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In This Issue
Letter from the President
Community &
6 Community Spotlight: THE SEASON OF G i V i NG
8 Feature: THE URGE TO SPLURGE: A M i NDSET CHANGE TO i MPULSE SPEND i NG 11
Money Matters: SOC i AL MED i A HOL i DAY SHOPP i NG: HOW TO DO i T SAFELY 14 Team Spero's Favorites: HOL i DAY SWEET TREATS 16 In the Community: HOL i DAY EVENT EXTRAVAGANZA
Wishing You a Wonder-full Holiday Season
We’re so grateful that you’ve chosen Spero as your financial home. May your holidays be filled with joy, hope, and magical moments. Here’s to a season of wonder and a new year of possibilities.
- Your S per oFamily
Letter from the President
Brian McKay PRESIDENT
Dear Members,
As i reflect on the past year, i want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued trust and support. 2024 has been a year of transformation, with a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing your banking experience and setting you up for financial success.
These initiatives included launching:
• Contactless debit cards to enhance your card security and provide tap-to-pay convenience.
• An upgraded Digital Banking platform to provide a more intuitive and all-in-one solution for managing your Spero accounts and loans.
• A chat feature on our website and within Digital Banking, aimed at providing quicker and more personalized support to you, our members.
• A free credit score and credit report monitoring service to empower you to elevate your financial health and success.
I hope you are enjoying the great benefits these solutions were designed to bring! I also want to acknowledge that change is often accompanied by some bumps in the road. Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout 2024, as we launched these enhancements.
Our goal has always been to create long-term value for you, and we believe you now have additional tools and services to better support your financial journey – now and into the years to come.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Spero family. As we enter the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. On behalf of Team Spero, may your holidays be filled with joy, hope, and many smiles.
We look forward to continuing to serve you in the coming year.
I appreciate you!
'Tis the Season For Giving
At Spero, our favorite gifts are the ones we get to give. That’s why we’re excited to announce that Operation Holiday Hope is back!
We’re spreading some holiday cheer by giving $250 gift cards to four local families who need it the most! Help us make someone’s holiday season brighter by nominating a family or individual who could use extra holiday hope this year.
Nominate
Community & Events
Upcoming Member Events
Wednesday, November 6
F i NANC i AL WORKSHOP | 12-1PM
Insurance for Different Stages of Life
Register at spero.financial/workshop
November 1 - November 25
OPERAT i ON HOL i DAY HOPE
Help us make someone’s holiday season a little brighter by nominating a family or individual who could use an extra helping of hope this year.
Nominate today at spero.financial/holidayhope
November 25 - December 20
LETTERS TO SANTA
Santa Claus is making his list and checking it twice, so make sure your little ones send their Christmas wishes to him before it’s too late. Santa’s mailbox will be open at every Spero branch, so bring your whole family to write letters and enjoy some sweet treats.
The $5,000 Louis C. Addison College Scholarship is now open for 2024 applications! Apply at spero.financial/college-scholarship
Spero Spotlight
Spero Financial Named a Top Credit Union to Work for in the Nation
Spero Financial has been named the #3 Best Credit Union to Work for in the Nation (by asset size) by American Banker. Spero Financial also received this award in 2023/2022 and was recently named a Best Place to Work in South Carolina for the fourth year in a row.
COMMUN i TY SPOTL i GHT
The Season of Giving
The holiday season is upon us. What a perfect time to highlight the spirit of giving that inspires Spero to join efforts with members of our community and bring a bit of holiday cheer to our neighbors! This article highlights a few Upstate organizations that run wonderful programs to make our neighbors' holiday season even brighter; programs that we are so thankful to be a part of.
United Way of Greenville County: Project Joy
Since 2020, United Way of Greenville County has hosted Project Joy, which helps alleviate some of the financial stress of gift-giving by fulfilling family wish lists. Project Joy's focus on fulfilling the needs of older students and their families differentiates it from many holiday programs.
To participate, community members can donate funds through United Way’s website or choose a designated family, shop for their specific wish lists, and deliver those items to United Way. In 2023, Team Spero sponsored eight families, making the holiday season even more joyful for 18 local children!
