LOCAT i ONS
Anderson 1720 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621
1434 Pearman Dairy Road Anderson, SC 29625
100 Hanna Crossing Anderson, SC 29621
Columbia 1025 Pulaski Street Columbia, SC 29201
Corporate Office & Support Center
420 E. Park Avenue, Ste. 100 Greenville, SC 29601
Easley 118 Brushy Creek Road Easley, SC 29642
Five Forks 117 Batesville Road, Ste. 200 Simpsonville, SC 29681
Member Solutions Center
Greenville: 864.232.5553 Nationwide: 800.922.0446
Mills Avenue
300 Mills Avenue Greenville, SC 29605
Spartanburg 130 North Town Drive
Spartanburg, SC 29303
Taylors
3237 Wade Hampton Boulevard Taylors, SC 29687
Verdae 601 Verdae Boulevard Greenville, SC 29607
24/7/365 SERV i CE
MONEYLiNKSM Online at spero.financial
MONEYLiNKSM Audio Response Greenville: 864.232.3645 Nationwide: 800.633.4364
To locate a TellerLink near you, visit spero.financial
F i ND US ONL i NE
/MySperoFi
@MySperoFi
@MySperoFi spero.financial
LETTER FROM THE PRES i DENT
COMMUN i TY & EVENTS
WHAT'S NEW
introducing Spero insurance Services
FEATURE ART i CLE
Spring Can Be the Perfect Season for Financial Change
L i FESTYLE
Small Financial Habits Make Big Decisions Easier
MONEY MANAGEMENT
improve Your Credit Score in 2026
WHAT'S TREND i NG
How To Make Your Next Car Purchase a Win
For every financial milestone, you make thousands of everyday choices. The right checking account sets you up to win both. When you find the account that fits your life, day-to-day decisions get simpler and big moves feel easier.
Dear Members,
Spring has a way of getting us thinking about what’s next.
For some, it’s a graduation or a new job. For others, it might be upgrading a vehicle, planning a move, or simply taking a fresh look at finances after the start of a new year. Whatever it looks like to you, this season often brings a little momentum.
That’s why I wanted to take a moment to remind you that we're here for you.
Letter from the President
Brian McKay PRESIDENT
Every day, we see how the small financial habits you build — paying bills, managing spending, staying organized — create the confidence to take on bigger decisions when they come along. And when you’re ready for your next move, whether that’s purchasing a vehicle or protecting what matters most, we’re ready to support you.
You’ll see that theme throughout this issue of CheckPoint. From practical tips on strengthening your credit to ideas for building everyday financial habits, our goal is to help you feel prepared — not pressured — as you move forward.
This time of year is also special for another reason — it’s when we gather for our Annual Members Meeting. As a memberowner, you’re an important part of Spero’s story. I invite you to join us, hear updates on how your credit union is growing, and see how we’re continuing to serve our communities. I invite you to join us and hear updates on how we're growing and continuing to serve our communities. It’s always one of my favorite opportunities to connect.
Thank you for being part of the Spero community. We’re grateful to be a part of your financial journey — in every season and every next move.
I appreciate you!
Winning Starts Here
Community & Events
On April 21, 2026, we'll gather to celebrate all that was accomplished in 2025 and review what is ahead in 2026. UPCOM i NG
Annual Meeting
HOL i DAY CLOSURE
MAY 25, 2026
Memorial Day
JUNE 19, 2026
Juneteenth National independence Day
Financial Workshop Calendar
Throughout this year, we will host virtual financial wellness workshops – completely free for our members. Take advantage of this member benefit!
Follow Us on Social
Always stay in-the-know as a Spero member by following us on social media. Enjoy financial insights, seeing what’s going on with #TeamSpero, member perks, and more! Find us @mySperoFi.
Insurance Shouldn’t Be Complicated.
Introducing Spero Insurance Services
Wherever you are on your financial journey, we’re committed to helping you win with your money — whether that's through better rates, smarter savings tools, or expert guidance you can count on. That's why we’re expanding how we support your financial well-being.
Starting March 2026, we’re offering insurance coverage through our new agency: Spero Insurance Services.
Benefits for Our Members
By opening a policy through Spero insurance Services, members can enjoy:
• Clear pricing from 40+ trusted carriers — no gimmicks, no surprises.
• Competitive savings because we shop for plans on your behalf.
• Personalized support from Spero team members who already know your goals.
Do Spero members have to use Spero insurance Services?
No. While we would love to serve you, participation in Spero Insurance Services is completely voluntary.
Getting a quote is easy.
To get a quote, visit spero.financial/insurance or call 855-759-2292 to speak with one of our licensed representatives. We’re ready to help.
Want To See Your Coverage Options?
Auto insurance
Protect your vehicle with coverage that fits your driving needs.
Renters insurance
Cover your belongings with affordable, straightforward protection.
Home insurance
Safeguard your home and the things that matter most to you.
Pet insurance
Manage vet costs and keep your pet healthy without the financial stress.
