Consistent donation growth continues to push the Numerica Charitable Fund to new levels as the program distributed 40% more in grants year over year during the 12 months ending in May, according to Numerica Credit Union reports.

Estate planning attorney Julie Olds says she is seeing a growing number of clients who don’t want to wait until they're gone to begin making a charitable impact. Instead, they are choosing to give during their lifetimes, allowing them to see the results of their philanthropy and involve family members in decisions about where their money goes.

For people who want protection, flexibility, and predictable retirement income, a properly designed cash value life insurance policy — such as an Indexed Universal Life policy — paired with a Roth individual retirement account funded by a guaranteed lifetime income annuity can be a powerful planning combination. 

Washington Basset Rescue is preserving its nearly four-decade legacy by entrusting more than $50,000 in remaining assets to SpokAnimal C.A.R.E., a final effort by the Spokane-based rescue to help animals after its closure.

Regardless of why you give, you should consider how you give. Efficient giving takes knowledge and a plan. When done well, it can leave you with more resources to give and, ultimately, increase the benefit received by a charity and the people or causes it serves.

As of June 30, 2027, Washington state law will prohibit noncompetition covenants in most employment and independent contractor relationships.

Probate work is rapidly increasing at some Spokane-area estate planning law firms as attorneys begin to see the effects of the nation’s historic transfer of wealth from baby boomers to their heirs.

Driven by a silver tsunami of retiring baby boomers, Spokane-based Stewardship Concepts Financial Services LLC has seen its assets under management surge from $78 million in 2024 to $200 million in April 2026, says Noah Schwab, co-owner and certified financial planner at Stewardship Concepts.

Even as higher vehicle prices, insurance premiums, and borrowing costs continue to squeeze household budgets, Spokane-area lenders say auto loan activity is picking up this year as customers refinance existing loans, stretch payment terms, and hunt for more affordable vehicles.