March 6, 2025
February 27, 2025
Kiplinger: The Six People You Need to Talk with Before Retiring — and the Best Questions to Ask
Trust Relationship Office, Tony Gerard, commented on retirement in an article published in Kiplinger.
See MoreFebruary 25, 2025
Yahoo! Finance: Use These 6 Money-Saving Hacks To Counter 2025 Tax Adjustments and Retirement Structures
Read the article here.
Read MoreFebruary 14, 2025
January Retail Sales – Mixed at Best
U.S. retail sales came in mixed in January. The economy experienced healthy year-over-year growth but suffered a larger than anticipated monthly decline.
Read MoreFebruary 13, 2025
Yahoo! Finance: IRS Updates Earned Income Tax Credit for 2025
Vice President, Assistant Director of Research, Christopher D. Burns, CFA®, CMT®, CPA, CFP®, provided comments to Yahoo! Finance regarding tax credits.
Read MoreFebruary 12, 2025
January Inflation – Comin’ in Hot
In January, consumer prices as measured by CPI, rose 3.0% compared to a year ago, up from 2.9% in December and above expectations for the same.
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2025
In Memory of Ronald Nelson Kilgore, Our Beloved and Trusted, Leader, Friend and “Keeper of the Greenleaf Trust Culture”
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.”
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2025
The Next Chapter of Purposeful Growth
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.
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2025
Economic Commentary
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.
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2025
Estate Planning Opportunities Abound
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.
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2025
Will Social Security Run Out? Balancing Your Three-Legged Stool During Uncertain Times
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.
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2025
Protect Your Identity This Tax Season: Request a Tax Filing PIN
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).
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2025
Student Loan Payments – You Can Match on That!
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.
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2025
Transition to Retirement: Run Your Own Race
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!
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2025
February 2025 Perspectives Newsletter
February 7, 2025
January Jobs – Moderating But Healthy
January job gains below expectations, but solid. Nonfarm payrolls increased 143K in January following a (revised) gain of +307K in December and the unemployment rate is 4.0% to start the year.
Read MoreJanuary 29, 2025
Greenleaf Trust Named an Inclusive Workplace by COLOR Magazine
Greenleaf Trust is proud to announce its selection as an Inclusive Workplace by COLOR Magazine in 2025.
Read MoreJanuary 27, 2025
2024 Year in Review & 2025 Outlook
Chief Investment Officer, Nicholas Juhle, and Vice President, Assistant Director of Research, Christopher Burns, present the 2024 year in review and 2025 outlook presentation.
Read MoreJanuary 16, 2025
December Retail Sales – Broad Advance Caps Solid Holiday Season
U.S. retail sales broadly advanced in December indicating a healthy end to the holiday shopping season. Entering 2025, the labor market and consumers appear to be on solid footing.
Read MoreJanuary 15, 2025
December Inflation – Encouraging Print
In December, consumer prices as measured by CPI, rose 2.9% compared to a year ago, up from 2.7% in November and in line with expectations.
Read MoreJanuary 10, 2025
December Jobs – Hot Print: Payrolls Pop; Unemployment Down
December job gains advanced by the most since March and the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell, capping another year of resilience for the labor market.
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
Recognizing Growth and Impact
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 […]
Read MoreJanuary 7, 2025
2024 Review and 2025 Outlook
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.
Read MoreJanuary 7, 2025
Survey Says…
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.
Read MoreJanuary 7, 2025
Strong Partnerships for a Fiduciarily Sound Retirement Plan
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.
Read MoreJanuary 7, 2025
January 2025 Perspectives Newsletter
January 3, 2025
US News and World Report: 7 High-Return, Low-Risk Investments for Retirees
Seth Kritzman provides commentary to US News and World Report regarding high-return, low-risk investments for retirees.
See MoreJanuary 1, 2025
Greenleaf Trust announces 33 promotions
Greenleaf Trust is pleased to share the promotion of over thirty of our teammates.
Read MoreDecember 24, 2024
Your Financial Planning Checklist
Download your financial planning checklist today, and be better prepared for life’s opportunities and challenges.
Read MoreDecember 17, 2024
November Retail Sales – Cars & Clicks Underpin Strength
U.S. retail sales accelerated and rose more than expected in November. Strong auto sales and a jump in e-commerce owing to healthy Black Friday and Cyber Monday receipts suggests consumers remain resilient during the crucial holiday shopping season. Retail spending, unadjusted for inflation, rose 0.7% topping expectations for 0.6%.
