Banking & Finance

Credit unions seeks deeper member connections

'Open Your Eyes' drive aims to raise awareness of available services

January 30, 2020

An informational effort reaching Pacific Northwest states this month looks to deepen the relationship between credit unions and the communities they serve.

SECURE Act to affect most who save for retirement (finance)

Legislation increases need for tax planning

January 30, 2020

Ben KlÃ¼ndt

Sometimes, pieces of legislation pass that many recognize by name but know nothing about. They then go about their day assuming it doesn't affect them. The SECURE Act isn't one you want to turn a blind eye to, as it likely could affect you.

Global Credit Union evolves, expands new digital offerings

Credit union to introduce text-message banking feature later this year

January 30, 2020

Virginia Thomas

In an increasingly digital world, financial institutions continue to seek new technology that could help them to offer services and communicate with members. For Spokane-based Global Credit Union, that means making sure members can receive information

Bankruptcy filings decrease for ninth straight year

Eastern Washington activity runs counter to U.S., N. Idaho trend

January 30, 2020

Natasha Nellis

The number of bankruptcy filings in Eastern Washington decreased for the ninth straight year in 2019, U.S. Bankruptcy Court figures show. At the same time, however, Northern Idaho saw a slight uptick in filings for the second year in a row.

Expansion on the Horizon: Spokane, Boise credit unions to combine

Combined assets to approach $1.5B after Horizon-Icon merger is completed

January 30, 2020

Kevin Blocker

With a continued desire to meet the changing appetites of the marketplace, officials at Spokane Valley-based Horizon Credit Union and Boise-based Icon Credit Union say 2020 is a good time to merge fully.

New year might not be as good for finance sector

Interest rates, trade issues described as contributing factors

December 19, 2019

Virginia Thomas

Financial experts here say that growth began to flatten in 2019, and they expect further slowing -- though not necessarily a recession -- in 2020. Tim Vorpahl, president and founder of Spokane-based Vorpahl Wing Securities Inc., says 2019 was a

Canopy Credit Union to host Ladder Coffee

Restaurants & Retail

December 5, 2019

Kevin Blocker

Canopy Credit Union will open a 1,200-square-foot Ladder Coffee Roasters store this month in its Spokane Valley branch, at 13105 E. Sprague. Canopy opened the 3,600-square-foot branch in September with an open floor plan and room for an eventual partner.

Self-employed professionals see more retirement flexibility

Most, however, save less than traditional workers

December 5, 2019

Natasha Nellis

With Spokane's booming entrepreneurial ecosystem, more people are stepping away from the traditional office into self-employment. With that comes not only more responsibility, but more flexibility when it comes to saving for retirement

Financial Trex targets Generation X, millennial clients

Fee-only planner draws younger investor interest

December 5, 2019

Kevin Blocker

Though it wasn't her intention at the start, a Spokane-based financial planner says her young firm has found a niche among younger generations of people in need of financial expertise.

New best interest rule for investment brokers draws concerns

Advisers, legislators say regulation name misleads

December 5, 2019

Virginia Thomas

The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted a new rule that went into effect Sept. 10 intended to require investment broker-dealers to act in the best interests of their client when making recommendations.