Marquette Senior High School freshmen got a taste of the real world on Thursday, and most were surprised about how much money it actually takes to get by.

The event, called the Reality Store, is part of a freshman's transition classes.  Freshmen choose a career, then have to balance their salary with paying bills, rent, and supporting a family.

It has been an annual activity, but organizers say it's getting more important than ever for students to learn how to budget their money with rising gas prices and high unemployment rates.

"Students always ask what are we ever going to use this for, and I tell them at the beginning, before the activity, that this is something you're going to use for the rest of your life," said teacher Lisa Jehnke.

Teachers say the kids were most shocked at the cost of insurance and gas.  The event was made possible with the assistance of a grant from the Marquette Community Foundation.