A group of Polk County Middle Schools students learned last week the reality of dealing with life’s financial decisions – and maybe got some insight into what their parents cope with every day as well. Seventh graders took part in the Reality of Money program sponsored by the State Employees Credit Union. Students were assigned a profile – married or single, with or without children and also given a job and monthly income. Students had to visit different stations and make financial choices such as their type of housing, transportation, groceries, clothing purchases, whether they should add a credit card or get a second job. Students also encountered hardships such as getting a flat tire, or adopting a pet and having to pay fees or getting the flu and missing work.  (Submitted by PolkStudents.com)