Life In... United States Meyer Barrett...a family finance simulation Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the University of Arizona Family Economics & Financial Education - September 2004 - Life in...united States Simulation - Meyer - Notebook Cover and Profile Page 1
The Meyer Family Life In... Race/Gender/Age Marital Status White Male, Age 18 Single Personal Profile Children None Residence Metropolitan Area 1-2 Million Occupation Barrett - Laborer & Freight, Stock, and Material Mover Educational Level Barrett - High School Drop Out Background Information Barrett Meyer was raised in an area with a lot of lakes. He has always loved to swim, fish, and go boating. His mother died when he was 8 years old. He was raised by his father and the two of them had a very close relationship, and it was very difficult for Barrett when his father remarried. Barrett liked his new step-mother, but had a hard time sharing his father. When the new couple had children of their own, Barrett began to feel more and more alone. Although he loved his family and they loved him, he had a hard time coping with all the family changes. When Barrett entered high school, his grades went from C s and B s to D s and F s. The school counselor and his father and step-mother tried to help him both emotionally and academically, but neither Barrett s frustration level nor grades were improving. However, they learned Barrett was dyslexic, which was part of the reason for the dropping grades. Discovering he had a learning disability was additional stress for Barrett and rather than seeking help for the dyslexia, Barrett rejected help and used his dyslexia as an excuse to not be in school. At 16 years old, Barrett left school and moved away from home with the idea of making it on his own in an occupation where dyslexia may not hinder him. Barrett has worked at several low-paying jobs. Now, he has a position as a laborer and material mover for a moving company. He is responsible for loading and unloading items. The job is hard on his body, but he manages to not be too sore at the end of the night. Since moving out of his family s house, Barrett gets along much better with everyone. He has resolved a lot of his emotional frustration with his step-mother and siblings. He and his father hang out a few times a week, and he often returns home for meals. Barrett likes to fish, sometimes he goes with his father or little brother. Barrett spends about $35.00 a month on fishing. After many long talks with his father and friends, Barrett has decided to work on his GED and also get some help with his dyslexia. He plans to save money for the next six months before he starts classes to get ready for the GED. He saves $75.00 monthly....a family finance simulation Family Economics & Financial Education - September 2004 - Life in...united States Simulation - Meyer - Notebook Cover and Profile Page 2
Barrett Meyer Life In... Job Information Job Awarded Laborer & Freight, Stock and Material Mover Employer Shippers Extraordinaire Annual Wages U.S. Wages $21,650 Benefits & Retirement Health Insurance None Retirement Package None...a family finance simulation Family Economics & Financial Education - September 2004 - Life in...united States Simulation - Meyer - Notebook Cover and Profile Page 3
S HIPPERS EXTRAORDI- NAIRE Job Opening L ABORER/MOVER SEND RESUME TO: Davis Emmanuel 8197 Freight Circle Any City, USA 09876 Laborers and movers handle baggage and cargo, load and unload trucks, move raw materials or finished goods between loading docks, storage areas, and work areas. They sort materials and supplies and prepare them according to work orders. Laborers and movers specific duties vary by industry and work setting. Family Economics & Financial Education - September 2004 - Life in...united States Simulation - Meyer - Notebook Cover and Profile Page 4
Shippers Extraordinaire 8197 Freight Circle Any City, USA 09876 Date March 5, 2004 1234 Pay To The Order Of: Barrett Meyer $1,470.00 One thousand four hundred seventy and 00/100 Dollars National Bank 5832 Main Street Any City, USA 98765-4321 Memo February Paycheck 0123456789 : 0987654321 : 1234 Shippers Extraordinaire Authorized Signature Shippers Extraordinaire Pay Period 2/1/2004-2/29/2004 Employee Meyer, Barrett SSN 999-88-4444 Check # 1234 Check Amount $1,470.00 Employee Address 115 East Dr. Any City, USA 09876 Pay Type Gross Pay Year-to-date Deductions Current Year-to-date Gross Pay Regular $1,804.17 $3,608.33 Federal Withholding State Withholding Social Security Medicare 401 K Medical Additional Withholding $133.00 $63.15 $111.86 $26.16 $266.00 $126.30 $223.72 $52.32 Totals $334.17 $668.34 Family Economics & Financial Education - September 2004 - Life in...united States Simulation - Meyer - Notebook Cover and Profile Page 5
8% 2% Average Expenditures $15,000-$24,999 Annual Gross Income *The percentages should be used as a guideline to determine expenses on the spending plan. 2% 11% 5% Food at Home 11% Food Away from Home 5% Housing 33% Apparel and Services 5% Transportation 19% Health Care 8% Entertainment Education/Reading 2% 32% Contributions Personal Insurance, Pensions, & Social Security 19% Personal Care 2% Other 5% Family Economics & Financial Education - September 2004 - Life in...united States Simulation - Meyer - Notebook Cover and Profile Page 6