Checkpoint Magazine - Winter 2023

WINTER 2023

Local Holiday Guide FINANCIAL FREEDOM IN

ALL STAGES OF LIFE Could Contentment Be One of the Most Important Financial Principles?

Giving the Gift of Memories

CONTACT

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 5 7

Letter from the President

Community & Events Member Spotlight: DAVID RISHER (SANTA)

8

Feature: COULD CONTENTMENT BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FINANCIAL PRINCIPLES?

11

Money Management: FINANCIAL FREEDOM IN ALL LIFE STAGES

14

Our Community: LOCAL HOLIDAY GUIDE

16

Lifestyle: GIVING THE GIF T OF MEMORIES

Insured by NCUA Copyright ©2023 by Spero Financial and The Brand Leader. All foreign and U.S. rights reserved.

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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Season’s Greetings

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year It’s been an incredible year, but we couldn’t have done it without our amazing members, volunteers, and community. We hope this holiday season is filled with joy, hope, and time spent with those you love.

Letter from the President Brian McKay P R E S I DE N T

Dear Members, It’s hard to believe this year is already coming to a close. With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible family we have at Spero and reflect on all that we are grateful for — from our members to our volunteers to our teammates.

Earlier this year, we talked about investing in your future. In this edition, I encourage you to invest in your now. During this holiday season, may we take time to be present and savor the everyday moments that become our fondest memories.

To show our commitment to embracing those little moments, we’re creating some of our own and inviting you to share them with us.

Starting November 1st, we’ll be hosting our annual Operation Holiday Hope, which helps make the holidays a little merrier by giving four families a $250 VISA gift card. By nominating deserving families in your community, you can help us spread some cheer to those who need it the most.

We’re also making the holidays a little sweeter by hosting Cookies with Santa at select Spero branches.

Turn to page 6 to find out when you can stop by, grab a cookie, take a picture with Santa, and enjoy time with your Spero family.

you’re sure to find something to make those around you feel extra loved.

And while gifts are a wonderful part of many holiday traditions, it’s important to remember that being thankful for what we already have is just as important.

Investing in the now fosters contentment, and dare I say, in this season of spending, contentment may be one of the most important principles to your financial well-being. You can dive deeper on page 8.

I’m looking forward to sharing the joy of the holiday season with you. There is so much to be thankful for — especially you, our members! As you gather with your loved ones during the holidays, I hope you find time to enjoy the little moments that make them so special.

On behalf of Team Spero, we wish you a wonderful holiday season full of joy and hope.

I appreciate you!

As you make plans to spend time with your friends and family, you may still be deciding what to give your loved ones this holiday. Our Local Holiday Gift Guide on page 14 shares some of our favorite gift ideas.

From shared experiences to meaningful mementos,

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O P E R AT I O N H O L I D AY H O P E

Let’s Spread Some

Holiday Cheer

Operation Holiday Hope is here! Let’s come together as the Spero family to make this year’s holidays even jollier for a family in need!

We’re giving $250 VISA gift cards to help four families. Join us by nominating a person or family who could use a little extra holiday hope this year.

Nominate today at spero.financial/HolidayHope

spero.financial/investments Visit www.spero.financial/HolidayHope for full contest details.

Nomination period begins November 1, 2023 through November 25, 2023.

Celia H. Member Since 2019

Community & Events Spero Financial Named a Top Credit Union to Work for in the Nation Spero Financial has been named the #2 (by asset size) Best Credit Union to Work For in the nation by American Banker. Spero Financial also received this award in 2022 and was recently named a Best Place to Work in South Carolina for the third year in a row.

Upcoming Member Events CO O K I E S W I T H SA N TA Grab a cookie, take a picture with Santa, and enjoy time with your Spero family!

Flip to page 6 for all the details.

O P E R AT I O N H O L I DAY H O P E Submissions: November 1-25 Nominate families in need of a little extra holiday cheer!

MAMMOGRAPHY MOBILE BUS AnMed Health’s mobile 3D mammography bus is coming to Spero Financial on November 6. Follow us on social for all the details.

To schedule your appointment, call 864-512-5400 or visit AnMedHealth.org/Pink.

