Published by Merrimack Valley Credit Union – February 2024

The event prepares graduating seniors for adulthood by simulating important financial decisions.

Methuen, Mass.  – On Friday, Feb. 16, Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and Methuen High School (MHS) teamed up for the fifth year to present the Credit for Life Fair to hundreds of graduating seniors.

Credit for Life is a two-hour financial simulation held in Klimas Field House at MHS. Prior to the fair, students selected a profession that best fits their post-graduation plans and received an estimated salary. During the fair, students visited 15 different booths that represented financial decisions they would encounter as adults, such as attending community, state or private college; choosing between purchasing a car or a monthly public transit pass; and deciding whether to rent or own a home.

Students also learned about how their lifestyle choices, including eating out, purchasing a gym membership or owning a pet, would affect their budget. They faced a “reality check” by spinning “The Wheel of Misfortune” that includes 12 items that could either have a negative impact on a student’s budget or provide the windfall they need to keep their monthly budget in the positive.