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Firstmark has been named a Best Place to Work for five years in a row!
Firstmark Credit Union believes financial wellness starts long before an individual opens their first checking account, takes out a loan, or begins their career. That’s why we’re proud to bring Bite of Reality®, an interactive financial literacy simulation, to schools and community organizations throughout South Texas.
Bite of Reality gives students a hands-on opportunity to experience the financial decisions adults make every day. Through a realistic, app-based simulation, participants learn how to budget, prioritize needs over wants, navigate unexpected expenses, and understand the impact of financial choices in a safe and engaging environment.
At Firstmark, our purpose is to help people build a brighter financial future. We recognize that many young people enter adulthood without practical experience managing money, creating budgets, or understanding the realities of daily financial decisions. Bite of Reality helps bridge that gap through experiential learning that is memorable, interactive, and impactful.By offering this program to schools and community organizations, Firstmark aims to:
We welcome requests from:
Recommended participant age: 15 years and older.
As part of Firstmark Credit Union’s commitment to financial wellness, qualifying schools and community organizations may be eligible to host a Bite of Reality event at no cost. Availability is subject to scheduling and program resources.
The simulation typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, including participant orientation and debriefing.
Bite of Reality is best suited for participants ages 15 and older, though younger students may participate when appropriate.
No. Firstmark provides tablets with the Bite of Reality application preloaded for the event.
Participants learn budgeting, saving, debt management, financial decision-making, goal setting, and balancing needs versus wants.
Yes. Depending on participant volume and scheduling availability, multiple sessions may be coordinated.
Bite of Reality is a hands-on simulation rather than a lecture. Students actively make financial decisions and experience realistic consequences in real time, creating a more engaging and memorable learning experience.
Firstmark has been named a Best Place to Work for five years in a row!
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to apply, these tools can help you feel more confident along the way.