January 13, 2020
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
Read MoreJanuary 2, 2020
Vote with your ballot, not your portfolio
With the 2020 Presidential election less than 12 months away, many of our clients have been asking how we think about investments during an election year. As human beings, each person on our team has their own set of political preferences, but as research analysts, we try to approach polarizing topics (like politics) in the […]
Read MoreDecember 23, 2019
Lifting Up Diversity in the Finance Industry
Historically, populations in business schools and the financial industry have underrepresented minorities (URM). To change the diversity of the financial industry Greenleaf Trust established a scholarship program for URM majoring in finance or financial planning at Western Michigan University’s Haworth School of Business. Read more at Aim2Flourish
Read MoreDecember 23, 2019
Greenleaf Trust exec: “Good case” for more stock volatility in 2020
Investors approach 2020 with a little anxiety from concerns about the future of the U.S. economy that moved into a record period of expansion this past summer, plus the presidential election and other issues that create uncertainty. Nick Juhle, vice president and director of investment research, says investors view the stock market much as they […]
Read MoreDecember 23, 2019
10 concerns for 2020
While the economy is much larger than the stock market, it can have an effect on consumer confidence, both positive and negative. As the market has become more reactionary in recent years, that’s led to large swings tied to news about tariffs and Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates. Read more in MiBiz
Read MoreDecember 16, 2019
‘Tis the Season to Be Bunchy
December is a busy time of year…holiday parties, shopping for gifts, and family gatherings. It is also a busy time of year for charitable giving. In fact, approximately one-third of charitable gifts occur in the month of December. As an advisor, it is very enjoyable to see the generosity of clients in support of charitable […]
Read MoreDecember 16, 2019
Estate Planning in Low and High Interest Rate Environments
Some estate planning or wealth transfer strategies work well in a low interest rate environment, like the one we are in now, while others are more effective when rates are higher. It may be advantageous to implement those strategies that are most effective in a low interest rate environment now while preparing to implement other […]
Read MoreDecember 16, 2019
What It Means To Be a Fiduciary
The term fiduciary is used regularly in communications, but seldom do individuals actually know what it means to be a fiduciary. Often fiduciary refers to the role in which one serves another, such as the personal representative of an estate, a funeral representative, a conservator, a guardian, or the trustee of a trust. A deeper […]
Read MoreDecember 16, 2019
2019 Greenleaf Notables
It’s hard to believe that 2019 is almost over. Time sure does fly, and it seems even more so for me considering the late submission of this article. I ask forgiveness from our newsletter editor as it has been a busy year for Greenleaf Trust. By many measures, this has been a successful year for […]
Read MoreDecember 16, 2019
December 2019 Perspectives Newsletter
December 10, 2019
Year-End Tax Planning Strategies for Charitable Giving, Capital Gains
It’s hard to believe, but the end of 2019 is quickly approaching. The end of the year brings focus to year-end tax planning. One of the first steps is ensuring applicable required minimum distributions (RMDs) are made to avoid steep IRS penalties. Read more at Newsmax Finance
Read MoreNovember 22, 2019
Expert sees no recessionary signs for next 12 months
U.S currently in longest period without a recession in history. Nov. 22, 2019 | By Danielle Nelson The United States is in the midst of the longest period without a recession in history, and there is no sign of the economy yielding in the near future, according to a financial expert. Nicholas Juhle, vice president […]
Read MoreNovember 21, 2019
Cyberattacks: An Evolving Threat to Your Retirement Account
On top of the various other challenges retirement savers already face, you now have another concern to consider: the possibility of a cyberattack. Imagine if the life savings you set aside in your nest egg were drained with a couple of phone calls and control of your email account. Read more at NewsMax Finance
Read MoreNovember 14, 2019
Greenleaf Trust announces three new hires and two promotions
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 […]
Read MoreNovember 14, 2019
Year-End Tax Planning Strategies
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 […]
Read MoreNovember 14, 2019
Avoiding Probate with Proper Asset Titling
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 […]
Read MoreNovember 14, 2019
Capital Gains Distributions: A Seasonal Affair
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 […]
Read MoreNovember 14, 2019
The Advance
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 […]
Read MoreNovember 14, 2019
November 2019 Perspectives Newsletter
November 12, 2019
Greenleaf Trust announces CFA Institute Investment Foundations Certificates
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 […]
Read MoreNovember 12, 2019
How Investors Can Make Sense of the Yield Curve
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
Read MoreNovember 5, 2019
Greenleaf Trust announces Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist Certification
Rosalice C. Hall completed a course of study and examination through the College of Financial Planning encompassing design, installation and administration of retirement plans and earned the Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist℠ designation. Rosie has been with Greenleaf Trust since 2011 and is responsible for providing comprehensive support for individual and corporate retirement plan clients.
