Economic Commentary

August was not for the faint of heart. Starting with a weaker-than-expected jobs report and exacerbated by the collapse of the yen carry trade, the S&P 500 fell 6.5% in the first three trading days of the month.

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Avoiding the Zero Basis Trap: Tax Planning Lessons from the Trail

Ensuring that all assets are properly accounted for, and the necessary steps are taken to protect the financial well-being of heirs is crucial.

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Do I Still Need Life Insurance?

Typically, life insurance is purchased to provide financial protection and peace of mind for policyholders and their family members. Here are several alternatives for how to maximize the value of a life insurance policy you may no longer need.

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Understanding and Administration of Plan Defined Compensation and Eligibility

Payroll administration plays a critical role when an employer offers a retirement plan, and understanding the plan document provisions is important to avoid operational failures.

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August Jobs Report – Slight Miss Sets Up September Rate Cuts

Hiring improved from July’s weak report but missed expectations in August as wage growth rebounded slightly and the unemployment rate ticked down to 4.2%.

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September 6 is National 401(k) Day!

National 401(k) Day began in 1996 to promote retirement savings education and awareness. It’s celebrated on the first Friday in September so that you can start your week with Labor Day and end your week thinking about retirement.

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6 Of The Top Things To Consider When Picking A Credit Card, According To Experts

Wealth Management Advisor, Mike Laske, is featured in an article in MBG on choosing the right credit card.

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July Retail Sales – Broad Advance Tops Forecasts

July retail spending accelerated by more than expected compared to June in a broad advance aided somewhat by a recovery in auto sales after a cyberattack on dealerships led to a sizeable drop last month.

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July Inflation – Easing Continues, September Cut On Track

In July, consumer prices rose 2.9% compared to a year ago, decelerating 0.1% compared to June and below expectations of 3.0%.

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August 2024 Perspectives Newsletter

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Lost and Found in Northern Michigan

The clients approached after dinner to say how much they appreciated the members of their client centric team. Their appreciation came from their team at Greenleaf Trust doing something for them that was totally unexpected.

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Economic Commentary

Financial markets took the headlines in stride. While there were some setbacks.

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Money Makes the World Go Round, But Don’t Talk About It?

A majority of Americans do not regularly talk about money. If money makes the world go round, why is it so uncomfortable for some of us to talk about?

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“Oh the Places You’ll Go”

When it comes to retirement there are things that we can fully control, things that we can somewhat control and then there are those things over which we have absolutely no control.

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Enhancing the Attractiveness of Retirement Plans

SECURE Act 2.0 represents a significant step forward in enhancing the flexibility and security of retirement savings.

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Greenleaf Trust Announces Promotions in Business Information Services Division

Greenleaf Trust is pleased to share the promotion of Lyndsay Deery to Business Resiliency Program Manager.

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Correcting.

The U.S. stock market is approaching correction territory – a decline of 10% of more from a recent peak.

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July Jobs Report Fuels Risk-Off Trade

The July jobs report is fueling a risk-off trade with stocks set to open 1.5-2.5% lower and the 10 year treasury yield falling 10-15 bps.

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Yahoo Finance: 6 Ways Biden’s Withdrawal Could Impact Your Taxes Next Year

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June Retail Sales – Solid End to 2Q

Today’s report contradicts a recent trend pointing to gradual erosion of consumer strength, suggesting the economy’s main driver is holding up better than expected as inflation recedes and Fed policymakers consider rate cuts.

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Greenleaf Trust Announces 11 Promotions

Greenleaf Trust is pleased to share the promotions of 11 teammates

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June Inflation – Broadly Cooler!; Cuts To Come?

In June, consumer prices rose 3.0% compared to a year ago, down 0.3% compared to May and below expectations of 3.1%. This marks the third consecutive month of deceleration and another positive sign for Fed policymakers.

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Bloomberg: Rich People Are Freezing Themselves to Stay Wealthy Forever

Greenleaf Trust’s, George Bearup, discusses revival trusts and cryogenics in Bloomberg.

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Greenleaf Trust announces the addition of three team members

Greenleaf Trust is pleased to announce the addition of Christy Dewey, Adam Mangiapane and Zach Reed.

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Celebrating the Importance of Independence

I am proud that Greenleaf Trust is structured to remain a privately held, trust-only bank in perpetuity. This eliminates the possibility of an acquisition or merger.

