Banking & Finance

Northwestern Mutual to move to Spokane Valley

Financial services firm plans to take half of new building

November 22, 2017

Northwestern Mutual of the Inland Northwest plans to move, expand, and consolidate its Spokane-area operations into a new site in Spokane Valley in mid-2018, leaving its longtime location on Spokane's South Hill. The company has agreed to take the 20,0

Commercial banking still requires human touch

Automation can't replace face-to-face interaction

November 9, 2017

Terry Turnbow

It should come as no surprise in the age of rapidly changing and emerging technologies, where cars can drive themselves and food delivery is available at our fingertips, that a majority of our banking services take place on our mobile devices. According

odd Radwick, president of Radwick Financial Group LLC, of Winthrop, Wash., is an insurance and financial adviser. He can be reached at 509.996.3425 and at todd@radwickfinancial.com

Don't procrastinate when acquiring life insurance

Best to buy policies sooner, while premiums likely lower

November 9, 2017

Todd Radwick

With life insurance, there are no 'do overs.â€ You have to make it count the first time. You can't buy more after you die. With that in mind, have you ever wondered what the maximum amount of life insurance is that you can buy to protect your loved

Financial planning for parents-to-be has many facets

Re-evaluate budget, goals, before baby's arrival

November 9, 2017

LeAnn Bjerken

While most people agree the decision to start a family is one of life's biggest adventures, it also comes with a hefty price tag, one that financial advisers here say parents-to-be should try to be proactive in planning for. 'Whenever you're facing

Emotions can lead to loss aversion or overconfidence in investing

Human psychology affects investment decision making

November 9, 2017

Michael Maehl

Economist Richard Thaler was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in the field of economics for his contributions to behavioral economics. According to the Nobel committee, Thaler has 'incorporated psychologically realistic assumptions into analyses of economi

Despite popularity, robo-advisers can miss big picture

Choices often based on limited amount of data

November 9, 2017

Alicia O'Mary

Automation and the transition to digital solutions are affecting more and more industries, and financial services are no exception. Over the past few years, tech-savvy consumers increasingly have embraced financial-technology investment tools to save tim

Idaho Independent Bank prepares for transition

Second-generation Gustavel to take over at first of year

November 9, 2017

Keith Erickson

While its customers might not realize any difference in services or policy, Coeur d'Alene-based Idaho Independent Bank will face a big change come New Year's Day. On Jan. 1, Kurt Gustavel, 48, will take over the leadership of IIB from his father, Jac

The learning curve for STCU's Ezra Eckhardt

Incoming CEO starts whirlwind tour of STCU's expansive footprint

November 9, 2017

Ezra Eckhardt might not be assuming the role of president and CEO of Liberty Lake-based STCU until Jan. 1, but he's already hit the ground running visiting branches and learning all about the organization he'll soon lead. In an interview just a week

BECU's eastward expansion

Credit union's membership here rises by 65 percent

November 9, 2017

LeAnn Bjerken

Barely a year after establishing its first retail presence in the Spokane area, Boeing Employees Credit Union plans to expand its reach here. BECU, the largest credit union in Washington state and the fourth largest nationwide, with nearly $12 billion in

Reform buzz builds uncertainty among Spokane-area tax pros

Some deductions, credits go away prior to changes

October 26, 2017

LeAnn Bjerken

Some Spokane-area tax preparers say President Trump's recently announced plan for tax reform has shifted their focus toward possible major changes coming in 2018, rather than the comparatively few changes in the tax code for this year. 'In my opinion