Bite of Reality
Q: What are the benefits of Bite of Reality
- Teaches basic money management in a safe, fun setting
- Simulates everyday financial challenges and situations
- Introduces the next generation to the benefits of credit unions
- Helps you build relationships with schools, educators, and parents in your communities
- Free to the students
Q: How does Bite of Reality work?
Teenage students take on the role of an adult in futuristic Bite of Reality. They are given jobs, income, a family, and debt. This is an app based program so a smartphone or tablet device are critical to participate. If smart devices are unable to be used, please contact us to see what the alternative would be to conduct this program with your group.
Q: What is the challenge?
Each teen must visit merchants to select housing, transportation, food, housing, transportation, food, household necessities, clothing, day care and other wants and needs while building a budget. NuMark Credit Union has an office in Bite of Reality, too. Bite of Reality allows participants to make mistakes and suffer the consequences of their decisions in a realistic, but safe environment. Most participants are surprised to learn “I can’t have a big house and a new truck on my salary and still pay for day care and groceries.” Once the shock wears off, they reevaluate their choices and manage their money more effectively.
Q: What app is used for Bite of Reality
The app that the students will use for this program is called “Bite of Reality 2”. It can be downloaded from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once downloaded, the participant will need a Sponsor and Event code that will be provided by the facilitator of the program on the day of the event.
Click here for app download instructions.
Q: How much does it cost to hold a Bite of Reality simulation at my school?
It does not cost anything. We will come to your school for free.
Q: How long does the Bite of Reality simulation last?
The Bite of Reality simulation takes approximately 1 – 1.5 hours depending on the number of students that participate. An ideal student size would be at least 40 students. Contact us for a more specific estimation.
Q: What if I only want to do a simulation for a small class of students?
We also offer a classroom simulation designed for a class of 25 students or less. This condensed version takes an 1-1.5 hours.
Q: How many volunteers are needed at the simulation?
If the station version of the program is used, it is recommended that there are 10 volunteer adults to play the role of the various merchants. If this program was to take place in a classroom with a smaller group and the PowerPoint version was to be used on a projector, only 1-3 volunteers would be needed. It’s easy and fun to be a volunteer. We can quickly show volunteers how to be effective in their role in Bite of Reality.
Q: Where is the best location to hold the simulation?
For the merchant station version (a large group), the ideal location would be a large open room. If hosting at a school, the gymnasium would be the best location. For the PowerPoint version (smaller group) a classroom with a projector is the ideal location.
