Checkpoint Magazine - Summer 2022

You Were Made to Soar!

I N

Palmetto Heroes Hike: Daniel Baker

Should I Buy an Electric Car? Is Now a Good Time?

T H I S

I S S U E

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Money Management: How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a House?

LOCATIONS 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

24/7/365 SERVICE

Simpsonville, SC 29681

Member Solutions Center Greenville: 864.232.5553 Nationwide: 800.922.0446

Mills Avenue 300 Mills Avenue Greenville, SC 29605

Spartanburg

MONEYLINKSM Online at www.spero.financial

MONEYLINKSM Audio Response Greenville: 864.232.3645 Nationwide: 800.633.4364

To locate an ATM near you, visit www.spero.financial

130 North Town Drive Spartanburg, SC 29303

FIND US ONLINE

Taylors 3237 Wade Hampton Boulevard Taylors, SC 29687

Verdae

/MySperoFi @MySperoFi @MySperoFi

601 Verdae Boulevard Greenville, SC 29607

www.spero.financial

IN THIS

ISSUE: 3 4

Letter from the President

Community & Events

6

Member Spotlight: PALMET TO HEROES HIKE: DANIEL BAKER

9

Feature: SHOULD I BUY AN ELECTRIC CAR? IS NOW A GOOD TIME?

13

What We Read: SHOE DOG: A MEMOIR BY THE CREATOR OF NIKE

14

Money Management: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FURNISH A HOUSE?

16

Family Finance: SOUTH CAROLINA FAMILY VACATION IDEAS

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Contents of this publication, including images, may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher.

Published for Spero Financial by The Brand Leader.

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F I N A N C I A L

G O A L S

Your Goals Are Within Reach Make your financial goals a reality with the free tools available to you 24/7 as a Spero member. Our education and financial wellness resources were made with you and your goals in mind because we believe that you were made to soar!

Talk to us to learn more! spero.financial/financialwellness

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Letter from the President Dear Members, With a new season comes new opportunities and endless possibilities. 2022 is off to a strong beginning, and we’re just getting started with our big plans for this year!

At Spero, our mission has always been to improve the financial lives of our members. Every goal we set as an organization

Brian McKay PRESIDENT

focuses on this mission, and over the past year, we’ve taken several important steps to help us propel this mission forward.

The completion of our partnership with AFCU (Anderson Federal Credit Union) in February 2021 is a prime example of putting our mission into action. The synergy created by joining the organizations provided greater opportunities for our members – specifically in digital enhancements. TellerLink is an example of these efforts - launching this service at seven branches in 2021 as another convenient banking option for our members. Speaking of convenience, starting April 4, you can now bank before and after work through TellerLink extended hours (7:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday)! TellerLink is just the start of our digital transformation efforts, and we are excited about the additional digital service enhancements in the pipeline for this year.

Our actions are not just limited to the services that we provide to our members. We know that when our communities soar, we all succeed. That’s why the Spero team is also working to accomplish our goal of making our communities better places to live, work, and play.

In 2021, we were able to donate over $139,000 to support local non-profit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Anderson Interfaith Ministries, Meals on Wheels, Hopes of Home, and many more! We also went outside the four walls of our branches and participated in over 16 community events, hosted six staff volunteer service opportunities, and launched our inaugural Pink Walk to bring awareness to breast cancer in tandem with our partnership with AnMed’s Mammography Mobile.

These actions propel us forward to better serve you, our members!

As we run further into 2022, I encourage you to not give up on reaching your goals. Whatever your goals may be, we are here to help you every step of the way. Last year, more than 300 members took advantage of the financial wellness resources we offer through YourMoneyMatters, GreenPath, and various financial workshops. During this year, we hope to see that number grow to over 500. I encourage you to take advantage of these resources and dive deeper into this edition of Checkpoint magazine for practical tips and tricks to re-energize your commitment to reaching your goals.

Thank you for being a Spero member and giving us the opportunity to serve you.

I appreciate you!

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COMM UN IT Y

Paying it Forward

a n i ol r a C h t u o in S

Closed for the Holidays: May 30

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MEMORIAL DAY

June 20 JUNETEENTH

July 4

INDEPENDENCE DAY

E V E NTS

H A B I TAT F O R H U M A N I T Y Each year Habitat hosts a golf tournament in honor of Joe Barron – a faithful supporter of Habitat for Humanity Greenville County. In 2021, for the first time in the golf tournament’s history, enough funds were raised to sponsor an entire build! As a sponsor, Spero team members had the opportunity to lend a helping hand in the home's construction.

AIM’S HEART4HELPING By joining forces with other financial institutions in the Anderson community, Anderson Spero branches sold hearts for $1 throughout the month of February to raise proceeds for AIM’s Rehabilitation Housing program.

