The Bottom Line
Small business is important to Central Oregon, and to Mid Oregon. Find tips and resources for business, and information about Mid Oregon’s commercial services and business members.
Message from Kevin Cole, President & CEO
Welcoming 2026: Innovation, Savings, and Expanded Support for Your Financial Journey
As we step into a new year, Mid Oregon remains committed to being your trusted financial partner. Growth is a key objective for us, not just as an organization, but for you, our members. Every initiative we launch is designed to help you navigate your financial journey with confidence and support.
What’s New for You?
Last year, we upgraded our Contact Center technology to improve how we connect with you. This year, we’re taking it even further with an updated member interface that’s faster, more intuitive, and built to make your experience seamless.
You’ll also notice some changes in person! Our Old Mill branch, which opened in 2025, has made banking even more convenient for our Westside members. This year, our East Bend branch is getting a fresh, modern makeover to bring even more convenience and enhanced services to our Eastside community. Plus, we’re updating our website and Digital Banking platform with a new look and improved features, making it easier than ever for you to find what you need and enjoy an even better online experience.
Better Ways to Bank
We’ll soon be launching two exciting new services to make your membership experience even better:
- Zelle® – Send and receive money quickly and securely, straight from your Mid Oregon account.
- Value Plus Checking – Experience a new kind of checking account with features like identity theft restoration, cell phone insurance, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Plus, enjoy discounts on dining, travel, and health services. Turning your everyday banking into real rewards you can enjoy.
Helping You Save More
Your financial well-being is our top priority, and that means helping you keep more of your hard-earned money.
At Mid Oregon, we make it simple to find the best certificate rates—no need to shop around. With our competitive rates and personalized guidance, you can be confident your savings are working harder for you. Here’s to making 2026 a year of growth, opportunity, and financial confidence.
Thank you for trusting us—we’re honored to be your financial partner.
New Year, New Financial You! Start 2026 Strong!
The start of a new year is the perfect time to give your finances a checkup. Just like we prioritize our physical health, investing time in your financial well-being can set the stage for a successful year ahead.
A strong financial plan provides clarity and helps you measure progress. Take a moment to review last year’s goals—what worked well, and what needs a tweak? Here are a few tips to jumpstart your financial health in 2026:
Set a Savings Goal
Define a clear savings target to keep yourself on track. Mid Oregon’s Saver’s Club is a great way to build toward your goals. Automate deposits and contribute regularly—even small amounts add up over time. With Digital Banking’s My Credit Score tool, you can set goals, track your progress and celebrate your milestones along the way.
Track Your Spending Habits
Understanding how you spend your money is the first step toward making smarter financial decisions. Mid Oregon’s Digital Banking offers helpful tools to guide you. With features like Financial Checkup, you can review your financial health, track your progress, and make informed choices with confidence.
Know Your Credit Score
Your credit score matters more than ever. With My Credit Score, you can access your score anytime, anywhere, along with key insights from your credit report. Working toward improving your score is easy with the Simulator tool and Recommended Actions. The DTI (Debt-to-Income) feature will help you better understand your financial health through the lens of your DTI ratio. This is a FREE service offered to Mid Oregon members that can help you achieve strong financial health in 2026.
Expand Your Financial Knowledge
Learn more about budgeting, investing, and managing debt wisely. Explore helpful articles on Mid Oregon’s blog and join our Financial Workshops throughout the year to boost your financial confidence.
By taking proactive steps now, you’ll enter 2026 feeling empowered and ready to achieve your goals. No matter where you are on your financial journey, your Mid Oregon team is here to help—stop by, call, or visit us at midoregon.com.
Simple Habits That Make You a Tougher Target for Cybercrooks
It’s already well into the new year and a fresh year usually brings fresh goals—exercise more, spend less, maybe try a new hobby. But one resolution that deserves a permanent spot on everyone’s list is tightening up your personal cybersecurity. And this isn’t one you should ever quit when February comes around.
Cyberthreats don’t take holidays, and scammers aren’t slowing down. In fact, they’re getting bolder, trickier, and faster at finding new ways to get into your accounts and steal your money or data. The good news? A few steady habits can make you far less appealing to cybercriminals.
Start With Your Passwords
Strong, unique passwords or passphrases are still your first line of defense. Mix letters, numbers, and symbols—and never recycle the same one across accounts. And while it may seem obvious, don’t share your passwords with anyone. Tech support, financial institutions, and reputable companies will never ask for them.
Stay Suspicious
Phishing emails remain one of the easiest ways for scammers to trick users. They may look polished these days, but old red flags still apply: Strange attachments, unexpected links, odd grammar, or messages from out-of-the-blue senders. Give anything suspicious a wide berth.
Keep an Eye on Your Financial Activity
Checking your banking and financial statements and credit reports regularly can help you catch fraud early. Freezing your credit reports is an added layer of protection if you don’t need frequent access. You can always unfreeze the reports, if needed.
Use Multi-factor Authentication
Turning on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible can stop attackers even if they get your password. And remember to use different login credentials for every account. Logging in with Facebook or Google might seem convenient, but it creates a single gateway to multiple accounts.
Passkeys
Don’t forget that passkeys are a great way to secure your accounts and not have to remember so many passwords. Keep in mind that passkeys and storing your passwords in your browser are NOT the same and storing them in the browser is not a recommended option.
Stay Up-To-Date
Finally, don’t let your devices fall behind. Keep anti-malware tools updated, install software patches promptly, and replace unsupported devices. Back up your data regularly, and stay aware of new scams circulating online and in your community.
Cybercriminals follow the money, and they’ll keep trying as long as it pays. Don’t make it easy for them.
Content provided by Stickley on Security.
For more tips on protecting your personal information, visit Mid Oregon’s Security and Fraud Page: https://ow.ly/hjHm50V9XE1