The Realty Store is a simulation game in which students identify their career interests, receive a month's earnings, and receive a mock checkbook with the monthly income entered for the specific career.  While visiting booths staffed by volunteers, teens pay their monthly bills.  At each booth, students make decisions concerning the standard of living they want.  For example, at the housing booth, which may be staffed by a realtor, students decide if they want to pay for a one-bedroom efficiency apartment or a five-bedroom home, depending upon their monthly income.

If a player runs out of money before he/she completes their trip through the Reality Store, they get a chance to go back and reconsider some of their decisions about their lifestyle, their job selection, or the size of their family. The Reality Store experience helps teens learn about daily living expenses.  They also realize that getting an education, making good decisions and planning are components of success.

Following the Reality Store, students discuss the impact of the choices they make today on their future lives.  The goal of the reality store is to make wise choices and have money left at the end after all obligations have been met.

The reality store is a project developed by the Alexandria Business & Professional Women's Organization (BPW) and conducted in the District of Columbia through the Department of Human Services/Family Services Administration.  If you are interested in hosting a Reality Store, contact the Department of Human Services/Family Services Administration.