What I love about Time for Payback by Next Gen Personal Finance is that it takes a gamified approach towards saving for college! It starts off asking you basic questions such as G.P.A., extracurriculars and home state. It then asks you what type of institution you would like to apply to. Based on your initial answers, certain opportunities will either be available, or crossed off. The institution you choose to attend starts you off with a certain level of debt. From there you will be faced with a bunch of financial questions involving things such as what type of meal plan you purchase, if you decide to work odd jobs, how much you spend on entertainment, etc. Every option you choose has an effect on your debt which is always displayed in the corner. It also shows how initially spending less on something can sometimes have a negative effect on your debt. For example, purchasing a cheap laptop that doesn’t work may result in extra repair expenses.
In addition to constantly showing your level of debt, the game also features happiness, focus, and connections meters. Your choices through the game may help your debt, but hurt those meters to an extent. The goal of the game is to figure out a way to play, while keeping everything in balance. Though this game may over simplify matters, it does a great job of showing the impact our choices have on our lives. It also can help college students start brainstorming practical ways to cut down on their expenses. Overall, I think this is a pretty fun game and a fantastic resource for students. Check it out!
Personal Finance | Stealth Wealth 