Rising Prices Force Tough Choices in Killeen Game
The simulation shows students how inflation and borrowing can squeeze everyday budgets.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Inflation
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Central Texas College's Net Impact chapter hosted an interactive event on national debt and government spending, using an economy game to show how rising prices and borrowing affect students' budgets.
Why it matters
The game illustrates how inflation forces households to choose between essentials and extras, and how borrowing to cover higher costs adds to future financial pressure. The event was part of the chapter's Up to Us Fiscal Challenge, a signature initiative.
In the simulation, one participant saw gas spending rise by $20 as prices climbed through the game. The event itself did not report attendance figures or real-world price comparisons.
The players
Central Texas College
A Killeen-area community college whose Net Impact chapter hosted the economics-focused event for students.
Net Impact
A nonprofit network of students and professionals focused on careers and projects tied to business and social impact.
The details
Students began each round with a cup of corn and decided how to spend limited resources on the ingredients needed to make elote'. As prices rose during the game, participants had to either give up toppings or borrow money to cover the difference. The exercise showed how inflation shrinks purchasing power and how borrowing shifts today's cost burden into future obligations.
Timeline
2025: The CTC Net Impact chapter was named the Best Net Impact Chapter in the Nation.
November 13, 2026: The national debt and government spending event was held at Central Texas College.
Money Landscape
Efforts like the Up to Us Fiscal Challenge bring household-level fiscal concepts into classrooms as public debate over national debt continues. The event applies that discussion to the everyday prices students pay for food and fuel.
The simulation mirrors what many households feel when prices rise: essentials get more expensive, and room in the budget for extras shrinks. Reviewing monthly spending on fuel and groceries can show where rising costs are squeezing the most.
The takeaway
Even small price increases can force tradeoffs between needs and wants, and borrowing to cover them carries a cost later. Tracking your biggest recurring expenses, such as fuel, can help you spot early when inflation is cutting into your budget.
Further reading
For more on how price increases reach household budgets, explore our Inflation coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Temple Daily Telegram.
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