Video Games Offer Financial Education Fun

Video games are often criticized for providing fantasy worlds where children can make dangerous decisions without fear of consequences. Yet, gaming innovators are finding ways to turn trouble-ridden fiction into teaching tools.

A new variety of video game, including Doorways to Dreams’ Celebrity Calamity and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation’s Moneytopia, helps make financial learning fun and painless.

In Celebrity Calamity, gamers become money managers handling the income, savings, and spending of irresponsible celebrity clients. Players learn the risks of bad financial behavior, the value of positive habits such as asset-building, and the meaning of such phrases as “annual percentage rates.”

In Moneytopia, players must successfully manage their money throughout life, until they achieve their Big Dream. To win, players must keep careful track of their finances, pay bills on time, and take care of all the day-to-day things that can impact personal finances.

At a time when 70 percent of Americans play some sort of game, these free, fun-filled online tools could pay dividends in the long run. Give Celebrity Calamity and Moneytopia a try today—you might just learn something while having fun.

This article originally ran in the IDAresources.org Update Newsletter on 12/03/09 and is available for archival purposes.
For updated information on asset building and the AFI program, please see www.IDAresources.org.