Banking & Finance

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.

SCCU expansion includes new community space

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

Spokane City Credit Union is planning a new administrative annex building next to its existing property, at 1930 N. Monroe, that will provide more space for its employees.

Heritage Bank moves, receives branch approval

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Olympia, Washington-based Heritage Bank has moved to a new permanent location following recent approval to operate as a full-service branch, says James Krejci, senior vice president and commercial team leader.

STCU partners with Associated Industries

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane-based Associated Industries’ nearly 1,000 members can now access business services and products through a new partnership with Liberty Lake-based STCU.

Philanthropic planning strategies for 2026

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

It's not lost on individuals, estate planning attorneys, financial advisers, and CPAs that several changes to tax laws could impact charitable giving this year.

Catching up with: Mary McDirmid, co-founder of All Needs Planning

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Mary McDirmid, co-founder of All Needs Planning, has co-authored a book designed to help educate and empower families caring for loved ones with disabilities as they navigate the complexities of wealth management, caregiving, and long-term planning.

2026 Icons: Bill Simer

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Retired certified public accountant and Spokane community leader Bill Simer says his life would have looked much different had he not happened to meet a young woman and her brother in Spokane more than 50 years ago.

2026 Icons: Phyllis Campbell

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Phyllis Campbell, 2026 Spokane Journal of Business Icon, led an accumulative 50-year career in banking, philanthropy, and board service across the Inland Northwest and western Washington.

INW companies raise $11M in funding since January

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A handful of companies across Eastern Washington and North Idaho have raised millions of dollars in recent months, with the majority of funding falling outside the traditional angel- or venture-backed technology, health care, and consumer industries.

Spokane Valley benefits broker joins adviser network

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Packard Wheeler Succession, an employee benefits and wealth planning team of Northwestern Mutual representatives based in Spokane Valley, has joined Cleveland-based Benefit Advisors Network as an independent member.