It’s Your Reality, a financial simulation event designed to help University of Kentucky students learn about financial responsibilities after graduation, will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17 and Sept. 18 in the UK Student Center Grand Ballroom.

This is the second time the UK Cooperative Extension Service’s Managing in Tough Times Initiative has offered this free event on campus. In the spring, more than 275 students learned the financial realities of life after college.

“Most students think a college degree will guarantee them a starting salary between $50,000 and $75,000 per year, but this is rarely the case,” said Jennifer Hunter, assistant extension professor in family finance in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “This event will help students answer important financial questions after graduation.”

During the event, students will receive a number representing an average starting monthly salary for their major. Students will then “spend” their monthly income by selecting the lifestyle items they hope to have after college. Experts will assist in the decision-making process. Financial considerations that will be addressed include student loans, credit card debt, transportation needs, housing, food, entertainment and utilities.

Two participants will receive one of the event’s grand prizes, Beats by Dr. Dre headphones or a Kindle Fire, through a randomly generated drawing. Event organizers will also award door prizes, and lunch for participants will be available in limited quantity.

More information about the event is available on UK’s MoneyWi$e website, http://www2.ca.uky.edu/moneywise/.