Banking & Finance

Federal budget quietly cuts Social Security provision

File-and-suspend strategy to be eliminated in phases

December 3, 2015

The new federal budget contains a cut to Social Security benefits that could limit options for baby boomers close to retirement-and everybody who follows them. Hidden in the budget bill is a change to Social Security that eliminates file-and-suspend ru

Star Financial's widening range

Firm's revenue grew 200 percent from last year, owner says

December 3, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

Melissa Williams, owner of Star Financial & Insurance Services Inc., says getting people to talk about money is a difficult and often emotional process. 'Finances are very personal and stir up all kinds of emotions,â€ says Williams. 'That's why

Former Northwestern Mutual adviser pleads guilty to wire fraud

John Charles Hanson said to have taken millions

November 5, 2015

A former Spokane-based financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual Investment Services pleaded guilty last month to operating a Ponzi scheme and stealing nearly $2.5 million from his clients. John Charles Hanson pleaded guilty to wire fraud before a U.S.

Trio of SBA veterans form consulting company

Three women plan to teach system to lenders

November 5, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

Coralie Myers and Pat Johnson, of Spokane, along with Lisa Lerner, of Phoenix, have formed a new national company here called SBA Simplified LLC, with the goal of advising lenders on how best to use new lending software.

Southern Idaho credit union extends its reach to Cd'A

ICCU takes over at former Public Employees branch

November 5, 2015

Mike McLean

Southeast Idaho-based Idaho Central Credit Union is operating its first North Idaho branch after having recently absorbed the assets and liabilities of Public Employees Credit Union of Coeur d'Alene.

Federal Reserve action stirs policy error concerns

Timeline for raising rates has become more murky

November 5, 2015

Steve Scranton

Much anticipation and discussion swirled throughout the summer regarding when the Federal Reserve would begin the process to normalize interest rates, with economists and forecasters pretty evenly split between whether or not the Fed would start in Septem

Inspirus works to boost membership in Spokane

Credit union dedicated funds to local schools

November 5, 2015

Seattle-based Inspirus Credit Union has stepped up its efforts to add new members in the Spokane area as part of an ongoing effort to reach out beyond its traditionally teacher-based membership, located mostly on the West Side.

Economic statistics don't tell the market's entire story

Some indicators might have become antiquated

November 5, 2015

Michael Maehl

As I review the daily market news and read the economic comments from various sources, it occurs to me that the current measurements being used don't really show the true strength of our total economy.

Numerica Credit Union remodels, adds branches

New design aims to enhance member experience, services

November 5, 2015

LeAnn Bjerken

Numerica Credit Union has been growing not only in terms of membership and assets, but also through branch renovations and additions.

Umpqua's integration

Oregon bank puts emphasis on employee empowerment

November 5, 2015

Mike McLean

Portland-based Umpqua Holding Corp., the parent company of Umpqua Bank, has based an executive team in Spokane to integrate the best of the cultures of Umpqua Bank and the venerable Spokane-based Sterling Bank, which Umpqua acquired last year.