WINTER 2026
Win �he Holidays Without Blowing Your Budget
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IN THIS
ISSUE Letter From The President
Community & Events
7
Spotlight
A Conversation With AIM
Feature Article
Start The New Year With A Fresh Outlook Lifestyle
Holiday Loan vs. Credit Card: Which Fits Your Season?
Money Management
A Year-End Insurance Check-In: 4 Things Worth a Second Look What’s Trending
How to Plan for Your First “Adulting” Holiday Season
of Spero Unwrap a New Way To Win Every Day Forget partridges and pear trees. Starting December 1, Spero is giving members the chance to win everything from $25 account credits to $500 cash! Each day's prize has its own requirements. Scan the code below for full eligibility details!
The more you do with Spero, the more chances you have to win.
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Insured by NCUA. Membership required. No purchase necessary. See official rules at spero.financial/winning-starts-here. Void where prohibited. Promotion begins Tuesday, December 1 and ends Saturday, December 12. Employees and volunteers of Spero and their immediate family residing in a single household are not eligible.
Letter from the President Dear Members, There's something about this time of year that makes you pause and look back. This year we’ve explored what a winning financial plan looks like. From finding the right checking account to planning your next money move, we leaned into small, everyday money habits because they add up to a bigger impact. As the year winds down, we want to remind you that no matter where you are on your financial journey, we are always here to support you. We hope that reassurance helps you find joy in the hectic holiday season. Between gifts, travel, hosting, and year-end expenses, the holidays can feel like a stretch for many families. But don’t let that discourage you. Winning the season doesn't mean it goes perfectly. It means having the right tools — and the right people — in your corner no matter what. That's why we built our Holiday Loan: a simple, judgment-free way to create a little breathing room. It's also why we built our credit cards to reward the spending you're already doing, or to keep your rate low if you need to carry a balance a little longer. And it's why we want to help you protect what you’ve built this year by checking in on your insurance coverage. This issue of Checkpoint covers all of that. In the following pages, you'll find practical budgeting guidance, an honest comparison of credit cards and loans for holiday spending, and a year-end insurance checklist to make sure you’re covered as we move into 2027. We also wanted to have a little fun this year, so keep an eye out for 12 Days of Spero. This multi-day giveaway starts on December 1 and offers a new surprise every day. Prizes range from statement credits to cash in your account. Twelve days, twelve reasons to smile. As I close, I want to say thank you. Whether you opened your first Spero checking account, referred a friend, got a new credit card, or just took the time to talk with us about what's next for your family, we’re grateful you’ve chosen us to be part of your financial journey. Wishing you and your family a season full of peace, laughter, and happy memories.
I appreciate you!
Brian McKay PR E S I D E N T
INSURANCE SERVICES
Protect the Gifts Under the Tree
& the Ones Gathered Around It At Spero Insurance Services, we’ll shop 40+ carriers to find you the best deals on insurance — from home to auto to life — so you can close the year with the coverage you need and the peace of mind you deserve.
Get a Quote
Insurance products are not insured or guaranteed by the NCUA or any Federal Government Agency. They are not deposits and are not guaranteed by Spero Financial or any Spero affiliate, and they can lose value. If Spero Financial requires insurance as a condition for a loan, you are not required to buy that insurance from Spero Insurance Services, LLC. You are free to choose any insurance company or agent you prefer, and your choice will not affect your loan approval. Insurance products through Spero Insurance Services, LLC, are not available in every state. If you live in a state where we are not licensed, your coverage may be provided through our national partner, Banc Insurance Agency (California license #7274061).
Community & Events Financial Workshop Throughout the year, we host free virtual financial wellness workshops for our members.
Holiday Closures: VETERANS DAY | November 11, 2026
Take advantage of this member benefit!
THANKSGIVING | November 26, 2026 CHRISTMAS EVE | December 24, 2026 at 1 PM CHRISTMAS DAY | December 25, 2026
Follow Us on Social Stay connected with Spero by following us on social media. Discover financial insights, keep up with #TeamSpero, learn about member perks, and more!
Find us @mySperoFi.
of Spero From Dec 1-12, we’re spreading more holiday cheer by giving away daily prizes ranging from statement credits to extra cash.
