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.
Forbes: How Social Media Affects Our Financial Health
Senior Vice President, Director of Wealth Management, James Curry, provides commentary in Forbes on the impact social media has on lifestyle inflation.
MarketWatch: Divorce Can Cost You. Don’t Overlook These 8 Financial Matters
Syndicated coverage from Barron’s. Managing Director – Great Lakes Bay Region, Jennifer West provides insight on financial considerations when navigating divorce.
Barron’s: Divorce Can Cost You. Don’t Overlook These 8 Financial Matters
Managing Director – Great Lakes Bay Region, Jennifer West, provides insight in Barron’s on important financial considerations when navigating a divorce.
Business Resiliency Analyst, Lyndsay Deery, received her Certified Business Continuity Professional designation. Vice President, Senior Trust Relationship Officer, Karen McNish, received her Certified Trust Fiduciary Advisor
Michiganders lean on credit cards as Americans reach record $1 trillion in debt
“The current state of credit card indebtedness among Americans is, in large part, because of changes to household finances following the COVID-19 pandemic, said Nick Juhle, chief investment officer at Kalamazoo-based financial management firm Greenleaf Trust.”
BenefitsPRO: Can a whole new government backed program close the retirement savings gap?
Executive Vice President, Director of Retirement Plan Division Chris Middleton, CTFA provides byline on the retirement savings coverage gap for Benefits PRO.
Chief Investment Officer Nicholas Juhle’s commentary was recently featured in US News & World Report article on stock market trends for 2023. Read more here.
WKZO: Greenleaf Trust CFO Honored by WMU Med School
The Chief Financial Officer for Greenleaf Trust Steve McKiddy was honored on Thursday, November 10 with the first annual Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine Philanthropy Volunteer of the Year Award at the Medical School’s donor appreciation luncheon. Read More
By Rose White Chief Investment Officer Nicholas Juhle, CFA® discusses the need for disciplined investing despite tumultuous markets. Read more on MLive.
Greenleaf Trust announced a number of midyear promotions, including Kim Van Duine’s promotion to Vice President, Assistant Director of Business Information Services, and Andrea Stidmon’s promotion to Senior Trust Operations Analyst, Senior Team Lead. Published in: Corp! Magazine Read the full list of promotions here.
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 most objective […]
The ‘tough medicine’ on keeping your accounts recession-proof
Chief Investment Officer Nicholas Juhle talks about the “tough medicine” when markets are volatile, and reminding clients to keep a long-term perspective on their investments. Read more on MLive (subscriber article).
JP Morgan analysts predict gas will surge past $6 this summer
WXYZ Detroit discusses current gas price surging with JP Morgan analysts and economists. Chief Investment Officer Nicholas Juhle, CFA comments. Read more here.
Greenleaf Trust Expands into Great Lakes Bay Region with New Midland Office
The independent trust-only bank and wealth management firm named banking industry veteran Jennifer West to lead its newest market Greenleaf Trust, an independent Michigan-chartered, trust-only bank and wealth management firm, announced the opening of its newest office serving the Great Lakes Bay Region, located in Midland, Michigan. The firm also announced the hire of Jennifer […]
Chief Investment Officer Nicholas Juhle discusses cryptocurrency’s rise and the risks involved. Read more in Crain’s Detroit Business (subscription article).
Karen Baldwin, senior vice president and director of human resources spoke to the Grand Rapids Business Journal about Greenleaf Trust’s work toward diversifying its corner of the financial services industry. Read more in GRBJ.
NABR Names the 2021 Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Winners
Greenleaf Trust was recently recognized by the NABR as a 2021 Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness winner, honoring companies that promote employee well-being, worksite health and wellness. Read more in Corp Magazine
Social Security Administration plans benefit changes for 2022: Recipients can expect an increase due to pandemic, inflation.
Lisa Hojnacki, participant services coordinator/team lead for Greenleaf Trust’s retirement plan services division, said the monthly increase for SSI benefits are due to near-term inflation as a result of the pandemic. Read more in Grand Rapids Business Journal
Finance experts prepare for likely interest rate increase in 2022
Borrowing could cost a little more in 2022 should the Federal Reserve follow expectations and begin raising interest rates. Nicholas Juhle discusses in MiBiz.
Child care, wage trends hold back women’s workforce re-entry
Vice President, Investment Strategist, Senior Fixed Income Analyst Chris Burns, CFA®, CPA, CFP® spoke with Kate Carlson from MiBiz regarding child care, wage trends and the labor market. Read more on MiBiz.
Restaurant and bar owners navigate a labor pool in which workers now hold the bargaining power
Vice President, Investment Strategist, Senior Fixed Income Analyst Chris Burns, CFA®, CPA, CFP® spoke with Kate Carlson from MiBiz regarding the labor market. Read more on MiBiz.
Dire need for manufacturing, distribution workers continues in West Michigan
Chris Burns spoke with WWMT News Channel 3 recently about some of the challenges facing employers in today’s labor market. Learn more at WWMT News Channel 3.
Greenleaf Trust — which has offices in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Birmingham, Midland, Traverse City and Bay Harbor — said Monday, Oct. 4, it opened a new 6,200-square-foot office at 277 S. Rose St. in Kalamazoo, next to its current headquarters. Read more in Grand Rapids Business Journal
Greenleaf Trust’s Lucas Mansberger recently discussed how climate change may impact investments with NextAvenue. Read the article here: https://www.nextavenue.org/green-investing-climate-change/amp/
Increasing consumer price index of clothing impacting local businesses
As pandemic restrictions loosen, consumers are finding that inflation is on the rise. Greenleaf Trust’s Nick Juhle discusses why this is and what it means for the economy in a recent interview with WZZM13 Read more here.
