CoVantage Unveils Financial Strategy Simulation to Prepare Students for Real-World Budgeting
- January 9, 2026
- Lindsey Mueller
CoVantage Credit Union has launched an innovative financial education program designed to help high school students build practical money management skills. The new offering, Financial Strategy Simulation, is part of the Quest: A Credit Union Experience series created by CoVantage Credit Union and introduces a gamified approach to creating a balanced spending plan.
The simulation challenges high school juniors and seniors to navigate real-world financial scenarios in a vendor fair setting. Students develop a strategy to manage household wants and needs, then test their plan against unexpected challenges to determine whether they “survive” or “thrive.” The experience incorporates modern budgeting obstacles such as limited inventory, daycare waiting lists, and secondary employment opportunities.
Lindsey Mueller, Director of Advocacy and Financial Education at CoVantage Credit Union, explained the program’s evolution, “After hosting 35 successful reality fair events since 2015, we knew it was time for a change. The Financial Strategy Simulation reimagines our previous fair by focusing on financial wellness through planning while closely mirroring current consumer behaviors and budgeting challenges. It’s the students versus the game, with multiple financial curveballs along the way. Our team is excited to bring this offering to high schools in our communities.”
The program has been successfully piloted at Menasha High School in Menasha, Wisconsin, and Forest Park High School in Crystal Falls, Michigan. Schools interested in learning more or determining eligibility are encouraged to contact their local CoVantage Credit Union office.
The simulation challenges high school juniors and seniors to navigate real-world financial scenarios in a vendor fair setting. Students develop a strategy to manage household wants and needs, then test their plan against unexpected challenges to determine whether they “survive” or “thrive.” The experience incorporates modern budgeting obstacles such as limited inventory, daycare waiting lists, and secondary employment opportunities.
Lindsey Mueller, Director of Advocacy and Financial Education at CoVantage Credit Union, explained the program’s evolution, “After hosting 35 successful reality fair events since 2015, we knew it was time for a change. The Financial Strategy Simulation reimagines our previous fair by focusing on financial wellness through planning while closely mirroring current consumer behaviors and budgeting challenges. It’s the students versus the game, with multiple financial curveballs along the way. Our team is excited to bring this offering to high schools in our communities.”
The program has been successfully piloted at Menasha High School in Menasha, Wisconsin, and Forest Park High School in Crystal Falls, Michigan. Schools interested in learning more or determining eligibility are encouraged to contact their local CoVantage Credit Union office.