Banking & Finance

Angel alliance launches fourth fund

Spokane-area investment group raises $2.75 million

February 13, 2020

A group of investors has pooled their resources to help launch regional startups through Kick-Start IV, the fourth such angel investment fund composed of Spokane investors.

Study: Women face higher retirement hurdles

Research finds those in two-income houses at highest risk of falling short

February 13, 2020

Natasha Nellis

A lack of preparedness early in life is placing women - particularly married women - at a higher risk of falling short in retirement, says a new study by the Boston College Center for Retirement Research.

SECURE Act takes down the stretch

Provision removal makes it harder to sock away generational wealth

February 13, 2020

Virginia Thomas

The new federal SECURE Act makes it harder to sock away generational wealth on a tax-deferred basis, which creates the need to plan more carefully when giving or receiving an inheritance.

Credit unions seeks deeper member connections

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

January 30, 2020

Guest Commentary

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.