April 2, 2020
April 2, 2020
CARES Act Retirement Plan Changes
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) was signed into law. In addition to numerous financial incentives provided to individuals and business, the CARES Act provides some major retirement plan changes allowing plan participants access to their retirement savings as a financial resource in this time of crisis. Employers […]
Read MoreApril 2, 2020
Wealth Management is Crisis Management
If you are like most, you’re experiencing quite a bit of anxiety right now as we grapple with a pandemic health crisis. The human, economic and market fallout are unnerving. Unfortunately, we know the headlines will get worse before they get better. Confirmed COVID-19 cases will grow exponentially, and dismal economic data resulting from the […]
Read MoreApril 2, 2020
Is Your Estate Plan in Order?
The world suddenly changed with the COVID-19 pandemic. We have all had to learn a new skill called social distancing. Millions now work from their homes. Isolation is the new mainstream lifestyle, albeit not by choice. Consequently, any discussion about estate planning seems pretty superfluous in this time of crisis. However, if an individual is […]
Read MoreApril 2, 2020
Money Market Funds Update
With all the market volatility lately, it is a little surprising that investors are concerned about the most stable part of their portfolios, their money market funds. We believe the concern has been driven by (1) a lack of knowledge about money market reforms instituted after the financial crisis, and (2) headlines in the financial […]
Read MoreApril 2, 2020
Municipal and Corporate Bond Market Updates
There have been disruptive flows in fixed income markets in March. Investors are concerned about the state of the bond markets. This article will give our current thinking on the municipal and corporate bond markets. Municipal Bonds – Disruptive Outflows, Some Opportunities, & Pockets of Credit Concern Municipal bonds are generally considered lower-risk investments and […]
Read MoreApril 2, 2020
COVID-19: The Disease, the Economy, and the Market
Please note: Throughout this article, we focus on the economic and market implications of the coronavirus, but we also acknowledge the significant humanitarian impact of the outbreak. Our hearts go out to those who have been directly affected and we wish you and your loved ones safety and health during this difficult time. What a […]
Read MoreApril 2, 2020
Separately Connected
Each year, starting in September, we purposely engage our entire company in discussion about our long-term strategic plan. Specifically, we ask and answer the question – what do we need to do next year to take one step forward in being top of mind? Because our culture is so important to us, each year it […]
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020
Operation Thank You
Please join us in taking a moment to find or create a card, write a few words of appreciation to the doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers, and send the card to us. We’ll quickly distribute them to area hospitals and clinics, making sure that your kind and supportive words are heard. Cards should be […]
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020
Early financial planning smooths path for company succession
It’s crucial for business owners to develop a sound personal financial plan separate from their business to ensure an early and successful retirement and transition of business ownership. What are the factors that can hinder that process? Read more from our Doug Bajor in this week’s edition of MiBiz: https://bit.ly/3dEWfuO
Read MoreMarch 29, 2020
Crisis could slow exits, but owners need to keep planning
Professionals say that the planning process needs to begin years in advance. A well-planned transition is more likely to go smoothly, enabling an owner to find the right buyer that’s a good fit for the business, and improving the chances of achieving the desired financial results from a transaction. “Rather than doing it just in […]
Read MoreMarch 27, 2020
A Better Way of Giving
When Dan Rinzema, Chief Client Officer, sought to create impact in the community on behalf of a client, he turned to donor-advised funds. Learn more about their popularity, tax efficiency and benefits from Dan with InvestmentNews
Read MoreMarch 13, 2020
Is Soft Dollar Remuneration a Conspiracy Theory?
