the Greater Hartford region recently gathered at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford to take part in a daylong financial simulation designed to equip them with practical money management skills. The event, hosted by American Eagle Financial Credit Union, had students use a 'Bite of Reality' app to build monthly budgets by visiting stations covering housing, transportation, food, and other expenses, requiring them to weigh needs against wants while navigating unexpected financial scenarios.

Why it matters

The 'Financial Reality Fair' reflects a broader statewide effort by credit unions to expand financial education for high school students, helping them develop the confidence and skills to make smart money decisions as they transition into adulthood and face real-world financial challenges.

The details

Using the 'Bite of Reality' app, students were assigned careers and salaries, then tasked with building monthly budgets by visiting stations covering housing, transportation, food, and other expenses. The exercise required participants to weigh needs against wants while navigating unexpected financial scenarios. Organizers said the program is part of a long-running partnership between American Eagle and Connecticut's Credit Unions, with over 50,000 students statewide participating in the 'Bite of Reality' experience since 2008.

  • The event took place recently in East Hartford.
  • Since 2008, more than 50,000 students statewide have participated in the 'Bite of Reality' experience.

The players

American Eagle Financial Credit Union

The credit union that hosted the 'Financial Reality Fair' event.

Howard Brady

The chief executive officer of American Eagle Financial Credit Union.

Connor Martin

The mayor of East Hartford.

David Hinchey

The vice president of community and social impact at Connecticut's Credit Unions.

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What they’re saying

“This event gives teens the chance to navigate real-world financial scenarios, equipping them with the confidence and skills to make smart decisions as they transition into adulthood.”

— Howard Brady, Chief Executive Officer, American Eagle Financial Credit Union

“American Eagle and other credit unions across the state work together to host these simulations, helping students learn how to manage money, save for retirement, build strong credit, handle debt, and prepare for life's unexpected challenges.”

— David Hinchey, Vice President of Community and Social Impact, Connecticut's Credit Unions

What’s next

Officials said they plan to continue expanding access to financial literacy programs for high school students in the Greater Hartford region.

The takeaway

The 'Financial Reality Fair' demonstrates how credit unions are proactively addressing the need for improved financial education, empowering high school students with practical money management skills to navigate adulthood with greater confidence and preparedness.