Holiday Closures

Nov 10

Nov 23

Dec25 25 Dec

VETERANS DAY

THANKSGIVING DAY

CHRISTMAS DAY CHRISTMAS DAY

The $3,000 Louis C. Addison College Scholarship is now open for 2024 applications!

Apply at spero.financial/college-scholarship

5 5

Cookies with Santa

C O O K I E S W I T H S A N TA

Here Comes Santa Claus Santa Claus is coming to town — and stopping by a Spero branch near you! Come grab some cookies, take a picture with Santa, and spend time with your Spero family this holiday season.

TIME

10:30 AM-12:30 PM L O C AT I O N

12/6: Easley Branch 12/7: North Main Anderson Branch 12/13: Verdae Branch 12/14: Spartanburg Branch

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

David Risher (S an ta) W

ith the holiday season quickly approaching, what better time to spotlight longtime Spero member David Risher? Known by many as Santa, David brings a smile to the faces of the #TeamSpero members he interacts with and the countless people who know him by his red suit and white beard!

David will join us for Cookies with Santa and bring some holiday cheer to our branches! Continue reading to learn more about David and how you can meet him this winter.

What Is Your Spero Story?

David joined Spero, then SC Telco, more than 27 years ago.

When we say longtime member, we mean it! He joined before many of our current locations opened and did much of his business through our old location on Toy Street in Greenville.

As he reflected, David happily recalled that it was the purchase of his Pontiac GT that started his relationship with Spero.

Beyond purchasing his Pontiac, David has counted on us for many other financial solutions, including checking accounts, auto loans, savings accounts, and credit cards. He says that we’ve been right there with him through it all.

When asked why he continues to choose Spero as his financial institution, David said, “Spero has always been good to me; I’ve never had any reason to leave!”

What Is Your Favorite Spero Memory?

David began by sharing about the relationships he has built over the years with all the different members of Team Spero. He then went on to reflect on an incident in which his home was broken into and how the person stole some of his financial information and checks. The person wrote checks to himself and tried to cash them at one of our locations. While this could have been a big headache, David was thankful that we had security footage in our branch and were able to protect him from losing any funds in his accounts.

What Is Your Santa Story?

David has been Santa for around 12 years. He said, “The Lord blessed me with gray hair at a young age,” which allowed him to take on the role. David primarily stays near the Upstate of South Carolina but says he will travel up to 100 miles from his house to be Santa for private parties, family pictures, and other events.

Being a Claus runs in the family. David first began his Santa journey after his sister started dressing up as Mrs. Claus for small events. He started doing it on a small scale during the holiday season and would give small gifts to the children who would come to see him. Eventually, many people started to ask if he did it for families or private events, which encouraged him to pursue it on a more professional level.

What Is Your Favorite Thing About Being Santa?

“Seeing the smile on kids’ faces!”

When asked this question, David laughed and shared about the times he has been out at the mall or even at church and has seen little children tugging on their mom and dad’s sleeve, saying, “Look, there’s Santa!” David said he loves seeing the joy that it brings to everyone. He added a bit of wisdom we can all live by, “When you can make someone smile in this day and age, I feel like you’re really doing something good.”

Don’t forget to join us this holiday season as Santa visits our branches throughout December. All the details can be found on page 6!

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FEAT UR E

Could Contentment Be

One of the Most Important Financial Principles?

In the words of the Dalai Lama, “When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, ‘Oh yes — I already have everything that I really need.’”

During this holiday season, what if we embraced contentment? Yes, being content is much easier said than done, but being content just may be one of your most powerful financial tools. Here’s why.

Before diving into the meaning, effects, and ways to pursue contentment, we understand that some people struggle with difficult financial situations. As you read this article, know that this message does not suggest that contentment is a cure for financial hardship. Personal finances are unique and often complex; we never want to diminish that. In fact, that recognition is what drives our commitment to helping our members improve their financial lives.

What Is Contentment?

Contentment is described as a state of satisfaction with what we already have and being at peace with where we are in life. Contentment reshapes our perspective by helping us look past the desire for more and focus on what truly makes us happy.

