Bite of Reality

‘BITE OF REALITY’ FINANCIAL LITERACY EVENT

Bite of Reality is a hands-on app based simulation that appeals to teens while giving them a taste of real-world financial realities. Teens are given a fictional occupation, salary, credit score, spouse and a child, student loan debt, credit card debt, and medical insurance payments. The teens then walk around to various table-top stations to “purchase” housing, transportation, food, clothing, and other needs. Fortunately, the game also includes a “credit union” to help with their financial needs.​

This interactive activity will teach teens how to make financial decisions and give them a better understanding of the challenges of living on a budget. Teens will have to deal with a pushy “car salesperson” and a commission-based “realtor,” and weigh their wants versus their needs. There’s even a “Fickle Finger of Fate” that will give the students unexpected “expenses” or “windfalls”—just like in real life.

We are excited to partner with SIU Credit Union and the Marion High School to bring this event in-person to MHS students. The event will take place during the PE period, so volunteers will interact with various age groups and backgrounds. Morning and Afternoon shifts are available with 4+ people working per shift at each expense/information station. Cost information will be provided to you and we would like various Chamber members per industry available. This is a great event to have one-on-one interaction with students and get to know the consumers of tomorrow!

Expense / Information Stations include:

  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Child Care
  • Entertainment – activities, vacations
  • Household Needs – furnishings
  • Clothing / Personal Care
  • Shopping – phone, TV, charitable donations
  • Credit Union / Bank

Floater shifts are also available for trouble shooting and helping students go to all the stations in the time allowed.

TAKING PART

The next Bite of Reality event will take place on November 20th, 2025. Sign up to be a Volunteer!

Volunteer Portal

SIU Credit Union is the provider of the ‘Bite of Reality’ program that was developed by the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation. Learn More

Members of the Chamber sat down with MHS business class students for a ‘Bite of Realty’ financial literacy event on March 9th! Students were given a career and monthly income – and then worked with business volunteers at various stations including housing, transportation, childcare, food and much more!

We enjoyed working with the MHS students and are excited to expand the program next year! Thank you to SIU Credit Union for the ‘Bite of Reality’ program, Marion High School FBLA advisors, MHS school administration for hosting us, and to everyone who took part!

Business Leader Feedback

The Bite of Reality program is an exceptional way for students to learn about real life scenarios by showing them how expensive life can really be. During this year’s event, it was fascinating to watch the students work together to meet the budgets that they were assigned. Some students were willing to forego healthy eating or child care in order to purchase fancy vehicles & take vacations to Hawaii. As a “banker” during the event, we found that we were helping many students return their wants in order to be able to afford needs. This truly is a program that all students can benefit from since money management is a life skill that is essential for young people to learn.

 Whitney Stringer – First Southern Bank

It was good to see the students realize the cost of essentials and put into prospective their budgets vs their wants or needs. I think it also helped them realize that a job is important for the level or lifestyle in which they want to live.

Jason Powell – Southern Illinois Rejuvenation Center

Bite of Reality was a fun and interactive event to teach students the difference between what they want and what they can actually afford. A fun way to interact with kids and teach them about living within their means.

Shelly Kirchner – Peoples National Bank

“It was very rewarding to see the students grow from last year’s Bite of Reality. They made wiser choices, worked well as a team, and seemed to have a healthier outlook on independent living.”

Tiffany Yepsen – visitSI

This was my first time participating in the Bite of Reality experience and I was very impressed by the students’ participation and their involvement. It was exciting to see how each “couple”  worked through the many aspects of living situations. It was especially interesting to see how they were able to determine what was the best decision for their housing needs. In some cases, it was a rude awakening when they found out how their credit score could determine where they’d be able to live.

Richard David – Century 21

Participating in the Bite of Reality event has been a great experience for visitSI. Each year this event shows the youth that good financial habits need to start at an early age. While this program is fun for the kids, it also is eye-opening for them, as well as the adults who participate. Many of the students will take this information with them as they become independent adults and it will change the way they process those big life events and purchases. Goal achieved!

Ashlee Spiller – visitSI

Bite of Reality is a great event! It is a lot of fun for the students and adults alike while also teaching some important life lessons. The students see that reality can really come back to bite you when the month lasts a lot longer than their money! Maybe the car payment that is over half your monthly income isn’t the best choice!

Cheri Romonosky – AISIN Group