Banking & Finance

Spokane sees spate of summer acquisitions

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Primarily driven by outside capital and nationwide corporate interest, a wave of business acquisitions and early-stage investments has swept through the Inland Northwest this summer. From Missouri and South Dakota to Georgia and Utah, out-of-town buyers and national firms are acquiring and investing in established Spokane-area companies across a variety of industries.

BuyWander secures $21M in Series A funding

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Following its recent relocation to Kent, Washington, BuyWander Inc. has raised $21 million in Series A funding as the Spokane Valley-founded auction marketplace prepares to expand into more U.S. cities, invest in technology, and build its leadership team.

LaunchNW pushes for proper use of Meta funds

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

LaunchNW wants to ensure that funds from the landmark $17.1 billion settlement with Meta Platforms are dedicated to mitigating the harms that initiated the lawsuit rather than plugging the state budget.

Selling your business and retaining real estate

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

For many business owners, owning the property where they conduct business provides operational stability for the business and financial diversification and tax benefits for the owner. When it comes time to sell the business, a prospective buyer may want to purchase that real estate along with the business itself.

What happens when a company owner can't work?

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A coordinated relationship between a CPA and a qualified insurance and financial adviser can become extremely valuable. The CPA helps the client build and grow the business. The adviser helps the client protect income, continuity, and the retirement strategy that business is supposed to support.

Passing the torch: Who will own the business next?

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Across our region, businesses are changing hands. While 350,000 U.S. baby boomers attempt to sell their businesses annually, the Inland Northwest alone holds a pool of 49,000 baby boomer-owned businesses facing transition. However, local and national success rates hover between 20% and 30%. When viable businesses simply close, long-time community legacies can disappear with them.

The Medicare surcharge nobody sees coming

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Most people picture Medicare as roughly the same deal for everyone. You turn 65, you sign up, and the premiums come out of your Social Security check. For a lot of retirees that is exactly how it works. But above a certain income, Medicare quietly adds a surcharge on top of your Part B and Part D premiums.

North Spokane apartment property sells for $22.5M

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A 178-unit, 6.5-acre garden style apartment community in North Spokane has changed hands, highlighting increasing interest from out-of-town investors in Spokane-area multifamily properties.

Former Seahawks star co-founds Spokane company

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane-based Athlete Real Estate Capital LLC is partnering with a growing number of professional athletes to invest in Spokane’s multifamily real estate market and help the players grow long-term wealth.

Catching up with: Dr. Bob Lutz, former SRHD health officer

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Although he considers himself partially retired, Dr. Bob Lutz continues to find ways to keep caring for the well-being of the public.

Financial industry closes adviser gaps

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane’s financial planning industry is showing resilience as firms, educators, and professional organizations develop new strategies to attract and retain new people in the field.

Gesa Credit Union's growth strategy drives expansion

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Gesa Credit Union is expanding into Oregon for the first time through an agreement to acquire Salem, Oregon-based Willamette Valley Bank — a move Keven Gray, Gesa Credit Union chief retail officer, says will strengthen service for members while extending the cooperative financial institution's footprint along the Interstate 5 corridor.

Progressions CU expands in Spokane Valley

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Progressions Credit Union is investing nearly $4 million to build a new facility in Spokane Valley, a project that will position the financial cooperative for its next generation of growth while expanding its visibility and improving service for members.

Why the Fed doesn't set your mortgage rate

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Every time the Federal Reserve meets, I can count on the phone in my office to start ringing. On the other end are clients who saw a headline about the Fed and want to know whether the rate on the house they are buying just went up, down, or sideways. It's one of the most reasonable questions a person can ask, and the answer is almost never what they expect.

Estate taxes can catch many families off guard

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Washington has no income tax for now and that single fact gives a lot of people the wrong idea about what happens to their money when they die.

Strategic focus grows Numerica Charitable Fund

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

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.

Giving while living gains popularity in the INW

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

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.

Tax-free retirement planning through insurance

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

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.

Basset hound rescue donates assets to SpokAnimal

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

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.

You gave generously, but was it efficient?

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

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.

Numerica sets new monthly lending record

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:02:47 -0400

Numerica Credit Union reached a new milestone earlier this year, funding $114.8 million in loans in March, the highest monthly total in the Spokane Valley-based institution's history.

Secure noncompetes with strategic ownership

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

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

Historic wealth transfer boosts probate work here

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

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.

Advising needs are ramping up amid silver tsunami

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

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.

Auto loan volumes increase despite price hikes

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

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.

Guest analysis: Local exports show a tale of two states

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Exporting from the Spokane area is an activity we don’t hear much about these days. One of the reasons lies in the demise of the International Trade Alliance, which for years promoted local businesses to go global. Another reason is that not much has changed in exports over the past 10 years, at least for Spokane.

AI frenzy fuels rise in venture capital activity

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A surge in artificial intelligence investment is reshaping the venture capital landscape, driving record valuations and deal sizes while creating new challenges for startups that aren't centered on AI technology.

RESCU expands Idaho membership

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:28:14 -0400

Spokane-based Responders Emergency Services Credit Union is expanding membership eligibility to 10 counties in southern Idaho following formal approval from the Idaho Department of Finance and the Washington state Department of Financial Institutions.

Retirements are driving INW business sales

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Since January, the Inland Northwest has seen several business acquisitions, suggesting that merger and acquisition activity may be on the rise.

Refinancing activity holds steady pace

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Refinancing activity in the Spokane market is expected to remain low but steady, as ongoing market uncertainty and global events keep interest rates elevated, according to some industry experts here.