WELLS — Executives from Biddeford Savings have been visiting area schools to teach the basics of financial literacy.

The program, “How To Do Your Banking,” teaches students how to manage a checkbook, stick to a budget, save money, find the best source for loans, and establish good credit history ”“ all important skills toward becoming financially savvy. The bank has shared the program at Wells and Kennebunk high schools.

The bank provides teachers with the sourcebook to oversee the course as well as the hands-on experience with bank executives, such as Rhonda Hebert, assistant vice president and branch manager of the bank’s Kennebunk office.

She recently spent several hours with a class of Wells High School students. Hebert was joined by George Raftopoulos of NVEST Financial in Kennebunk, who shared his insights into investments, financial planning, stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

“Basic financial skills are so important to young people entering the world after high school,” Hebert said. “Some students receive instruction at home; but there are many more who have no familiarity with the everyday financial skills that many adults take for granted ”“ managing a checkbook, understanding the loan process, forecasting monthly income, planning monthly expenses and even saving money.

“”˜How To Do Your Banking’ provides a big picture view of daily finance and walks them through some of the more critical skills so that they have the basic tools they need to manage their finances after high school,” added Hebert.

Students eventually visit a bank so they can see firsthand how to use the services available, such as an ATM and debit card, online bill paying and mobile banking.