Financial Reality Fair to Bring Hands-On Financial Education to State Capitol on April 23
The Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF), in conjunction with CASE Credit Union and LAFCU, will host a Financial Reality Fair on April 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Heritage Hall in the Michigan State Capitol, providing high school students with a hands-on introduction to real-world financial decision-making.
Students from Charlotte High School in Eaton County will participate in the interactive simulation, which assigns each student a career, income, and family scenario. Throughout the event, students will visit stations representing common monthly expenses, such as housing, transportation, food and savings, working to balance a realistic household budget based on the choices they make.
The Financial Reality Fair is designed to help students understand the true cost of living, practice financial decision-making and see how everyday choices may affect long-term financial stability. The experience emphasizes experiential learning by immersing students in real-world financial scenarios rather than traditional classroom instruction.
In addition to student participation, the event invites Michigan legislators to engage directly with the simulation, observe financial decision-making in action, connect with educators and credit union professionals and see firsthand the impact of financial education.
Event Details
What: Financial Reality Fair at the Capitol
When: Wednesday, April 23, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall, Michigan State Capitol
Who: Hosted by MCUF with students from Charlotte High School
The Capitol event reflects broader statewide efforts to expand financial education for young people. According to the Credit Union Financial Education Network’s 2025 Annual Report, Michigan credit unions ranked second nationally in total students reached, engaging 59,384 students and first nationally in total student financial education presentations, delivering 2,455 presentations during the reporting period. These results place Michigan among the leading states in providing financial education to young people.
Media are invited to attend and cover the event.
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