In her book Atlas of the Heart, Brené Brown defines contentment as “the feeling of completeness, appreciation, and enoughness.” She further describes it as a “comfy, old pair of jeans.”

We couldn’t agree more. Since it cultivates peacefulness, contentment just feels good to sit in.

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What Contentment Is Not

How Do We Become Content?

Contentment is not complacency; this is a critical distinction. Contentment is not a reason to give up or an excuse to keep us from pursuing goals we have set for ourselves. It’s a state of mind that allows us to be satisfied in the present while looking forward to what is to come.

We can still be content while moving forward and working toward our financial goals.

This process looks different for everyone. What works for one may not work for someone else. What we do know is that contentment takes intentionality. It’s a mindset.

It’s something we must pursue continuously. With that in mind, we gathered some ideas to help you get started.

What Are the Benefits of Contentment?

Being content provides multiple benefits — some mental, some emotional, and some financial. Let’s take a look at several.

1 | I T HELPS OUR ME N TAL HE ALTH AN D OVE RA L L WELL-BEIN G.

Contentment is fostered by gratitude and appreciation, emotions linked to greater life satisfaction and wellbeing. Studies have shown that they are correlated with good physical health (better sleep and decreased blood pressure) and enhanced mental health (increased creativity and improved decision-making).

2 | I T HELPS US SAVE MON E Y.

Contentment allows us to be satisfied with what we already have. As a result, those who are content may end up saving more money. They are also less likely to spend on the latest “must-have” items. Instead, they tend to be better prepared for unexpected financial challenges and are more likely to retire in a solid financial position.

3 | IT HELPS US MAN AG E D E BT MORE E FFE CTI V E LY.

When a large portion of our income goes to debt payments, it is difficult to save money, pursue goals, or prepare for the future. When we choose contentment, we are more likely to think twice before swiping the credit card and taking on unnecessary debt. Being content helps us focus on long-term goals versus short-term gratifications. And in the end, we become more secure and financially healthy.

1 | D O A N H O N E ST S E L F - E VA LUAT I O N .

Sometimes, the first step in the contentment process is a candid assessment of your current situation. As we walk through life, it can be easy to convince ourselves that we’re either in a better or worse position than we truly are.

Examining our current situation gives us the insight to understand the areas we need to focus on as we set goals and continue our financial wellness journey. It can also reveal if we’re in a better position than we may have realized, giving us peace of mind and fostering a sense of gratefulness.

2 | S E T F I N A N C I A L G OA L S B AS E D O N YO U R VA LU E S A N D N E E D S .

We often fall into comparison without even realizing it.

With the accessibility of social media and the influencerdriven culture of today, we’re more vulnerable now than ever to being financially swayed by those around us. While friends, family, and public figures may have the newest devices, go on extravagant trips, and enjoy fine dining experiences, it is important to remember that those are not universal measures of success.

As we pursue contentment, we must be intentional about setting goals that align with our personal values and measurements of success. Contentment can empower us to become financially free as we ignore the temptation to get more and prioritize what is most important.

3 | F O C U S O N G R AT I T U DE .

Although gratitude may not be our most natural response in situations that don’t seem all that favorable, intentionally choosing to be grateful shifts our perspective and allows us to focus on what we have rather than what we don’t.

4 | I T HELPS US B E MORE G E N E ROUS.

Discontentment breeds jealousy and comparison.

Conversely, contentment has a way of shifting our inward focus to outward awareness — allowing us to see the needs of others and encouraging us to step in to help.

Contentment is contagious in the best possible way!

Cultivating contentment isn’t easy, but it is worth it. Being content can positively affect all areas of life, especially your emotional and financial wellness. With life-changing benefits like those, it’s worth getting started today!

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K A S A S A CA S H B AC K® C H E C K I N G

Sleigh This Holiday Season With Kasasa Checking If you’re doing your holiday shopping, why not get cash back as you spend? With a Kasasa Cash Back® checking account, you can earn 4% cash back (up to $10 each month) on everyday debit card purchases.

Enjoy your Kasasa perks by using your debit card 12 times each month, signing up for eStatements, and receiving one direct deposit or ACH each month.

Open your account today to start earning!

