Banking & Finance

Factoring illness, diseases into financial planning

Experts recommend all health outcomes weighed when preparing to retire

December 6, 2018

When someone has or suspects they might develop a chronic, disabling health condition, such as Alzheimer's disease or Huntington's disease, preparing for retirement has challenges to be faced on a case-by-case basis, some financial advisers here

Spokane advisers on the FIRE approach to investing, saving

Under new investment approach, some Millennials plan to save more, quit work sooner

December 6, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

While many of us have asked a financial adviser what steps might help us achieve an early retirement, it's a good bet the majority of younger workers don't really expect to be able to do so anytime soon.

Next step taken in protracted Metropolitan Mortgage saga

Investors receive another $10.9M; next distribution could be final payment

December 6, 2018

Kim Crompton

Investors who lost millions of dollars when Spokane-based Metropolitan Mortgage & Securities Co. shut down 14 years ago have recouped another small portion of their money.

A Bank inquiry scam tops list in recent BBB report

Money wiring con also ranked among five riskiest

November 8, 2018

Tyler Russell

Bank card and credit card company imposters, fraudulent directory listing and advertising, fake invoices, fake checks, and technical support frauds are the top five small business scam risks identified in a study.

Mind to Market funds first startups

Program plans to support 10 additional companies

November 8, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

Spokane-based Mind to Market LLC, an idea-stage accelerator and investment fund created to support startup companies, says it has provided its first $200,000 in funding to help grow five Inland Northwest startups.

SBA lending in Spokane District reaches $226.7 million

Restaurant, hotel, gas stations account for bulk of activity here

November 8, 2018

Samantha Peone

Total lending backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration in the Inland Northwest rose $8.3 million through fiscal year 2018, data compiled by SBA indicates.

Spokane Fintech startup launches expense software

After Washington Trust pilot, bank is offering tool to business clients

November 8, 2018

LeAnn Bjerken

The founders of Spokane-based financial technology startup Obloco Inc., which does business as XpenseOne, say they're laying the groundwork this year to make their cloud-based expense reporting software a staple product in the realm

Interstate expansion

Three acquisitions to introduce Montana bank to Spokane-Cd'A in a major way

November 8, 2018

Virginia Thomas

In a matter of months, First Interstate BancSystem Inc. will go from having no presence to a prominent foothold in the Inland Northwest banking community.

Spokane Sears credit union to merge into PrimeSource

Regulatory nod given for transaction to be completed next month

October 25, 2018

Virginia Thomas

Spokane-based PrimeSource Credit Union is merging Sears Spokane Employees Federal Credit Union into its operations next month, say the CEOs of both institutions.

First Interstate to acquire two North Idaho banks

Transactions valued at total of nearly $203 million

October 11, 2018

Staff Report

First Interstate BankSystem Inc., the Billings, Mont.-based parent of First Interstate Bank, has agreed to acquire two Kootenai County banks-Coeur d'Alene-based Idaho Independent Bank and Post Falls-based Community 1st Bank. The IIB and Community 1