Blog
Opening Weekend Started Out With A Bang
COME JOIN US FOR “LORD, SAVE US FROM YOUR FOLLOWERSâ€
AT FOX TOWER THIS WEEKEND
Many of our dear friends have been working for 4 years on this great new film. It is finally in theaters. Please join us for this entertaining exploration of cultural discourse and religious exchange.
Economic and Environmental Crises: Econvergence Conference
Authors and Activists Noam Chomsky and Derek Jensen to present Keynotes at Econvergence Conference October 2nd-4th!
Bank according to your values
So you decided to make the switch and start banking according to your values but procrastination has set in. If you are like many of our clients, you have probably stalled out with one of the following questions or “costs†of switching:
Filed Under: Assets, Community Wealth, Financial Health, Portland Life, Sustainability
Friendship Opportunity
Buying a First House: Do You Know Anyone Who Should Consider It The Federal Government has offered a tremendous incentive with its $8000 tax credit to any first time home buyer who buys before November 30, 2009.
School Time
Hey all, it's about that time of year again, school is just around the corner.
In typical Equity Design fashion we like to approach things through a broader lens. We are wondering what school taught you, good and bad, and what it didn't teach you. To get your juices going we reprint John Taylor Gatto's recent article in YES! Magazine. Feel free to email us your thoughts, or better, comment below.
Community Resilience
What makes a community resilient? Is your community resilient?
In thinking about your community, do you feel uncertain in these changing times? Do you want to learn new ways to respond to economic uncertainty and its effects on you and your community? Do you want to make new friends and develop a deeper community with like-minded others? If so, read on!
Loan Modifications
We occasionally receive referrals from homeowners facing economic hardship calling about loan modifications. Recently we stumbled across a Department of Justice media release that speaks to this question and we thought it worthy of passing on to you. Read on for more...
Chain Store Reaction
Think Globally, Act Virtually. Back in the fall, Jared and I were working on several campaigns related to Human Trafficking. It was an eye-opening and often heart-breaking time for both of us and we know it was as well for many of you. Here's an update that came out of these campaigns. Read on for more...
Filed Under: Community Wealth, Economic Justice, Non-profits
Reinflate it or build a real one?
It seems the playbook of our mainstream politicians and economists is to reinflate the old economy, to achieve a "recovery" and to somehow also avoid future economic disruptions or a collapse. Is this possible? Is it what we want?
Don’t Buy a Home
Jeff and Mary came into my office. They had filled out a Personal Overview and had brought with them much of the paperwork needed to make a mortgage application. We spent about an hour together and after careful consideration (along with some pecking on the calculator) it became clear that they could just qualify for a starter home.
Les Leopold coming to Portland
Do you feel looted with the recent and ongoing bailouts? Are you skeptical of the scapegoating that has blamed the poor (subprime), or one party or another, or regulation or deregulation? Do you wonder why the circle of Wall Street advisors around our president continue to push to resurrect a cancerous financial system? Does you feel like you've witnessed a game of fantasy finance?
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences
Values Driven Budgeting
There is a simple and all but universally accepted formula for budgeting. It goes something like this:
Telling a New Economic Story
Join us for a two part series where we will explore the roots of the current economic crisis and ways to respond by building real wealth in our communities. We will use David Korten's new book Agenda for a New Economy: From Phantom Wealth to Real Wealth as the starting point for our discussion.
Filed Under: Economic Justice, Educational Experiences, Equity Design Events
Portland’s Real Estate Market
What Do You Think? Is Portland the 4th best housing market? Each person to respond will be entered to win a Passport Unlimited Dining Card Read on for more details
Banking and Your Community
Over the next few weeks we will be exploring banking. In particular, we are asking the question: "how does where we bank affect our community?" We invite you to join the discussion
Filed Under: Community Wealth, Economic Justice, Portland Life, Sustainability
Disciplines for Financial Health
Most of us, when pressed to really talk about our personal finances, must admit that there are some things we wish were different, some ways we feel a bit financially-schizophrenic. It is normal. And it is a sign of health when we can admit these internal tensions.
Agenda for a New Economy
Out of our book study last month we started a resource list, framing educational materials and action groups along the agenda items that Korten proposes. Check out this resource list, find a way to get involved where you passions align, and let us know how we can continue to improve this resource!
Filed Under: Community Wealth, Portland Life, Sustainability
Economic Downturn and Personal Taxes
We have received a few questions lately around taxation issues when people are navigating their own economic problems. Our friend Will over at Baker & Gingell PC forwarded this reminder that life questions often have tax connections. If these questions pop up in your life check out the IRS.gov site, call your tax adviser or contact Will.
