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.
New Vehicle Prices Continue to Rise
Auto manufacturers are raising their prices, and adding expensive features, so it should come as no surprise that Americans are paying more for new vehicles than ever before.
Prices Up By $248 at Year End
According to Kelley Blue Book data, the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $34,428 in December 2015.
KBB said that new-car prices are up by $297 since December 2014, and they were up $248 in just the month between November and December 2015.
That’s a big jump.
Consumers’ insatiable demand for luxury vehicles, SUVs and trucks has a lot to do with this. In Central Oregon, SUVs and trucks have been a consistent staple of our vehicle transportation needs, but even here there has been a shift. These changing preferences (away from economy cars in recent years) has resulted in a huge spike in the average prices being paid for new vehicle transactions.
Vehicle Redesigns and Features
But so, too, do increased sticker prices. KBB points out that vehicle platform redesigns and adding new features have allowed auto makers to increase prices.
Prices for Lexus and Lincoln vehicles, for instance, both rose 1% from November to December. These brands now have average prices of around $40,000.
Even more dramatic has been German auto maker Porsche’s 4% jump in price, month-over-month.
But even non-luxury brands have enjoyed price increases. Honda was able to raise its prices on its redesigned Civic and Pilot models – with the Civic up by 2% and the Pilot up by a big 11%, to $37,242.
Notice how the prices on this Honda model are now touching luxury-car territory. This is a theme we’ve seen in recent years, as “ordinary” vehicles have become more substantial, sophisticated and feature-laden.
People are choosing to buy more elaborate vehicles, and they’re paying the price.
How We Can Help
If you are looking for a new vehicle we can help. Our auto and RV financing provide great rates, flexible terms and a “How can we do it” attitude. We can also help you determine the price of your trade-in to ensure you get the value you deserve. Our Auto Smart Web Tool can help you find the right car at the right price.
Learn more at Midoregon.com, email us at beheard@midoregon.com, call (541) 382-1795 or visit one of our 6 Central Oregon offices to connect with a Mid Oregon loan officer.
Savings Goals Begin With Emergency Fund
Savings goals begin with having enough for emergencies, then move on to having enough to see you through a job loss and, finally, to having enough for retirement. A new study finds that most Americans aren’t even getting past the first stage.
Most Americans Have Inadequate Emergency Funds
The author of the study, Bankrate, recently found that 63% of Americans can’t afford a $500 car repair or a $1,000 emergency room visit.
Just 37% of U.S. adults have enough savings to pay for these unexpected expenses.
In times of emergency, 23% say they would reduce their spending on other things to make ends meet, and 15% would use credit cards.
Fifteen percent would have to borrow from family or friends, Bankrate said.
This is a grim set of findings. Having enough saved for emergencies is not only the first big goal of saving, it is also the one that offers immediate relief to financial stress.
Reduce Your Stress
You can certainly sleep better at night knowing that you have enough cash to handle life’s emergencies.
Of course, the lack of emergency funds in Americans’ accounts only serves to highlight the larger problems people are having later in life, when they need funds for retirement.
At Mid Oregon We Can Help
If you’re in the same boat as these 63% of Americans, you need to have a savings plan. You’d be surprised at how much you can save each day/week/month just by making a few simple changes.
Mid Oregon Credit Union can really help you to put that plan together. CU professionals are experienced in these matters after all, and we will be happy to sit down with you and map out a strategy for achieving short, medium and longer-term savings goals.
Our Savers’ Club is the perfect tool to get started in building your emergency fund, or for any other short & medium term savings objective you might have. For longer term goals like retirement, we have the professional support you need there too.
So, come and see us at Mid Oregon, It’s the start of a new year, so there’s no better time than now to reduce your financial stress levels.
New Year’s Resolution: See Your Credit Union
A Fresh Start With Mid Oregon
We all want a fresh start in 2016, and many of us make resolutions about changes we want to make. If any of yours involve money, make an appointment next week to see Mid Oregon Credit Union.
If you haven’t yet joined a CU, do so now. You will start the year right, and enjoy the benefits of not-for-profit, member-owned community banking for a lifetime.
Significant Financial Benefit
The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) estimates that Oregon credit unions provided over $115 million in direct benefits to the state’s over 1.5 million members during the 12 months ending September 2015. Read the report.
These benefits are equivalent to $74 per member or $141 per member household.
As an example, financing a $25,000 new automobile for 60 months at an Oregon credit union will save members an averge of $151 per year in interest expense compared to what they would pay at a banking institution in the state.
Already a Member?
If you are already a Mid Oregon member, now is the time to sit across a table with someone who can turn your financial resolutions into actionable plans.
Remember, plans become more real when you share them with someone else. A professional at your CU will look over your spending and saving records from 2015, and help you find ways to make improvements.
You know you need a savings plan, with a set target for saving each month. Put that plan together now, before the craziness of life takes over — and suddenly it’s summertime.
A Good Plan
There’s no real magic to building financial security, and eventually, wealth. All it takes is a bit of discipline, and a good plan well followed. Over time, you’ll see the magic of compounding interest at work. Your money will literally be working for you.
So, make that appointment to see your credit union this week, before 2016 starts getting old. Contact us at (541) 382-1795, email to beheard@midoregon.com or visit one of our 6 Central Oregon offices.