Greenleaf Trust Named a 2026 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® at the National, Metro Detroit and West Michigan Levels

Greenleaf Trust’s recognition as a 2026 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation, Metro Detroit and West Michigan underscores the firm’s ongoing focus on culture, connection and long term investment in its people.

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February Inflation – Meeting Expectations

The notable increase in energy prices associated with the ongoing war in Iran would not have been captured in this month’s reading; however, March figures may be upwardly biased as a consequence of the elevated energy prices.

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Many Changes Have Occurred, Yet Our Purpose Remains Constant

What has allowed us to adapt and thrive through changes as well as create improvements is the intentional preservation over the years of our core values and culture. Our core values of client first focus, integrity and accuracy, continuous improvement, teamwork, a budget focused on the client and inclusive employment practices provide a foundation for all that we do.

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Economic Commentary

The economy and markets still appear to be on solid footing. Trade policy remains in flux, creating a potential headwind as businesses and consumers adjust to the evolving landscape.

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Digital Assets and Fiduciary Oversight

As fiduciaries – whether personal or professional – we can help prevent that outcome for families and individuals who have placed their trust in us. The tools exist and the legal framework is largely in place. All we have to do is ask the question: “What digital assets do you have, and does someone know how to find then?”

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Trump Accounts: An Overview and Comparison

For families focused on education savings, a 529 savings plan remains the gold standard, offering superior tax benefits, greater contribution flexibility and parental control. For families seeking general savings without restrictions, an UTMA may be appropriate, with the understanding of its limitations.

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Retirement Plan Contributions – How to Feel Confident in Your Deferrals

As a retirement plan provider, our sole goal is to help you save for a retirement you can be proud of, without sacrificing your current wellbeing. We have no interest in coercing you into a contribution rate that you are not comfortable with. We are here to help you every step of the way towards retirement, and are happy to provide the insight necessary to make choices you can feel confident in.

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Charitable Giving in 2026: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, OB3, made significant changes to charitable giving, and the income tax deductions that often motivate a charitable gift. Those changes impact what to give and how the gift is made.

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March 2026 Newsletter Perspectives

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February Jobs – Unexpectedly Weak

 While Fed policymakers have been more focused on inflation, even before the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, ongoing evidence of a slowing labor market could refocus the Fed’s attention as it assesses how long to hold interest rates steady. 

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January Retail Sales – Wheels and Weather in Focus

Today’s data may be indicative of the stress being applied to lower-income earners who get their confidence and willingness to spend from a healthy labor market and gainful employment.  Higher income earners who represent a smaller percentage of the population but account for the lion’s share of spending are more influenced by the health of financial markets and portfolio wealth.

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TCBN highlights the growth of Greenleaf Trust’s Northern Michigan office

The TCBN highlights the growth of Greenleaf Trust’s Northern Michigan office and the client‑first approach behind it. The article features insights from Regina Jaeger, CFP®, CTFA, Senior Vice President, Market Director and Senior Trust Relationship Officer, and Lauree K. VanderVeen, CTFA, Senior Vice President, Market Director and Senior Trust Relationship Officer, on what continues to drive long‑term success.

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National Association for Business Resources Recognizes Greenleaf Trust as One of Michigan’s Best and Brightest in Wellness for 2026

Greenleaf Trust is proud to share that it has been named one of Michigan’s Best and Brightest in Wellness for 2026 by the National Association for Business Resources. This recognition highlights organizations that demonstrate a meaningful commitment to employee wellbeing and to creating workplace cultures where people can thrive.

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Greenleaf Trust CEO Mike Odar Named 2025 Most Loved CEO

Greenleaf Trust is proud to announce that Mike Odar, CEO, has been named to the 2025 Most Loved CEOs list by Most Loved Workplace®. This prestigious recognition honors leaders whose employees report feeling respected, supported and proud to work for them.

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How Trump’s $10B Gaza Aid Could Impact Your Wallet, According to Experts

GOBankingRates featured insights from Nicholas Juhle, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer, in an article focused on the potential wallet impact of proposed Gaza aid.

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Greenleaf Trust Announces CERTIFIED FINANCIAL INSITUITIONAL RISK SPECIALIST® Designation Achievement

This achievement reflects Quinn’s dedication to advancing her professional expertise in compliance and risk management, as well as actively reinforcing our culture of compliance by fostering best practices.

