Greenleaf Trust is structured to remain privately held into perpetuity. We have the ability to serve from generation to generation and intend to do so. We also may make acquisitions in the future as part of our long-term strategy to Serve Clients More. When and if that happens, we will always put client relationships first.

The U.S./Israeli strikes on Iran have materially altered expectations for 2026. Coming into the year, investors expected a solid combination of decelerating inflation, interest rate cuts, strong corporate earnings growth and low risk of recession. Rapidly rising energy prices have introduced a new layer of complexity for investors to navigate.

Financial Literacy Month is a meaningful reminder that building confidence in your financial future does not have to happen alone. Whether you are just getting started or refining an existing plan, having a trusted partner can make navigating financial decisions clearer and more manageable.

Greenleaf Trust offers multiple tools to enhance clients’ digital experience, one of which is the MyWealth platform. The MyWealth platform plays a role in the management and implementation of your comprehensive wealth management plan, as well as offers a secure way to house your important documents via the “Vault” feature.

As we age, the value of our health and access to good medical care increases significantly each year. It is important to approach healthcare decisions in a thoughtful manner.

As wealthy individuals exhaust their currently available applicable exemption amounts, or they find they have no exemption available if the sunset date for the large transfer tax exemptions occurs on January 1, 2026, more attention should be given to the use of a net, net gift agreement to reduce the effective transfer tax rate for lifetime gifts.

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.

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.

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?”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.