“After the Budget Challenge simulation, I’ve become so much more aware of the consequences of managing your money wrong. Before the simulation, I had some knowledge in money management, but I never actually had a true understanding. Even though it was just a simulation, I was still stressed out at times about my financial situation. There were times I wasn’t always able to pay my bills, in full, at one time. I struggled with making payments on time because I sometimes had insufficient funds. I understand, now, that late fees and interest play a big part in the final sum you pay.”

“Before, I used to roll my eyes at my smart, money-conscious mother, who kept stressing the importance of this class, as she did not have this when she was my age. However, while participating in the challenge, I uncovered the many layers of banking and personal finance, and the long-term consequences of poor money management. Overall, I now share the same interest in money responsibility as her.”

“Before the budget challenge I was afraid of money and budgets because I did not know how to save and manage them. Paying bills had stressed me out and I wanted nothing to do with it. After the challenge I grew to kind of liking budgeting and keeping any eye on my money. Making sure that I was on top of my bills was hard in the beginning, but now it does not bother me so much because I am in control of my bills and money.”