R A N D O M AC T S O F K I N D N E S S To pay it forward, Spero presented 10 randomly selected members with a total of $300 to put towards saving for their financial goals!

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M E M B E R S P OT L I G H T:

Palmetto Heroes Hike

r e k a B l e i n a D There are many members of our community who go above and beyond in setting goals and backing them up with action, and we like to highlight their accomplishments. As a small business owner (One Shot Exterior Cleaning), US Marine Corps Veteran, and Deputy Sheriff for more than 10 years, Daniel Baker exemplifies the goal-setting spirit that makes Spero members so special.

Daniel, known to many of us as Danny, served

more awareness to fallen soldiers. Their journey

eight years of active duty with the US Marine

began at the Sheriff’s office, and the duo made

Corps. In that time, he was deployed to Iraq in

their way up the Swamp Rabbit Trail carrying

2004 and 2006, and then to the Mediterranean/

two American flags. They were both stunned by

Persian Gulf in 2007. He also served for four years

the support of the residents, who were honking

as a sniper instructor at Marine Corps Scout

their horns and waving. This was the catalyst that

Sniper School in Hawaii. Danny has been a Deputy

propelled Daniel to form the Palmetto Heroes

Sheriff for over ten years, and he is currently

Hike — a fundraising event that not only honors

the School Resource Officer at Woodmont High

those that have made the ultimate sacrifice, but

School in Piedmont.

also raises proceeds for three local charities who support local veterans and their families:

“During my time in the military, I cherished the

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office WAR fund,

brotherhood the Marine Corps had to offer,” said

Upstate Warrior Solution, and Folds of Honor

Danny. “It allowed me to work with others from

Palmetto Chapter.

various backgrounds to accomplish the mission.

The Sheriff’s Office allows this to continue. I love

Spero Financial is the proud checkpoint sponsor

helping others reach their full potential in life. It

for the event that will be hosted on Saturday, May

doesn’t matter if it is a fellow officer or a student

28th. Participants can choose between a 6-mile

within the school.”

or 12-mile walking loop on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, stopping together at memorial checkpoints

Danny is passionate about raising community

along the route that honor a fallen first responder

support for veterans and first responders, and he

and service member from the Upstate. The hike

is the driving force behind the inaugural Palmetto

will conclude at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Heroes Hike, which is happening in Greenville

for a community after-party with music, drinks,

on May 28th! In 2021, Danny and a fellow marine

and food.

completed a 9-mile hike on Memorial Day to bring

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WHEN ASKED WHY H E D O E S I T, DA N N Y S I M P LY A N S W E R E D,

“If you're meant to serve, you serve.”

Pictured: Daniel Baker (left) and Julian Carmichael Jr. (right)

Learn more about the charities that the Palmetto Heroes Hike will be assisting this year:

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THE GREENVILLE COUNTY S H E R I F F ' S O F F I C E WA R F U N D (wounded and recovering) offers financial assistance for officers who were injured while fulfilling their duties.

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U P S TAT E WA R R I O R S O LU T I O N aids local veterans with everything from dealing with the VA process to helping them find homes and jobs.

FOLDS OF HONOR PA L M E T TO C H A P T E R

How can Spero members get

is a chapter of the national Folds of Honor

become an event sponsor by visiting

organization, which helps pay college

https://bit.ly/PalmettoHeroesHike

tuition for the children of fallen veterans.

or scanning the QR code.

involved? Register to walk or

Proceeds will go to support the local chapter families.

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A U T O D R I V E

Discover What Drives You Because Gas is On Us Register with AutoDrive for your chance to win a $250 gas card!

Introducing AutoDrive — a one-stop-website for finding your perfect ride. Browse new and used cars and apply for a loan through Spero, all on the same site. Now through July 1, visit the site and complete the sign up form to be entered for a chance to win a $250 gas card!

Talk to us to learn more! autodrive.spero.financial

Insured by NCUA. Visit spero.financial/2022AutoDriveContest for official contest rules or speak with a credit union employee for more details. Promotion valid April 4, 2022 – July 1, 2022

Should I Buy an Electric Car? Is Now a Good Time?

The Pros and Cons of Electric Cars

Each year, the number of electric cars on the road increases. If you’re in the market for a new car, going electric may sound appealing to you. But, should you buy one? Is now a good time? There are plenty of pros and cons to consider with electric cars. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top factors you should keep in mind.

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The Pros and Cons of Electric Cars

Pros There are several attractive features that make electric cars an appealing choice for car buyers.

Let’s start by talking about the upside of owning an electric vehicle.

PERFORMANCE Because of the nature of electric motors, many electric cars offer responsive performance and fast acceleration, making them a lot of fun to drive.

E C O - F R I E N D LY Unlike traditional gas-powered cars, electric vehicles do not produce emissions, which makes them an environmentally friendly option.

