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.
Broader and Deeper
Presidents Message: Growth & Success
We’ve continued to update you on our significant growth and success over the course of 2018—we’ve reported on new milestones, new capabilities, new team members. We’ve enhanced our digital and mobile offerings and convenience. You’ve been telling us that you need more yield on your savings, and we’ve responded by revamping our High-Yield and Premium Interest Checking Accounts and increasing our yields on Share Certificates.
We’ve also listened to the needs of local businesses, and made some big changes to our business checking accounts, including our Commercial Checking Account, which now offers Remote Deposit Capture capabilities. We also introduced our new Business Money Market Plus account with tiered dividends for better returns on your money.
Increased Commercial Services
A number of these efforts stem from the purchase of High Desert Bank in June, which provided us with new opportunities to grow and develop our role as the only financial institution headquartered here in Central Oregon. Sensible, sustainable growth in multiple areas allows us to strengthen our base, become more diversified, and find ways to deliver more services and value to the community that has contributed to the success of our organization over the last 60 years. It means growing deeper—not just broader.
By expanding our services to help our thriving business community in new ways, we provide important support to organizations that form the foundation of a healthy local economy. We play a part in strengthening job opportunities and increasing livability in Central Oregon. And it ensures that Mid Oregon will be more resilient, so we can be here for you during good times—and the not-so good times too.
We’re Not Done
We’ve accomplished a lot so far in 2018, but we’re not done yet. Mid Oregon is investing in enhanced technology, new services, and additional products for both our consumers and businesses that will make your life easier, keep your money safer, and help it grow faster. Stay tuned for more good news to come in 2019.
October is a Great Time to Save
The autumn season brings fall colors and cooler temperatures, and October brings the start of holiday sales. It’s a time when retailers want to move out their remaining summer inventory, as well as discount some new winter items. Here are a few of the best deals you can find in October.
Warm winter clothing – Retailers begin releasing their new winter clothing at sale prices, before demand for these items really kicks in. You can also find good savings on popular back-to-school clothing categories, like jeans, college team apparel and activewear.
Older iPhones – New iPhones are announced in September, so to make room on the shelves, sellers begin marking down older generation models in October.
Outdoor Products Can Be Steals
Camping gear and outdoor furniture– Get good out-of-season deals on tents, sleeping bags, lawn chairs, and grills in October and you’ll be prepared for next summer. This past summer outdoor furniture was more , with a wide range of styles and quality. So inventory may still be high and prices low.
Bicycles – With less demand in colder temps, dealers will start offering their lowest prices on bikes and bike gear.
Fans and air conditioners – Again, as the temperature drops, so do prices for these popular summer items. But know that some dealers will begin storing these items in their warehouses in November for next year, so get them in October while prices are low!
Travel Bargains Abound
Travel packages – If you’ve been thinking of taking a cruise or trip overseas, you’ll find good package deals in October.
Cars – Many dealerships begin transitioning inventory to next year’s models.
What Foods Are Available?
Seasonal produce – Apples, squashes, and sweet potatoes are in abundance and priced to sell. Buy them in bulk, slice them up, and freeze them so they can be enjoyed throughout the winter. And if you love pumpkin….?
And if you have a major sweet tooth: Halloween candy. Late in the month, retailers may want to move overstocks of all Halloween supplies, not just candy.
Errors in Your Credit Report: Now What?
Your Credit Report Matters
Credit reports contain your personal financial information. Incorrect information can affect your ability to get a loan, rent housing, or get a job because businesses often make their decisions based on that data.
Lenders use credit reports to determine the interest rates on loans; the more creditworthy you appear on paper, the lower the rate you pay. Errors may cause you to pay more.
Many people are surprised to learn that a potential employer turned them down for a job because of negative information on their credit report. Federal law, however, requires that the employer get your permission before pulling your report.
To keep your reports accurate:
Order Your Credit Report
* The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the “big three” credit reporting agencies—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—to provide you with one free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. Visit annualcreditreport.com to order yours. Watch out for so-called deals that you may not need.
* Check the basics first. Check variations in name, Social Security number, and address. Experian lists all variations reported to it to ensure the consumer has a full account of the identifying information reported and can act on it. Often, variations are simply the use of a nickname or a transposed address digit.
* Verify data. Some can get complicated. If a loan is sold, the lender listed may not be the original.
Get Errors Corrected
* Look for errors. A study by the Federal Trade Commission and another by Policy and Economic Research Council (PERC) revealed similar results: one of five consumers reportedly found errors on their credit reports which could negatively impact their credit score.
When counselors at credit counseling agencies review reports with clients, they often find that the unfavorable information is valid. But when it is in error, it’s important to start the correction process right away.
* Dispute errors. Contact the company that has provided the incorrect information and the credit reporting agency in writing and keep copies. Work with both the source of the information and the credit reporting company to resolve the issue quickly.
We Can Help
Talk to your local Mid Oregon Credit Union Loan Officer, or call us at (541) 382-1795. We can provide some general information, and possibly discuss your report. We can only pull your credit report if you are a member, but if you are not a member, you can bring your own and we would be happy to discuss it with you.