Middle School Financial Reality Fair at JKL Bahweting School
Limestone Financial Credit Union (Limestone FCU or LFCU) recently partnered with Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe School (Bahweting School) to host a Middle School Financial Reality Fair, with support from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, marking a new milestone in youth financial education initiatives. Approximately 50 students participated from Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe School in this interactive event, designed to teach budgeting, smart spending habits, and the importance of Middle School Financial Reality Fairs.
Building on the success of its traditional Financial Reality Fairs for area high schools, LFCU introduced a new version of the program tailored for middle school students in grades 6–8. With continued support from MCUF, LFCU’s team was excited to pilot this new format with 8th grade students at Bahweting School, offering an early introduction to money management and real-world financial decision-making.
During the event, students took on real-life budgeting scenarios—learning how to manage expenses, prioritize needs versus wants, and balance their personal finances. The interactive, hands-on experience was tailored specifically to 8th grade students, making financial literacy both accessible and engaging for a younger audience.
“Our mission is to build a better financial tomorrow through service, education, and advocacy, and our vision is to empower our members to achieve financial independence. That’s why we’re proud of our financial literacy efforts, creating a well-rounded program that brings real-world money lessons directly to students. From introducing budgeting basics to helping students understand credit and savings, we’re making sure financial education starts early and sticks — because financial independence begins with knowledge.”
—Jennifer C Watson, CEO Limestone FCU
The Middle School Financial Reality Fair, with support from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, is part of LFCU’s broader commitment to community education and youth empowerment.
Feedback from students highlighted the program’s impact. One student expressed surprise at how expensive daycare can be, while another commented on the cost of having a pet. Many students found the event enjoyable, and with strategic budgeting, some were even able to “purchase” a new motorcycle to enjoy.
“Shoutout to Limestone Financial Credit Union for giving our 8th-grade students a crash course in adulting at the Financial Reality Fair! From budgeting to ‘Wait, groceries cost how much?!’ – our students got a fun (and slightly shocking) taste of real life. Thank you to LFCU for helping them build money smarts with plenty of laughs and learning!”
—Principal Purple at Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe School
“I thought it would just be adding numbers, but it was actually really fun! Visiting the merchant tables and managing my own budget made it fun.”
—Student at Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe School
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following volunteers for their dedication and support. Volunteers participated from Limestone FCU, Chippewa Luce Mackinac Community Action Agency, 4Front Credit Union, Keller Williams Northern Michigan Properties, Lake Superior State University (LSSU), Junior Achievement, and LSSU Charter School Office. Our volunteers included: Sheena Adams, Sheena Andrzejak, Jennifer Benedetto, Madison Bunker, Julie Buchholtz, Cassidy Cayemberg, Becky Clawson, Leah Cook, Nikki Mckechnie Dowd, Jodi Hakes, Darlene Jorgenson, Emma Jones, Maressa LaJoie, Lori McKerchie, Alyssa McKechnie, Sabrina Oshelski, Sophie Shepard, Jodi Soeltner, Kassandra Staggs, Connor Tetzlaff, Marcy Thorne, Alexis Tyslicki, and Andrea Vaught. Their time and efforts were invaluable to the success of the event, and Limestone FCU is deeply grateful for their contributions.
Limestone FCU remains committed to promoting financial education within the communities it serves. By equipping youth and young adults with financial knowledge and practical experience, the credit union continues to empower students to build strong financial foundations for their futures.