New Foundations
Home for Children: Stocking Stuffing Program
New Foundations Home for Children is a local nonprofit that provides safe, supportive, and nurturing services for children and families. Based in Anderson, South Carolina, they offer residential, foster, in-home, and transportation services to counties throughout the state. Their dedication to serving
families and at-risk youth in the Upstate is evident in many ways — especially their holiday-themed stocking stuffing program. Through this annual program, New Foundations gives stockings filled with Christmas goodies and essential items to children and teens who reside in their home. And these aren’t your average stockings — each one is hand-stitched by a local seamstress, making the gift even more meaningful. Spero has been fortunate to participate in the stocking program for many years, stuffing stockings for 50 or more children each holiday season.
Spero Financial: Operation Holiday Hope
Since 2021, Spero Financial has hosted Operation Holiday Hope. This annual giving program invites Spero members and community members to nominate local families and friends who could use a little extra holiday cheer.
Each year, Operation Holiday Hope gives a $250 VISA Gift Card to four families who need it most. Since its start, this program has positively impacted the lives of 12 local community members and distributed $3,000 during the holidays.
Through each of these outreach programs, we get the chance to serve people in our communities — hopefully making their holiday season a little brighter and financially lighter. We are proud to support local organizations that make a difference, not just during the holidays but all year long. For information on how you can get involved with New Foundations Home for Children or United Way of Greenville County this holiday season, visit their websites!
The Urge To Splurge
A Mindset Change to impulse Spending
The holidays are upon us, which means it’s time for holiday celebrations, desserts, traditions, and shopping. During the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be easy to spend more than we realize — especially when the ability to make a purchase is constantly at our fingertips. When you add in the abundance of online and in-store sales, denying those purchases becomes even more difficult.
While impulse buys may not seem like a big deal in the moment, a lot goes on behind the scenes and in our brains that we don’t realize. In this article, we’ll dive into the urge to splurge, the science behind that urge, consumption habits, and ideas for being intentional about impulse buys and holiday shopping. It may be easier to justify impulse buys during the holiday season, but they’re still impulsive. Going into the season with awareness and a plan can help minimize these purchases and set you up for success during and beyond the holidays.
What is an Urge To Splurge?
Many of us would say we’ve been tempted to make an impulsive purchase, but what exactly does that mean? An impulse buy is simply the act of buying something we had not planned to buy. By definition, it’s a purchase we make without much forethought.
Impulse buying is often triggered by things we see, whether we’re in a physical store or scrolling through online retailers.
Seeing an item that would be the perfect gift for a friend or an irresistible sale on Christmas décor triggers responses in our brains and bodies. It subconsciously encourages us to make a purchase, even when we didn’t intend to.
The Science Behind the Urge
When we feel the urge to splurge, it’s likely because many things are happening behind the scenes that alter our decision-making and influence our actions.
Impulse buying is driven by the urge or craving for something that will bring pleasure or happiness — feelings often experienced during the act of gift-giving. When we act on an impulse and buy the item, our brain releases dopamine — the hormone associated with pleasure that signals our brain’s reward center. This is the same neurotransmitter triggered when we exercise, eat tasty food, or experience anything we enjoy.
The more we experience this dopamine hit, the more we seek it. While we may not necessarily have an overwhelming desire to impulse shop, the desire within our brains and bodies to experience dopamine and happiness can impact our shopping habits — especially when subconsciously influenced by strategic marketing tactics and the desire to make others happy.
The impact + Healthy Habits
All these outward and inward aspects of impulse shopping can have a negative impact on our consumption habits and wallet. Unplanned purchases can lead to excessive spending outside our budgets, unhealthy credit usage, and more. Continuously giving in to the desire to buy can make it harder to say no in the future.
If you want to resist the urge to splurge, here are four tips that can help you gain control:
1 | write down your urges
If you spend more on things you don’t need, make a “want list” by writing down urges as you experience them. Urges typically last no longer than 30 minutes. Overcoming an urge to spend can feel intense at first, but if you continue denying the urges, they will become less and less urgent and overwhelming. By adding all your spending urges to this list, you’ll enable yourself to get past the initial desire to click buy and give yourself a resource to look back on to determine whether you should purchase the item. Many people find that these items aren’t something they need or even want when they revisit their lists.
2 | c reate an urge jar
Start an “Urge Jar.” For this, you’ll need two jars big enough to hold 100 small items (like marbles or beads). You’ll start with all 100 items in one jar, and each time you experience an urge and overcome the desire to spend, take one item and put it in the other jar. This small action will provide a visual representation of progress and give you a physical action to take that isn’t clicking purchase. The “Urge Jar” can be customized to individual preferences, whether you reward yourself with one purchase after transferring all items, start with fewer transfer items, or set rules about starting over if you give in to an urge.
