Ca$h Course
WESTconsin Credit Union’s Financial Education Simulation
About the Program
Ca$h Course is a hands-on, real-world simulation designed to guide participants through a day in the life of an adult. This immersive experience challenges individuals to apply their decision-making skills and personal values as they navigate everyday financial decisions.
Throughout the simulation, participants will face realistic scenarios like making purchases, managing budgets, and dealing with the consequences of their choices. It’s a safe space to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them, all while gaining a deeper understanding of financial responsibility.
The Ca$h Course simulation is hosted in-person, and is powered by the Bite of Reality® mobile app.
How it Works
Using the Bite of Reality® mobile app, each participant is given a persona for the day that includes an occupation, income, family description, credit score, credit card debt, medical insurance, and student loans. Participants will then have to make their way around eight different merchant stations to make everyday purchases like housing, utilities, clothing, childcare, meal choices, transportation, and more, all while staying within budget.
At each station, merchant volunteers will intentionally pressure participants to choose the nicest, most expensive options, simulating real-world marketing tactics and peer influence. This challenge helps students recognize how emotional and social factors can impact financial decisions and encourages critical thinking about needs vs. wants.
When students face a tough decision, overspend, or need additional guidance, they will be encouraged to visit the Credit Union station to work one-on-one with a WESTconsin staff member for financial coaching.
Ca$h Course is designed for high school aged youth but can be successfully delivered to younger or older participants.
Program Features and Benefits
- Student Reflection Worksheets to help participants process what they learned and how it applies to their future.
- Pre- and Post-Simulation Self-Evaluations to measure growth in financial confidence and understanding. Results will be shared with the school after the event.
- Real-World Decision-Making Practice in a safe, supportive environment.
- Career and Life Readiness by reinforcing budgeting, prioritization, and critical thinking skills.
Interested in Hosting an Event?
Ca$h Course is sponsored by WESTconsin and offered free to schools and community members in our field of membership.
To host a Ca$h Course event effectively, WESTconsin Credit Union and the hosting school or community organization will collaborate closely. Each organization must contribute to planning, organizing, and executing the event, ensuring clear communication and coordination throughout the process.
Hosting School or Community Organization provides:
- Point person to work with WESTconsin Credit Union point person before, during, and after the event *Required
- Faculty presence during the event *Required
- Location (gym is preferred)
- Chairs/bleachers for students for the introduction and debriefing sessions
- Tables and chairs for merchant stations
- Sound system with microphone
- Screen to display PowerPoint introduction
- Wi-Fi connection
WESTconsin Credit Union provides:
- Point person to coordinate the event with the school before, during, and after the event
- Event facilitation
- Volunteers and volunteer facilitation
- Day of set
- Five loaner tablets for students who do not have access to a mobile device
- All program materials and supplies including:
- Ca$h Course Kit (Signage, Tablecloths, Banners)
- Student Worksheet
- Pre-event volunteer training
- Pre-event introduction presentation for participants
- Post-event debriefing questions for participants
