Cowlitz Bancorporation

Bank credit: is it growing, and where’s it going?

Lenders have loosened purse strings, but some sectors are monopolising bank loans. Hence the clamour for more credit

Here's What You Need to Look For to Make Sure You're Not Being Scammed at the ATM

Mortgage Loans: Stick With A Bank Or Go With A Broker?

It matters where you go for a mortgage. Who offers a better deal — a banker or broker?

Is a personal loan for you?

Personal loans have surged in popularity, due in part to increasing consumer confidence and a growing array of online lenders to provide them.

Tips for a successful Youth Month Savings Challenge

There’s less than two months to go until National Credit Union Youth Month™, when credit unions from coast to coast will urge kids to “Give a Hoot About Savings” and discover the life-changing power of credit union membership. As your celebration planning gets underway, don’t forget about one of the most powerful business development opportunities …

How to spot ATM skimming devices

What to look out for when using an ATM, and what you can do to protect your account.

15 Ways Supermarkets Trick You Into Spending More Money

Who Funds Mortgage Loans? Banks, Credit Unions, Mortgage Banks, and Brokers

Mortgage Banks channels can typically move much faster than commercial banks b/c they are less regulated, smaller and more nimble.

Your Home Loan Journey: Pros and Cons of Mortgage Broker vs. Bank

By Roger Odoardi When it comes to getting approval for a home mortgage loan, borrowers can either work with a mortgage broker or a bank. Either option will take you one step closer to becoming a home...

How To Get a Loan Without a Bank

In between Chase Manhattan and Vinny (who breaks your legs if you don't pay your loan) lie new online services connecting borrowers with lenders. They're not banks. They're websites that facilitate peer-to-peer connections. The two biggest--LendingClub and Prosper--offer borrowers interest rates...

Loans That Avoid Banks? Maybe Not

Peer-to-peer finance has a new swarm of lenders: some of the same kinds of big institutions it once shunned.

Are Banks Easing Up on Mortgage Standards?

Lender constraints on mortgage availability have been a major obstacle for the housing market recovery. Is that about to change? 

How to protect yourself from fraud by your own bank

We often monitor our accounts to check for outside fraud, but that's not enough.

Why Banks Ask for a Personal Guarantee Before a Loan

It’s a common scenario: You have a thriving business, and it’s doing so well that you believe it’s time to expand. That expansion requires more money, and, of course, increases your risk of failure. But you have studied your options, talked with advisors, and everyone agrees it’s a smart and potentially lucrative move. Your bank …

Why does the bank want to give me a bigger mortgage?

Personal finance expert Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon answers your questions.

What Will the Bank Accept as Collateral for Your Small Business Loan?

What is collateral and what types of assets do banks and financial institutions accept as collateral for small business loans?

Many banks are easing loan standards, survey finds

It’s a good time for consumers to look for a loan. As competition in the finance sector increases, new survey findings suggest that many banks are swimming

Too many gaps in banks' fraud-prevention systems

Criminals' efforts to steal identities and take over accounts have become increasingly sophisticated. Banks must upgrade their mitigation processes, which can be held back by antiquated systems and organizational silos.

More loan growth for small banks, but can it last?

Elevated interest rates, economic uncertainty and financial sector fragility exposed by recent bank failures threaten to stunt lending activity.