Homeowner Records: What to Keep for Taxes
Many of you know our friend Will Gingell over at Baker & Gingell PC. Here's some advice he sent over to help clarify what we should all be keeping with regard to our properties.
Tax Planning Tips
It's that time of year again! Working with our allied professionals we have compiled some tax planning tips to help you as you prepare to meet with your adviser or go it alone.
Is Mortgage Debt “Good”?
"Mortgage. Yikes! It is hard to imagine looking at my credit report and seeing a six-figure line item. That is six-figures that I need to pay back. Sure I have had school loans in the thousands and some credit card debt but this, this is something totally different. Is mortgage debt good?"
Filed Under: Coaching, Debt, Financial Health, Mortgage, Taxes
Economic Stimulus – Tax Credit for Homebuyers
Just signed and sealed…a $787 Billion Stimulus Plan made up of tax cuts and spending programs aims at reviving the US economy. Although the package was scaled down from nearly $1 Trillion, it still stands as the largest anti-recession effort since World War II. Home owners and potential homebuyers stand to gain from key provisions in this stimulus plan. Here is what we know as of today... (Read more...)
Save the Date! Grassroots Local Economy
If you have ever wanted to rip up that lawn and put it to productive use, if you have ever wanted to serve seniors in your neighborhood or make a difference in the lives of the working poor in our community, then this is for you. Come learn how you can make a difference in your community. (Read more...)
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences, Equity Design Events
One Size Does Not Fit All: Personality and Finances
Working in the realm of financial and personal health and being so passionate about helping our community live with balance and hope, it is important that we stay up on the many popular financial systems on the market today. If it's in print, chances are one of us has read it. And yes, a one-size-fits-all financial process can be very effective. (Read more...)
Local Energy?
Can energy be produced locally? Can our communities become energy independent? Can you envision neighborhood heat and hot water powered from its own resources? Would you invest in renewable energy technology if you were assured it would pay you quickly? If energy independence was truly in your hands, would you act on it? Join Equity Design and partners as we explore these and other energy questions.
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences, Equity Design Events
Your Money And Your Life
Psychology 101 tells us that we do nothing in isolation. Our choices are linked to our life, family, wounds, joys, disappointments. This is even truer when it comes to the patterns we witness in our lives. (read more...)
Agenda For a New Economy – Book Study
Today's economic crisis, being the worst since the Great Depression, is giving us an incredible opportunity to change our Economic Story. David Korten presents a new Economic story showing that by changing our economic priorities, measures of success, marketplace rules, power structures, sources of financing, and even the very way we create money, we can build a healthy, humane and vibrant economy.a new economy that generates real wealth instead of phantom wealth. Join us as I co-teach this book study. (Read more...)
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences, Equity Design Events
Economic Crisis Town Hall
While almost $2.5 trillion of our money was squandered on easy term loans to banks and investment houses, we lost 2.6 million jobs in 2008! One million jobs were lost just between Nov. 1st and Dec. 31st of 2008. With a good deal more suffering likely, we are in the most difficult economic times since the Great Depression. * What are the root causes of the economic crisis? * What should we fight for? What is a "recovery?" * How do the millions of people who voted for change help make it happen? (Read more...)
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences
The Money Fix – Sneak Preview
Have you ever wondered where money comes from? Are you curious what runs our monetary system? Do you ever have the sense that those digits the banks and wall street report may not represent real wealth? Have you wondered if our financial system is sustainable? If so, this is your film. (Read more...)
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences
A Ripped Page: How Does a Bank View You?
Your life is a beautiful, complicated and epic narrative, no less important and complex than the great novels of human history. Unfortunately though, a bank does not have the capacity (or the interest) to explore your multi-chaptered journey. A bank, in truth, reaches into your novel and rips out a single page. They rip it out efficiently and dispassionately. (read more...)
Realtors Are Going Deeper in 2009!
If you are a realtor, consider joining us for continuing education from holistic coaching perspective. All content is designed to give you a personal experience while teaching you tools to improve your communication with clients. Get more of what you want out of your career and life while helping clients discover what drives them and how they can make clear and congruent decisions. (Read more...)
Filed Under: Educational Experiences, Equity Design Events, Realtor Workshops
Ring in the New Year: Financial Balance
I was enjoying coffee this morning with an old friend. The conversation was sauntering along with my friend abruptly stopped me in mid sentence. She straightened up and her eyes were bright and she said, “There is something I have wanted to talk to you about. I have been doing some personal reflection and… well… I don’t really know where all my money is going. I also don’t know why I am not paying off my debt. Could you help me?†(read more...)
