AUBURN – With April again proclaimed as Financial Literacy for Youth Month by Gov. John Baldacci, credit unions presented the fifth annual Financial Fitness Money Management Experience Event on April 2 at the Central Maine Community College.

In attendance were nearly 150 students from eight area high schools: Elan High School, Brunswick High School, Poland Regional High School, St. Dominic Regional High School, Edward Little High School, Oxford Christian Academy, Leavitt Area High School and Monmouth Academy.

The experience was created to address the growing need for increased financial literacy in Maine schools and the lack of understanding that many teens experience concerning their personal finances.

The half-day event allowed students to learn about a serious topic in a fun and challenging way. They were asked to participate in an interactive “game of life,” in which they mapped out what their financial future would be at the age of 22, according to a scenario packet that they received, which determined their occupation, income and credit history. Students then had the task of creating a spending plan according to their income and expenses.

“Financial literacy is so important, especially at this time of year, when students are nearing graduation and getting ready to get out into the real world,” said Jon Paradise, governmental and public affairs manager for the Maine Credit Union League and master of ceremonies for the day.

Representatives from the Norm Nolette Chapter of Credit Unions, which is comprised of the following credit unions (listed alphabetically): Central Maine FCU, Community CU, Great Falls FCU, Lewiston Municipal FCU, Maine Family FCU, Monmouth FCU, Otis FCU, Oxford FCU, Rainbow FCU, RCH FCU, and Sabattus Regional CU, the Maine Credit Union League, and Central Maine Community College, helped organize the event. Visit www.mainecul.org for more information.