EL PASO–Krystal Hoganson, an engineering student at the University of Texas-El Paso, has won $10,000 as the grand prize winner of the "GECU Savings Challenge '09 - College Edition."
The credit union said that Hoganson, with help from her GECU financial coach, made a "successful financial turnaround from her growing debt and frivolous spending habits to win the grand price."
The credit union reported that at the beginning of 2009, Hoganson had accumulated more than 30 overdraft fees in her checking account along with other debts. By the end of the competition, she was able to eliminate and avoid debt and paid for her education with scholarships.
The competition included six college student contestants, with the runners-up receiving $2,500 each. Collectively, the group saved nearly $21,000 and reduced their debt by nearly $25,000. They have also received private/independent scholarships in the amount of $7,000, GECU reported.
