Letter from the President

Brian McKay

PRESIDENT

Dear Members,

Happy New Year! Another year is here, and with it comes the excitement of new opportunities and an inner drive to be the best version of ourselves.

As you determine what changes you will make in the new year, I encourage you to do a check-up on your financial health. I will be the first to admit that this is not the most enjoyable exercise but a necessary one – especially considering that money matters are a part of our everyday lives.

When choosing the best way to manage your money, it is easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re feeling this way, you are not alone. We’ve all been there. The good news is that as your credit union, we’re here to help.

Over the last two years, many of our Member Service Advisors have completed the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Financial Counseling Certification Program, certifying them as financial counselors. This equips our team to be personal financial coaches, helping our members draft a game plan to meet their money-related goals. The best part: they will cheer you on to the finish line.

Chelsea Newton, Spero’s Community Relations Specialist, leads this charge. I’ve asked her to share a little about the program and how it can benefit you.

“As financial responsibility increases, many people must manage their retirement accounts, student debt, mortgage debt, and many other financial things – often turning to family, friends, or co-workers for advice,” Chelsea shared.

“The Financial Counseling Certification Program provides our Member Service Advisors with the skills and knowledge to help our members soar in their financial lives. Having a financial counselor is like having a teacher, investigator, and coach all in one. We aim to help our members improve their money habits, get out of debt, and be confident about achieving their financial goals.”

One-on-one financial counseling is one of many financial wellness tools you can take advantage of as a member of Spero! I encourage you to visit the Financial Wellness section of our website to explore the full range of free resources. This includes our online platform, Your Money Matters that features a personalized experience based on your money goals. Plus, turn to page 9 of this Checkpoint edition to pinpoint your money personality. Knowing this will give you the “why” behind your money management style.

The new year may have just begun, but I have no doubt that 2023 will be a good one. We have some exciting things on the horizon for our members. Thank you for your continued loyalty and trust!

I appreciate you!