LANCASTER, Ohio — April is National Financial Literacy Month, and schools across Ohio are participating in a financial literacy program called "Real Money, Real World."

It's an interactive program to help students make smart decisions when it comes to budgeting. 

What You Need To Know

  • "Real Money, Real World" was created by The Ohio State University's Extension 

  • In 2021, Treasurer Sprague partnered with The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences to advance and expand the use of the program statewide.

  • The program can help students learn important money management skills through an interactive spending simulation

Paige Smith is in seventh grade at Rushville Middle School in Lancaster, Ohio. She's a participant in "Real money, Real World." 

It's a program where students can learn about important money management skills. 

"You get a job and budget," Smith said. "And then you go and buy from the booths and see what you can afford."

During the simulation, students get a chance to role-play an adult. They are employed, have a monthly salary,and even children to raise.

Community volunteers staff booths during the simulation which represents businesses in the community. Smith told Spectrum News by visiting booths she can spend money and even take out bank loans. 

"When I started the program I got like $2,000 a month," Smith said, "When I came here today, I thought I would struggle. However, I figured out what I needed, and still had money left over. That's what helped me realize how hard it can be in the real world." 

Elaina Con is also a seventh grader and worked with Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague to balance her medical benefits. 

"He was letting me know what's important," Con said, "and what I need to do." 

Con told Spectrum News she was able to learn about taxes and even deductibles on cars. 

"I think savings are important in our state," said Robert Sprague, Ohio Treasurer. "You look at the strength of Ohio financial institutions, our economy, and the treasury in Ohio which is all built upon a base of knowledge of financial literacy in our state."

Students can also interactively learn about credit, entertainment, communications, clothing, and groceries when visiting booths. 

The curriculum exists in 82 counties across Ohio. 

In 2021, Treasurer Sprague partnered with The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences to advance and expand the use of the program statewide.