3 | keep a spending journal
If you find yourself constantly overspending on specific budget line items or things that aren’t part of your budget, consider keeping a spending journal and tracking each purchase before
you buy the item. By writing down the item and assessing how it fits into your budget before you make the purchase, you can make adjustments accordingly. This simple step will also save you from regretting a purchase you’ve already made.
4 | lock your credit card
If you find yourself using credit to fund your impulse purchases, it might be a good idea to lock your credit card. Locking your credit card requires you to take an extra step to unlock it before you can make the purchase, creating a barrier against credit usage for impulse purchases. Often, placing a small obstacle in your spending path is all it takes to deter a purchase or give yourself extra time to think about your decision.
5 | make a plan for holiday spending
If you find yourself spending more on unplanned purchases during the holidays, make a plan before you start shopping.
Planning your gift-giving can help you be intentional with your budget by ensuring you give within your means. A specific list of items can help lower the temptation of unexpected items that pop up along the way.
Ultimately, curbing impulse shopping isn’t something that will happen overnight. It’s a process that requires consistency and a commitment to changing our mindset and behavior. To do this effectively, set clear financial goals and put intentional practices in place to deny instant gratification — especially during the holiday season.
Unwrap the Gift of Financial Peace of Mind
Don’t let an unexpected credit issue steal your holiday cheer! Log in to Digital Banking to access your free credit score and credit report monitoring, powered by SavvyMoney. Catch any suspicious activity by setting up credit alerts and enjoy a worry-free holiday, knowing your financial well-being is secure.
Access your free credit score and report in three simple steps.
1. Log in to Digital Banking.
2. Find the Credit Score Widget on the Dashboard.
3. Select “Enroll.”
Get started today!
Social Media Holiday Shopping
How To Do it Safely
Social media is a wonderful tool in many ways. It keeps us connected to family and friends and allows us to be in the know in ways we never were before. However, certain dangers come with using social media, with one in particular having more of an impact on your wallet than you may realize — especially during the holiday season.
While consumerism and social media have been linked for years, the most popular platforms have taken on an expanded role in many consumers’ holiday shopping habits. In our post-pandemic marketplace, social commerce has exploded mainly due to the rise of in-platform e-commerce capabilities, which create a seamless buying experience for social media users.
In this article, we’ll look at the rise in social media shopping, how it shows up during the holidays, and a few ways to shop safely.
What is Social Commerce?
If you’ve used social media, you’ve most likely experienced social commerce, even if you didn’t realize it. While social media has been linked to e-commerce for a while, the platforms themselves have turned into storefronts — allowing users to shop as they scroll, ushering in a new era of convenience and mindless purchases.
One platform that has risen to the forefront is TikTok — with an in-platform marketplace called “TikTok Shop.” Since its inception, TikTok Shop has generated billions of dollars in sales. Yes, billions! With a simple swipe, TikTok users can search for anything and everything and complete all purchase steps without leaving the social media platform. Taking things a step further, many content creators and influencers link items directly on their videos, making completing a purchase almost effortless. With unsuspecting ads and countless videos influencing buying habits, many TikTok users don’t think twice (or sometimes even once) before clicking the buy button.
How Has Social Commerce Grown?
Social commerce has grown significantly in recent years, and its upward trend is projected to continue. By 2027, this corner of the retail market is expected to generate over $5 trillion in sales and claim 23% of global retail sales.
The recent market growth can be seen in the almost 13% jump in Global Commerce’s share of retail sales from 2015 to 2024. Within this decade, there is clear evidence of the influence that the COVID-19 pandemic had on shopping trends and e-commerce.
The rise of social commerce has also changed the way people shop during the holiday season. This phenomenon is expected to play an increasingly prevalent role in holiday shopping, with social shopping platforms being the first choice for 34% of shoppers during the 2024 season.
As social media purchases become more the norm than the exception, it’s more important than ever for consumers to protect themselves.
Helpful Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping Online
While e-commerce may seem like the easiest way to do your holiday shopping, we need to be mindful of the links we click on and where we store our card information. According to CNBC, the holidays are when consumers are at the highest risk of fraud. So, while shopping online can be convenient, it can also put our finances at risk. To shop safely on social media this holiday season, follow these tips.
