Specialty Appointments

For Wealth, Financial Counseling, and Mortgage Lending appointments, please follow the steps below.

Wealth Management

For help with retirement, rollovers, and portfolio management, call 850-505-3200 ext. 8332 to meet with a licensed Wealth Manager.

Financial Counseling

For help with your finances, schedule an appointment with a Financial Counselor.
Meet with a Financial Counselor

Mortgage Lending

For all Mortgage appointments, please call 850-505-3200 ext. 8360 or email the Mortgage Department.

Specialty Appointments

For Wealth, Financial Counseling, and Mortgage Lending appointments, please follow the steps below.

Wealth Management

For help with retirement, rollovers, and portfolio management, call 850-505-3200 ext. 8332 to meet with a licensed Wealth Manager.

Financial Counseling

For help with your finances, schedule an appointment with a Financial Counselor.
Meet with a Financial Counselor

Mortgage Lending

For all Mortgage appointments, please call 850-505-3200 ext. 8360 or email the Mortgage Department.

< Return to Press Releases

PenAir Credit Union Names Finalists for 2025-2026 NOW Financial Fitness Competition

September 17, 2025

Three households begin a months‑long coaching journey toward savings growth, debt reduction, and a $10,000 grand prize

Pensacola, Florida (September 17, 2025) – PenAir Credit Union (PenAir) announced the finalists for the 2025-26 season of NOW, its signature Financial Fitness Competition that pairs local households with Certified Financial Counselors for intensive, real‑world money coaching. Finalists will share their progress publicly as they build better budgets, improve credit, reduce debt, and compete for the program’s $10,000 grand prize.

NOW is a multi‑month financial wellness journey led by PenAir Certified Financial Counselors. Through one‑on‑one guidance, participants gain a clear picture of income vs. expenses, learn practical budgeting, and take actionable steps to strengthen their credit health. The program is designed to create lasting behavior change, not just short‑term wins. Since launch, the program has helped finalists significantly increase savings and decrease personal debt, demonstrating how consistent coaching and accountability can accelerate financial confidence and stability.

Meet the 2025 NOW Finalists

Team Dana & Michael — A blended family focused on building an emergency cushion and creating room in the budget for experiences that matter. Coach: Amanda Chapa
Team Deale — Morgan and Jonathan are teaming up to turn long‑term goals like retirement and a stronger safety net into day‑to‑day habits. Coach: Matthew O’Rear
Team Tarjari — After a career transition, Tarjari is rebuilding, determined to establish a durable foundation for her future. Coach: Day Hendriex

PenAir will post short blog and video updates throughout the season so the community can learn alongside the teams, what worked, what didn’t, and how to apply the same tools at home. Follow their journeys on PenAir’s social accounts. Visit penair.org/NOW and visit the Meet the Teams section to learn more about this year’s finalist today.

Prizes and timeline
At season’s end, PenAir will award $10,000 to the grand‑prize winner, with $5,000 and $2,500 going to the runners‑up. The emphasis throughout remains on sustainable progress because the most valuable prize is the knowledge and momentum finalists carry forward.

“Each year, NOW proves that small, steady changes, combined with expert coaching, add up to meaningful results,” said Casey Brueske, Community Education Development Specialist at PenAir. “We’re excited to cheer on this year’s finalists and to share practical tips the whole community can use.”

For program details and updates, visit penair.org/NOW.

About PenAir Credit Union
Established in 1936, PenAir Credit Union has been a bold force for good, uniting community, resources, and impact. With assets surpassing $2.6 billion, PenAir is dedicated to enhancing the lives of its members from Mobile, Alabama, to Tallahassee, Florida. As a member-owned institution, PenAir prioritizes individual needs, ensuring tailored solutions for financial success. Beyond financial services, PenAir actively contributes to community growth through education, development projects, and charitable endeavors. Learn more about how PenAir is building a legacy of economic empowerment and community enrichment at penair.org.

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