Swooping in to teach

SEP 16, 2012
By  Esha Ray
Kids need financial advice, too. Fortunately, crime-fighting superheroes — with amazing financial acumen — have come to save the day. This month, Gray Television Inc. stations premiered “The ¢entsables,” a half-hour show aimed at teaching children 6 to 12 about money management and the financial system, as well as giving useful facts and tips. The weekly animated series follows six bank employees of various species — Aquatique the duck, Greenback the turtle, Hurlwind the squirrel, Toro-nado the bull, Ursa Major the bear, Veloci-Rabbit and their leader, Buck — as they fight villains such as The Liquidator and Credi-tor, and demonstrate positive financial choices for the citizens of ¢entsinnati. The series includes short public service announcements throughout each episode, an interactive website, a comic book series and school outreach programs. A “¢entsables” savings program for kids already has been licensed to 30 banks and credit unions across the country. The show's creator, Mark DiPippa, president of Norm Hill Entertainment Ltd. thinks that financial advisers, accounting firms, retail banks, credit unions and insurance companies could use it to help their clients teach their kids about money. “The average kid in America knows nothing about finance,” he said. “With today's kids spending more than $30 billion on purchases each year, promoting financial literacy should be a priority.” Unfortunately, kids learn very little about money matters in school, Mr. DiPippa said. “There are only four states in the country that have a financial literacy requirement in high school,” he said. Tony Intelisano, Gray Television's executive vice president of sales and marketing, thinks that the use of superhero characters will help kids connect with the program and improve financial literacy in their generation — a vast improvement over what today's adults were taught. “The ¢entsables” is co-produced with Maya Digital Studios Pvt. Ltd., an animation studio based in Mumbai, India.

Latest News

'Bogged down' advisors just want to have fun (again)
'Bogged down' advisors just want to have fun (again)

Jim Cahn, of Wealth Enhancement Group, lifts the lid on his firm's partnership model, his views on RIA M&A, and the widely slept-on reason why advisors are merging into larger organizations.

Vestwell unveils new emergency savings account offering
Vestwell unveils new emergency savings account offering

The fintech firm is cementing its status in the workplace savings space with its latest ESA offering, which employers can integrate into their existing benefits package.

'Money Mimosas' and other ways to show your Valentine financial love
'Money Mimosas' and other ways to show your Valentine financial love

Wealth managers offer unique ideas for couples to grow closer emotionally and financially.

Limra research finds financial confidence on the rise among Black American workers
Limra research finds financial confidence on the rise among Black American workers

Survey findings suggest increased sense of financial security and more optimistic 2025 outlook, while highlighting employers' role in ensuring retirement readiness.

DOGE efforts sideswipe muni bonds backed by federal lease payments
DOGE efforts sideswipe muni bonds backed by federal lease payments

Falling prices for some securities within the $4 trillion state and local government debt market spotlight how the push to shrink spending is sending shockwaves across the US.

SPONSORED Record growth: Interval funds emerge as key players in alternative investments

Blue Vault Alts Summit highlights the role of liquidity-focused funds in reshaping advisor strategies

SPONSORED Taylor Matthews on what's behind Farther's rapid growth

From 'no clients' to reshaping wealth management, Farther blends tech and trust to deliver family-office experience at scale.