So, how can you protect yourself? Here are just a few tips.

Set up strong unique passwords.
Enable account alerts (bank login attempts, new device logins, etc.).
Never enter personal details or PINs from links or messages you didn’t initiate yourself.
Be suspicious of urgent messages pretending to be from an entity you conduct business with, especially when asked to enter a code or provide personal information.
Social engineers rely on urgency. Pause before you react. Verify the request and sender before replying. Adopt a mindset of informed skepticism.
Avoid oversharing on social media.

Just five months into 2025, the global economic landscape has shifted from the cautious optimism observed at the start of the year. A flurry of tariff implementations throughout April and May has disrupted international trade. While some trade deals are emerging, the broader landscape remains uncertain, forcing businesses and governments worldwide to navigate unfamiliar waters. The markets will keep a close eye on the pace and scope of trade deals in the coming months – particularly on the 18 countries with which the U.S. has significant economic ties.

As interest in cryptocurrency continues to grow, so too does the number of scams targeting investors—including retirees and high-net-worth individuals exploring digital assets. If you or someone you love is curious about this emerging space, it’s critical to stay informed and cautious.

Guidelines for Avoiding the Uncapping of Michigan Property Taxes When Transferring the Family Cottage

Without question, if there are ‘financial planning commandments,’ one of them would be “Don’t miss out on free money,” pointing to the fact that employees should make sure they capitalize on any employer match from their retirement plan. Widely considered to be the largest benefit of workplace retirement plans, employer contributions specifically matching contributions provide an incentive for those saving toward retirement to prioritize their plans over IRAs and the like.

Recency bias can lead to poor decision making in markets and investments by ignoring long-term trends and sound analysis. Extreme speculation can lead to unsustainable prices, irrational behavior, and poor long-term outcomes.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming nearly every industry, and wealth management is no exception. Once limited to rudimentary automation tools, AI has evolved into a sophisticated asset that now drives efficiency, personalization, and deeper insights across the investment landscape.

Market volatility has surged following the announcement and rapid modifications of sweeping U.S. tariff policies that were rolled out in early April. Tariffs are complex, intersecting economics, politics, and global supply chains in ways that challenge intuition. This article seeks to outline the policy shifts, market reactions, economic forecasts, and the path forward. We will begin where it all started: Liberation Day.

In sum, there are many more bodily disposition options than just cremation or burial. The point is, do you want to leave this decision to your Funeral Representative? That person, if a family member or heir, may not want to spend much money out of the probate estate for a fancy funeral and expensive burial casket which simply depletes their inheritance. Or, that person might carry a grudge postmortem and use their power to dispose of the cadaver to ‘get even’ or with a perverse or sick sense of humor.
It is your body, and it should be your choice how your cadaver should be disposed of on your death.

As one ages, it is important to think about and plan for the future including a situation where you may not be able to remain fully independent. This is not a fun “what if” scenario, in terms of planning, but it is one deserving your attention. If you have children, you may think you are […]

At the end of the day, money is just a tool, nothing more, nothing less. Studies show that most people will spend about 80% of their lifetime earnings over the course of their lives, reminding us that money is meant to move, not to be clutched tightly. It’s neutral by nature, not good, not bad. Its role is to serve you, not to define you. The moment money starts shaping your identity or sense of self-worth, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. The real purpose of money is freedom – the freedom to live by your values, to chase your passions and to make choices without fear holding you back. When you see money for what it really is, you realize the goal isn’t just to have more, it’s to allow you to focus on the people, experiences and dreams that matter most.

The U.S. retirement system is a complex blend of Social Security benefits, private employer-sponsored benefit plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s, and individual investment accounts like Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA)s. This complexity often leads to scrutiny and criticism, which begs the question: Is the criticism based on fact or fiction? The media and academia often present […]

We recognized the benefits of growing our own talent a long time ago and developed our Associate Program to address our growing need for talent that fits our culture. Our plan from day one has been to find really talented people and integrate them into a culture that engages and inspires them. We can teach and develop the skills needed for each role. It’s much more difficult to teach talent and cultural fit.

Market volatility made a sudden resurgence in the first quarter of 2025, unnerving many investors. While market participants have enjoyed relatively subdued volatility over the last two years, the experience of 2023 and 2024 was more the exception than the rule. In this article, we will explore the drivers of recent volatility and put the present condition within its proper historical context.

Delaware has long been recognized as a leading jurisdiction in which to establish a trust. Delaware regularly creates laws that are intended to conduct a trust creator’s intentions while promoting flexibility in the administration of a trust that might continue for hundreds of years. Moreover, Delaware’s Chancery Courts are highly respected in their knowledge and understanding of how trusts are administered and will hold trustees accountable when they serve trust beneficiaries. It should come as no surprise then that in 2024 Delaware again took the lead to create the first Beneficiary Well-Being Trust Act. [12 Del.Chancery Section 3345(b).]

cognizing these complexities and implementing thoughtful mitigating strategies, parents can craft a legacy that truly supports their children, not just in numbers, but in fairness and intent.

Tariffs—taxes imposed on imported goods—have emerged as powerful economic chess pieces in the current global landscape. Once merely tools for protecting domestic industries and generating government revenue, tariffs now stand at the center of global economic strategy, reshaping everything from your monthly grocery bill to international power dynamics. As geopolitical tensions heat up between major players like the U.S. and China, and policies shift toward neighbors like Mexico and Canada, understanding these tax mechanisms has become essential not just for corporate executives and market analysts, but for anyone planning their financial future in an unpredictable world.

As Gen X ages into their late 40s and 50s, they face significant headwinds in retirement planning, such as rising healthcare costs, and lingering student loan debt. Despite these hurdles, there are significant benefits that corporate retirement plans have offered Gen X to increase their retirement readiness.

As a talent-based organization, we understand the importance of being a dependable resource, accountable for our commitments and reliable when needs arise. We collaborate most effectively when we understand that everyone is committed to achieving collective goals.

Historically, markets have shown resilience during periods of both high and low tariff regimes. While it is unclear what the future tariff rates may be, Greenleaf Trust continues to advise clients on the merits of maintaining a long-term investment perspective and avoiding reactive portfolio adjustments based on short-term market fluctuations or headline risk. Our dedicated team remains vigilant in monitoring these developments. On behalf of the entire team, thank you for allowing us to serve on your behalf.

A 1031 exchange can be a powerful tool for high-net-worth families and business owners looking to grow or diversify their real estate portfolios while deferring taxes. However, the process involves detailed regulations, strict deadlines, and specific property requirements. By working with qualified professionals, investors can take full advantage of the benefits of a 1031 exchange while minimizing potential risks and complications.

Investing is a powerful tool for building wealth and securing your financial future, but it is not without its challenges. Even seasoned investors can fall into common traps that can hinder their progress. Whether you are just starting your investment journey or looking to refine your strategy, understanding and avoiding these pitfalls is crucial. By being aware of these mistakes and taking proactive steps to avoid or mitigate them, you can stay on track toward achieving your financial goals.

SECURE Act 2.0: Plan sponsors need to know about new plan start-ups, employees, RMDs, mandatory ROTH catch up contributions, and enhanced catch up provisions.