Life insurance
Provide financial security for your family when they need it most.
And More!
Explore business, umbrella, and disaster coverage options.
Spring Can Be the Perfect Season for Financial Change
it’s finally springtime again. The weather is getting warmer, and summer is on the horizon
If you’re like many people, this time of year makes you think about fresh changes, financially and otherwise. Ever wondered why — or how we can use the season to our advantage?
Let’s discuss.
A Burst of Energy Brings
Positive Changes
Spring is a time of rebirth and regrowth. From March to June, the world around us comes back to life after lying dormant all winter. Trees sprout leaves. Flowers bloom. Birds sing their morning songs. Likewise, many people find they have more energy, thanks in part to more sunlight and time spent outdoors.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
Did you know the change in seasons affects more than just our energy levels? It can have a direct impact on our finances. Here’s how.
First, people use their increased energy and motivation to make changes they’ve been thinking about during the winter months. Families might do some spring cleaning and hold a yard sale to earn a little extra cash or complete those home renovations they’ve been planning to boost their property value. After a long winter, this new season is a time of getting things done.
Second, tax season means many people have some “bonus” money they can use to pay off bills, put into savings, or treat themselves.
Pro-tip: Before you spend your refund, take stock of your full financial picture. Paying down debt or building savings often makes the biggest long-term impact.
Third, college graduations take place in the springtime, which means a flood of new graduates entering the workforce. Companies often open roles for applications around this time. While that can mean more competition for new positions, it can also mean more opportunities for workers already established in their careers. For anyone looking to make a career change, this might be an ideal opportunity.
Lastly, spring is the start of vacation season. Many families take a few days off work to enjoy the nice weather at the beach or a nearby theme park. This often requires spending a little bit of cash, but the shared memories are worth it.
is This Your Year To Spring Forward?
This spring may be the perfect time to make your financial move. And if you do, we'll be right here with you.
Ready to explore your options?
Make an appointment with one of our certified financial counselors at spero.financial/make-your-appointment
Small Financial Habits Make Big Decisions Easier
Over the course of our lives, we all face important financial decisions: whether to rent or own a home, when to retire, and even how to approach debt.
The bigger the decision, the harder it is to know the right path forward. That said, we have a simple piece of advice that might make difficult choices a little easier: Focus on smaller, long-term financial habits before it’s time to make big, life-changing decisions.
Think of it like the foundation of a building. Creating a solid foundation ensures the structure can withstand any conditions. Strong personal finances are built the same way.
Small Financial Habits That Set You Up To Win
PRIORITIZE SAVING.
Making saving a priority is one of the best financial habits you can follow. We know it can be challenging as prices rise, but setting even a few dollars aside each month will add up over time. Remember the old saying, “slow and steady wins the race.”
Even modest savings will give you a small safety net to help cover unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car trouble. That safety net can keep you from making financial choices out of desperation by buying you time to consider all your options.
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CREDIT.
Your credit score is one of the factors lenders use to decide whether to loan you money. You want to make sure it’s in good shape so you can access the best rates and financial products when you need them in the future.
Check out pages 14-15 for tips on raising your credit score in 2026.
MAKE A BUDGET—AND STICK TO IT.
This tip ties into all the rest: creating and following a budget is a key step to achieving financial success. To get started, make a list of all your monthly expenses and compare it with your monthly income. Ideally, you want to avoid spending more than you’re bringing in.
By getting a handle on your earnings, spending, and savings, you will have a clearer mental picture of your finances, and that will help you make well-informed money decisions.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT CHECKING ACCOUNT.
It may seem like a basic idea, but your checking account is another foundational element of your financial success. You’ll use it almost daily, so you want to make sure you pick an account with features and benefits that fit your lifestyle.
Some checking accounts offer interest on balancesgreat if you keep a higher balance! Others let you earn cash back when you use your debit card, which is a nice perk for spenders. Others offer additional benefits like identity theft protection.
With many options available, it’s worth taking the time to see which one is best for you.
For details on the checking accounts we offer at Spero, visit spero.financial/personal-checking-accounts.
Start Building a Strong Foundation Today
We know managing your finances isn't always straightforward. We also know that building a strong foundation now makes everything that comes later a little easier.
Any time you have a question or concern about your financial situation, feel free to chat with us online, give us a call, or make an appointment to speak with a financial counselor by visiting:
spero.financial/make-your-appointment
Whether you do it on your own or we do it together, start building your foundation now. Your future self will thank you.
Improve Your Credit Score in 2026
Let’s say you want to take out a car loan, rent an apartment, or get a mortgage. Early in the process, you'll need to show lenders that you are a responsible borrower. Your credit score is one of the best indicators that you can be trusted to repay what you borrow. That’s why establishing and maintaining a good credit score is so important.
What is a credit score?
Think of your credit score as your financial resume or reputation — a financial snapshot that gives lenders a better idea of your financial trustworthiness. The better your credit score, the more lenders will trust you and the better access you’ll have to favorable rates and terms.
