More than 130 students participated in a Financial Reality Fair sponsored by TruMark Financial® Credit Union and the Pennsylvania Credit Union Foundation at La Salle on April 19. Students experienced what life would be like having a career and managing their own finances.

The day provided a practical exercise in personal financial management aimed at helping students understand the art of budgeting.

Students were required to visit 14 booths staffed by alumni volunteers to make spending decisions within their budget on such necessities as housing, transportation, food, clothing, insurance, and other categories. Following their selections, students met with financial counselors who reviewed their worksheets and advised them on adjustments that might be necessary to live within their salary constraints.