For some, this option alone can make the purchase decision easier.

LOW M A I N T E N A N C E Electric cars are relatively easy to maintain because they do not require oil changes, tune-ups, and cooling system upkeep like gas-powered cars do.

C O S T OV E R T I M E While the upfront cost of an electric car can be pretty pricey, some argue that this initial investment pays itself off throughout the life of the vehicle. Trips to the pump are a thing of the past, as are those routine oil changes. The cost to charge an electric car is also relatively inexpensive in comparison, with the average cost being approximately $9 for a full charge.

G R OW I N G E L E C T R I C INFRASTRUCTURE While some may worry about the availability of charging stations, they are steadily becoming easier to find. Sites such as PlugShare or a quick Google Maps search can show nearby stations if you need a charge. Charging an electric car is also a pretty simple process — similar to pumping gas.

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F E AT U RE

Cons While there are a lot of benefits to purchasing an electric vehicle, there are also some downsides that may play into your purchasing decision.

EXPENSIVE There’s no getting around it; electric cars can be expensive upfront. Even the least expensive models will set you back close to $30,000. In contrast, several new, gas-powered vehicles models come with price tags in the low $20k range.

Although there’s an argument to be made for the overall cost of an electric vehicle being less than a gas-powered car, that initial investment can be tough to swallow.

LIMITED RANGE For those who enjoy going on frequent road trips, the driving range can also be a downside. Although charging stations are becoming more plentiful across the US, they are still not as widespread as gas stations, especially in less populated areas. It also takes longer to charge an electric car from empty to full than it does to fill a tank with gas.

LIMITED CHOICE While EVs are growing in variety, there are still relatively few offerings for trucks or vehicles with third-row seating. There will be more options for these vehicles as 2022 goes on and into 2023, but, as previously mentioned, these options may be quite expensive for the average consumer.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy an Electric Car? When considering an electric car, it’s important to ask yourself whether it’s right for your lifestyle. If the pros outweigh the cons and purchasing a new vehicle is something you’re planning for the near future, then now may be the perfect time to buy an electric car. When you’re ready to buy, Spero can assist you with an auto loan that provides convenient financing for your new ride so that you can hit the open road with a full charge and financial peace of mind.

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L O A N S

Give Your Goals Wings With Some Extra Cash From home renovations and family vacations to every life event in between, it helps to have some extra cash on hand to reach your goals. At Spero, we have lending options to help you fund all of life’s adventures!

Talk to us to learn more!

Insured by NCUA. Membership required. Subject to credit approval.

WH AT WE RE A D

WHY READ IT Phil Knight truly encapsulates the entrepreneurial spirit that creates successful business ventures. He grew Nike into a $30 billion organization from nothing — and we mean literally nothing. Using only a $50 loan from his father after graduating from business school, Knight exemplified the

W H AT W E R E A D

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

determination and grit that it takes to start a successful company and keep the momentum going.

A S P E C I A L TA K E AWAY In many ways, Phil Knight was an unlikely entrepreneur. As an accountant by trade and a self-described introvert, he did not possess that trademark charisma that someone may expect from the creator of a $30 billion organization. This shows that no matter who you are, if you have the ambition, finding success with your business is not impossible.

T H E F I N A L WO R D Being a small business owner is no easy task and can sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike is a perfect read

This fascinating memoir chronicles the history of one of the best-known companies in the world, Nike, and its creator Phil Knight. From its beginning as Blue Ribbon Sports Company and the early challenges the company faced to its evolution and eventual ascent to one of the most recognized and successful companies of all time, the story is nothing short of inspirational.

It’s a wonderful story of teamwork, perseverance, and passion.

to capture some much-needed inspiration and to remind you that your business goals and dreams can become a reality.

S M A L L B U S I N E S S W E E K S P OT L I G H T S Calling all small business owners! We want Spero members that own a small business to reach out to us!

We will be featuring the names and logos of our member’s small businesses on our social media channels during the month of May. Submit Your Small Business: spero.financial/small-business-spotlights

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How Much Does it Cost to Furnish a House?

Cost Breakdown

You’ve just purchased a new house, and now it’s time to make it feel like home. That’s where furniture and decorations come in.

If you’re currently searching for decor inspiration, read on to learn more about what it could cost to furnish your house and discover a few tips to help you save money on furniture.

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M O N E Y MA NAGE ME NT

Living Room Sofa: $300 - $3,500+ Coffee Table: $50 - $2,000+ End Tables: $100 - $1,000+ Lamp: $20 - $500+ Area Rug: $100 - $1,000+ Artwork & Decor: $100 - $2,000+

TOTA L C O S T: $670 - $10,000

Bedroom Bedframe: $100 - $2,500+ Nightstands: $100 - $500+ Bedroom Lighting: $20 - $1,000+ Dresser: $150 - $2,000+

Tips for Saving Money on Furniture Making your home feel like “you” doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some practical ways to fill your rooms without emptying your wallet.