1 | think before clicking
Ads, sales emails, and marketing text messages stream to our inboxes, feeds, and minds all year long, but the flood surges during the holiday season. With endless opportunities to shop and temptations to click, it can feel natural to immediately click on any sales pitch we come across. However, there is a possibility that those sales links lead to questionable sites or scams.
Before clicking on a link, pause and look at the message as a whole. Consider the spelling of the link, the company name, and where the link may lead. If you don’t recognize the contact sending the message or have never heard of the company, we suggest avoiding any links and deleting the message.
2 | avoid storing your card information
Many online retailers and social media shopping platforms allow you to store your card information for ease of purchase. While this may seem like a great feature to make life easier, it could prove dangerous for your wallet, as many scammers and hackers work tirelessly to access the funds of unsuspecting shoppers.
Avoid storing your card information in your customer accounts for online retailers or social shopping platforms. This could make a huge difference if someone were to gain unauthorized access to any of your accounts.
3 | keep track of your purchases
The holiday season is typically marked by increased shopping and out-of-the-norm purchases. With the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy to lose track of items we’ve ordered and the money we’ve spent.
Keep a running list of all purchases you make and their expected delivery dates. Mark packages off the list as you receive them. This will help you be more aware of the items you’re still waiting on and make it easier to catch scams or lost packages before it’s too late to get a refund or request a new package.
While there are many more tips to consider, this list offers a great starting point to help you tackle your online and social media holiday shopping like a pro!
Team Spero’s Favorites
Holiday Sweet Treats
The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones, put up decorations, and make some delicious sweet treats. We asked members of Team Spero to share the recipes that make their holidays merry and bright. Whether you’re bringing a dish to a holiday gathering or enjoying a treat while watching Christmas movies by the fire, you can count on these tasty recipes to make your holidays a little sweeter!
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever
Rick Isaacs | Branch Manager
i NGRED i ENTS:
• 1 cup salted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
i NSTRUCT i ONS:
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips
1. Cream butter and sugar together, and mix in eggs and vanilla.
2. Once combined, add dry ingredients by half until dough forms.
3. Mix in chocolate chips.
4. Roll 2-3 tablespoons of dough into balls and place evenly on a parchment-covered baking sheet.
5. Bake in a preheated 375º oven for 8-10 minutes until the cookie edges start turning brown.
Cranberry Delight
Stacey Cherubini | Senior HR Generalist
i NGRED i ENTS:
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 can cranberries
• ¼ cup mayo
i NSTRUCT i ONS:
• ½ container Cool Whip
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
1. In an 8-inch square cake pan, mix cranberries and lemon juice.
2. Spread on the bottom of the pan.
3. Mix the mayo, Cool Whip, powdered sugar, and nuts in a mixing bowl.
4. Pour mixture on top of cranberries and spread to cover.
5. Place in freezer.
6. Slice and serve frozen.
Nannie’s
Peanut Butter Fudge
Jessica Baker | EVP, Chief Strategy Officer
i NGRED i ENTS:
• 3 cups sugar
• 7.5 oz marshmallow fluff
• 1 pkg peanut butter chips
• 1 small can of evaporated milk
i NSTRUCT i ONS:
• ¾ cup butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1. Cook the sugar, milk, and butter for at least 5 minutes on low heat.
2. Remove from heat, add the marshmallow fluff, peanut butter chips, vanilla, and nuts, and thoroughly beat by hand.
3. Pour the mixture into a buttered 8x8 pan and let cool completely.
Tip: Test to be sure the fudge is done by dropping a bit in cold water. Ensure the consistency is candy-like and can roll into a tiny ball between your fingers.
Magic Cookie Bars
Wendi Morgan | Recovery Specialist
i NGRED i ENTS:
• 1/2 cup margarine, melted
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
i NSTRUCT i ONS:
• 3/4 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut
• 1 1/3 cups sweetened condensed milk
1. Pour melted margarine into a 9x13-inch glass pan.
2. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over the top.
3. Place chopped nuts over crumbs, then scatter with chocolate and butterscotch chips.
4. Add flaked coconut, then pour condensed milk evenly over top.
5. Preheat oven to 350º and bake until lightly browned on top (25 to 30 minutes).
6. Cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting into 24 bars.
White Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
Hannah Woodson | Lending Operations Specialist
i NGRED i ENTS:
• 1 ¾ cups (228g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup (168g) packed dark brown sugar
i NSTRUCT i ONS:
• ½ cup (104g) sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (131g) uncooked quick cook oats
• 1 ½ cups dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecan pieces, toasted (optional)
• 12 oz white chocolate (not Candiquick)
1. Preheat the oven to 350º and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to a medium-sized bowl and whisk to combine.