Healing in 2009
I was at a dinner party last night and we were talking about our hopes for 2009. As we went around the table talking the consistent theme was that this next year is going to be a significant one. One person talked about family relationships, another about living an “uncluttered life†and another about personal balance. In the end one friend piped up and said, “Everyone I have talked to seems to believe 2009 will be a time healing.†(read more...)
It is probably time to Refinance
We would love to get all philosophical with you about financial health and planning. And it is true that we want every friend and client to be in a secure and wise loan. But the reality is RATES ARE GREAT. We are looking at rates that are at some all time lows. Yes, there are some unique challenges right now. (read more...)
How does Money relate to Real Wealth in our community?
Ok, so you’ve likely read more about economics these last few months than in all those college econ classes you took way back when. As if it weren’t enough, we decided to throw our own little spin on things and put together a forum to try to unpack some of the components that aren’t getting much air time (but should) AND give you some practical steps to help make our community better. (read more...)
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences, Equity Design Events
Economic Crisis Town Hall – Save the Date
You frustrated with the injustices happening with the current financial bailout? You curious to know more? Do you remember those WTO days where you may have first heard that large corporations wield a bit of power and don’t always have others’ interests in mind (read: community, environment, laborers, etc). Here’s an event that promises to do similar type of education on the financial industry with the intent to do something about it. (read more...)
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences, Equity Design Events
The Story of Stuff
We are rounding the fall corner and coming to "that time of year again"- the time that brings back childhood memories of being the first to the stores for the big sales. Adulthood has brought a different relationship to consumption and The Story of Stuff has introduced me to the concepts of "planned obsolescence" and "perceived obsolescence". Here's a little teaser for this simple 20 minute narrative cause you to wonder about all the people and things that go into the products we buy. Enjoy!
Filed Under: Community Wealth, Economic Justice, Media, Sustainability
First Thursday Realtor Workshop – December
Join us on the 4th for December's First Thursday Realtor Workshop. We will explore simple ways to increase your productivity so you can experience more of what ignites you in your business. Download the flier, RSVP and we'll see you soon!
Strategies for Strengthening Local Economies
An evening with author and economic activist Stacy Mitchell! She will discuss the growing movement around the country to rebuild and strengthen local economies, placing what's happening in Portland into this larger, encouraging context as well as examining why local economies are so critical to meeting the challenge of global warming to ensure our economic and community well-being in the near future. She will also be offering key policies and strategies to help realize this vision. Be sure to come early at 6pm for a celebration of our local economy with information, refreshments and representatives from various local community businesses and organizations.
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences
100 Mile Thanksgiving
Join us Monday the 17th for our November Community Commons as we partner with the Real Wealth of Portland and explore local food through an economic justice lens.
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences, Equity Design Events
Veteran’s Day Salute – Col. Ken Reusser
On this Veteran's day, it gives us great honor to tell you a bit of the story of our friend, Col. Kenneth Reusser. Col. Reusser and his wonderful wife Trudy are among our most beloved and respected clients.
Matisyahu Covers Marley’s Redemption Song
As part of the Call+Response film that we have helped promote, Matisyahu covers Bob Marley's Redemption song. It is worth watching, if not for its economic justice use, then for it's sheer beauty.
spending plans
Our Mortgage Trust colleague and friend Evan Swanson recently wrote on the subject of budgeting. We agree when he says, "At the root of success or failure regarding a household’s finances is how well they control their spending". Read on for some good articles and tools to help you out...
Financial health and real holistic wealth
It is apparent that a tremendous need exists in our community. We are receiving more and more requests for assistance to navigate financial decisions. Clients and new referrals are coming in for general consulting on what they need to do, whether or not they have experienced major changes in their financial picture.
As a service to our wider community, we want to make sure everyone knows that we are available for an introductory consulting session to help you decide what your next step is. In addition, we have built out a number of components to specifically address financial issues for those who need more extensive coaching.
First Thursday Realtor Workshop – November
November's workshop should be a fun one! We will be exploring business growth from a different angle - how to align who you are with what you do. In this difficult economic environment, what would it look like to (re?)connect to the passions and values that drive you and bring more of that energy into your business. Check out the flier here.
We hope you will join us!
