NuVista Federal Credit Unions Gives Local High School Seniors a Bite of Reality

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on April 18, 2025

Colo.-based NuVista Federal Credit Union and Black Canyon Rotary Club hosted the 8th Annual Financial Reality Fair for more than 250 seniors of Montrose High School, Olathe High School, Black Canyon High School, and VISTA Charter School on March 13.

During the Bite of Reality event, made possible by a grant from the GoWest Foundation, students gathered in McMillan Gymnasium to learn about what goes into a monthly budget as an adult. “It was super helpful to see how to budget and save money. It was a good reflection as to what real life will be like,” said MHS senior Avery Kingsbury. “My favorite part was just seeing how much money you really need to spend monthly. I didn’t realize how much groceries, entertainment, house needs, etc. were financially.”

Each student was given a hypothetical life circumstance — a job, monthly salary, spouse and child, credit score, and student loans. They then had to navigate through different stations to make purchases for their monthly budget. OHS senior Kathrynne Combs said, “I thought that the app was extremely effective and that it listed the things we needed to know later in life. I also liked how there were surprises where we could gain or lose money beyond our control. When the mentors would try to convince us to buy the expensive options was my favorite part because it mimicked how we really did all want the best of everything”.

The different stations included housing & utilities, transportation, childcare, entertainment, household needs, clothing & personal care, groceries and dining, and shopping. In each station, students were guided by real, local, adult volunteers who helped the students make difficult, but appropriate choices among a variety of options to determine what would fit in with their hypothetical monthly budget. The students watched as each choice slowly dwindled their monthly income. “I enjoyed the simulation of keeping track of my expenses and financial responsibilities, having to find the balance between living comfortably and saving money was fun. It really shows how fast money disappears,” shared MHS senior Paxton Hughes.

After being tested to consider real-world decisions, students shared their experiences in a group Q & A session where the students were able to win some fun prizes. The students also had the opportunity to ask NuVista’s CEO BJ Coram and Loan Officer Tisha Braaten questions about the credit union, budgeting, and credit scores. “Our NuVista Team always enjoys the interactions with the students and community volunteers,” said Coram. “We are proud to be a title sponsor for the Financial Reality Fair and to see this event continue to be a success each year. Financial Literacy is so important to NuVista. That is why we are excited to be able to provide this event and add the post-event learning opportunity for the students through Financial Wellness Center.”

Students learned about money and then had the chance to win some money. Twenty lucky students won $100 in the form of a Montrose Bucks gift card. After the event, students can complete Financial Classes through the NuVista Financial Wellness Center for a chance to win 1 of 4 $250 prizes. In addition, students can apply for one of six $1,000 scholarships. To apply for the $1,000 award, senior fair participants complete a scholarship application and submit an essay explaining what they learned from the Financial Reality Fair.

Posted in Colorado, Community Impact, GoWest Foundation, Regional Member News.