Read MoreOctober 21, 2019
Greenleaf Trust Scholarship Turns 20
We could not be more proud that the Greenleaf Trust Scholarship at the Haworth College of Business envisioned by our founder and Chairman, William D. Johnston, is turning twenty years old. We are so excited that we celebrated with cake at our annual reception honoring current and past scholarship recipients. The Greenleaf Trust Scholarship awards […]
Read MoreOctober 21, 2019
Dealing with Sudden Wealth
It is your wealth and you should be able to leave it to whomever you want on your death and in whatever fashion you consider appropriate. Most individuals intend that the purpose of their wealth, often transmitted by a trust, is to enhance the lives of their trust’s beneficiaries. Estate planning, however, focuses on when […]
Read MoreOctober 21, 2019
Philanthropy After the 2017 Tax Act
The long-term impact on philanthropy of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 remains unclear. While lower income taxes and eased income tax administration would seem to be desirable ends, one area that has raised concern is the effect these changes have on charitable giving, and the services that charities will be able to […]
Read MoreOctober 21, 2019
Super-Size Your Roth IRA
Comprehensive and insightful retirement planning advice will typically encourage you to fund an emergency savings account, maximize your annual contribution to your workplace 401(k), collect your employer’s match, contribute to a health savings account and fund a Roth IRA if you’re eligible. Once you’ve maximized your allowable contributions to these accounts, saving in an after-tax […]
Read MoreOctober 21, 2019
Easy For You To Say
Imagine you’re offered an investment. A prospective borrower explains the deal. You will loan them $101.00. In twenty years, the borrower promises to pay you back, but only $100.00. The borrower will not pay you any interest over the twenty years. Do you make the loan? I know what you’re thinking. “Of course not! If […]
Read MoreOctober 21, 2019
October 2019 Perspectives Newsletter
October 11, 2019
Corp! Salutes Diversity Award Winners
Greenleaf Trust is honored to be named among Corp! Magazine’s Salute to Diversity Award Winners. President Mike Odar explains how diversity is critical to our success: “Diversity in thought, leadership, background, education and experiences allows our company to think through situations from many different angles to make sure we’re providing the best service we can possibly […]
Read MoreOctober 7, 2019
Why 401(k) loans can be hazardous to your wealth
For many Americans, a 401(k) loan seems like the perfect way to access money. In this scenario, you borrow from your own account and repay yourself with interest. It sounds simple… Read more at the Grand Rapid Business Journal.
Read MoreJanuary 9, 2019
Greenleaf Trust’s Year In Review: A Seminar on Financial Markets and Our Outlook for 2019
September 22, 2019
Wendy Cox wants women to know where their money is
Wendy Cox needed a change. She had been working in law for more than 15 years, climbing the ladder to a partnership at a law firm. “The constant battle wore me out after a while,” Cox said. “With estate litigation, there’s a lot of fighting over china. I wanted to be in a position to […]
Read MoreSeptember 19, 2019
Look Who’s Working Now
Something peculiar has been happening in the United States labor market. Hiring has been strong, but wages are growing more slowly than previous business cycles. Read the full article at Value Walk
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2019
US Federal Budget Deficit, Tax Rate Risk, and Your Retirement Savings
In a 1789 letter, Benjamin Franklin wrote, “our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” It makes one wonder if Mr. Franklin could have imagined the varied tax rates that would apply over the coming […]
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2019
The “Do Nothing” Default
There are countless statistics proving that Americans have not traditionally saved enough prior to their retirement years. Even though total assets in retirement accounts have now breached $26 trillion, the average employee’s 401(k) balance rests around $100,000, which is a little light for 30-40 years of retirement. In an effort to assist with this well-documented […]
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2019
Corporate Sustainability: The Climate is Changing
Private enterprise is often lauded for the speed at which it recognizes and addresses society’s needs. However, the seeming failure of the business community to recognize and respond to the climate crisis and other mounting sustainability challenges has caused some to question whether business will play a positive role in addressing environmental challenges. Below, we […]
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2019
What Is Your Trust’s Material Purpose?