Filed Under: Educational Experiences, Equity Design Events, Realtor Workshops
Human Rights – Community Commons
Monday was the first of a series of Community Commons forums that we are a part of. October's theme was Human Rights and there was a great array of community organizations that came and presented what they are up to and how people can get involved. We wanted to share that information with you! Check out these organizations
Taking Spending-Control to a New Level
A friend of ours named Jacose Bell, practices a spending-control habit that surprised even me. Her solution: It's a simple matter of storage. Jacose keeps one credit card. Where does she keep it, you ask?
Filed Under: Community Lives, Debt, Financial Health, Member spot-lights
Real Wealth and Personal Justice
There is one big issue that comes up over and over within our Equity Design Community: What is the next Priority in my financial Plan? We have written an article to answer that very question.
Filed Under: Community Wealth, Financial Health, Mortgage, Planning
Slavery – more prevalent than ever?
Is human slavery more prevalent now than ever? Are there ways to promote worker and human rights? The Real Wealth of Portland encourages you to watch the film Call and Response this weekend, then come to our forum on October 20 to learn more and take action. Feel free to download the event flier and distribute or post!
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences
Economic Justice in Health and Trade
Two great community events coming up! Check out the film Sick Around the World and/or attend a forum on the local effects of international trade agreements.
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences
Blessed Unrest
Hope in the midst of large and overwhelming global issues. That is my conclusion as I learn of so many individuals and groups choosing to take action based on the unrest see or they themselves feel.
First it was Paul Hawken's description of "the largest movement in the world." ...
Filed Under: Community Wealth, Economic Justice, Media, Non-profits, Portland Life
Realtor Workshop – Values Based Wealth Building
Realtors! Join us for our workshop, Values Based Wealth Building For You and Your Clients, this Thursday 1-2pm at Fidelity Title's Lloyd area office.
This is the second workshop in our ongoing First Thursday series sponsored by Fidelity National Title.
See the attached flier and RSVP!
Filed Under: Educational Experiences, Equity Design Events, Realtor Workshops
25/24 Rule
We want to help our community build sustainable and accountable spending habits (reversing the American spend-addiction). The 25/24 rule is one such habit that is harvesting great results in people's budgets and family cultures. The rule is fairly simple.
Fannie and Freddie
All over the financial news this week we read of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the swift move of the government over the weekend to all but nationalize these two entities. There are and will be many ramifications from this move, but uncertainty abounds on the medium and long term effects. One thing is for certain though - rates have dropped on average .5%.
What’s an Earth Ship?
My wife and I recently went to New Mexico on vacation. Sadly, my knowledge of this close corner of the world is lacking, so when she made reservations to stay in an Earth Ship I began to wonder what we were getting into. To my surprise, our few nights in the Earth Ship happened to be the nicest of any accommodations as well as the least expensive. My surprises didn't stop there.
Filed Under: Community Lives, Community Wealth, Equity Design Team, Sustainability
Going Deeper – Realtor Workshop
Starting September 4th, we are launching our realtor roundtables to help you succeed personally and professionally. Please check out the attached flyer and be sure to RSVP!
Filed Under: Educational Experiences, Equity Design Events, Realtor Workshops
FHA Loans – What Real Estate Professionals Needs to Know
FHA loans have become more prominently used in the recent few months because of the various underwriting flexibilities that conventional loans do not have. Many of these flexibilities used to be found in ALT-A & subprime mortgage programs but because of the credit collapse these loans are no longer available. Read on to learn more about FHA loans in today's market...
Limited Liability – It’s All About the Details
Many of our clients ask about protecting themselves in what is felt as a litigious society. They may own their own small company or may want to own real estate but fear the "what-ifs" out there. When legal questions arise we turn to Dallas Thomsen, a local attorney who has amazed us with expertise as well as character and desire to truly serve clients' needs. Download the article
Filed Under: Assets, Community Wealth, Financial Health, Protection
Call+Response
CALL+RESPONSE is a first of its kind feature documentary film that reveals the world's 27 million dirtiest secrets: there are more slaves today than ever before in human history.
Filed Under: Community Wealth, Economic Justice, Media, Reviews
Details on Tax credit for 1st time home-buyers
Last week President Bush signed the new housing bill into law. One of the provisions which was included in this bill to help the ailing housing industry is a tax credit for first time home-buyers. We wanted to take a quick moment to highlight the details for those of you who will qualify for this credit:
Housing bill signed: Who qualifies for mortgage help and how to get it
Questions and answers about the Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008, passed by Congress last weekend to try to steer as many as 400,000 struggling homeowners away from foreclosure:
The Place Where I Live
The other night I attended the Restorative Listening Project's event around the film "Northeast Passage". The event was hosted by John Canda, among others, and gave the diverse audience of inner Northeast Portland residents a chance to explore and dialogue about gentrification.
