October 7, 2024
October 4, 2024
September Jobs – Surprisingly Strong All Around
Job gains came in stronger than anticipated; unemployment rate falls slightly; revisions to prior months’ data were positive. The US economy added far more jobs than analysts anticipated in September, in what is the strongest job growth figure since March of this year. Overall, the report lends credence to the prospect of a soft landing […]
Read MoreSeptember 30, 2024
CNN: Borrowing against your life insurance policy: How it works
Vice President, Assistant Director of Wealth Management, Jeff Pauza provides commentary to CNN on the risks associated with borrowing against your cash value.
See MoreSeptember 24, 2024
Advisorpedia: No G2 or G3? Financial Planning Without Future Generations
September 19, 2024
Greenleaf Trust announces the addition of four team members in Kalamazoo
Four new teammates join the Kalamazoo office.
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2024
MSN: Understanding the ‘Trump Tax’ and What It Could Mean for Your Wallet
Chief Investment Officer, Nicholas Juhle, discusses the implications of the “Trump Tax” on consumers’ wallets.
See MoreSeptember 15, 2024
MSN: I’m an Economist: How JD Vance Could Benefit Working Families Across the US
September 11, 2024
August Inflation – Modest Underlying Acceleration Favors 0.25% Fed Cut Next Week
In August, consumer prices as measured by CPI, rose just 2.5% compared to a year ago, decelerating 0.4% compared to July and in line with expectations.
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2024
Greenleaf Trust announces CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification
Senior Wealth Management Associate, Holly Crump, earns CFP® Certification
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2024
September 2024 Perspectives Newsletter
September 9, 2024
The Fourth Member of Your Client Centric Team
Five years ago, we heard from our clients that they wanted a more robust online client portal. So, we did what we do whenever our clients speak.
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2024
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.
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2024
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.
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2024
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.
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2024
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.
Read MoreSeptember 6, 2024
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%.
Read MoreSeptember 6, 2024
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.
Read MoreAugust 28, 2024
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.
See MoreAugust 15, 2024
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.
Read MoreAugust 14, 2024
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%.
Read MoreAugust 9, 2024
August 2024 Perspectives Newsletter
August 9, 2024
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.
Read MoreAugust 9, 2024
Economic Commentary
Financial markets took the headlines in stride. While there were some setbacks.
Read MoreAugust 9, 2024
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?
Read MoreAugust 9, 2024
“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.
Read MoreAugust 10, 2024
Enhancing the Attractiveness of Retirement Plans
SECURE Act 2.0 represents a significant step forward in enhancing the flexibility and security of retirement savings.
Read MoreAugust 9, 2024
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.
Read MoreAugust 5, 2024
Correcting.
The U.S. stock market is approaching correction territory – a decline of 10% of more from a recent peak.
Read MoreAugust 2, 2024
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.
Read MoreJuly 22, 2024
Yahoo Finance: 6 Ways Biden’s Withdrawal Could Impact Your Taxes Next Year
July 16, 2024
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.
Read MoreJuly 12, 2024
Greenleaf Trust Announces 11 Promotions
Greenleaf Trust is pleased to share the promotions of 11 teammates
Read MoreJuly 11, 2024
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.
Read MoreJuly 9, 2024
Bloomberg: Rich People Are Freezing Themselves to Stay Wealthy Forever
Greenleaf Trust’s, George Bearup, discusses revival trusts and cryogenics in Bloomberg.
See MoreGreenleaf Trust announces the addition of three team members
Greenleaf Trust is pleased to announce the addition of Christy Dewey, Adam Mangiapane and Zach Reed.
Read MoreJuly 9, 2024
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.
Read MoreJuly 9, 2024
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.
Read MoreJuly 9, 2024
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.
Read MoreJuly 9, 2024
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.
Read MoreJuly 9, 2024
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.
Read MoreJuly 9, 2024
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.
Read MoreJuly 9, 2024
July 2024 Perspectives Newsletter
July 5, 2024
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.
Read MoreJune 28, 2024
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
Read MoreJune 27, 2024
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®.
Read MoreJune 24, 2024
4 Ways To Get Rich Earning Just $50K a Year
Wealth Management Advisor, Mike Laske, discusses the three levers for generating wealth in GoBankingRates.
See MoreJune 24, 2024
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.
Read MoreJune 18, 2024
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.
Read MoreJune 12, 2024
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.
Read MoreJune 7, 2024
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.
Read More