If you read the Michigan Trust Code (admittedly not a particularly riveting read!), you will frequently encounter the terms material purpose. A trust’s material purpose will guide a trustee in the administration of the trust. If a probate judge is called upon to interpret the trust instrument, or the judge is asked to order a […]
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2019
The Certainty of Uncertainty
The ever quotable Yogi Berra, who brought us such philosophical gems as “when you come to a fork in the road, take it,” and “you can observe a lot just by watching,” is also credited with the insightful idiom that “predictions are difficult, especially when they’re about the future.” This difficulty in predicting the future […]
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2019
Greenleaf Trust Core Values
Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do are the core values that each Airman commits to when joining the Air Force. At Greenleaf Trust, we also have core values that all new team members make a commitment to before joining our team. Greenleaf Trust’s core values form the foundation of how […]
Read MoreSeptember 11, 2019
What to Do When an Investment Fund Closes
INVESTORS PREPARING FOR college costs and retirement have long been told to pick a good set of funds, add money regularly and stick with it for the long term. But sometimes they’re thrown a curve… Read more at U.S. News & World Report
Read MoreSeptember 11, 2019
Millennials’ values may come back to haunt them
Priorities of the workforce’s largest generation may be hurting long-term wealth creation, expert says. “Experiences over things” is a mantra many millennials embrace, but a local wealth manager sees it as a liability to their futures. Tom DeMeester is managing director of the Grand Rapids office of Kalamazoo-based wealth management firm Greenleaf Trust. He spoke […]
Read MoreSeptember 11, 2019
What is the opportunity in Opportunity Zones?
In early 2018, few people outside of specialty economic development and real estate finance circles had heard of Opportunity Zones. Today, there is a national rush to raise money to invest in Opportunity Zones as the incentives are being cited…. Read more at Grand Rapids Business Journal.
Read MoreAugust 26, 2019
Midyear Economic Outlook: As Bad As It Seems?
Guest Column by Nicholas Juhle as featured in ValueWalk Read article here.
Read MoreAugust 26, 2019
Midyear Economic Outlook: Is it as bad as it seems?
In 2018, almost every major asset class posted disappointing returns as markets priced in an immediate recession that failed to materialize. 2019 began with a “miracle recovery” as equities captured new highs and declining interest rates boosted bonds. In recent weeks, anxiety and volatility have spiked once again amid escalating uncertainties. Read Nick’s full story […]
Read MoreAugust 17, 2019
Greenleaf Trust recognized for diversity initiatives and for being a “cool place to work”
August 2019, Kalamazoo, MI — In the span of one week, Greenleaf Trust has been named a winner of the 2019 Salute to Diversity Award by Corp! Magazine, and a “Cool Place to Work” by Crain’s Detroit Business. The two distinguished awards reflect Greenleaf Trust’s ongoing success in integrating “best practices” throughout its wealth management […]
Read MoreAugust 17, 2019
Greenleaf Trust announces new team member designation
August 2019, Kalamazoo, MI – Greenleaf Trust announces new team member designation Greenleaf Trust is proud to announce Julie Howes Certified Securities Operations Professional designation: Julie Howes, a Senior Trust Operations Specialist who will celebrate a 10 years at Greenleaf Trust this fall, received her Certified Securities Operations Professional (CSOP) designation. The CSOP designation is […]
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