The Come Up – Financial Literacy Game by The Debt Relief Company

About The Come Up

The Come Up is a free turn-based financial literacy game built by The Debt Relief Company. You start with just $100 in cash and $5,000 in high-interest debt. Every month, you earn income, pay bills, dodge the Credit Card Monster, and make strategic decisions about budgeting, saving, and investing. Your goal: reach $100,000 net worth before debt spirals out of control.

What You'll Learn

The game teaches real personal finance skills through gameplay. Players learn how compound interest works against you on debt (24% APR adds up fast), why paying bills on time protects your credit score, how investing early creates long-term wealth, and why budgeting is the foundation of financial health. Every upgrade, bill payment, and financial decision mirrors choices people face in real life.

How to Play

Each turn represents one month. You go through five phases: Payday (collect income), Bills (pay or skip), Action (upgrade your career, housing, savings, budget tools, side hustle, or investments), Event (random life events), and Summary (review your progress). Upgrade wisely, resist the Credit Card Monster's high-interest offers, and build your way from a cardboard box to a mansion.