Preparing Teens for Financial Independence
On February 7, at the Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, teachers, teens, and volunteers participated in the Bite of Reality financial literacy program. This event, featuring employee volunteers from Logix Federal Credit Union, aimed to equip high school students with essential financial skills for adulthood. Reality can be harsh, but being prepared makes a significant difference.
Hands-On Financial Education
Students from the Entrepreneurship Academy at Thousand Oaks High School, the Data Academy at Newbury Park High, and attendees from Westlake and Conejo Valley High Schools engaged in an immersive learning experience. Bite of Reality, created by the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation, allows teens to learn budgeting by simulating adult financial responsibilities. Using an app, students make financial decisions, pay bills, and strive to maintain a good credit score.
Guided by Logix employees, 150 students meticulously prepared budgets before shopping for essentials like household items, groceries, transportation, and housing. The app alerted them when bills were due or if they overspent, prompting them to consult with their credit union. Experts advised students on adjusting their budgets, such as returning items or curbing spending.
Community Involvement and Future Plans
Ashley Cooper, a career education coordinator at Thousand Oaks High, praised the program’s impact on students. “Our students were engaged and asked insightful questions. Logix has been an incredible partner,” she said. This year, the initiative expanded to include Westlake and Conejo Valley high schools, enhancing the program’s reach.
Andrea DeLuna, a community relations specialist at Logix, organized the event with support from Sports Academy, Jersey Mike’s, and Oaks Event Rentals. “The increased interest allowed us to host Bite of Reality for four local high schools,” DeLuna explained. “Our aim is to continue expanding this program to involve more students in the future.”
Logix, operating 19 branches across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, looks forward to welcoming more students next year. “We want to support our community, especially our youth,” said Kelly Fitzpatrick, branch manager at Logix’s Westlake office. “Equipping them with the tools for sound decision-making prepares them to navigate future financial choices.”
For more information on Logix and its services, visit lfcu.com. To learn more about Bite of Reality, visit www.rmjfoundation.org/bite-of-reality.