San Francisco FCU Awards $5,000 to Winner of Financial Fitness Challenge

San Francisco Federal Credit Union has presented the winner of its Financial Fitness Challenge with a $5,000 grand prize.

Monet Allard, a member of San Francisco FCU, won the Financial Fitness Challenge, a year-long contest that encouraged members to make positive financial changes and reach goals with the help of Credit Union products and services. The Credit Union chose Allard from 16 finalists.

“I knew I needed to make a huge change in my financial life,” said Allard. “I was drowning in debt, and I was miserable. I felt like I was scraping money together all the time, and I was completely overwhelmed.”

Allard set several concrete financial goals at the beginning of the contest. “I wanted to get clear on my retirement and financial planning for the future,” she said. “Reducing my credit card debt was another huge one.”

Through meetings with San Francisco FCU’s Financial Advisors, regular attendance at financial workshops and counseling through BALANCE, the Credit Union’s financial fitness partner, Allard was able to meet her goals. “Up until I did this, I thought I would never have the chance to ever retire,” she said. “I started an IRA and I’ve already got that building. I’ve paid off five credit cards now, so I’m almost completely free of all credit card debt.”

Allard cites the support she received from San Francisco FCU as integral to her financial makeover. “I feel like I’m around people who want to help me succeed,” she said. “I’m really grateful for it. It’s the best change I’ve ever made.”