FOR more than 24 years, Vernice Coley, a Trelawny native now living in Kingston, has been putting money away at JN Bank.

Her goal was never to get rich from saving, nor was it because she had money to spare.

She saved because, from an early age, she understood the value of making what she had work for her.

“I learnt years ago that a dollar saved is a dollar earned,” said Coley while reflecting on the lesson that has guided her financial journey for decades.

That philosophy stayed with her through her years as a filing clerk and continues to shape her life in retirement, with much of her time now spent caring for her grandchildren.

Over the years Coley, now 63, has participated in JN Bank’s various savings competitions, which she said helped to reinforce the habit while giving her an added incentive to grow her financial cushion.

However, this year, for the 2026 ‘JN Bank Savings Dreamz’ competition, her persistence paid off in a much bigger way when she emerged as the winner of the all-inclusive seven-day trip to Peru grand prize.

The competition was open to both new and existing JN Bank customers who opened a JN Bank High Yield or Savings Dreamz account between January and June 2025, with a minimum opening deposit of $15,000 or 100 units of United States dollars, Canadian dollars or British pounds sterling.

To remain eligible, participants had to make monthly savings pledges of at least $15,000, or the equivalent in the participating foreign currencies, by the 30th of each month, up to December 2025.

Other prizes included a three-day, two-night trip to Negril with US$200 spending money for the second-place winner; and a Dolphin Cove Adventure for a family of four, valued at US$450, for the thirdplace winner.

A release from JN Bank said when Coley received the call informing her that she had won, her reaction was simply: “Finally,” with a chuckle.

The win brought Coley satisfaction for the discipline she has maintained over the years but she explained that the trip, which she intends to take later this year, is just a bonus.

For her, saving through the competition was more about thinking beyond the present and creating something that can provide security in the years ahead.

“I worked for my savings and it is in my will,” she disclosed, highlighting that the money she has accumulated represents protection and preparation for the people she loves.

“It is stability for my children and grandchildren, and I even went to the bank to ask if I can continue saving in that account,” she added.

Her approach to building financial security also extends beyond traditional savings.

She has also invested in equities as part of her broader strategy for building wealth and protecting her family’s future.

“I don’t do [under the] mattress at all,” she stressed.

“Even though interest rates can be very low, I know banks, [and these instruments] are safer.” She is also determined that the lesson she learned growing up will not end with her.

According to her: “I have passed it on to my family.

I’ve gotten my financial advisor to come and talk to them, and I’ve encouraged them to open accounts.” Coley said she cherishes her long-standing savings relationship with JN Bank, which has also supported her in achieving several important milestones for herself and her family, including acquiring a home and a car, as well as financing her children’s college education.

The release said those experiences have deepened her confidence in the bank, describing the organisation as a trusted partner helping her to own her journey and to secure peace of mind.

“I am seeing the benefits of having a relationship with JN Bank.

When it was time to get that house, I had something in the ‘kitty’ at the bank that could help me with my downpayment and other things.

And when my children went to school, I could take a loan — and I took my time and repaid those loans.

JN has been my backbone.

All I have, I have achieved with JN,” she said.