PlaySpent.org, a game by Urban Ministries of Durham
You start with $1,000.00. You need to choose one from several job options, several different health insurance plans, and several housing options at the beginning of the game. Your goal is to survive the month without running out of money. Throughout the typical month, as in real life, a number of unexpected situations and expenses come up, and you'll be forced to make some very tough decisions. Expect the unexpected.
This is a very eye-opening, thought-provoking simulation. The decisions you'll have to make, and the situations you'll encounter, mirror everyday real life for a lot of people. You'll learn a lot about yourself, including your spending habits, your goals and ambitions, how you reason through decisions, and what you're willing, or not willing, to sacrifice. Along the way, you'll also learn a lot of real-life facts out there when it comes to paying for, and juggling, it all. The game does an awesome job of explaining the consequences, good and/or not-so-good, of all your decisions, all backed by real data. This game is great for any age, but if you're currently in high school, use this game to your advantage. Really study it. Time is on your side right now to figure a lot of this stuff out, before you end up in a real-world mess. If you are indeed still in high school, I highly recommend pairing this simulation with the Time for Payback game, which will help get you thinking about how you're going to manage the debt you'll accumulate during your college years, if you decide you'd like to pursue college.
Discussion and Reflection Questions
After playing the game, be totally honest with yourself when it comes to these questions, because this is how you'll truly learn. What did you learn about yourself? Would you say you tend to make decisions thoughtfully and carefully, or do you tend to make them more on a whim? Do you tend to pursue the easier-sounding path, whatever that is, or are you usually one that likes to (or at least willing to) put in more work and sacrifice up front? When it comes to your purchasing habits, do you usually find yourself needing all the bells and whistles, or do you try to find money-saving options that will still work for you? Do you have any kind of a savings plan/habit in place right now, no matter how small?
No matter your age, is there anything you'd like to change right now about your current journey to increase your chances of success in life, work and career, and wealth? If so, what changes do you need to make, starting right now? Put them in SMART goal format with this easy guide, "What are SMART goals?"
After playing this game, what do you want to learn more about? Scholarship opportunities? Career options? Choosing a college major? More personal finance subjects? Networking? Creating a resume? How can you make this learning possible - what are some resources you can consult, who can you talk to, etc.?
If you found this post helpful, you may also enjoy browsing our "Personal finance" category for our full catalog of posts, ideas, tips and strategies, resources, reflections, and more simulation games.
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