Conspiracy theorists seem to lurk around every corner these days, imparting their less-than-logic-backed views and offering little evidence. The complex world of finance and managed assets provides ample opportunity for cynics and simpletons alike to assert similar claims — that institutions have rigged the system against them — often crying speculatively, “my broker makes more […]
Read MoreMarch 13, 2020
The Importance of Rebalancing
When it comes to retirement savings, most people know the basic principle: one should strive to save as much as they can, as early as they can. In addition, a high level of importance is placed on selecting the right combination of investments based on risk tolerance to assist in reaching one’s retirement income goals. […]
Read MoreMarch 13, 2020
mywealth by Greenleaf Trust
Welcome to the inaugural issue of mywealth tips, tricks, and tutorials! Greenleaf Trust offers multiple tools to enhance the client experience. Which one are we most excited about? mywealth! In this issue we’ll take a tour of the mywealth platform and how it plays a role in the management and implementation of your comprehensive wealth […]
Read MoreMarch 13, 2020
Planning Opportunities After the Secure Act
We have had a couple of months now to digest the implications of the SECURE Act and its end to the stretch distribution rule that benefited most individuals who inherit an IRA or 401(k) retirement account on the owner’s death. Rather than permit an individual designated beneficiary to take distributions from the inherited retirement account […]
Read MoreMarch 13, 2020
Proposed Changes to the Accredited Investor Rule
Late last year, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) attracted a lot of public attention when it issued a proposal to update the definition of an accredited investor. The definition relates to who can, and who cannot, invest in private, or unregistered, investment offerings. Registered securities, like publicly-traded stocks and bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs […]
Read MoreMarch 13, 2020
2020 Day of Caring
In the spirit of continuous improvement, each year we set out to identify ways that Greenleaf Trust could have an even greater impact on the communities in which we live and work. Our team currently serves on numerous non-profit and not-for-profit boards, partners financially with community impact firms through giving and fundraising efforts, and collectively […]
Read MoreMarch 13, 2020
March 2020 Perspectives Newsletter
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Coronavirus Update – Getting Worse Before it Gets Better
The coronavirus induced sell-off is reaching new depths today as investors continue to grapple with the rapid spread of the virus and uncertainty around a fiscal response to curb slower economic growth from the outbreak. The S&P 500 officially entered bear market territory this morning with losses extending more than 25% from the late February […]
Read MoreMarch 12, 2020
Interview: Financial expert gives advice as stock markets continue to plunge
Nick Juhle’s interview with Kate Siefert on Channel 3 Kalamazoo has published online and is available here: INTERVIEW: Financial Expert gives advice as stock markets continue to plunge
Read MoreMarch 9, 2020
Oil Price War – Another Facet of Uncertainty
Happy Monday? Oil prices, already beleaguered by softening demand owing to the coronavirus, opened another 30% lower to $35/barrel after disintegration of the OPEC+ alliance triggered a full blown price war among the world’s biggest oil producers. The oil price shock adds another facet of uncertainty during a period of instability for the global economy […]
Read MoreMarch 3, 2020
How to Pay Off Your Debt in Retirement
While stepping into retirement might mean walking away from a job, many Americans are dragging financial baggage into this next stage: debt. In recent years, the amount of debt retirees carry has grown, and the numbers are troubling from both a monetary and emotional standpoint. In 2016, 60% of 65+ households had debt, up significantly […]
Read MoreMarch 2, 2020
2019 Annual Report
February 28, 2020
Perspective on Coronavirus Outbreak and Market Response
We have written previously on 01/27/20, 02/14/20 and 02/24/20 offering our perspective on the evolving coronavirus narrative. While the situation in China continues to improve, spread of the virus outside of China has ignited fears and the financial market response has been both swift and severe. These circumstances are unnerving, but also decidedly transitory – […]
Read MoreFebruary 24, 2020
Update on Coronavirus Outbreak
On January 27, we published a note sharing our perspective on the coronavirus outbreak. While our views are largely unchanged, we felt it was important to provide an update as the issue continues to evolve. Status of the Outbreak: The coronavirus (COVID-19) manifests as a pneumonia-like illness resistant to standard treatments, and is believed to […]
Read MoreFebruary 24, 2020
Does the coronavirus outbreak matter financially?
The coronavirus manifests as a pneumonia-like illness resistant to standard treatments. The first case was reported on Dec. 31, 2019, in the city of Wuhan located in the Hubei province in central China. As of Feb. 17, there have been approximately 71,500 confirmed cases worldwide with a death toll approaching 1,800. Why should U.S. investors […]
Read MoreFebruary 24, 2020
Coronavirus Outbreak: What Are We Worried About?
We have written twice previously on 01/27/20 and 02/14/20 offering our perspective on the evolving coronavirus narrative. In light of a recent spike in anxiety and global flight to safety, we attempt to look beyond the headlines and reduce the narrative to its most basic components. Below, we have done our best to objectively evaluate […]
Read MoreFebruary 20, 2020
The Best We Have
Over the past 12 months, I have read many articles on the topic of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology, and its potential medical uses. This subject is of particular interest because it is a developing genome editing technology that is controversial but yet shows great promise to treat cancers and other diseases. […]
Read MoreFebruary 20, 2020
SECURE Act – What’s Changed?