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H O L I D AY L O A N
‘Tis the Season
To Give Yourself Some Breathing Room
Winning the holidays doesn't mean stressing over them. A Spero Holiday Loan gives you quick access to funds, a fixed rate, and set payments that fit your budget. Limited Offer: Now – Dec 31, 2026 Get a 12.00% APR* Borrow up to $1,200 Finance over 12-month
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Membership required. Insured by NCUA. Subject to credit approval. Terms apply.
S POT LIGH T
Giving Hope & Changing Lives:
A Conversation With Anderson Interfaith Ministries Hope lives at the heart of the holiday season — and everything we do at Spero. (After all, Spero means “hope” in Latin.) As we strive to show the heart of a servant, we’ve had the privilege of working with local organizations that help build hope in our communities. Through our relationship with Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM), we’ve seen what can happen when people and organizations come together around a shared purpose. For this holiday edition of Checkpoint, we spoke with AIM’s Executive Director, Kristi King-Brock, about community, partnership, and why simply showing up is often the most meaningful gift we can give.
For anyone just learning about AIM, how would you describe the heart of what you do in our community?
Giving hope and changing lives. We talk a lot about “community,” but what does it look like to show up for each other in a real, everyday way?
True community is lifting each other up. For us, that means helping people access the resources available to them by removing the obstacles in their way. The holidays can bring extra pressure for any family. What practical realities are local neighbors navigating right now?
The biggest challenges are increased food and energy costs and real uncertainty about the economy. When you look back at the work your organization has done, can you think of a specific moment where simply being present made someone feel seen and supported?
For someone reading this who wants to serve their neighbors this season, what are some hands-on ways to join in?
There’s a place for everyone at AIM. Here are a few places to start: • Volunteer at AIM’s annual Thanksgiving meal distribution • Serve at the regular Mon–Thurs Food Ministry distribution • Provide Christmas for a family in need • Build a wheelchair ramp for a neighbor • Donate laundry detergent or books to AIM’s Women and Children Succeeding program If people walk away from this conversation remembering just one thing about the power of showing up, what would you want that to be?
Your compassion can change a life.
There have been many times I’ve stopped in a store or out on the street, and someone will introduce themselves and say, “I was helped at AIM.” I’ve found that many people just want someone to care and listen. Spero’s mission centers on hope, and watching AIM in action, it feels like we’re speaking the same language. Where do you see that shared spirit coming to life?
Spero’s investment in the work at AIM allows us to give hope to those who are hurting and provide programs that change generations. What shifts when donors like Spero dive into the work alongside you?
Being on our campus and working beside our volunteers and staff is a powerful way to see the true impact of the work we do at AIM.
AIM Spotlight:
Meet Thor Before we wrapped up, we asked Kristi about the real supervisor at the AIM food pantry, a kitty named Thor. “Thor symbolizes family,” Kristi shared. “She’s a perfect example of the kind of welcoming atmosphere we always want to have at AIM.” This season, AIM makes it easy to put your caring into action.
Learn more or sign up to volunteer at aimcharity.org.
F EAT UR E ARTI C LE
Win the Holidays
Without Blowing Your Budget The holiday season is one of the most exciting — and busiest — times of the year. From shopping for the perfect gifts to traveling to visit loved ones, all the seasonal activities can get expensive. That can add unnecessary stress to an otherwise joyful time of year.
Take a Look at Your Finances Before you get caught up in the fun and festivities, take a look at your current financial situation. First, add up your essential monthly expenses like utilities, groceries, and rent. These should be prioritized ahead of any holiday shopping; you have to take care of yourself before you can pour into others. Once you know how much money you should set aside for essentials, you can base your spending budget on what’s
While that’s totally normal, this year can be different. Here are a few tips to help you win this holiday season without the financial strain. 8
left over. Make sure to include any funds you might have set aside throughout the year.
F E AT U RE A RT IC LE
Plan Before You Spend
Save All Year Long
November and December expenses don’t take a holiday break.
