Players start at age 18 with $0 and make financial decisions that mirror real life: earning income, paying bills, opening bank accounts, investing in stocks and real estate, managing credit cards, and building a retirement portfolio. Every choice has consequences, just like in the real world. The game is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice.
LEARN BY DOING
No textbooks. No lectures. Players learn personal finance by making real decisions: budgeting, investing, borrowing, and saving.
REALISTIC MECHANICS
Interest compounds, markets fluctuate, credit scores respond to behavior. Every financial system works like the real one.
FREE FOR EVERYONE
No downloads, no sign-ups, no paywalls. Open your browser and start playing. Accessible to anyone, anywhere.
OUR MISSION
Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills, yet it's rarely taught in schools. Most adults wish they had learned about personal finance earlier in life. Life In Simulation helps close that gap by turning financial education into a game that anyone can play for free, no matter their age, background, or experience level.
We believe the best way to learn about money is by managing it. Rather than reading textbooks, players learn by doing: opening their first savings account, deciding whether to invest or pay off debt, and watching compound interest grow their wealth over decades.
HOW THE GAME WORKS
The game simulates your financial life from age 18 onward. Time advances daily, and you face the same financial realities adults encounter: rent, groceries, transportation, and unexpected expenses. You earn income from your job, and it's up to you to decide how to allocate every dollar.
As you progress, new financial tools open up. Open a brokerage account to invest in stocks, apply for credit cards to build your credit score, purchase real estate for rental income, start a business, and contribute to retirement plans. The simulation uses the same math the real economy uses. Interest compounds, markets fluctuate, and credit scores respond to your payment history.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- How to create and stick to a monthly budget
- How credit scores work and why they matter for loans and housing
- The basics of investing in stocks, index funds, and cryptocurrency
- How mortgages, auto loans, and interest rates affect your finances
- The power of compound interest and why starting early matters
- How to evaluate business opportunities and manage risk
- The difference between assets and liabilities
- How to plan for retirement using tax-advantaged accounts
WHO IS IT FOR?
Life In Simulation is designed for adults at any stage of their financial journey: people learning to budget for the first time, those preparing to take on a mortgage or invest for retirement, and anyone who wants to practice major financial decisions in a risk-free environment. The game is completely free and works on any device with a modern web browser.
Educators: the game is also designed to be classroom-ready. Sample lesson plans, suggested grade levels, and a one-click Share to Google Classroom button are on the For Teachers page.
Disclaimer: Life In Simulation is an educational simulation. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Scenarios are simplified and do not reflect real-market outcomes. Always consult a licensed professional before making real-money decisions.
BUILT BY XCACTECH
Life In Simulation is developed by XCACTECH, an independent development studio focused on building educational tools and interactive experiences. We are passionate about making complex topics accessible through technology and design.
Have questions, feedback, or ideas? We'd love to hear from you. Visit our contact page to get in touch.