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, or SECURE Act, was officially approved by the Senate and signed by President Trump during the final weeks of 2019. While much has been written, discussed and debated about the merits of the new Act, it includes significant provisions that improve access to retirement accounts, prevent […]
Read MoreFebruary 20, 2020
How to Think About Last Year’s Inverted Yield Curve
Regular readers of our Perspectives newsletter know that the investment research team at Greenleaf Trust focuses on leading indicators. One of the better-known leading indicators is the yield curve. In March 2019, the yield curve did something concerning to many investors, it inverted. This article will focus on historical yield curve inversions and highlight our […]
Read MoreFebruary 20, 2020
Best and Brightest
Being recognized for something that you believe in and work hard at is meaningful. We work hard at helping our clients achieve their goals, and along the way exceeding their expectations. In order to do this, we need a talented, highly engaged team. Which means we also work hard at attracting the best of the […]
Read MoreFebruary 20, 2020
February 2020 Perspectives Newsletter
February 18, 2020
The SECURE Act’s Impact on Retirement Plans
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was enacted late last year with a January 1, 2020 effective date. It has been publicized as the most significant piece of legislation affecting the US retirement system in more than a decade, and will inevitably affect a majority of Americans saving for retirement. The […]
Read MoreFebruary 7, 2020
Greenleaf Trust Wins Honored as Top 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in the Nation for 2019
February 7, 2020, Kalamazoo, MI – Greenleaf Trust, a Michigan-chartered wealth management firm with $14 billion in assets under advisement, announced that it has been recognized as a Top 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in the Nation. Best and Brightest Companies to Work For evaluates employee feedback based on key measures such […]
Read MoreFebruary 3, 2020
A perspective on the new coronavirus outbreak
Concerns over the human and economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak in China have driven a financial market flight to safety in recent days. The outbreak invites anxiety on the heels of a sustained rally in U.S. stocks that occurred despite looming issues, including a presidential impeachment, ongoing global trade negotiations and a flare up […]
Read MoreFebruary 3, 2020
SEC considers modernizing accredited investor definition
Lucas Mansberger, senior manager selection analyst and investment strategist at Greenleaf Trust in Kalamazoo, notes the “very strong” divergence in public comments to the SEC between the investment industry and investor advocates and protection organizations. When people are moving from public to private capital markets that have less oversight, “we view that it’s much more likely that abuses will […]
Read MoreJanuary 27, 2020
Perspective on Wuhan Coronavirus Outbreak
Concerns over the human and economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak in China have driven a financial market flight to safety in recent days. The outbreak invites anxiety on the heels of a sustained rally in U.S. stocks that occurred despite looming issues including a presidential impeachment, ongoing global trade negotiations, and a flare up […]
Read MoreJanuary 23, 2020
Greenleaf Trust’s Year In Review: A Seminar on Financial Markets and Our Outlook for 2020
January 21, 2020
Change-Ups
Kalamazoo-based Greenleaf Trust announced the promotions of Daniel Baker to senior vice president, director of business development and trust relationship officer; Sarah Johansson to senior vice president, director of marketing; and Nicholas Juhle to senior vice president, director of research. Read more in the Grand Rapids Business Journal
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020
Talk to Your Patient Advocate!
A durable power of attorney for health care, sometimes called an advance directive, is an important instrument that assures patient autonomy and ensures that a patient’s wishes with regard to their health care decisions and treatment will be followed. Overlooked, and sometimes misunderstood, is the right of autonomy of medical providers not to provide treatments […]
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020
A FAST Track to Keeping the Family Together
A significant amount of time is spent with clients focusing on their current wealth plan and discussing strategies for passing wealth to the next generations. Often, the more challenging conversations center on identifying clients’ qualitative goals for passing family values over generations and keeping the family together after the oldest generation dies. Our Senior Trust […]
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020
Higher Retirement Plan Contribution Limits for 401(k)s and More in 2020
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced cost-of-living adjustments to the maximum amount of earnings that are subject to the Social Security tax, as well as a 1.6% increase to monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits. This is good news for the nearly 69 million Americans receiving benefits, though this is a modest number […]
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020
2019 Review and 2020 Outlook
What a difference a year makes. In our 2018 year-end seminar we recapped a period where almost every major asset class posted disappointing returns as investors grew increasingly concerned by the prospect of a global economic slowdown. To the pleasant surprise of most observers, 2019 unfolded as a year characterized by stronger-than-expected returns across most […]
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020
Happy New Year
Welcome to 2020 and the start of a new decade! As I sit at my desk writing my first article of the new year, the Kalamazoo office of Greenleaf Trust is relatively quiet. The hustle and bustle of wrapping up end of year matters ahead of year end deadlines has been replaced with a more […]
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020
January 2020 Perspectives Newsletter
January 10, 2020
Experiences at WMU serve HR executive well in professional life
Business alumna Karen Feller Baldwin pauses with emotion when she speaks of her experience as a WMU summer orientation leader. The relationships she forged with incoming students as they passed through the program continued during the school year and had a profound impact on the human resources professional she is today. Read more about Karen’s […]
Read MoreJanuary 9, 2020
Jeff Hoekstra
Since earning his degree in sales and marketing years earlier, Jeff Hoekstra had played successful roles at Dominion Systems and Capital One Bank. He believed that knowledge is power, but that knowledge without action is useless. We had heard great things about Jeff , so when a business development position opened on our retirement plan […]
Read MoreJanuary 7, 2020
Perspective on U.S./Iran Escalation
What happened? The tone in global financial markets turned cautious this morning after a U.S. airstrike in Iraq ordered by President Trump killed one of Iran’s most powerful generals, fueling concern over escalating tensions. According to the Defense Department, the U.S. military took “decisive defensive action” by killing General Qaseem Soleimani who was “actively developing […]
Read MoreJanuary 6, 2020
WWJ Newsradio 950 Radio interview with Nicholas Juhle, CFA
Senior Vice President, Director of Research Nicholas Juhle, CFA offers his perspective with WWJ Newsradio 950 on market response to global geopolitical events in 2020, and how the global playing field could impact consumer markets as well as the larger economy: https://greenleaftrust.com/wp-content/uploads/NJ-on-WWJ950-1-1.mp3
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