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Summit Credit Union Names Season 15 Project Money Winner

March 14, 2024 MADISON, Wis. — Hannah Echols of Milwaukee, has just been revealed as the winner of Summit Credit Union’s Project Money Season 15.Along with three other contestant teams, Hannah spent the past seven months working with a Summit Credit Union financial advisor to take steps to meet her financial goals.“We created Project Money to help participants improve their overall financial health, while also delivering valuable financial education and actionable tips to the contestants and the thousands of people following them,” said Kim Sponem, CEO and President of Summit Credit Union. “At Summit Credit Union, helping people on their journey to financial wellness is part of our mission, and Project Money is one manifestation of that mission.”Hannah, who is raising her four godchildren, works full time helping families impacted by community violence find housing and services and part time on evenings and weekends. She entered the Project Money program hoping to develop habits to help her reduce debt, increase savings, and generally take a more proactive approach to managing money.Hannah credits some of her success during the program to making new habits routine, and having an educator and accountability partner in Megan Snyder, her Summit financial advisor.“Project Money held me accountable and kept me mindful of what and when I do spend, and
not spending out of my budget,” Hannah said.Cutting down on meals out with the kids while running to and from various sports and activities and distinguishing between “wants” and “needs” during shopping trips helped Hannah on her journey to winning Project Money.Hannah reflected on how making positive changes in one area of life can lead to improvements in other areas. “For example, the trainer at the gym is creating a habit tracker for me as another way to help me hold myself accountable” she shared. “The discipline in sticking to good habits in one aspect can inspire a domino effect and change your life.”Since the program began in 2009, participants have saved a total of $649,099 and reduced debt by $610,938. You might also be interested in Summit Credit Union shares simple ways to spot imposter scams, recognize warning signs and protect your money and personal information... Summit Credit Union earns a 2026 Woman-Led Top Workplace award for its strong leadership, employee experience and workplace culture... Summit Credit Union invests $1 million in the Live Local Development Fund to expand attainable housing in Jefferson County... Summit Credit Union retains its ranking as Wisconsin's #1 mortgage lender, helping more members achieve homeownership... Summit and TriUnity Foundation offer grants up to $10,000 for members facing terminal or life-threatening illness... Forbes named Summit Credit Union Wisconsin’s #1 credit union and one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2026... Summit Credit Union named Top Workplace in Madison, Milwaukee, and U.S., recognized for strong culture, engagement, and employee benefits... Summit Credit Union helps Wisconsin families achieve homeownership with up to $10K in down payment assistance... Summit Credit Union’s President and CEO Kim Sponem was recently featured on the Women of Community Banking podcast...