Marissa H. Member Since 2019

spero.financial/kasasa-cash-back Insured by NCUA. Membership required. Qualifying accounts earn 4.00% cash back on all debit card purchases that post and settle during each Monthly Qualification Cycle that your account qualifies, up to a total of $10.00. The Monthly Qualification Cycle begins at 12:01am on the last day of the month and ends at midnight on the second to last day of the following month. Kasasa Cash Back is a trademark of Kasasa, Ltd., registered in the U.S.A.

M O N E Y MA NAGE ME NT

Financial Freedom in

All Stages of Life We all want financial freedom, no matter where we are in life.

Whether you’re a college student struggling with debt or in your 60s and entering retirement, financial freedom is something to strive for.

It’s a journey that transcends age and circumstances.

With financial freedom, we get to live life on our own terms. We can adapt and grow in every stage of life, all with peace of mind that our finances are under control. As you embark on your journey toward financial freedom, you must ask yourself: Do you own your money, or does your money own you?

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Financial Freedom Defined Financial freedom means we have enough financial resources to live the kind of life we want for ourselves. It means we’re in control of our money, not the other way around.

Achieving financial freedom depends on the type of freedom you want. You may want the ability to choose how you spend your money and what career you pursue. You may want the security and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can overcome emergencies. You could seek the freedom of adventure, the freedom of comfort, or even the freedom of time. Whatever type of freedom you pursue, financial freedom is a sure way to get there.

Why Financial Freedom Is Important Being financially free doesn’t mean we’re financially perfect.

But achieving financial freedom means we’ve done something right. It’s not easy to accomplish, but it’s extremely important.

Financial freedom gives us increased choices, meaning we can choose the jobs we want and buy the things we want. It also gives us a fresh outlook on life, so we can make financial decisions based on our values, lifestyle, and life goals rather than purely on money. While money is still a factor in our decisions, it’s no longer the driving force.

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M O N E Y MA NAGE ME NT

How To Achieve Financial Freedom Every journey to financial freedom is unique. That being said, here are a few steps to start getting your finances on track.

01 03 Understand where 02 Set specific goals.

Follow a budget. you’re at.

The more specific your goals, the

Each month, set aside specific

To determine where you are

easier it will be to work toward

amounts for bills, paying off debt,

them. Having goals tied to a

savings, and day-to-day expenses.

particular number you want to hit

Tracking your monthly spending

in a well-defined timeframe will

will keep you from spending above

help you know exactly what you

your means and get you closer to

want to achieve and what it will

financial freedom.

going, you must first figure out where you currently are. Take a careful look at your debt, savings, investments, and recurring monthly payments and income to get a picture of what it will take

take to achieve it.

to gain financial freedom.

04 Pay off debt.

05 06 Save, save, save.

Invest in your future.

Before you start paying off your

Financial freedom extends to all

debt, make sure you have money

stages of your life, so take time to

set aside for emergencies. Once

invest in your future as you work

you’re out of debt, build an

toward becoming financially free.

emergency fund that can cover

If possible, invest 15% of your

You’ll also save thousands of dollars

3 to 6 months’ worth of expenses.

monthly income toward retirement.

in interest, further improving your

Saving also helps you plan for big

As you create your budget, set aside some funds to pay off debt.

The sooner you pay off your debt, the sooner you can start keeping the money you bring in each month.

financial situation.

purchases. With careful planning and intentional saving, you can

Always consider taking advantage of any tax-favored retirement accounts available to you at work.

make those purchases when the time comes without spending above your means.

Ready to start setting and reaching your goals to achieve financial freedom? Our team is here to help!

Talk to a Spero member advisor or visit one of our branches for help getting started on your journey to financial freedom.

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is a one-stop shop, locals love it, and people travel far and wide to get a

The Joy of Giving:

bite of their delightful stecca bread!”

Local Holiday Gift Guide

The Chocolate Shoppe (Greenville, SC) FAVO R I T E G I F T Chipwhich The Chocolate Shoppe is a Greenville staple offering an array of chocolates, confectionery items, cookies, and

‘Tis the season of gift giving.

Whether you’re giving the gift of memories or items you know the people you love will cherish, explore this list of Team Spero’s favorite local restaurants and shops across the Upstate and Midlands.

