Upper School students in Mr. Moise’s Personal Finance class recently stepped beyond the classroom and into the aisles of Kroger to apply their budgeting skills in a real-world setting. As part of an ongoing budget project, each student was assigned a unique life scenario that included a specific career, salary, and family structure. Their task: create a realistic weekly meal plan and determine how much their assigned family would spend on groceries each month.

During the visit, students carefully planned meals, compiled detailed ingredient lists, and calculated costs to ensure their choices aligned with their assigned budget. The exercise provided valuable perspective on the real cost of living and the financial decisions families face every day.

It was interesting to see the reactions from the students regarding the prices for some food items. While exploring the meat department, they found out that steaks may not fit their budget!

JR Moise, Personal Finance Mentor

The experience also encouraged students to think beyond themselves and consider the needs of a family - a spouse and children - with regard to what foods to purchase. 

The grocery store exercise is one of many hands-on learning opportunities built into HHCA’s Personal Finance course. Students explore essential topics such as money management and budgeting, saving and investing, insurance and taxes, and borrowing and financial services. Through engaging, practical projects like this one, students develop the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate financial decisions after high school.

By connecting classroom concepts to real-life experiences, HHCA continues to equip students with the tools and wisdom necessary for responsible stewardship and lifelong financial success.