On Thursday, October 9, West Branch seniors hopped on the bus and headed to the Clearfield County Fairgrounds for the annual CNB Financial Reality Fair. Before the event, students had to fill out a Google Form, where they chose their career following graduation. Students were also given their annual salary and monthly income for an entry-level position. While they were there, students rotated through a variety of stations, where they learned about the cost of housing, insurance, education, entertainment, food, internet and cable TV, personal care, and transportation. At each table, students were given options and were asked to select the one they believed would best support their salary. They were given about 5 minutes at each table, run by volunteers, where they calculated their monthly payments for each category. One surprise at the fair was the “Whammy Wheel”, which was a simulation of life’s unexpected events. For example, there were unexpected trips to the emergency room, a car breakdown, and appliance issues. However, there were beneficial things, including a $275 scholarship. West Branch guidance counselor Jennifer Porter stated, “I think it’s important so that students understand how important it is to be financially responsible from a young age, can make good decisions about their intended career choice and whether that salary will support the lifestyle they would like to live, and see just how far a dollar goes! Several students reported that they now understand how important good credit is, how much of their income goes to taxes, retirement, and insurance, and that debt snowballs really fast!” While West Branch was there, Moshannon Valley High School and Philipsburg-Osceola High School seniors were in attendance at the fair as well. Once the fair concluded, students totalled their monthly expenses and subtracted them from their monthly income, finding out how much money they had left at the end of the month. Overall, this was an eye-opening experience to see how far your money can actually go.