Horizon Federal Credit Union Published Children’s Financial Literacy Book

Introducing strong financial literacy skills to children can be a challenging task. To reach this audience, education needs to be fun, meaningful, and relatable. Horizon Federal Credit Union of Williamsport, Pa followed this recipe in publishing a new book.

“Hedgie Buys a Bike” tells the story of Horizon’s youth mascot and his quest to purchase a new bicycle. As children follow Hedgie along his journey, they learn important financial skills such as earning and saving money, earning interest from a savings account, budgeting, and making smart financial choices. The 40-page full-color book was created internally with text and illustrations completed by Horizon staff. The credit union is using “Hedgie Buys a Bike” as a resource as part of their financial literacy program. Horizon touts “education” as one of their core values and a key towards helping their members experience a brighter financial future.

“We wanted to create a story that would be relatable to children,” said Michael Patterson, Horizon’s Chief Branding Officer and one of the book’s contributors. “Financial literacy is an important skill; unfortunately, one that is rarely taught in most schools. Like any important skill, developing good habits early is vital to being successful later in life.”

To celebrate the publication of Hedgie Buys a Bike, Horizon is hosting a book launch on two Saturdays during the month of April. The first event will be April 15 at their branch location at 1007 East Third Street in Williamsport. Two weeks later, they will host a second event at their office at 2541 East College Ave in State College. Both events will be held 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and are free to the public. Children in attendance will receive a copy of the book and meet Hedgie, who will be giving out a limited supply of a stuffed likeness of himself. Children can also enjoy cupcakes and register to win their own bicycle. Horizon chose to launch the book in April because that month is recognized as both Financial Literacy Month as well as Credit Union Youth Month.

Schools and community youth groups interested in incorporating “Hedgie Buys a Bike” to promote financial literacy should reach out to Horizon at info@horizonfcu.org. “Hedgie Buys a Bike” is also available to purchase through Amazon and all online book retailers.