3. Add the butter and sugars to a large bowl and mix together until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). You should be able to see the change in color and texture.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients' bowl and mix well.
5. Add the dry ingredients and mix until the cookie dough is well combined.
6. Add the oats, cranberries, and pecan pieces and stir until everything is evenly distributed.
7. Place large tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto the prepared cookie sheet.
8. Bake for 8-9 minutes. The cookies may look a little undercooked in the center, but they will continue to cook and firm as they cool. Do not overbake.
9. Let the cookies cool for 2 minutes, then place them on a rack to finish cooling.
10. Once the cookies are cool, melt the white chocolate in a small bowl.
11. Dip cookies, one at a time, into the chocolate and gently shake to remove excess chocolate.
12. Set on parchment paper to dry and sprinkle with crushed pecans, if desired.
13. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Cookies are best during the first 2-3 days.
in The Community Holiday Event Extravaganza
The holiday season is perfect for gathering and celebrating with those we love. As we enter this festive time of year, South Carolina offers a full spread of events and activities for the whole family. Whether you want to revisit a favorite tradition or start a brand new one, here’s a list of holiday happenings to help you get started!
greenville
Ice on Main
Nov. 20, 2024 - Jan. 20, 2025
United Community Ice on Main is coming back to Greenville this November! Skating on this outdoor ice rink in the heart of Downtown Greenville is a holiday tradition for many. The rink is open seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day.
Poinsettia
Christmas Parade
Dec. 7, 2024
This iconic parade has marked the start of the Christmas season in Greenville for over 75 years. Thousands gather on Main Street each year to watch the holiday floats roll by. People of all ages are sure to enjoy the various floats and performances that light up the night! The parade begins at 6 p.m., so get there early to secure a good spot.
World WONDERLand
Dec. 14, 2024
Celebrate this holiday season with a trip around the world at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate! From the sunny shores of Madagascar to the snowy landscapes of Antarctica, interactive exhibits show how winter holidays are celebrated throughout the world. The museum will be full of activities, crafts, and learning opportunities — and word on the street is that Santa plans to pay a visit! Guests must purchase event tickets to attend.
simpsonville
Nights of Lights
Nov. 23, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025
Start a new family tradition by visiting the Upstate’s only walk-through Christmas attraction at the CCNB Amphitheater at Heritage Park. Guests can enjoy colorful light displays, ice skating, carnival rides, holiday treats, and more at this annual holiday event. Tickets are available for purchase at the gate.
Christmas Parade
Dec. 8, 2024
The Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Simpsonville are hosting their annual Christmas Parade to ring in the holiday season. This event is a community favorite and Santa’s first public appearance in the city! Head to Simpsonville on December 8 to see floats, performances, and vehicles displaying this year’s theme of Christmas Through the Decades.
anderson
Holly Jolly Holiday Fair
Nov. 15-17, 2024
Explore over 200 booths featuring holiday vendors and handcrafted goods at this annual fair. Held at the Anderson Civic Center, the Holly Jolly Holiday Fair is the perfect place to do some holiday shopping while enjoying local food and drinks. With live performances, DIY classes, and guest speakers, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
easley
Christmas Parade of Lights
Dec. 14, 2024
Take your entire family to Downtown Easley to enjoy a parade of festive floats and performances. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. at the intersection of East Main Street and Bradley Avenue. Make sure you show up early to get the best view!
columbia
Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo
Select Nights Starting Nov. 15, 2024
Starting November 15, guests can stroll through Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo and explore 60 larger-thanlife handcrafted lanterns inspired by plants, animals, and more. With interactive activities, photo ops, nightly snowfall, and visits from Santa, this holiday exhibit has something for everyone! Guests must purchase tickets in advance to attend.
39th Annual Vista Lights
Nov. 21, 2024
Kick off this holiday season at Congaree Vista’s annual holiday celebration! Guests can enjoy artistic performances, live music, and dancing before getting some holiday shopping done at local shops and galleries. And we can’t think of a better way to get in the holiday spirit than by watching the lighting of the Vista tree!
