Reaching your financial goals doesn’t always require major lifestyle overhauls.
Sometimes, small, intentional changes can lead to the biggest breakthroughs.
That’s one of the key lessons VyStar member Nancy Webb learned this spring when she participated in the VyStar Savings Challenge, an initiative designed to help members and community participants build emergency savings and take meaningful steps toward greater financial wellness.
“It was the best thing I've done in a long time,” Nancy said.
VyStar launched the Savings Challenge in response to the financial challenges faced by individuals and families in the communities we serve. Jacksonville, Orlando and Atlanta rank among the top 10 U.S. cities with the most financially distressed residents, according to WalletHub. Additionally, 70% of American households are considered financially unhealthy, with the biggest financial stressor being the lack of at least $1,000 in emergency funds for unexpected life events.
More than 31,000 people joined the Savings Challenge, collectively increasing their deposit balances by over $5.1 million. But the initiative was about more than numbers. It was about empowering people with the tools, knowledge and encouragement they need to create lasting habits and find greater peace of mind.
Participants completed financial health assessments, received motivational and educational emails and explored personalized learning modules through VyStar’s Financial Fitness tools. VyStar also partnered with First Coast Living on NBC, Jacksonville’s top-rated lifestyle television program, to share participants’ journeys in real time and launched a dedicated Savings Challenge Facebook group. That group now includes more than 1,300 members who support one another with advice, encouragement and shared wins.
Nancy, a retired teacher, said she enjoyed the weekly emails full of practical tips. But what resonated most was the sense of connection she found in the Facebook group.
“We became a support to each other, encouraging each other, and when somebody had a setback, we were just really encouraging each other and holding each other up,” Nancy said. “It really became more like a community of people, which was very encouraging.”
To reach her savings goal, Nancy made several small but intentional changes. She reviewed and canceled unused subscriptions, freeing up more money to save. She also started bringing cash to the grocery store instead of relying on her credit card, an approach that helped her stay mindful of her purchases.
“You think twice about what you put in that basket when it's coming out of your pocket,” she said. “Even now if I have to use my credit card, I still have that mindset. I've saved a lot of money that way.”
Nancy also made use of VyStar’s educational videos, financial calculators and other Financial Fitness resources. After reaching her $1,000 savings goal, she visited the Green Cove Springs branch, where she met Angie, a VyStar employee who helped her open a 13-month certificate of deposit (CD) to grow her savings even more. The two also discussed additional tools to help Nancy reach her overall financial goals, including the benefits of a VyStar+ Checking Account.
“I really enjoy helping people,” Angie said. “We’re like family here. This is a small community here in Green Cove Springs, and everybody knows each other. When members come here, we want to make them feel at home.”
Nancy had been a VyStar member for nearly nine years. Her experience with Angie stood out and showed her the true value of being a credit union member.
“I have always been treated with courtesy and respect here, but when I met with Angie, we just had a connection,” Nancy added. “She pointed me in the right direction on things, and I would have never thought to have put my money like that. And it's serving me a lot better now.”
Nancy’s story reflects the spirit of the VyStar Savings Challenge: helping people take small, manageable steps that lead to meaningful progress.
“I changed the way I looked at money,” Nancy said.