University of Illinois Extension staff of Coles County and Vinne Walk, Mattoon High School economics teacher, collaborated on the Welcome to the Real World Simulation for Mattoon High School seniors. Prior to the simulation, students have chosen a career and researched a base salary. Using tax tables, they determine what a beginning monthly take-home pay check would be. They then move through the nine stations and determine the amount they will spend each month on housing, groceries, insurance, transportation, entertainment and recreation, etc. At the conclusion the students analyze their spending choices and determine if adjustments need to be made to survive in the Real World.

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