The Kitchen Emporium (Anderson, SC)

gifts. You can even snack while you shop, as each customer is given a free cookie when they visit! If you joined

FAVO R I T E G I F T

us for this year’s Annual Meeting,

Wine Selection

you got to take home a taste of The

The Kitchen Emporium is another

Chocolate Shoppe — their iconic

one-stop shop for all your gift needs

“Chipwhich.”

for the food lover in your family.

Spero’s VP of Remote Services, Amber, shared, “They have great gifts, dishes, and, of course, nice wines with a knowledgeable

FO OD -RE LAT ED GIF TS

staff to give you the perfect recommendation!”

The Cook’s Station (Greenville, SC) FAVO R I T E G I F T Handmade Cooking Knives The Cook’s Station is the perfect nourish

culinary wonderland to shop for rustic II Refin ed

the chef of the family. It has a wide variety of possible gift ideas, ranging from cooking classes, food

the kitchen em porium

GIF TS FO R YO UR HO ME

+ wine, cooking utensils, and even

The Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery

handmade knives sourced from local artists.

(Greenville, SC)

on k's stati the coo

The Swamp Rabbit Café

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and Grocery

Rustic II Refined (Simpsonville, SC) FAVO R I T E G I F T

FAVO R I T E G I F T

One-of-a-Kind Home Accessories

Stecca Bread

Located right beside our Five Forks

The Swamp Rabbit Café and

branch, Rustic II Refined offers a

Grocery is many things: a

beautiful selection of home décor

café, bakery, grocery store,

and small gifts for everyone in

food hub, and community

the family. Recommended by

hub. Spero’s Community

Executive Administrative

Relations Specialist,

Assistant, Janean, the store

Chelsea, shared, “What’s

releases a new collection for

not to love here? This place

each season.

Sweet P General

Cotton Mill Exchange

(Townville, SC)

(Columbia, SC)

neral t p ge swee

FAVO R I T E G I F T

FAVO R I T E G I F T

Seasonal Decor

Handmade Art

Nestled at a fork in the road in the

Located inside the South Carolina

small town of Townville, Sweet P

State Museum, the Cotton Mill

General offers a wide selection of

Exchange offers a variety of unique

home décor, items for the kitchen,

items sourced from throughout

clothing, and jewelry. This local

South Carolina. With everything

shop is a favorite of Spero’s Branch

from art to apparel to locally

Manager, Ronicka.

crafted jams and spices, this is the perfect place to find a piece of our

Nourish

state to give to a loved one.

(Greenville, SC) FAVO R I T E G I F T Bath Essentials Gift Set Nourish offers a variety of handmade, natural soaps, moisturizers, cleansers, and candles. Nourish prides itself on being a green company and producing naturally derived and organic products. Spero’s VP of

Cotton mill exchange

oon na m roli a c he er t und

AP PAR EL+ JEW ELR Y GIF T

wraps odies

Under the Carolina Moon (Easley, SC) elliot claire co.

FAVO R I T E G I F T T-Shirts

Wrapsodies

Marketing, Bethani, shares,

Recommended by Spero’s EVP and

“They use clean ingredients,

Chief Strategy Officer, Jessica, Under

offer affordable items for any

the Carolina Moon is a boutique that

FAVO R I T E G I F T

budget, and the fragrances of their

sells apparel, shoes, jewelry, décor,

Game Day Accessories

products are fantastic.”

and more. They have exclusive t-shirt

Wrapsodies is a boutique and gift

brands that are designed and printed

Augusta Twenty Market + A20 Coffee Shop

in-house. A portion of each t-shirt sale goes towards providing food for a child in need.

FAVO R I T E G I F T Unique Coffee Accessories

(Simpsonville, SC)

Augusta Twenty is a hub for all things

FAVO R I T E G I F T

gifts, decor, clothing, and coffee. This

Handmade Earrings

and tasty beverages. They even have live music from time to time. Spero’s VP of Talent Management, Dave, shared, “The market is great for a glass of wine, a small bite to eat, and great small gifts.”

accessories, décor, and game day. Spero Branch Manager Sue time to visit because they have

Elliot Claire Co.

from high-end clothing to unique décor

shop that sells all things apparel,

shared, “Christmas is my favorite

(Greenville, SC)

market has something for everyone,

(Easley, SC)

i stat tion a n gi ima

so many unique gift ideas!”