One of the best ways to ease financial strain around the
Before the holidays begin, make a list of all your seasonal
holidays is saving up throughout the year. If you can set aside
shopping needs and plan your spending accordingly.
a small amount of cash from each paycheck, your dollars won’t feel stretched quite as thin as the year draws to a close.
Gifts Before you head to the mall or start shopping online, it’s important to have a game plan. Make a list of everyone you want to shop for and what you’re thinking of giving them. Setting a spending limit for each person is an easy way to avoid going overboard.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to shop. The
Worth Knowing: Opening a Spero Christmas Club savings account is one of the easiest ways to save for the 2027 holiday season. You can make deposits into the account throughout the year, and your funds will automatically transfer to your Share Savings Account on October 31, just in time for holiday shopping.
earlier you can begin, the more time you have to find the best deals. And don’t forget about homemade gifts — it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag.
Donations If you like to donate to local charities at the end of the
Remember the Reason for the Season Giving and receiving gifts is always fun, but the material things are only part of the holiday magic.
year, determine how much you want to give and set that
If you feel tempted to overspend, take a moment to
amount aside.
remember what makes the season most special for you. This
If your budget is tight this year, volunteering your time is a
is different for everyone. It could be a religious celebration,
wonderful way to give back. Physically serving your community
a time to connect with loved ones, or a welcome rest before
can be just as important as providing financial support.
the hustle and bustle of the new year.
Hosting
Whatever your reason, keep it in mind as the season begins.
If you’re having people over for the holidays this year, set aside a little extra cash for groceries and household essentials.
You don’t have to spend all of your money to make this year’s holiday season one of the most memorable yet.
To stretch your budget even further, invite your loved ones to bring a dish so you don’t have to foot the bill for the entire holiday meal. Travel Visiting family or going on vacation? While you’re making itineraries and schedules, set aside some extra funds for related expenses like gas, airfare, or lodging. Miscellaneous It never fails. Random little expenses always seem to pop up around the holidays — admission to a local holiday light show, ice skating tickets for your family, or even a quick cup of coffee or hot cocoa while you’re out running errands. If you can, build in a small buffer for these incidentals.
Sea Gre son's eting s Fro m:
Sp ero
CCRREEDDIITT CCAARRDD
Two Cards.
Both on the Nice List.
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Apply Today spero.financial/credit-card Membership required. Insured by NCUA. Subject to credit approval. Earn one point for every dollar you spend using your Spero Platinum Credit Card - after returns are deducted. For other terms and fees that apply, visit spero.financial/credit-card
LIF E ST Y LE
Holiday Loan or Credit Card:
Which Makes More Sense This Season? The holiday season can get expensive, no doubt about it. If you’re like many people, you may need a little financial boost to help make it through to the new year. If so, there’s no shame in that. Holiday loans and credit cards are two of the most common solutions that make gift-giving and seasonal travel a little easier to enjoy.
L I FESTY L E
Holiday Loans
vs. Credit Cards
Around this time every year, many financial institutions offer some version of a holiday loan. These are personal loans (often with a special low rate) offered to help people cover common seasonal expenses. When you take out a holiday loan, you’ll receive a lump sum of money that you’ll pay back — with interest — over a set term.
Why People Choose Holiday Loans One of the main benefits of holiday loans is that you can’t spend more than the amount you’ve financed. If you have a $1,000 holiday loan, you have $1,000 to spend. Simple as that. Additionally, paying back a holiday loan is more structured than paying off a credit card. You have set monthly payments, and that amount usually stays the same until the account is paid off. Lastly, holiday loans tend to have lower interest rates than credit cards, and in some cases, taking out a loan could save you money compared to financing with a card.
Something To Consider When you pay off the loan, the account will be closed, which may cause your credit score to dip temporarily. But don’t worry. In the long run, responsibly managing and repaying a loan has a net positive impact on your credit score.
Credit cards are probably more familiar. They’re a type of revolving credit that you can pay off each month. Like personal loans, they charge interest — but only if you carry a balance from month to month.
