Tax time has come & gone. How did you do? Did you owe more than you would like? If so, have you updated your W-4 with your employer? If you wait, you may forget to make the change and perhaps find yourself in a similar situation this time next year. Also, if the amount you owe is too much, you may incur penalties.

On the other hand, did you get a lot back? Many people like to take this approach as they see it as a forced savings plan. If you are in this camp, just remember that this money has been working for the government, not you!! Bottom line: everyone is different, so I encourage you to use this time to take a moment to assess your personal situation. And, act now if you want to make a change. If you are like me, you may forget to do so later. This step could be important to you, as you build or rebuild your financial well being.

It seems almost impossible that we are 3 months into 2011.  The New Year has brought a number of opportunities to the Smartway Advisors organization.  We are spreading our wings into the state of Washington with an additional credit union, TwinStar, effective April 1^st.  This growth adds 22 branches throughout much of the state of Washington south of Seattle.  From Vancouver to Longview, to Centralia, to Olympia/Tacoma, we are excited to expand our Trust Funding program to these fine communities.  Check out their website twinstarcu.com for all 22 branch locations!

You may have noticed that we have added a new program on the Smartway Advisors side called AutoSmart Refi.  With criteria very similar to our Trust Funding program, we now offer the opportunity for someone to get out of a very high interest loan into something much more reasonable without having to sell their current vehicle.  This exciting new program is very quick and painless, if you qualify.  Oh! Did I mention that the only cost to the consumer is a $40 inspection of your vehicle?

Next, we have  become the number 1 choice for people in a current Chapter 13 situation in the state of Oregon! Contact us about the new program designed for someone fighting through the bankruptcy process that needs assistance maintaining reliable transportation along with their dignity.  Also, if you have a recently discharged bankruptcy, we have the solution for you to start rebuilding you financial situation with a very reasonable interest rate.

Finally, we have added a new prequalification page to the Smartway Advisors website.  Check it out.