Life Math: Real Life, Real Fun
Affinity Plus employees brought the Life Math game to students in Duluth and St. Paul, who learned how to budget real-life expenses with a fun simulation.
Our Duluth branch regularly presents financial information to help students at Lake Superior College via Lunch and Learn sessions, and what used to be a presentation has evolved into something much more playful.
Duluth Branch Manager Amanda Bruggman knew that kids who are already taking tests in school probably wouldn’t be interested in a test of their financial knowledge after a Lunch and Learn session.
So, she realized, it would have to become a game – the Game of Life Math. Students are put in a simulation game wherein they need to manage a randomized income and credit score to budget for housing, transportation, needs, and wants. There would be giant dice, costumes, props, and enthusiastic Affinity Plus employees answering questions and making sure it all goes well.
“We wanted it to be fun and engaging,” Amanda said. “And it was a hit!”
The Game of Life Math was so popular that it traveled from Duluth to St. Paul, when Affinity Plus employees visited Washington Technology High School in St. Paul to teach financial literacy to 9th-11th graders in the Upward Bound program.
The students in St. Paul gravitated toward the game immediately.
“It went so well! We had lines before we even opened, the energy was electric,” Amanda said. “It was really incredible.”
Amanda’s dream is to digitize the game so students can get used to managing their finances on their smart devices and have access to more financial education resources. Until then, the Game of Life Math will make travel to meet Minnesota students where they are.
“Everyone enjoyed themselves,” Amanda said, “and that’s what you want to see.”
