Education Articles

Demystifying Financial Terms: APR & APY

For better or worse, acronyms and initialisms have become commonplace in normal conversation. When was the last time someone said they watched the game on the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN)? Or was asked for their Personal Identification Number (PIN) or Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) code? In financial circles, you’ve likely...

Priced Out of An Upgrade? Elevated Home Values Mean You Have Options

The housing market continues to cool, slowly trending from a white-hot seller's market to a more neutral market. However, home values remain high across the United States, especially in Oregon. On the surface, this is great news for existing homeowners (who can argue with extra equity?). But if you also factor in high mortgage interest rates...

Medicare 101: Your Questions Answered

The world of Medicare is complex and can feel overwhelming. It helps to hear from those who live in it—and to start with the basics. Using a broker can help you navigate the ins and outs of Medicare. So, what exactly is  Medicare ? It’s the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities or...

Understanding VA Loans

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many financial benefits to military veterans. One of the more significant benefits is a VA mortgage loan. How does a VA loan work? And how is it different from a conventional mortgage? At its base level, a VA loan allows veterans and their families to purchase a home at a lower interest rate...

Your College Buying Guide

Simplify the transition to dorm life. After a year of virtual learning, most universities will resume in-person classes this fall. But don’t wait till the week before to gather all of the essentials you’ll need for your new college life. This guide will help you with that essential packing/purchasing list, giving you plenty of time to gather wha...

6 Ways to Stay Ahead of Scams, Fraud, and Identity Theft

It can happen to anyone, and across all levels of familiarity with technology. Older generations, often targeted by scams and identity theft, are now matched by their Gen Z counterparts, whose comfort level with technology for everyday online transactions makes them particularly vulnerable. When someone’s identity is stolen, the victim’s financi...

Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche

Ever noticed how much easier it is to fall out of shape than to get into shape? The same can be said (albeit the exact opposite) about getting into (too easy) and out of (pretty hard) debt. There are many ways to dig out of debt—some extreme and unlikely, like winning the lottery or inheriting a pile of money. Chances are pretty low that either ...

True or False: Money Edition

When it comes to the topic of money, it’s not always easy to tell reality from myth—even when you’re expected to be financially independent. The good news is, it’s never too early (or too late) to learn. Let’s see if you can spot the fact from the fiction.  The U.S. dollar is the most commonly used currency in the world. True. It’s even sometime...

Recreational Vehicles Made for Winter Adventure Seekers

The long-range winter forecast for the Pacific Northwest calls for mostly mild, dry conditions. But that doesn't mean there won't be any outdoor adventures to be had. You may just need to head inland a bit to find the snow. Perhaps memories are still fresh of your younger self cutting through snowdrifts in a snowmobile or ATV. Or the thrill neve...

Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?

Many of us have been there: You stare at your old and tired tiled/carpeted floors and think, “I wonder if I could put in new hardwood floors.” Or maybe you’re house hunting and find THE ONE, but it could use a serious upgrade inside and out. Again, can you make any of those improvements yourself? (Side note:  Fall  or  winter  can be great times...