SANDPOINT — For the eighth straight year, organizations from Bonner County are working with the Lake Pend Oreille School District to present the Bulldog Finance Fair for seniors from Sandpoint, Clark Fork, and Lake Pend Oreille high schools.

The annual event, which is expected to reach 250 students, will start at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at First Christian Church.

Organizer said that the money-management game show (with prizes) and the My Life, My Money Live financial education are highlights for many students and give students the opportunity to make adult decisions. Fin

The My Life, My Money Live financial education event gives students the chance to make life decisions based on an assigned random life story — individualized job, salary, family and financial obligations. Just as in real life, some will make big salaries and have relatively uncomplicated life stories; others will struggle to support families.

Each teen is given a debit card and told to buy the necessities of life, along with some luxuries, at stores staffed by community volunteers. Some of those volunteers will try hard to get the teens to spend beyond their means.

Will they rent a modest apartment or buy a dream home? Buy a sporty new car, something used, or rely on public transportation? Will they set any money aside for emergencies, or blow it all on vacations? Each teen must make these decisions and more — and balance their monthly budgets — while facing unexpected financial blows, such as auto repairs.

The Bulldog Finance Fair happens each year thanks to the support of its community partners, including Selkirk Association of Realtors, Taylor and Sons Chevrolet, Horizon Credit Union, Panhandle Alliance for Education, Dub’s, Super 1 Foods, Larson’s, Second Avenue Pizza, North 40 Outfitters, Lewis & Hawn Excellence in Dentistry, Mr. Sub, Evans Brothers Coffee, Alpine Shop, Lake Pend Oreille School District, Yoke’s Fresh Market, Community Assistance League, First Christian Church for hosting the event, and STCU, which provides My Life, My Money Live materials.

Fair steering committee members include Jeralyn Mire, Sandpoint High School; Geraldine Lewis, Panhandle Alliance for Education; Krystal Neal, Horizon Credit Union; Stephanie Reid and Susan Pantier, Selkirk Association of Realtors; and Stacey Darley and Keith Appleton, STCU.