ESSI Money powered by Suncorp Bank

About

The ESSI Money game supports students to explore the concepts of Earning, Saving, Spending and Investing in an educational and fun way. 30,000 unique players a year can’t be wrong!

Through game play based in a ‘virtual world’, students achieve an understanding of how decisions made over a period of time can have both positive and negative impacts on their financial situation. The game allows students to practise real life financial transactions and experience the consequences in a safe, fun and challenging way.

ESSI Money is targeted to middle years students, although all students from years 7 to 12 are effectively engaged with the game. It has direct links (but is certainly not restricted to) the following curriculum areas:

Mathematics
Economics and Business
Personal Development Programs

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The online platform means that students can use the resource on any browser across all devices, both in the classroom and at home. Teachers have access to rich reporting data that allows them to monitor class game play and support student learning and progress throughout the game.

ESSI Money establishes an environment for students to explore and use a range of basic financial management concepts in the areas of Earning, Saving, Spending, and Investing.

The player is required to undertake a series of financial challenges throughout a virtual six month period, with the objective of achieving the best possible financial result. Actual ‘play time’ is contingent on a number of variables but can take between two and six hours.

The student plays the game on the premise that they are employed, independent, and at least 18 years old, so able to access and use credit. In addition to Earning, Saving, Spending and Investing, the concept of net worth and the significance of insurance flow through the game.

Players are encouraged to strategize and reflect on decisions made throughout the game by setting goals, creating a budget and making regular diary entries.

The key learning areas are addressed by the following game elements.

Earning

Applying for jobs
Planning a career path
Receiving and managing wages

Saving

Choosing, opening and managing a range of banking products (including term deposits, and savings accounts)
Setting goals
Budgeting

Spending

Operating a transaction account
Managing income and living expenses
Budgeting
Using direct debit and automatic payments
Choosing a credit card
Managing credit responsibility
Buying and selling online

Investing

Setting investment goals
Buying and selling shares
Financial planning
Risk assessment
Superannuation as a lifetime investment
Term Deposits

If ESSI Money sounds like a resource you could use in your classroom, Sign Up for Financial Basics Foundation Membership to access the game (and all other resources).

Click here for ESSI Money support.