The Berenstain Bears series of children's books that are famous for teaching children moral or safety-related lessons are now writing a new chapter on how to educate children on the importance of financial literacy.

The $840 million Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union in suburban Philadelphia, and its foundation, announced recently an exclusive partnership with Berenstain Enterprises Inc. and formed the Financial Literacy Center, Bear Country Credit Union.

Bear Country Credit Union is an 1,100-square-foot center at FMFCU corporate offices in Broomall, Pa., that creates a hands-on, interactive experience for young children to learn about money.

“To reinforce our important financial literacy message and improve the program, we added the storybook The Berenstain Bears' Trouble With Money,” said Rick Durante, FMFCU's Union vice president of education. “The children relate to this and know the Berenstain Bears. Their parents do, too.”

Children from kindergarten through third grade can take a school field trip to an FMFCU branch and explore Bear Country Credit Union. Member service representatives dressed as the bear characters in the books will teach the concepts of save, spend and share.

“The Berenstain Bears have entertained and educated children worldwide,” said Mike Berenstain, author and illustrator of The Berenstain Bears series. “Teaming up with FMFCU to better educate young children about financial literacy gives our family of friendly bears an exciting new way to help kids learn, grow, and thrive.”

Instant Insights /

Berenstain Bears Open 'Credit Union' at Franklin Mint FCU

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