Leesburg sixth-graders recently learned budgeting skills. Photo provided by Nathan Polston.

LEESBURG — Leesburg sixth-graders were recently visited by Lake City Bank for a week in December to learn budgeting skills.

In fifth grade, students learned about the economy from the perspective of a worker when they went to JA Biztown. In sixth grade, they learned about the economy from the perspective of a consumer. Volunteers from Lake City Bank came in to discuss the costs of living students will face as adults and they discussed how to keep track of a monthly budget.

Students were given a scenario for their lives as adults and walked through a real-world simulation with that scenario. Students were filed as married or single, and they were given anywhere between zero to three kids to support. They were also given an income based on a particular job. With all this information, students had to buy a house, transportation, groceries, utilities, childcare and insurance while staying under budget. There were a few optional costs students could choose from as well such as philanthropy and entertainment. Upon exiting the simulation, students reflected on their experience.