GIF TS FO R KID S

Elliott Claire Co. is an online store owned and operated by a local mom.

Elliott Claire Co. offers handmade earrings and various accessories.

Imagination Station (Spartanburg, SC) FAVO R I T E G I F T

Check out their

Kid’s Stocking Stuffers

website to find

Imagination Station is a kids’

out when new

wonderland. Every toy imaginable

items drop and

is showcased, including seasonal

stay up-to-date

toys to get kids of all ages into the

with their seasonal

holiday spirit!

releases.

15

$ The Importance of Making Positive Memories It’s no secret that experiences from our youth have an enormous impact on how we relate to the world, how we interact

16

Giving the Gift of Memories

with others, and the quality of life we enjoy.

While many gifts can carry significant meaning and sentimental value, reflecting on your childhood often reveals that the most meaningful gifts are the experiences and memories we make with those we love most.

grow and mature. Intentionally fostering

Let’s explore a few ways that our childhood memories create a lifelong impact.

1 | MEMORIES SHAPE HOW WE VIEW THE WORLD. The experiences we have throughout our childhood shape our worldview. Creating positive memories with our children helps them develop healthy identities and increases their confidence as they positive memories not only benefits our children; it benefits us as parents, too.

The memories we create together will be ones we treasure for years to come.

LIF E ST Y LE

2 | MEMORIES AFFECT THE WAY WE INTERACT WITH OTHERS.

3 | MEMORIES CAN IMPACT OUR HEALTH LATER IN LIFE.

The memories we have from childhood impact the way we

Did you know the memories and emotions we experience

relate with others, form relationships, and interact with our

in childhood can influence our health later in life? It’s true.

own family. Simply put, our oldest memories create the

According to the American Psychological Association,

foundation for the rest of our lives. This is one reason why

“People who have fond memories of childhood, especially

it’s vital to intentionally create a healthy environment for

their relationships with their parents, tend to have better

our children to grow and make memories of their own.

health, less depression, and fewer chronic illnesses as older adults.”

Positive Memories: The Gift That Keeps On Giving When we realize that the memories we create as children can lower our health risks, reduce our stress, and improve our overall health as adults, good memories seem like one of the best gifts we can give. Here are a few ideas to help you create better memories with your kids this holiday season — and all year long.

1 | TAKE A FAMILY TRIP.

child(ren) to decide what to do that day. Just remember

Consider using the money you would have typically

that enjoyable experiences don’t always require money.

spent on gifts to go on a family trip. It’s worth noting

Some of the best memories come from simply spending

that this alternative approach may not have a smaller

time together — and that is free!

impact on the wallet — in some cases, it can have a larger one. But it does have major benefits for the whole family, such as exploring new places together, creating

3 | CREATE A “COUPON BOOK.”

great family memories, and providing the opportunity

If you’re looking for a fun way to give gifts and spend

to experience new things. As a bonus, this switch from

meaningful time with your kids, consider making a

buying individual gifts to taking a shared trip could help

coupon book filled with experiences that your children

curb impulse spending by cutting out the need to go

can redeem anytime. You can create coupons for

shopping — so that’s a win, too!

things like an at-home movie night, a night at the movie theater, a day at the park, an ice cream party, or a family game night. Include some free things and a few that

2 | GIVE AN EXPERIENCE.

may have a cost associated. This can help your budget,

If opening presents is exciting for your family, consider

as these experiences can be spaced out depending on

giving a few inexpensive gifts along with a fun

when your kids cash in their coupons. The best part

experience. This way, kids still get the joy of unwrapping

about this idea? It’s completely customizable. The

gifts while looking forward to a fun adventure in

experiences you include — and the prices associated

the future — such as a day at the zoo or a trip to the

with those activities — are entirely up to you.

aquarium. You can even make it unique and allow your

The memories we create with our children last a lifetime. Investing time and resources into helping our children make positive memories might be the best gift we could ever give them!

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