In order to play the Financial Education game, you need to attach the HUD. This HUD carries the code behind the game play and allows us to track your results. We have made it a little easier to attach the HUD on this island than you will experience in Second Life. You will not need to go into your inventory to attach the HUD. This should make it easier for you to get started

Optionally, the game starts off with a scavenger hunt by visiting "Steve the Pirate". At the end of the scavenger hunt, you will be paid 10,000 Modoh Dollars to begin your virtual financial life on Modoh Island. Of course, Modoh Dollars have no tangible value outside the game, but inside the game it can be the difference between financial success and bankruptcy!

The scavenger hunt will help you get acclimated to the Island and to hone your navigation skills. Har! Enjoy Matey!

Buying a car is a significant purchase for most people and it isn't an easy task. If you buy from a dealer, you need to educate yourself on what the car is worth and be aware of what you can afford. Remember that car ownership also involves budgeting for maintenance, fuel and regular preventive maintenance.

Before you go into the dealership, educate yourself about the value of the car and how financing options work. A relatively small monthly payment offered by the dealer may look favorable, but consider the length of the term and what you will actually pay over the life of the loan.

When at the dealership, players can engage in the Car Quest in order to learn more about the process of buying a car. Successfully completing the quest will enable your avatar to receive a discounted rate on financing a car loan. Impatient players can skip the Car Quest and learn the hard way - through failure. Also, skipping the Car Quest will void the discounted rate and you will pay full price.

Real Estate ownership is one of the largest personal expenses that you will likely encounter in your lifetime. What are the advantages of renting a property vs. buying one? What kind of income do you need in order to consider home ownership and what are all the hidden expenses? Why should you own real estate?

Many people don't think about investing in a retirement plan when young, but it's never too early to start, especially if you want to benefit from phenomenal growth from long-term investments. Unfortunately, too many people put off investing in retirement and reduce their wealth in many ways. Here are some of the benefits that you can take advantage of with retirement savings and investments:

1. Employer-based investment plans and 401K plans allow you to defer taxes until retirement. Money that you place into such accounts will immediately lower your taxable wages now and generally you will be in a lower tax bracket when you do access the funds at retirement. This allows you to build wealth over a long period of time -- tax free. Remember - wealth is accumulated over a longer period of time and whenever you can keep more of your money, you increase your net worth.
2. Many employers offer a "match" of funds that you place into a tax-deferred retirement account. This is like free money! Why let that go to waste. Start saving now.
3. Compounding of interest or dividends is a real money multiplier. The longer your money is earning compounding interest, the greater wealth you will generate. It really puts your money to work for you!
4. At a younger age, you have more time to recover from relatively higher risk. Remember, generally slightly higher risk implies higher returns. While someone nearing retirement age might have a higher portion of their portfolio in lower-yield fixed income, a younger investor might diversify their portfolio with venture funds, stocks, bonds index funds and other investment options.

The simulation includes events other than buying a car, owning a house and investing in a 401K plan. For example, early in the game, players can decide on whether to immediately enter the work force or to get a college degree. As you continue game play, you may be graced with a marriage or the birth on one or more children! Pay raises come along, but watch your health and happiness meter.