Articles, insights and analysis.

I enjoy the interaction that I get with readers of our Greenleaf Trust newsletter each month. The reactions are usually positive and occasionally challenging, especially when we approach the silly season of political campaigns. I changed the title of my monthly article a few years ago from “Economic Update” to “Economic Commentary” because I felt […]

We believe diverse, critical thoughts and candid discussions are necessary components of the decision making process. Decisions at Greenleaf Trust are made with these components, especially when it comes to strategic decisions. And since the focal point of our strategic planning process is our Advance, diverse critical thoughts and candid discussions are required. Our Advance […]

As the last vestiges of summer quickly fade, people throughout the region begin turning their attention to winter activities and the impending holiday season. Accompanying every change in seasons is a unique set of to-do items, and one such activity that Greenleaf Trust advisors actively anticipate this time of year is the emergence of annual […]

A common question I get asked by clients and prospects is, “How do I avoid probate?” Probate is the process that a state uses to settle the estate of a deceased person, referred to as the decedent. One of the main objections many people have with the probate process is that it often violates their […]

It’s hard to believe, but the end of 2019 is quickly approaching. For most Americans, the season is filled with time with family and friends, last minute online orders with the hope Amazon’s two day delivery doesn’t fail you now, and for those lucky enough to call Michigan home, dusting off the snow blower for […]

How can I get more money into my retirement plan? As a relationship manager for numerous retirement plans, I regularly receive this question from business owners and other highly compensated employees (HCEs). These same individuals are often surprised to learn there are no income restrictions on Roth 401(k) or Roth 403(b) dollars, unlike the income […]

November 2019, Kalamazoo and Traverse City, MI – Greenleaf Trust announces three new hires and two promotions Greenleaf Trust is proud to announce the addition of three new team members: Jan Crossman joins the Traverse City location as a team service coordinator. She is responsible for providing administrative support, day-to-day servicing of account needs and […]

The inverted yield curve, while not a switchback roadway in Moldova, still has this air of Route 66 mystery to it. What exactly is this curve? Why does it invert? And how come some wicked smart market watchers get anxious about it…   Read More at U.S. News & World Report

As part of their internship at Greenleaf Trust, Victor Perez and Eddie Warr have completed the CFA Institute Investment Foundations® Program. Each intern was awarded the CFA investment Foundations Certificate after passing an extensive exam that covered ethics, economics, finance, investments and risk management. Also Greenleaf Trust Scholarship recipients, the interns have successfully demonstrated their […]