Filed Under: Community Lives, Community Wealth, Media, Portland Life, Reviews
6 Tasks to Triumph in Tough Economic Times
We live in tricky times. There is no denying that our current economic environment offers hurdles (and opportunities). The combination of the slowed housing market (Portland has flatlined and in some areas homes have lost value) coupled with the credit crunch, has infused fear into the American population. Insecurity and fear are often cured by self-examination and intentional living.
Filed Under: Coaching, Community Wealth, Debt, Financial Health, Mortgage, Planning
This Land Is Their Land
Barbara Ehrenreich and Chuck Collins are visiting us Wed. July 16th to talk about economic inequality.
Filed Under: Community Events, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences
Initial Consultation
Andi came into my office the other day. She had been recommended to us through a member of the Equity Design community. Andi has a dream...
Filed Under: Community Lives, Financial Health, Mortgage, Planning
Going Deeper: A New Framework for Balancing Life and Business
This summer we are launching our monthly Realtor Round-Table. Our hope is to provide a unique opportunity for exchange among industry professionals. Yes, we will be providing numerous
Living in a Dump (literally)
Outside of Mangua, Nicaragua there is a society of 700 families who live off and in the garbage of the city. There home is quite literally a dump. I always thought that the greatest tragedy in such a place was the lack of food. In truth the real horrors are sexual abuse, drugs and disease. See video:
A woman named Gloria
Filed Under: Community Lives, Community Wealth, Economic Justice, Member spot-lights
Sunday drivers
Something magical and other worldly happened yesterday. If you didn’t know the
context you would think that I was living in a Disney movie or some psychedelic documentary on the seventies.
My family spent much of the day on our front porch, in our front yard or peering out our front picture window. What did we
Filed Under: Community Lives, Community Wealth, Portland Life, Sustainability
“Lord Save Us From Your Followersâ€
After three years of work we recently competed our feature film, “Lord Save Us From Your Followers." We just completed a one week premier at the Hollywood theater here in our hometown and the response exceeded our expectations. Several of the showing sold out and thousands came out to watch.
Filed Under: Community Events, Community Lives, Educational Experiences, Equity Design Team, Media, Reviews
Celebrate our Independents: Eat Local Week
July 4-July 11 is Eat Local Week
How would our lives and community be different if we shifted our purchases to local businesses? Does that locally produced organic hopworks beer taste better? How about buying from local growers through People’s Food Coop? Does it taste better? Does it cost less? How
Filed Under: Community Events, Community Wealth, Economic Justice, Educational Experiences, Media, Portland Life, Reviews, Sustainability
Summary of WBSS
We recently completed the second installment of our Wealth Building Seminar Series. It is an 8 hour workshop exploring the categories and challenges of financial planning from a holistic perspective, all within the warm and comfortable environment of the Kennedy School.
The first challenge in a series such as this is to critique and reframe what “wealth” means. When
Filed Under: Community Wealth, Educational Experiences, Equity Design Events, Financial Health
Integrated Mortgage Planning
There are the typical issues that every mortgage plan needs to consider: cash flow, time frame, program, leveraged reserves, underwriting requirements and return on investment.
In addition to these, there are many other essential elements we need to consider. Check out our video on the subject:
Birth Announcement!
Hilary and I recently experienced the birth of our son Dillon. It was Mother’s Day, precisely, much to the delight of our mothers. Dillon’s arrival date shouldn’t have come as a surprise with so many births in Hilary’s immediate family occurring on holidays (President’s Day, Christmas, Halloween, and Labor Day). Thus, on May 11,
Our Team Has Grown
We have added Brigitte Erickson to our team. With her help, we are expanding our capacity and our ability to consistently serve our community. She is an insane gift. We are very thankful. She comes to us with several years of mortgage experience and a heart of compassion for people and communities. She is excited to build a
Update on the Kriz boys
Our boys continue to be an adventure.  
Malachi (4 years old in striped shirt) has found his inner artist. He spends hours a day coloring and drawing. He was recently accepted into our local Portland public school Spanish immersion program. Jared get’s to be his tutor, since I have forgotten all my college Spanish.
Hudson (2 years
New Age of Financial Advice
Do you know where you want to go, financially speaking? Do you know if your choices are congruent with the path to get there? We are living in an age where
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