REALITY CHECK

Pretend you're 25 years old...

What will you drive? Want a sports car? Get a job as a physical therapist, and you can probably afford it. Become a sales rep, and we see you in a sleek sedan. The job you get and the car you drive are often tied to how much education you have. Answer these questions to find out what kind of life is in your future.

Activities

1. Housing: I'd like to (circle one)

  • rent a one-bedroom apartment
  • rent a two-bedroom apartment
  • own a two-bedroom house
  • own a four-bedroom house

2. Transportation: I'd like to drive (circle one)

  • a small, fuel-efficient car
  • convertible
  • full-size pick up
  • full-size SUV

3. Food: I'd like to (circle one)

  • buy groceries and cook all my meals
  • eat all of my meals at fast food restaurants
  • cook some meals and eat out some

4. Clothing I normally shop (circle one)

  • at a thrift store
  • at a box store (i.e. Target, Walmart, etc.)
  • online
  • at a boutique/designer store

5. Phone:

I'd like to (circle one)

  • have a smart phone with unlimited talk, text and data
  • have a smartphone with unlimited talk text, but a limited data plan

6. Insurance:

I plan to purchase (circle one in each group)

Car

  • full coverage (required if you're making a car payment)
  • partial coverage
  • Home
  • renter's insurance
  • homeowner's insurance (required if you have a mortgage)
  • no rental insurance

Medical

  • I plan to continue my education after high school, so the job I hold is likely to help pay my insurance premium.
  • I do NOT plan to continue my education after high school, so the job I hold is NOT likely to provide insurance as a benefit.

7. Entertainment:

My entertainment will be (circle all that apply)

  • a movie four times a month
  • sporting events three times a month
  • streaming subscription (ex. Hulu)
  • biking, skateboarding, hiking and other outdoor sports
  • attending a concert once a month

8. Educational plans Highest level of education you plan to obtain (circle one)

  • high school graduate
  • certificate
  • associate’s degree
  • bachelor’s degree
  • master’s degree
  • doctorate
  • professional degree