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2024 Mid-Year Update

The first half of 2024 continued the positive momentum seen in 2023 across financial markets. The likelihood of a recession has diminished compared to a year ago.

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Taking It With You?

It is not surprising the number of individuals who want to be buried in their grave with particular items that have emotional, sentimental, and sometimes even intrinsic value.

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All From One or Some From All

Every person coming into retirement has struggled with the shift in mindset from work income to income from retirement assets.

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10-Minute Tasks to Reduce Estate Stress: Simple Steps Now to Save Hours Later

Here are eight things you can do now that take only minutes but can save hours of work and frustration for your loved ones in the future.

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Am I Small Now?

In the retirement plan world; size matters! A plan reports their number of participants on a required annual Form 5500 which is submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). If the plan is “large,” it needs an audit.

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July 2024 Perspectives Newsletter

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June Jobs – Gradual Deceleration Continues

Hiring and wage growth decelerated in June and the unemployment rate ticked up adding support to the case for interest rate cuts in the coming months.

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Next Gen Athletes: Ensuring Your Money Works for You and Lasts for Generations

By prioritizing financial planning, saving diligently, setting life goals beyond their sports careers, and seeking advice from seasoned professionals, athletes can ensure their money works for them and lasts for generations

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Greenleaf Trust receives three national awards for workplace culture and wellness

Greenleaf Trust is pleased to share the receipt of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, National Best and Brightest in Wellness, as well as 2024 Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces®.

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4 Ways To Get Rich Earning Just $50K a Year

Wealth Management Advisor, Mike Laske, discusses the three levers for generating wealth in GoBankingRates.

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Choosing the Right Wealth Manager: Key Considerations for Your Financial Future

Finding the right wealth manager can make all the difference in achieving your financial goals and securing your future. Here are six considerations when choosing a wealth manager.

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May Retail Sales – Below Expectations

U.S. retail sales barely changed in May and prior months were revised lower, pointing to ongoing erosion of consumer strength.

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May Inflation – Broadly Cooler With Fed Ahead

In May, consumer prices rose 3.3% compared to a year ago, down 0.1% compared to April and below expectations. This marks the second consecutive month of deceleration – a positive sign for Fed policymakers.

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Wealth Management Industry Trends

As we approach the end of those 10 years, I have put together a talented team of forward-thinking leaders at Greenleaf Trust to develop our strategic goal for the next 10 years.

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Economic Commentary

After retreating 4% in April, the S&P 500 bounced back in May reaching a new record high on 5/21 and closing out the month with a 5% return.

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Beyond Bias: Navigating Financial Decisions with Kahneman’s Prospect Theory

Prospect theory acknowledges that human decision-making is at times irrational and influenced by psychological biases.

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The Key to Long-Term Gains: Smart Asset Allocation Explained

Asset allocation is the primary driver of long-term investment performance. So, what exactly is asset allocation? It is simply the mix between major investment types in a portfolio, including equity (stocks), fixed income (bonds), cash, and alternative assets (basically a catch-all for everything else).

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Inflation Alters Perceptions:
How Americans View the Economy and Retirement

By many measures, the U.S. economy is thriving, unemployment is near historic lows, economic growth remains solid despite high interest rates, and the stock market continues to reach all-time highs.

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The Modern Trust

A phrase commonly thrown around in estate planning literature is the use of a modern trust.

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June 2024 Perspectives Newsletter

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May Jobs Report – Very Strong Hiring Might Slow Fed Plans to Lower Rates

U.S. employers accelerated hiring in May and wage growth reaccelerated after a relatively weak report in April.

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GoBankingRates: 3 Ways President Biden’s Policies Impact the Middle Class’ Money

Chief Investment Officer, Nicholas Juhle, provides commentary on markets during election cycles to GoBankingRates.com.

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GoBankingRates: How Could a Trump Second Term Impact Rich People?

Chief Investment Officer, Nicholas Juhle, provides commentary on markets during election cycles to GoBankingRates.com.

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Greenleaf Trust announces Human Resources Certification

Talent Acquisition Coordinator, Gabbi May, has earned the Certified Human Resources Specialist (CHRS) certification from Michigan State University.

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April Inflation – Indications of Cooling?

Year-over-year, inflation rose 3.4% in April, down 0.1% compared to march and in line with expectations.

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