MANSFIELD, Wis.–Neighborhood Credit Union has surprised another member with a $49,999.99 prize.
The grand prize winner in Neighborhood CU’s Prize Savings Account promotion was Janice Horton, who was surprised by SVP Jessie Swendig with an oversized check with the oversized winning amount when she walked into NCU’s Duncanville, Texas—branch.
After a few moments of shock and disbelief, a lucky Mansfield woman welcomed the new year with an extra $49,999.99 in her Prize Savings Account after her name was drawn as the Neighborhood Credit Union Grand Prize Winner.
Neighborhood Credit Union’s Prize Savings Account awards members one drawing entry for every $25 monthly average balance in their Prize Savings Account. Members are eligible for weekly drawings, culminating with the annual grand prize, drawn each Jan. 1 based on the average monthly balance in the savings account at close of business Dec. 31. The year culminates with the near $50,000 drawing.
‘I’m Speechless’
“I have never won anything in my life,” said Horton, blinking back tears. “I’m speechless, I really am. I know you give away gifts to members, but I never dreamed it could be something like this!”
Neighborhood Credit Union created the Prize Savings Account 15 years ago to help reverse what was the lowest savings rate in U.S. history. The weekly giveaways culminate with the grand prize drawing every New Year’s Day.
According to the Cornerstone Credit Union League, Swendig noted Horton’s strong and steady savings habits since she joined the credit union almost exactly 30 years ago, something that improved her chances to win the grand prize since each credit union member gets one chance for every $25 in their Prize Savings account.
“You have to pay yourself,” the CCUA quoted Horton as saying, adding that saving has been a lifelong habit instilled by her father. “Even if it’s just a small amount, put some back and always pay yourself first.”
The Reward of Saving
Horton said that before she retired she was saving almost half of her earnings, with an eye on her retirement years. That planning and saving enabled her to retire earlier than expected during the pandemic to help her elderly parents during their final months, according to the CCUA.
When asked how she might spend the prize, Horton said she and her husband, who passed away two years ago, had planned to travel to Europe, so she may still do that in his honor once COVID-19 subsides. Or perhaps she’ll buy that long-awaited dream car. Or perhaps help her grandson who is getting married in May, the Cornerstone league said.