Richfield Bloomington Credit Union (RBCU) has made an educational program, entitled "YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT," available without cost to Bethany Academy students. The program is designed to assist students in learning the techniques and responsibilities associated with maintaining a personal checking account.

Each student will receive a supply of checks, deposit slips, account statements, and related reference material. After learning how to open an account, keep checkbook records, and reconcile the monthly statements, students will maintain their own checking account for a simulated eight-month period.

Additional banking services such as the use of ATM machines, debit cards, and internet banking are also covered. The materials are designed to not only teach an important aspect of money management but also to correct poor checkwriting habits which may otherwise persist throughout adult life.

Both educators and the financial community emphasize the relationship between sound money management training in school and future personal financial stability. RBCU contributed over 40 hours of teaching in the classrooms of Richfield and Bloomington last year and feels that the money management program will further the credit unions mission of financial education. RBCU strongly believes that everyone has a responsibility to educate students about making wise financial decisions.

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