Better Banking Blog

About The Better Banking Blog

We are guided by a simple aspiration: benefit to all, harm to none. This means investing in and serving our local communities, contributing to environmental sustainability, offering inclusive, fair, and equitable more products, and nurturing our team. In the Better Banking Blog, we explore what a Beneficial Banking™ system looks like and how it can serve all of us.

New Years Resolutions to Combat Climate Change Four pairs of arms hold up signs calling on leaders to address climate change. The signs say "our house is on fire," "There is no planet B," "system change not climate change." and "evidence over ignorance" ("evidence" and "ignorance" are slightly cut off)

Four pairs of arms hold up signs calling on leaders to address climate change. The signs say "our house is on fire," "There is no planet B," "system change not climate change." and "evidence over ignorance" ("evidence" and "ignorance" are slightly cut off)

New Years Resolutions to Combat Climate Change

As we enter a new year, we can all consider how we can make a bigger impact to save the planet.

Dec 20, 2021

Five Wins for Economic Justice in 2021 Beneficial State acorns printed on pieces of paper and hung on a clothes line

Five Wins for Economic Justice in 2021

Equitable banking is possible! Here are five notable milestones from the last year.

Dec 09, 2021

Three Reasons to Shop Local and Make an Impact This Holiday Season Woman holding wrapped gifts, wearing a mask, and smiling as a light snow falls

Three Reasons to Shop Local and Make an Impact This Holiday Season

Local businesses create local jobs, support nonprofits, and contribute to thriving neighborhoods and communities.

Dec 06, 2021

Client Spotlight: Alicia Y - Refinanced Her Auto Loan and Lowered Her Interest Rate Photo of Alicia smiling, in glasses, with hair half up and half down.

Photo of Alicia smiling, in glasses, with hair half up and half down.

Client Spotlight

Alicia Y - Refinanced Her Auto Loan and Lowered Her Interest Rate

“Refinancing with Beneficial State Bank saved me money by taking my interest rate from 14 percent to eight...

Nov 29, 2021

Client Spotlight: The Center in Hollywood - Ending Isolation and Homelessness in Hollywood Two people standing in a doorway of a kitchen. The person on the left holds keys. Both are masked with smiling eyes.

Two people standing in a doorway of a kitchen. The person on the left holds keys. Both are masked with smiling eyes.

Client Spotlight

The Center in Hollywood - Ending Isolation and Homelessness in Hollywood

The Center in Hollywood takes a holistic approach to support unhoused residents through radical hospitality.

Nov 24, 2021

We Aspire to Be Worthy of Our Mission

This is the right time for us to take a fresh look at our identity - how we as a bank show up in the world.

Nov 23, 2021

Client Spotlight: Hacienda CDC - Affordable Housing in Portland Hacienda CDC staff (all wearing masks) distributing food to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hacienda CDC staff (all wearing masks) distributing food to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Client Spotlight

Hacienda CDC - Affordable Housing in Portland

For this Latino community development corporation, providing affordable housing is just the start.

Nov 17, 2021

Press Release: Beneficial State Bank Receives “Outstanding” Community Reinvestment Act Rating, Continues to Advocate for Reform Beneficial State Bank acorn with the words "Press Release"

Press Release

Beneficial State Bank Receives “Outstanding” Community Reinvestment Act Rating, Continues to Advocate for Reform

A rating of “Outstanding” is the highest possible score and is earned by fewer than 15% of banks.

Nov 16, 2021

B Corps Earn an A on Social and Environmental Performance Karen Parolek sits at her desk in a blue sweater in front of a blue wall with a white bicycle painted on it.

Karen Parolek sits at her desk in a blue sweater in front of a blue wall with a white bicycle painted on it.

B Corps Earn an A on Social and Environmental Performance

Opticos Design and its bank, Beneficial State, are certified B Corps, dedicated to helping communities and the...

Oct 28, 2021

Choose a Bank that Invests in Tomorrow

Beneficial State Bank serves the triple-bottom-line of people, planet, and prosperity for all. That means prioritizing social justice and environmental sustainability. Our clients want to see their money put to good use – funding causes that defend our planet and build resiliency in our communities. Change your bank and help change the world.

Personal Banking Business Banking Nonprofit Banking