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.��