One necessity for all high school students is to learn about money management. Whether it’s investing in a house, buying your groceries, or getting a haircut, everyone should learn to be responsible with their money, and students got a taste of this at the Financial Literacy Fair.

The fair was held on Friday, April 12 in the MHS Fieldhouse. It featured an array of companies, ranging from national businesses like Men’s Wearhouse and AAA to local businesses such as Mackie’s Barber Shop and

Boheme Hair Boutique.

All businesses were eager to be a part of the fair. Carolyne Evaristo of Brookline Bank said, “The average student doesn’t get this. It’s the first thing you need when you’re on your own; understanding finances is going to help set yourself off on the right foot.”

Students were tasked with filling out a full budget plan based on the

salaries of jobs of their choosing. They visited each table, where they talked to representatives to establish costs for different necessities and personal expenses.

The idea of bringing the fair to Milton started when new business teacher Joshua Hamermesh worked with Early Investors, a company with the goal of spreading financial literacy to younger people, and brought in

co-founder Nislo Galvao as a presenter and guest in his classes. Galvao returned multiple times with lessons on how to budget and invest your money.

Hamermesh then applied for a grant to bring the fair experience to the stu-

dents at MHS. Hamermesh added, “A big part of the Milton High business curriculum is understanding budgeting, finances, and managing money. This fair is a great way for students to practice those skills and connect with business.” He also said that he plans to try to bring the fair back in the future and stressed that all students should be exposed to financial literacy.

Hillary Deshler, founder of Boheme Hair Boutique, said, “I think that this [fair] is the best idea ever and really important for students to learn this, and is also a good marketing opportunity for us as a business.” The representatives were able to take the fair as an opportunity to form connections while making impacts on the community.

“Everything is sugar-coated, but at least having a little bit of knowledge will help students to get their foot in the door,” said Evaristo, “There are so many expenses you don’t think about that all add up quickly, and you don’t actually know what you’re going to end up making.”

The fair was a great way to learn about real-life experiences, along with complimenting the current business and financial curriculum offered at the high school. Business classes serve as a helpful way for students to prepare for their futures, as they teach the foundations of financial literacy that are needed to be successful in life.