• Have a Taxable Estate? Gift Today – Exploring the Tax Inclusive Nature of the Federal Estate Tax

    For individuals and families who have accumulated significant wealth that may be subject to an estate tax at their passing, the decision on how and when to pass on the wealth may be difficult.

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  • How do we SECURE the IRS Changes to our Retirement Plan Document?

    The most recent changes to qualified retirement plans were the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Acts, SECURE, for short.

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  • Personal Cyber Hygiene: What Is It and Why Should I Care?

    As evidenced by recent disclosures by LinkedIn, Target, and Equifax, the frequency of data breaches has skyrocketed in recent years. In 2023 alone, data compromises surged by 78% compared to 2022, increasing from 1,801 to 3,205 reported incidents.

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  • October 2024 Perspectives Newsletter

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  • 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 […]

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  • Advisorpedia: No G2 or G3? Financial Planning Without Future Generations

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  • Greenleaf Trust announces the addition of four team members in Kalamazoo

    Four new teammates join the Kalamazoo office.

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  • 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.

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  • Greenleaf Trust announces CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification

    Senior Wealth Management Associate, Holly Crump, earns CFP® Certification

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  • September 2024 Perspectives Newsletter

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  • 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.

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  • 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 in 2024

    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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