Why People Choose Credit Cards Credit cards are more open-ended than personal loans, so while you do have a spending limit, the actual amount you spend can vary. Since you have a credit limit instead of a loan amount, you aren’t locked into borrowing a set amount. If you pay your balance in full each month, you can actually avoid paying interest. That can save you a ton of money in the long run and positively impact your credit score. Lastly, the benefits of credit cards extend long after the holidays are over. When you pay off your balance, the account doesn’t close. You can use it again when you need it, as long as you keep the account open. Plus, many credit cards offer rewards like cash back or travel miles for dollars spent, which can help your money stretch further.
Something To Consider Credit cards typically have higher interest rates than holiday loans. If you carry a balance for several months, you may end up paying more in interest with a credit card than you would have if you’d taken out a loan. Additionally, because the amount you’re borrowing is open-ended, that can increase the temptation to overspend.
Scan for more details about Spero holiday loans.
14 14
Scan for details on Spero credit cards.
LIF E ST Y LE
Here’s a Holiday Example Clara and Buddy are both choosing between a holiday loan and a credit card. Clara needs $2,000 to buy plane tickets for her whole family. She can’t afford to repay that right away and will need to make payments in installments for several months. A holiday loan would be the better option, as it would give her a structured repayment schedule and a lower interest rate than if she opened a credit card. Buddy won’t receive his next paycheck until after Christmas, and he hasn’t finished his holiday shopping yet. He wants to borrow $500 to purchase a few lastminute gifts, and he’ll be able to repay that amount as soon as he gets paid. Buddy would be better off with a credit card. If he pays his balance in full when his paycheck lands, he won’t be charged any interest. If he’d chosen a holiday loan, he’d be on the hook for interest even if he were able to repay the principal early.
Keep This in Mind Credit cards and holiday loans can be wonderful tools to help you get through the holiday season, as long as you use them responsibly. If you’re borrowing money that you know you can pay back, that’s one thing. But if you’re using debt to overspend without any strategy for paying it back, it may be worth talking with one of our financial advisors. We can help you assess your current situation and find the best solution for the holidays and for the rest of the year as well.
15
M O NEY M AN AGEMEN T
It’s the Most Wonderful Time For a Year-End Insurance Check-In
What Should You Review? Set aside a few minutes to go over your policies and see whether anything has changed in the last year. • • • • •
Do you have new teen drivers in your house? Did you complete a renovation, like adding a room or repairing your roof? Did you get a new pet? Have you started a business that you run from home? Have you made any big-ticket purchases, like nice jewelry or high-end electronics?
Big changes like these can require more coverage, change your pricing, or leave gaps in your insurance. Let’s look at some of the most common changes people tend to overlook.
14
M O NE Y MA NAGE ME NT
4 Reasons
To Update Your Insurance Coverage 1 Home Improvements If you added a room, upgraded your kitchen, or finished a basement, the cost to rebuild your home may have increased. Make sure your dwelling limit has been updated so your policy reflects what your home is worth today.
22 Personal Belongings You’ve probably bought new furniture, electronics, tools, sports equipment, or other valuables over the last few years. Creating and reviewing an inventory of your belongings can help you see whether your personal property limit still makes sense. It’ll also help you flag any items that may need special coverage.
Helpful Hint: Complete a video walk-through of your home to document all of your valuable possessions and back it up somewhere safe. A home inventory can come in handy if you need to make a claim.
3 Vehicles A new vehicle can obviously affect your auto insurance. But so can a different commute or adding a teen driver to your plan. Make sure your policy still fits your situation and provides the coverage you need.
44 Upcoming Changes Looking ahead is a great way to avoid insurancerelated surprises. A planned renovation, a new pet, a teen who’s almost old enough to drive, and a move in the next few months are worth considering before they happen.
The Bottom Line Your insurance policies work best when they keep up with your life. A quick review each year can catch changes before they become claim problems and cause unnecessary stress. We highly suggest putting some time on your calendar so you don’t forget.
