Have you ever heard of “Mad City Money?” At Presbyterian College on January 22nd at 6:00 pm, PC staff accompanied by Stacey Adams from Founders Federal Credit Union invited students to learn how to not only take charge of their money but their future as well. This wasn’t your typical boring lecture, but a real-life simulation advising students on how to manage a typical budget, make good decisions considering purchasing, and invest money to build sufficient wealth and stay out of credit card debt.

Given a folder with a fake job, income, and amount of children, students were walked through a process that showed them how quickly one’s bank account can deplete when they don't approach finances with intention and caution. These tasks, although repetitive, were crucial in teaching these students practical ways of thinking when it came to money and finances. It is more imperative than ever in today’s tech-savvy age that we learn the ins and outs of the financial atmosphere.

The discussion didn’t stop at how to spend and save money, however. Students were advised on how to avoid identity theft by, for example, keeping their social security number to themselves through special, more secure methods. It also advised students on the benefits of opening a credit card in this young age, how to manage such a grand responsibility, and even the facts behind joining a credit union.

Adams made sure to advise students on how credit unions were customer-oriented and gave cardholders more say in what happened with their money! For example, she recalled how she gave numerous customers advice on when it was best to buy a car, and whether or not a price given to the customer was fair or not. Overall, this was a grand experience given to the PC student body as a way to teach them more than history or science. In fact, what was taught within this discussion was some of the most valuable information that can be given to college students!

In short, Adams gave the PC student body a wondrous opportunity to learn about finances, budgeting, responsibility, and credit right here on campus. Students walked away eager to consider opening an account at a credit union and thinking about all the money they could’ve saved had they known such tips and tricks.