Thrift Your Style Your local thrift stores may be hiding a hidden gem! Look through second-hand stores in your area to see if you can score a deal on the perfect piece.

Artwork & Decor: $100 - $2,000+

TOTA L C O S T: $470 - $8,000

Dining Room

Check With Family and Friends Ask your friends and family if there are any pieces of furniture you can take off of their hands at a discounted price — or better yet, for free.

Dining Room Table: $200 - $3,000+ Dining Room Chairs (per chair): $40 - $200+ Area Rug: $100 - $1,000+ Lighting: $150 - $300+ Artwork and Decor: $100 - $1,000+

TOTA L C O S T: $590 - $5,500

Based on these estimates, you could furnish a 3-bedroom home for anywhere from $2,6 70 to $39,500.

That’s quite a range. If you’re looking to save as much as possible, check out these tips for creating your domestic st yle for less.

Browse Online Marketplaces There are countless listings for discounted furniture in online spaces such as Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. The perfect piece might be just a quick search away!

Furnishing a home is a big undertaking, but it doesn’t have to cost you big time. If you stick to your budget and take the time to look for deals, making your house feel like home won’t break the bank.

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5 South Carolina

Family Vacation Ideas

Kickstart your vacation planning with these budget-friendly trip ideas for destinations from the coast to the mountains in South Carolina!

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Coast & Lowcountry Walterboro W H E R E TO S TAY You can find several lodging options just off exits 53 and 57 on Interstate 95 in Walterboro, ranging from $60 to $200 per night.

P L AC E S TO E AT Locals and visitors agree — William’s Seafood and Olde House Cafe are can’t-miss restaurants!

W H AT TO D O After walking around downtown Walterboro, take

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Murrells Inlet W H E R E TO S TAY

Stay oceanfront at Surfside Beach Oceanfront Hotel, Sea Mystique, or the Royal Garden Resort.

Want to score a lower rate? Consider booking an off-season stay.

P L AC E S TO E AT Treat yourself to some fresh seafood at Lee’s Inlet Kitchen or Nance’s Creekfront Restaurant.

W H AT TO D O

a short drive to the ACE Basin Wildlife Preserve,

Enjoy the beach at Huntington Beach State Park.

one of the largest remaining undeveloped wetland

Admission is $8 per adult and $4 per child. For a

ecosystems on the Atlantic coast. Admission is free.

unique family experience, explore Brookgreen

If paddling is your thing, visit the beautiful Colleton

Gardens, where 7-day tickets are $20 per adult and

State Park.

$10 per child. Brookgreen is a 9,000+ acre property with a botanical garden, a zoo, and an impressive sculpture collection.

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FA MILY F INA NC E S

Mountains and Upstate

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Pickens W H E R E TO S TAY

For breathtaking mountain views, stay in a cabin at Table Rock State Park for $130-$180 per night.

P L AC E S TO E AT For fresh food and pressed juice, head to Rivyve Juice Bar and Boutique. Or, for a heartier meal, check out the cafe at the Pumpkintown General Store.

W H AT TO D O Pickens is home to several hiking trails, including the Table Rock Trail, Table Rock Lake Loop Trail, and Beech Bottom

Midlands

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Columbia W H E R E TO S TAY

Stay in the heart of the city at Tru by Hilton, where rooms average $142 per night.

P L AC E S TO E AT Enjoy authentic South Carolina cuisine at Maurice’s BBQ or Lizard’s Thicket Restaurant.

W H AT TO D O Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is fun for the whole family. Tickets are $21.99 per adult and $18.99 per child. Another popular attraction in Columbia is the South Carolina State Museum, which offers four floors filled with exhibits and collections, a planetarium, a 4D theater, and an observatory. Museum tickets are $8.98 per adult and $6.95 per child.

Falls Trail. You’ll also find Hagood Mill Historic Site, which features nature trails, an interpretive center, and a working 1800s grist mill.

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Greenville W H E R E TO S TAY

To experience Greenville at a great price, check out some of the hotels on exit 39, just off of interstate 385.

P L AC E S TO E AT Stax Omega and Henry’s Smokehouse are both long-time local favorites — one taste of their food and you’ll see why!

W H AT TO D O Greenville has a little of everything, including a vibrant, award-winning downtown you must visit. After seeing the city, meander over to the Greenville Zoo. Admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children. Or, for a more natural experience, stroll the walking path at Conestee Nature Preserve.

From mountains to beaches and everything in between, South Carolina has the perfect vacation destination for everyone!

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PO Box 10708 Greenville, SC 29603 www.spero.financial