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Greenleaf Trust opens first Florida office in Naples

Jeannine Stetson, CTFA, CDFA®, Vice President, Senior Trust Relationship Officer at Greenleaf Trust, was featured in Golfshore Business highlighting our new Naples office.

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Greenleaf Trust Named to 2025 Top 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in the Nation

“We are deeply honored to be recognized among the Top 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in the nation,” said Karen Baldwin, Chief Human Resources Officer at Greenleaf Trust.

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January Inflation – Beating Expectations

Overall, the January inflation levels were improved from December and beat expectations, marking its lowest level since May of last year. Core inflation, which excludes the volatile food and energy prices met analyst expectations.

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Elon Musk Says You Don’t Need To Worry About Saving for Retirement

While Musk has insight into how AI can potentially shape the future, telling people not to save for retirement isn’t realistic, according to Nicholas Juhle, Greenleaf Trust’s chief investment officer.

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January Jobs – Strong Start to 2026

Today’s report could be an early indication that the labor market is firming up after a year marked by rising unemployment and minimal hiring.  Initial expectations called for continued sluggish job growth in 2026, though Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell cited signs of steadying in the labor market as the committee left interest rates unchanged last month. 

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Who’s The Next You?

Succession planning can definitely be one of those things like cleaning the garage, scheduling a dentist’s appointment, taking care of the check engine light on your car or unloading the dishwasher. They are all things you can get to later. You know you should take care of them, and you will; just not now. For a business though, putting off succession planning can be much more disruptive than a dirty garage or full dishwasher.

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Economic Commentary

As we navigate the first quarter of 2026, we encourage investors to maintain discipline. Whether dealing with headlines from Washington or the nuances of trade negotiations, a long-term time horizon remains your most effective asset.

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Cultivating Humanity in Trusts

The best estate planning doesn’t end with the signing of the documents, but also includes honest, candid reflection and conversation about why the decisions were made, being realistic about the individuals involved and follow up on all of the details to make sure that everything truly is in order. No one likes to talk about these things – they are hard.

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A Time Capsule from 1988

I wonder what financial advice from today will make our children and grandchildren smile and shake their heads 38 years from now. What are we getting wrong? What will seem as outdated as the advice to go 100% bonds at 55? Only time will tell but I hope they find our old articles as fascinating as I found Jack’s.

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Preparing for the Silver Tsunami: What Happens to Company 401(k) Plans?

As this generation of business owners move toward retirement, most of the conversation centers on how they will fund their after-career phase. But the demographic shift also impacts the millions of employees who depend on employer-sponsored retirement plans – especially in the 2.3 million U.S. businesses owned by Baby Boomers.

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Creditor Protection for IRAs

IRAs now comprise a substantial part of an individual’s net worth, often with balances in the millions of dollars. Individuals are encouraged, both by financial planners and by Congress to open Roth IRAs.

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Tax Season Warning: Rising IRS & Tax Fraud Risks — How to Protect Yourself

As tax-related scams continue to evolve, awareness and careful verification remain the most effective defenses. Greenleaf Trust encourages clients to reach out to their Client Centric Team before acting on any suspicious tax-related request.

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February 2026 Newsletter Perspectives

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December Retail Sales – Dwindling Momentum Exiting Holiday Season

The figures suggest consumer spending lost momentum toward the end of the holiday season with households frustrated by a higher cost of living and concerns over the health of the labor market.  At our year-end seminars, we discussed the concept of a K-shaped economy where some parts of the economy are doing well and other parts of the economy are not doing so well (trending higher and lower in the shape of a K). 

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2025 Year in Review & 2026 Outlook

Chief Investment Officer, Nicholas Juhle, and Vice President, Assistant Director of Research, Christopher Burns, present the 2025 year in review and 2026 outlook presentation.

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3 Key Points in Trump’s Davos Speech That Will Impact Your Wallet Right Now

Nicholas Juhle gave insight on how President Trump’s Davos speech will impact the economy.

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Greenleaf Trust Appoints Dan J. Rinzema as President to Support Firm’s Continued Growth

Greenleaf Trust National Association announced today that Dan J. Rinzema has been promoted to president of the independent nationally chartered trust bank. Rinzema, who has served as chief client officer since 2014, will assume broader leadership responsibilities supporting the firm’s day-to-day operations and strategic execution.

