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All credit union's are based on the premise of people helping people. GFA supports local organizations, non-profits and financial education within our community and schools. We are dedicated to improving the lives of our members and supporting the communities in which we serve by volunteering, sponsoring and supporting those in need. If you have a cause or non-profit organization you would like GFA to sponsor please fill out our Community Sponsorship Request Form.
The Financial Reality Fair is held yearly at Gardner High School, it is an interactive financial literacy program for high school students. It gives students the opportunity to experience real life financial challenges they will face when they become adults. Students choose a career and are given a starting salary. They must complete a budget sheet to live within their means while paying for everyday costs such as, housing, utilities, transportation, clothing, food, child care.
Local businesses play the part of the vendors providing these services to the students. There are also vendors that go around tempting students with extra expenditures like concert tickets and gaming systems.Students must determine between what they want and what they need to stay on budget. After finishing a budget they will sit down with a credit counselor to make sure they were able to live on their budget and keep on task.
Below is an example of a Reality Fair in Connecticut that explains the program and unique experience students receive.
We hope you take this opportunity to give back to our local community and help educate our youth. To sign up as a vendor at the Financial Reality Fair email us at gfa@gfafcu.com or call 978-632-2542 x1119.
See how our employees have been volunteering throughout our local communities.