Robert Welk, licensed insurance broker and owner of Mead-based Welk Security & Trust, says it's no longer enough for employers to choose health insurance plans perfunctorily.

With technology enabling people to complete their work from just about anywhere, a growing number of workers are turning to 'gig work,” or income-earning activities outside of traditional long-term employment.

With several Inland Northwest banks in the area becoming acquisition targets in recent years, Spokane-based Wheatland Bank is steadfast to remain independent, asserts Susan Horton, CEO and president of the bank.

The Bank of America Financial Center-the tallest building in Spokane-has sold to Canada-based Redstone Group of Cos., one of British Columbia's largest private commercial real estate companies.

Spokane Teachers Credit Union, of Liberty Lake, plans to build a new branch building in Ponderay, Idaho, and move operations from an existing branch there. The new, 4,100-square-foot building will be located at 477123 U.S. Highway 95

Quantum Financial Planning Services Inc., founded here by Al Herman and Houston Scrudder in 1979, got on the financial planning train relatively early, says Eric Christiansen, certified financial planner and a managing member with the company.

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

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.