If your insurance needs have changed and you’re in the market for a new policy, check out Spero Insurance Services. Coverage needs and available options vary by carrier, state, and individual situation. Insurance products are not insured or guaranteed by the NCUA or any Federal Government Agency. They are not deposits and are not guaranteed by Spero Financial or any Spero affiliate, and they can lose value. If Spero Financial requires insurance as a condition for a loan, you are not required to buy that insurance from Spero Insurance Services, LLC. You are free to choose any insurance company or agent you prefer, and your choice will not affect your loan approval. Insurance products through Spero Insurance Services, LLC, are not available in every state. If you live in a state where we are not licensed, your coverage may be provided through our national partner, Banc Insurance Agency (California license #7274061).
17
WH AT' S TREN DI N G
How to Plan For
Your First “Adulting”
Holiday Season
Make a Budget and Stick to It Once you have your first “real” job, holiday shopping can be a ton of fun — as long as you don’t go overboard. Figure out how much money you have left over after covering essentials like rent or groceries. That’s your maximum gift budget. If money’s super tight, consider making a homemade gift for your loved ones. Something as simple as a heartfelt card or a plate of Christmas cookies can show you’ve thought of them.
For more tips on holiday budgeting, flip to page 8.
Share Your Plans With Your Loved Ones When you’re a kid, the holidays are magical. Baking cookies, writing a letter to Santa, opening the presents under the tree. There’s so much fun to look forward to. But once you enter your late teens/early twenties, the vibe shifts a little. You’re becoming one of the adults, the people responsible for making the holidays magical, not just enjoying them. Don’t get us wrong. The season can still be filled with joy and festivities, but your responsibilities can definitely make things feel a little different. The good news is that with a few simple steps, you can still find the holiday magic even while you’re adulting. 18
One of the drawbacks of being an adult is that your responsibilities don’t pause for the holidays. There’s a good chance you’ll still need to work and handle other responsibilities while trying to deck the halls. To manage expectations with friends and family, do your best to communicate those responsibilities ahead of time. Let them know when — or even if — you can visit and whether there are any commitments you’ll need to plan around. If you’ll be on call during family celebrations, make that clear as well. Having these conversations can be challenging, but they’re important. They’ll help you build trust with your family and keep unnecessary conflict from happening during what should be the happiest time of the year.
WH AT ' S T RE NDING
Make the Season
Merry & Bright Spending this holiday season on your own for the first time? Here are a few fun, budget-friendly ways to celebrate with your friends — and one to help you get ready for next year.
Create Some Holiday Magic of Your Own When you were a kid, you probably didn’t have to do much to get ready for holiday celebrations. Maybe you set the table, helped mix ingredients for dinner, or washed dishes after the meal, but the grown-ups handled almost everything else. Now that you’re an adult, your family might expect you to do a little more. Finding out ahead of time can make things go more smoothly. Ask whoever is hosting the holiday celebration whether they’d like you to help prepare the meal or bring anything like paper towels or drinks. When the festivities are over, offering to clear the table or tidy up the kitchen is always a nice gesture. Some other ways you can help include: • Babysitting younger relatives while their parents finish up holiday shopping • Wrapping gifts for younger siblings or other relatives • Giving family members rides to and from the airport However you pitch in, it feels good to know you played a part in making the holiday memories a little more magical for everyone.
• Host a Friendsgiving (or Friends-mas). Gather your chosen family for a low-cost potluck. Everyone brings a dish, nobody gets stuck with the whole bill, and you get to start a tradition that’s entirely yours. • Start a signature tradition. An ugly sweater party, a hot cocoa bar, an annual holiday movie marathon — the options are endless. Taking part in a tradition you started can make the holiday season more enjoyable for years to come. • Do a gift swap. Suggest a White Elephant or Secret Santa exchange with a spending cap for your friend group. This lets everyone give and receive without the pressure of buying gifts for the whole crew. • Go out and enjoy the free festivities. Local tree lightings, holiday markets, light displays, and ice rinks are often free or low-cost, and they give you and your friends a great excuse to get out of the apartment. • Volunteer together. With friends or coworkers, sign up for a shift at a local food pantry or buy some items for a toy drive. Whatever you choose, giving back tends to make the season feel a little less stressful and a lot more satisfying. • Start a holiday fund. It may seem far away, but next year’s holiday season will be here before you know it. Setting aside just a few dollars per paycheck can make the gift-giving and gettogethers seem less like a financial scramble.
CHECKPOINT
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