#1 More 'Money' conversations at home

"Before my son took the Budget Challenge we tried to discuss money, but it always felt like a one way conversation. Just two weeks into the simulation he started coming to us with questions—really good questions—and that made all the difference! Thank you for this wonderful experience!"

#2 Students know this is important

In exit surveys, 87% of students in high school say that ALL students should take Budget Challenge before they graduate.  Students value learning practical skills in:

  • Saving for retirement
  • Creating an emergency fund
  • Paying down debt
  • Paying bills on time
  • Managing credit cards and credit utilization

 

#3 Teaches students how to effectively build their credit score

Only in Budget Challenge can students practice the behaviors that build high credit scores.

#4 Avoid expensive mistakes in the future

We surveyed 51,647 students who completed Budget Challenge and asked: “Do you believe that this simulation experience has prevented future costly mistakes you would have made in the real world?”   84% answered "YES"

These same students were also asked: “If a typical mistake in the real world costs between $30 and $40, how much in future fees would you estimate you saved by taking Budget Challenge?”

  • $0 (zero mistakes avoided) = 7.1%
  • $30-$40 (about 1 mistake avoided) = 20.0%
  • $60-$80 (about 2 mistakes avoided) = 30.9%
  • $90-$120 (about 3 mistakes avoided) = 18.2%
  • Over $120 (4 or more mistakes avoided) = 22.7%

 

#5 Teaches students how to effectively manage credit cards

Only in Budget Challenge do students manage credit card charges and payments in real-time over 10 weeks. There is even a trophy students can earn for paying off their credit card.

Switch to the Only Program that Teaches Skills. It's free with ESSER funding!

We've assembled each state's district-level ESSER allocations. Click on our map to see what your district's funding.

See the map

Some schools are unaware of this funding. Ask your school about using ESSER funding for Budget Challenge.