How is a credit score calculated?
Five key elements determine your credit score:
1: PAYMENT HISTORY
Your payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score. Fortunately, establishing a positive payment history is simple — just pay all your bills on time. This is especially critical because even one missed payment can lower your score.
2: TOTAL AMOUNT OWED
The amount of your total credit limit you are currently using makes up 30% of your score. Rule of thumb: Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit limit.
3: LENGTH OF CREDIT HISTORY
The amount of time your credit accounts have been open makes up 15% of your score. The longer your credit history, the better.
4: NEW CREDIT
New lines of credit make up 10% of your score. Avoid opening multiple credit cards or loans at once, as that can reduce your score.
5: TYPES OF CREDIT USED
The types of credit you use make up 10% of your score. A good mixture of revolving credit (like credit cards) and installment payments (like an auto loan) shows that you can manage different types of credit successfully.
Want to improve your credit score?
Here are a couple strategies you can use to give your credit score a boost this year.
First, make all your payments on time and in full. This may seem like an obvious step, but keeping up with regular payments takes intentional planning. And since missed payments can be costly, setting up auto-payments is a great way to avoid missing any due dates.
If you’re struggling to make payments on multiple debts, consider a debt consolidation loan or credit card balance transfer. That way, you only have to keep up with one payment each month. Plus, by consolidating your debt, you may be able to get a lower APR, so you’ll end up paying less interest over time.
Second, use your credit card responsibly. In general, it’s a good idea to treat your credit card like a debit card, spending only what you know you can pay back with the money currently in your checking account.
Of course, that’s not always possible. Emergencies happen, and a credit card can be handy in a pinch. However, if you’ve been careful about using your credit card up to that point, you will have a smaller total amount to pay back over time.
Track your credit score with Spero digital banking.
How can you tell if your score is actually improving? Simply log in to digital banking and access our free credit score tool.
You can set credit score goals and track your progress over time. Plus, you can review your transactions, payment history, and credit inquiries to protect yourself against fraud.
It’s also helpful for financial planning. Use it to simulate how taking out a loan could impact your score and apply right there in the tool.
Improving your credit score can feel intimidating at first, but if you commit to working on it over time, you'll see results.
Log in to digital banking and access our free credit score tool.
Membership required.
How To Make Your Next Car Purchase A Win
Ready to get behind the wheel of your dream car? Or just need reliable wheels that work for your family and your budget? Either way, a little preparation and the right financial playbook can make it happen.
Before
you head to
the dealership, here's how to set yourself up for a win.
1. RESEARCH CAR PRICES IN YOUR AREA.
Start by getting a feel for what your next car will actually cost. Browsing local dealership websites is an easy way to see what vehicles are going for in your area. Compare new and pre-owned options, and think about what fits your family's needs and budget.
You don’t need to know all the financial details, but you should have a rough estimate of how much the right car will cost before moving forward.
2. TAKE AN HONEST LOOK AT YOUR FINANCES.
Before you fall in love with a car, make sure the numbers make sense. Do you have cash saved for a down payment? Will you be able to make a car payment each month? Will your insurance costs change?
Knowing where you stand today will help you make the best choice going forward.
3. DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR CURRENT VEHICLE.
If you already own a car, you've got options. Trading it in at a dealership is the simplest route — just apply the trade-in value toward your next purchase. Prefer to sell it yourself? You can list it locally or online, but keep in mind you'll be responsible for handling the legal side of a private sale. Either way, visit Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) to get a ballpark estimate of what your car is worth before you negotiate.
4. GET PRE-APPROVED AT YOUR LOCAL SPERO BRANCH.
Before you head to the dealership, it's worth stopping by your local Spero branch to explore your auto loan options. Our team will get to know your situation and walk you through the application process. That way, you'll know exactly what you're working with when it's time to shop.
5. COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS.
Now for the fun part. Browse online or visit dealerships in person to see what's out there. Keep your pre-approved amount and down payment in mind. That's your budget, and sticking to it is how you win. Don't feel pressured to decide at the first dealership you visit. Shop around, compare prices, and keep an eye out for promotions.
A little patience can go a long way toward landing a better deal.
6. DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU SIGN.
Found a car that checks your boxes? Before you commit, take it for a test drive and pay attention to how it feels and sounds. You can also request a pre-purchase inspection, which typically runs less than $100 and could save you from surprise costs down the road.
These steps are a small investment of time and effort that's almost always worth it.
7. PLAN FOR THE FULL COST OF OWNERSHIP.
Owning a car comes with more than just a monthly payment. You'll need auto insurance before you can legally drive it home; check out Spero Insurance Services for competitive rates and the kind of personalized support you'd expect from a neighbor (more info on page 7).
Beyond that, budget for gas, property taxes, routine maintenance, and the occasional repair.
Getting the right car for your life takes a little time and effort, but it's worth it. Follow the steps we've covered, lean on your Spero team when you need us, and you'll be celebrating a great deal on your new wheels before you know it.
