Kathy here!

Did some investigating recently and found some rather ingenious educators who have been developing new methods of learning, using creative curriculum that really engages today’s teen generation. They’ve made learning fun, including learning about financial responsibility.

By fun, I mean that they’ve developed hands on learning and video games with an educational message. Brilliant I say! I did my due diligence on a number of these video games and found some impressive sites that feature the essential money saving, credit-building message.

First, check out a really clever game, “Celebrity Calamity” which was featured in Fast Company magazine and many others. It’s a real hit with tweens, teens and young adults because they have to manage the money of a celebrity. I love the beginning where it’s raining money and clothes for you to catch! www.celebritycalamity.com

Then there is Moneytopia. More than just a clever name, this video game takes you through 40 years of financial decisions including where to live, what clothes to buy, where to invest and what bills to pay. You can use cash, credit cards or high cost payday loans. The game even throws in an occasional surprise such as a wedding or birth. This game really offers valuable know-how to teens on how to manage money, (and what its like to be an adult, a parent).

http://www.saveandinvest.org/Military/manageMoney/managingCredit/P037943

For younger kids, I love “The Great Piggy Adventure” which is a collaboration between Disney and T Rowe Price Associates. The game’s lessons are about setting goals, saving and spending wisely, inflation, etc. Anything involved in Disney hits a home run with kids, so this game excels in teaching kids 8 to14 about money.
www.piggybank.disney.go.com

I learned that many teachers recommend these and other online games for “real world” learning! So, check em’ out!

And always remember to visit www.U224U.com to learn more about GTE Federal Credit Union’s U22 checking account for 12 to 22 year olds. Because learning about money is important, no matter what your age!”