#None #Jacksonville #VyStar Credit Union #Savings Challenge #Finovate Awards

VyStar Credit Union's Exceptional Achievement in Financial Empowerment

VyStar Credit Union has recently been honored with the 2025 Finovate Excellence in Sustainability Award, a recognition reflecting its impactful Savings Challenge initiative. This program has significantly aided over 31,000 individuals and families, allowing them to accumulate more than $5 million in emergency savings within just a span of 90 days.

The Finovate Awards acknowledge innovations that have made a considerable difference in the financial services sector. By earning this prestigious accolade, VyStar joins an elite group of financial institutions that are driving meaningful change. The Savings Challenge was conceived during a crucial period for residents of financially strained areas like Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Orlando, and it was designed to help households navigate urgent financial situations, such as unexpected car repairs or medical expenses.

The primary objective of the Savings Challenge was to assist participants in building an emergency fund of $1,000. This initiative transcended simple saving; it fostered a sense of community and connectedness among participants who shared a common goal of improving their financial health. Dana Karzan, the Chief Marketing Officer at VyStar, emphasized that the program was not solely about saving money, but about empowering individuals facing significant financial challenges, instilling confidence and stability in their lives. She articulated how families transformed their financial practices by automating their savings and making adjustments to their budgets, leading to an empowering sense of peace.

Participants benefited from weekly savings tips and easy access to resources like VyStar's Emergency Fund Calculator. A dedicated Facebook community provided additional support, creating an environment where members encouraged one another. The initiative showed extraordinary results:

• - Total incremental savings: $5.17 million
• - Percentage of participants saving over $1,000: 21%
• - Number of participants completing the Financial Health Quiz: 917
• - Proportion improving their Financial Fitness Health Score: 66%

Jonathan Hanson, VyStar's Senior Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Member Engagement, expressed pride in securing the Finovate Award, which he sees as a testament to VyStar's commitment to providing financial tools that foster wellness and accountability among members. The organization is actively continuing to expand its Financial Fitness Initiative, offering free resources centered around budgeting, savings, credit, and investing through their website and community hubs.

In light of the Savings Challenge's remarkable impacts, VyStar Credit Union aims to maintain this momentum by implementing additional community-driven resources. They strive to reach more individuals across the region, perpetuating a culture of financial literacy and empowerment. Those interested in learning more about VyStar's offerings can explore their array of online resources at vystarcu.org/financialfitness.

VyStar Credit Union stands as Florida's second-largest credit union, boasting 78 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, and catering to a member base of around 1 million. With over $14 billion in assets, VyStar is particularly well-regarded as a leading mortgage lender in Northeast Florida, serving as a major regional employer with a workforce exceeding 2,300. Membership is accessible to all residents and workers in the contiguous 49 counties of Central and North Florida and beyond, including military members and their families globally.

As a part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community support, VyStar looks forward to further inspiring its members and expanding its reach in financial education and empowering resources for all.