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December Inflation – Core Up Less Than Expected

Overall December inflation levels were unchanged from November and aligned with forecasts while underlying inflation levels (core; excludes food and energy) rose less than expected month-over-month – a potential signal of cooling price growth.  In December prices rose 2.7% compared to a year ago and 0.3% compared to November.  Core inflation rose 2.7% year-over-year and […]

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Greenleaf Trust Announces CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification Achievement

Greenleaf Trust is pleased to announce that Eric Wenzel, Senior Wealth Management Associate, has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, a distinguished credential in the financial planning profession.

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December Jobs – Hiring Subdued but Unemployment Lower

While policymakers are divided on whether or not more cuts are needed in 2026, today’s report could argue for additional accommodation in the year ahead.  As it stands, investors are pricing in two cuts in 2026, while the median Fed forecast calls for one. 

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Jeannine Stetson

An educator at heart and servant leader by example, Jeannine’s sole focus is on our clients’ best interests. It’s a welcome change from the large financial firms where she previously worked, whose cultures tended toward the transactional side of things. Jeannine’s passion, refreshingly, is in the
relational side, where understanding and meeting a client’s every need is paramount.

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The Plan for 2026

To cultivate means to develop or improve something through care and effort. Our Cultivation initiative is a reference to the symbol of our long-term strategy, a tree. The roots represent our core values, the tree our clients, with the branches representing our team that supports our clients and the leaves the initiatives to Serve Clients More.

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Economic Commentary

The recession anxieties that dominated headlines just two years ago have largely evaporated, replaced by a growing consensus that the elusive “soft landing” may have been successfully navigated. The outlook for corporate earnings remains robust, driven by productivity gains and technology adoption. In what was at times a volatile year, disciplined investors were rewarded.

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Built to Bend: Modern Flexible Trust Design

In an era of rapid financial, legal and family-dynamic changes, one of the most valuable features of any trust is flexibility. While trusts are often created to provide structure, security and long-term direction, the most successful plans intentionally balance that structure with the ability to adapt.

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Survey Says…

Our annual personal trust and wealth management client satisfaction survey is designed to gauge Greenleaf Trust’s collective efforts from our clients’ perspective. We not only want to know if we are delivering on our promises, but we also crave candid feedback on ways in which we can better serve our clients. Analyzing the results helps us more closely align the voice of our client with our daily impact and better understand how our clients feel about Greenleaf Trust’s personalized service and customized solutions

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Looking Ahead: Preparing for Retirement and a New Chapter

Retirement marks a significant life milestone, but it is not just about your financial readiness. It really is a multifaceted transition that involves emotional, lifestyle, and practical considerations. Here are a few key areas to think about.

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Step Up to Basis Planning

If an asset is given away during lifetime, the gifted asset’s income tax basis is ‘carried over’ to the recipient. If the recipient then sells the asset, he or she will incur a capital gain. That is not the same if the asset is inherited after its owner’s death.

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January 2026 Newsletter Perspectives

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Greenleaf Trust Named Best and Brightest Iconic Winner in West Michigan and Metro Detroit

Greenleaf Trust is proud to announce it has been named a Best and Brightest Iconic winner for both the 2025 West Michigan and Metro Detroit Best and Brightest programs. The Iconic award recognizes organizations that have earned Elite winner status for five or more consecutive years, demonstrating sustained excellence in workplace culture and employee engagement.

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Greenleaf Trust announces EA designation

Tax Coordinator, Jacob Carr, recently received his Enrolled Agent designation. Enrolled Agents are federally licensed tax practitioners who have demonstrated technical competence in federal taxation and are authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS at all administrative levels.

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Greenleaf Trust announces 32 promotions

Greenleaf Trust is pleased to announce the promotion of 32 team members across the organization, reflecting the firm’s continued growth and commitment to recognizing talent, leadership and excellence.

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November CPI – Unexpected Deceleration

Despite numerous caveats related to data collection during and following the government shutdown, the report offers hope that inflationary pressures could be easing after remaining stuck in a narrow range since early this year.

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October Retail Sales – Not Bad Beyond Cars

Lower spending at motor vehicle dealers and lower gas prices masked solid spending across several other categories – an indication that consumer spending was resilient in the early weeks of the holiday shopping season as shoppers sought out deals.

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October & November Jobs – Delayed Report Validates Fed

While policymakers are divided on whether or not more cuts are needed in 2026, today’s report appears to support last week’s split decision.     

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