LANCASTER, Texas–Neighborhood Credit Union member Viola Rose has become the latest to be surprised with a $10,000 bonus from the CU.
Viola, who works as a nurse assistant at the Veterans Administration Medical Center and has been a credit union member since her daughter recruited her in 2011, received a surprise visit from NCU President Chet Kimmell. Kimmell presented her with an oversized check for $10,000; the actual money was deposited directly into her credit union account.
Viola’s name was drawn from the ranks of members who participate in the credit union’s Prize Savings Account, created to encourage people to save money.
Neighborhood Credit Union rewards good saving habits with prize drawings throughout the year, including a $10,000 prize each quarter and culminating with the $25,000 grand prize at the beginning of each new year. Since its inception, the number of credit union members with Prize Savings Accounts has nearly tripled, Neighborhood Credit Union reported.
“Saving money has not always been easy,” Viola said. “I took some classes a few years ago to learn how to better manage my money and began to change my habits.”
Viola said she now puts a portion of each paycheck directly into her savings account and plans around a monthly budget. But the biggest change in her financial habits was learning how to resist impulse purchases.
“I used to see things I liked and just buy them,” Viola acknowledged. “I don’t do that anymore and find it much more satisfying to know I am in control of my finances.”
“Viola Rose is a great role model,” said Kimmell. “Though it’s often easier to live in the moment, Viola sought out financial education so she could make better decisions about her finances and her future. It has certainly paid off for her!”