Personal Finance Lab {Homeschool Review Crew}

***Disclosure: I received this product free through the Homeschool Review Crew***
Nearly half the states in the United States require high school students to take a course in Personal Finance in order to graduate.* As a homeschool mom, I feel it's important for my children to know how to budget wisely. 
PersonalFinanceLab.com promotes and encourages financial literacy with its PersonalFinanceLab Budgeting Game, Stock Market Game and integrated curriculum. When we had the chance to review these, I was eager for the opportunity. 

While my high schooler already does have a part time job, I felt this would be an excellent method for him to learn more how to budget his money. After all, God's Word does remind us that we are to be good stewards.

The Budgeting Game consists of scenarios in which SJ has a job, has bills to pay (such as rent, phone, utilities, car loan and insurance, etc.), and provides the information for setting up a budget to cover these expenses. The game covers a virtual year, and each "month" takes about 20 minutes of game time to play. There are unexpected expenses that pop up throughout the game, which challenge the budget. This game is teaching SJ how to manage cash and credit cards, and set aside money in a savings account.
The Stock Market Game allows students to purchase and sell "stocks" while learning about the stock market and how it works. I admit, it's a mystery to me. This game provides live streaming portfolios, quotes, charts, news and analysts ratings. The student can research companies, and choose which ones they think will be the wisest ones in which to invest.
Admittedly, since SJ does have a job, it was a challenge for him to find the time to work on this. I did request that he play the Budget Game at least 20 minutes, at least 3 days a week. I think he enjoys working on it.

There are times when a problem pops up in a window, and he gets stumped figuring out the answer. So he'll bring it to me. There's a "learn more" tab that I click, which opens another box with information which also provides the answer. It's obvious to me, but easily overlooked by him. So I point it out, then he is able to fill in the answer, and continue on with the game. (Now, as clarification, SJ has learning disabilities, which makes school a challenge.)
It was my intention to play the Stock Market Game myself, and let SJ concentrate on just the Budget Game, but my long days babysitting to leave much time for anything else right now. Oy! 

I definitely would recommend PersonalFinanceLab Budgeting Game for any high schoolers or young adults to assist in learning financial literacy. And for anyone who wants to learn more about the stock market and investing wisely, the Stock Market Game would be an excellent tool.

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PersonalFinanceLab Budgeting Game, Stock Market Game and integrated curriculum {PersonalFinanceLab.com  Reviews}
*More States Require Students to Learn Money Matters, New York Times article.
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