Read MoreDecember 16, 2024
CBS News: Considering a CD for 2025? Here’s what experts say to know.
Wealth Management Advisor, Mike Laske’s commentary was included in a CBS News article on CD’s.
See MoreYahoo! Finance: How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
Participant Services Coordinator – Team Lead, Lisa Hojnacki provided commentary included in the Yahoo! Finance article on 401(k) contributions.
See MoreDecember 11, 2024
Mike Laske
Mike Laske always had a keen interest in financial analysis and strategy, and in his case, it spans all the way back to elementary school. It was shortly after morning chores that he would ask to borrow his parents’ newspaper, look through the stock pages, carefully analyze trends, then pick a few to play with. His hobby portfolio did well enough to catch the attention of his teachers and parents, and a spark was soon a flame for a successful career in financial planning.
Read MoreDecember 11, 2024
Adam Mangiapane
Adam’s career journey allows him to provide unique client counsel informed by perspectives spanning accounts service, trust administration and fiduciary compliance.
Read MoreDecember 11, 2024
November Inflation – Steady as She Goes
In November, consumer prices as measured by CPI, rose 2.7% compared to a year ago, up from 2.6% in October and in line with expectations.
Read MoreDecember 6, 2024
November Jobs – Rebound After October Strikes/Storms
The U.S. job market rebounded from an anemic October clouded by strikes and storms.
Read MoreDecember 4, 2024
Serve Clients More
Our new goal is focused on what we are passionate about and built with a deep understanding of our core competency.
Read MoreDecember 4, 2024
Economic Commentary
Campaign proposals are one thing, but actual policy implementation can be quite another. It’s easy to draw oversimplified conclusions based on assumptions that only account for the first order impacts of policy decisions.
Read MoreDecember 4, 2024
Ensuring Your Child’s Care: How Michigan Parents Can Use a Power of Attorney for Parental Consent
A Power of Attorney under MCL 700.5103 is an effective legal tool for parents needing to temporarily delegate their decision-making authority.
Read MoreDecember 4, 2024
Unlock Financial Success: Year-End Planning Tips You Can’t Ignore
Year-end financial planning is about setting the stage for a prosperous new year.
Read MoreDecember 4, 2024
Cost-of-Living Adjustments to Retirement Plans and More in 2025
The Internal Revenue Service recently announced contribution and benefit limits for qualified retirement plans effective January 1, 2025.
Read MoreDecember 4, 2024
Who is Your Descendant?
Interpretation problems can arise when the trust instrument refers to distributions of a trust’s income or assets to a person who is related to and survives the named beneficiary as his or her descendant.
Read MoreDecember 4, 2024
December 2024 Perspectives Newsletter
November 29, 2024
Greenleaf Trust Recognized as Metro Detroit’s Best and Brightest Small Business to Work For
Greenleaf Trust is proud to announce its selection as Metro Detroit’s Best of the Best Small Business to Work For at the annual Metropolitan Detroit’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For awards.
Read MoreNovember 17, 2024
Detroit Free Press: 198 companies named 2024 Michigan Top Workplace: List of winners
Greenleaf Trust is top 10 for Midsize 2024 Michigan Top Workplaces.
See MoreNovember 20, 2024
Greenleaf Trust announces the addition of two team members
Greenleaf Trust is pleased to welcome Jim Ripley and Amari Williams to the team.
Read MoreNovember 20, 2024
Advisorpedia: Family Emergencies: How Advisors Can Help Ease the Pain
Wealth Management Advisor, Steve Davis, discusses the importance of planning for unforeseen events with Advisorpedia.
See MoreNovember 19, 2024
Trustworthy: Estate Planning for Irresponsible Children
Trust Relationship Officer, Adam Mangiapane, provides commentary to Trustworthy on planning your estate for heirs.
See MoreNovember 15, 2024
October Retail Sales – Strong Print Ahead of Holiday Season
U.S. retail sales rose more than expected in October and September figures were revised higher suggesting consumers are entering the start of holiday season with strong momentum.
Read MoreNovember 13, 2024
October Inflation – In Line Report Supports December Cut
In October, consumer prices as measured by CPI, rose 2.6% compared to a year ago, up from 2.4% in September, but in line with expectations. Core CPI (excludes volatile food and energy prices) rose 3.3%, unchanged from September and in line with expectations. These readings are arguably less useful in the eyes of the market […]
Read More