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.

A wise and important mentor of mine once told me that, “A reputation is a gift you give yourself every day. No one can take it from you, and no one can give it to you. It is the body of your work each and every day that creates your reputation.”

As part of this next chapter, we are now able to act on a request we have received for years from clients who either live or spend their winters in warmer climates. They want us closer to where they are. So, we are also excited to announce that this spring we will be opening our newest office in Naples, Florida. We have already begun the search for the right talent that fits our culture and believe we have found a location that will be centrally located and convenient for our clients in the area.

Following two historic years, with the S&P 500 achieving consecutive annual gains of more than 25% for the first time since 1997-1998, equity markets continued their upward trajectory returning 2.8% for the month. In the US, investors weighed a strong labor market, which is generally a positive indicator, with the implication that labor market strength may make Federal Reserve rate cuts less likely. This tension was compounded by volatility driven by evolving developments in the AI space and left equity markets in flux in January.

With the receipt of Greenleaf Trust’s national charter and our continued Delaware limited purpose trust company charter, we now have additional tools for bringing our clients the best planning opportunities. Many states have adopted “uniform acts” which create greater consistency between state laws. However, each state retains unique differences in both substance and whether the laws in that state have been tested by the courts. In helping our clients, we are always looking to make the best decision balancing both the substance of the law and the protections of the law.

No matter where you are in your Social Security timeline, if you are concerned about how this will affect your current and or future lifestyle, ask your financial advisor to run an analysis and model your retirement with a reduction in Social Security benefits and or reduced after-tax income. What you might find is that, while it is not ideal to face reduced benefits, you are still able to live comfortably. If not, start planning now to address that shortfall and bring balance back to your three-legged stool.

The IRS Tax Filing PIN, also known as an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), is a six-digit code provided by the IRS to help taxpayers verify their identity. This code adds an extra layer of security to your tax return, ensuring that only you or your authorized representative can file under your Social Security Number (SSN).

Secure Act 2.0 made numerous changes in the retirement industry. One of those changes brought us the Qualified Student Loan Program (QSLP) that became effective for plan years starting on or after January 1, 2024. This optional provision allows employers to provide a matching contribution to eligible plan participants that are making qualified student loan payments. Many participants may be unable to defer into the plan due to repayment of student loan debt.

A key step to making a successful transition to retirement is to work with excellent advisors including an estate planning attorney, a strong CPA, and a wealth manager such as Greenleaf Trust. These firms can help with important tasks such as preparing estate planning documents, candidly discussing needs and goals, and preparing a sustainability analysis to evaluate potential spending levels. Access to such advice can provide tremendous peace of mind as a person moves forward with retirement. Life is a journey and seeking wisdom from others can help you tremendously. Remember to run your own race as you move forward!

One of the things that makes Greenleaf Trust unique is our talented team. They are deeply committed to the work they do for our clients and worth meaningful recognition for their achievements. At the end of the year, we announced the following 32 promotions. These were teammates from throughout the organization that successfully executed customized […]

Economists have largely shelved their recession forecasts, which last year registered 50% odds of a downturn in 2024. The outlook for corporate earnings growth is rosy. Predictions for inflation remain marginally concerning, but overall, the outlook for the coming year is positive.

The flow of information in the U.S. stock market involves a complex process of communication from investors to banks, registered investment advisors, custodians, and clearinghouses. Investors, like you, work with entities like Greenleaf Trust to initiate the process of buying or selling equities.

Continuous improvement is one of Greenleaf Trust’s core values – it is a pillar of our culture and has become part of our DNA. Every tangible improvement we have made on behalf of our clients stems from a disciplined review of our practices.

Offering employees a solid retirement plan can be a vital component of a larger benefit package to entice people to join your company team and stay.