Vilvoorde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – About 350 students joined the “Wakostda?! +” fair at Asiat Park in Vilvoorde, organised by Budgetinzicht Halle-Vilvoorde, where Tessa Verberckmoes taught youth practical budgeting and financial planning.
As VRT News reported, about 350 students from Flemish Brabant took part in the “Wakostda?! +” fair at Asiat Park in Vilvoorde, where they learned how to manage a budget and understand the real costs of adult life. Each student received a simulated net salary and had to make choices at different stalls representing everyday expenses. They visited stands for housing, groceries, leisure, and media.
How did 350 students in Vilvoorde learn the real cost of Living?
The event was organised by Budgetinzicht Halle-Vilvoorde, a group that helps people improve financial skills and avoid debt. Project officer Tessa Verberckmoes explained that the fair helps young people see how much daily life actually costs. Participants also learned where to get help if they face financial problems or need support starting a business.
The “Wakostda?! +” fair, normally organised in schools, was held this year at Asiat Park in Vilvoorde. The event brought together several partners, including health insurance funds, trade unions, Public Centres for Social Welfare (PCSWs), the VDAB employment agency, JAC (Youth Advice Centre), and Overkop, which provides safe spaces for young people.
Many discovered that they could turn to a union if they lost their job or contact their health insurance fund if they fell ill. Organisers said young people often lack this knowledge before entering adult life.
The organisers were satisfied with the turnout in Vilvoorde, noting that many students had already learned valuable lessons on the first day. Several participants said they were surprised by how high everyday costs can be, especially for housing, groceries, and utilities. The fair’s interactive approach allowed them to experience how quickly expenses can add up and how important it is to manage money carefully.
“The young people are shocked when they hear the prices of an energy or water bill. But they also underestimate the cost of shopping or a Netflix subscription,”
says Verberckmoes.
“So they had to make choices, and they didn’t find that easy. But that’s precisely our message: if you’re going to live alone, do the math beforehand and keep a close eye on your budget. That will take you a long way.”
The “Wakostda?!” fair was initiated in 2016 by Budgetinzicht Halle-Vilvoorde to improve students’ money management skills and awareness of living costs on a day-to-day basis. This program was initiated in schools in Flanders-Braabant.
Many surrounding cities would attend each year to accomplish their mission of reaching as many students as possible and delivering hands-on financial awareness lessons. In 2019, it evolved into “Wakostda?! +” and in 2025 was hosted at the Asiat Park in Vilvoorde, from October 28, 2025, to November 1, 2025.
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