Jackson Middle School seventh-grader Madelyn Thorn, center, works on balancing her checkbook as fellow students Jillian Farley and Alexandra Somich look on. The group got to use their math skills to budget real-world expenses Wednesday during West Virginia Central Credit Union’s Mad City Money initiative. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — West Virginia Central Credit Union’s Mad City Money initiative visited Jackson Middle School Wednesday to give students a chance to flex their math skills to budget real-world expenses like buying a car and house, getting insurance for both, child care and providing groceries for a household.

“Not every kid grows up with financial experience from their parents,” Michelle Fitcher, the director of mortgage solutions at WVCCU, said. “We want them to at least have a sampling of what it could be like, and that finances can be scary, but at the credit union, we’re here to help them.”

Fitcher said students were assigned various life scenarios, including marital status, employment, and financial obligations such as credit card debt and child care costs. She said armed with a checkbook, they then visit different stations to manage their expenses, including housing, transportation, and groceries.

“Things are a lot more expensive than I thought,” seventh-grader James Johnson said.

He said he was aware being an adult wasn’t cheap but that he had no idea how expensive it really is.

Zach Seese, assistant financial advisor for West Virginia Central Credit Union, helps Jackson Middle School seventh-grader James Johnson balance his checkbook Wednesday during the credit union’s Mad City Money initiative. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

“This is real life. My students talk about this experience for quite a while,” Cherish George, seventh-grade science teacher at Jackson Middle School, said. “Many are humbled by the thought of just how much their families have sacrificed over the years, some joke that they’ll never have kids as they’re so expensive, some claim to be overwhelmed by the responsibilities that come with adulthood, and all of them talk about the benefit of using their math skills to budget.”

Fitcher said the program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the financial challenges they may face as adults, empowering them to make informed decisions and develop sound financial habits.

“The more that we can branch out and help kids, the better,” Fitcher said. “We would love it if other schools ask for our help.”

She said the credit union currently partners with two local middle schools, Jackson Middle School and Edison Middle School, to offer the Mad City Money program. However, the credit union is open to expanding the initiative to reach more students in the community.

“Just call the credit union to ask for the Mad City Money program,” Fitcher advised, inviting interested schools to get in touch.

Jackson Middle School students got a chance to show off their math skills to budget real-world expenses Wednesday during West Virginia Central Credit Union’s Mad City Money initiative. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

She said by offering this innovative financial simulation, the credit union is not only educating students but also investing in the long-term financial well-being of the community.

“We love this WVCCU initiative and look forward to this experience every year,” George said.

Douglass Huxley can be reached at dhuxley@newsandsentinel.com

Jackson Middle School seventh-graders Gavin Coleman and Xander Bowman work on balancing their checkbooks Wednesday while also writing checks for clothing during West Virginia Central Credit Union’s Mad City Money initiative. (Photo Provided)