Kristin Bennett discusses planning at tax time on WGVU
Tax Day is only months away, Kristin Bennett, CFP, CPWA discusses this as an additional planning time, making sure smart decisions are being made when it comes to your finances and the future. Listen on WGVU Public Media
Metro Detroit companies don’t know what’s next after year of working from home.
Kimberly Dudley spoke to the Detroit Free Press recently about how Greenleaf Trust is supporting its employees amid remote work and the ongoing pandemic. “Leaders at the wealth management firm Greenleaf Trust noticed that when they chatted virtually with their employees this summer, they sensed stress, especially with the school year approaching, said Kim Dudley, […]
WKZO: Today’s final decision from the Federal Reserve
Senior Vice President, Director of Research Nicholas Juhle, CFA® discusses the upcoming decision from the Federal Reserve on interest rates on WKZO Kalamazoo Mornings with Ken Lanphear.
Local financial experts weigh-in on unemployment tax break amid the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
Nick Juhle, the senior vice president and director of research provides insight along with other local financial experts regarding the Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Read more at WLNS-TV6 or view below.
Vice President, Senior Wealth Management Advisor Nicole Asher, CFP®, CPWA®, CHFC® discusses the ChFC requirements, and how to find a ChFC with Forbes Advisor. Read more here
‘The future of work’ is here, experts say: Here’s how companies can make sure everyone benefits
Greenleaf Trust is the keeper of a working culture where teamwork and flexibility are the key to solving challenges brought on by the pandemic. Sarah Johansson shares her working experience with Grow by Acorns + CNBC: https://lnkd.in/g24JJrn
Tax planning opportunities for a Biden-Harris presidency
Newly-elected President Biden has proposed a number of initiatives carrying impact on your financial portfolio. What are those initiatives, and what financial planning strategies can you implement in turn? Find out from Greenleaf Trust’s Steve Davis in Grand Rapids Business Journal: https://bit.ly/39Xpgku
“These students have faced 2020 with such resiliency, and we congratulate them on their successful college careers and brilliant futures.” Chairman William Johnston could not have said it better. We are so honored to see our scholars’ successes featured in Grand Rapids Business Journal. We cannot wait to see where life takes them next! Read […]
Greenleaf Trust scholarship has opened door to careers in finance since 1999
In 1999, Greenleaf Trust leadership created the Greenleaf Scholars program to increase racial diversity both within our company and in the field of finance. To-date, nearly six dozen Western Michigan students have been awarded $1.6 million in scholarships to combat this issue. Read more in a recent MLive profile: https://bit.ly/3mnsRgG
Greenleaf Trust scholars grateful for ‘leg up in life’ the program offers students of color
The goal of Greenleaf Scholars is to provide support and counsel for students of color studying finance. In the face of COVID-19 restrictions, Greenleaf Trust honored six Greenleaf Scholars by organizing a virtual commencement to celebrate their degrees. Read more in MLive: https://bit.ly/3ob39fU
Mentoring Through Challenging Times: Facing divorce and/or parenting crises
May retail sales up 8.1% year-over-year; down 0.5% after inflation. In real terms, retail spending came in slightly below levels observed in May 2021 when retail sales jumped nearly 30%. Increased spending on gasoline (+43% YoY) accounted for a large portion of the nominal increase, but strength was also evident in brick and mortar retail […]
Choosing the most effective retirement plans for your small business
For Michigan businesses searching for employee retirement plan providers, streamlining your plan’s offerings via a bundled, full-service plan is key. Greenleaf Trust’s Kathleen Waldron shares our perspective with the Grand Rapids Business Journal: https://bit.ly/3o4Azxo
‘Everything Feels Pointless’: Women Are Facing a Crushing Burnout Crisis at Work and at Home
Director of Research, Nick Juhle provides economic commentary relating to how women are overrepresented in the hardest hit industries during the coronavirus pandemic, contributing to burn out during these unprecedented times. Read more in Millie.
Stock Market Today: The Dow Has Record Territory in Its Sights
This month’s ADP jobs report showed a month-over-month increase of 216,000 payroll additions, though Friday’s official unemployment report from the BLS may show a divergence in outcome. Investment Director Nick Juhle shares his analysis with Kiplinger: https://bit.ly/3jxC6cq
In Her Own Words: Greenleaf Trust’s Wendy Cox reminds clients and herself, it’s okay to breathe
At Greenleaf Trust, we believe we best serve our clients – and each other – when we express empathy for each other. Director of Personal Trust Wendy Cox stresses the importance of this as we continue to work from home and how we express this to our clients with Bizwomen: https://bit.ly/2EnvL4c As our communities reopen, […]
One strategy to build wealth is converting your traditional IRA into a Roth IRA. Thanks to lowered tax rates, now is the time to take advantage of a Roth IRA’s benefits. Our Jeff Pauza and George Bearup share insight with Grand Rapids Business Journal: https://bit.ly/30GsOnR
Our dedication to individualized client service, and commitment to a positive culture for clients as well as staff, makes Greenleaf Trust one of Michigan’s Best Places to Work. Hear more from Greenleaf Trust President Mike Odar on WOOD-AM Radio: https://bit.ly/33yg0Sp (interview begins at the 17:15 mark)
While a new rush of stay-at-home traders on apps like Robinhood may contribute to volatility in the short term, Greenleaf Trust Research Director Nick Juhle believes the market impact is negligible relative to other factors. Read more from Nick in The Hill: https://bit.ly/3a4bDiU
Interview with Assistant Participant Services Administrator Victor Perez by Western Michigan University’s Career and Student Employee Services. Read the interview on Western Michigan University’s website.
Who’s minding the store? Extra $600 a week makes it tough to find workers, even amid 20% jobless rate
Transportation spending is down 41.9 percent, restaurants and hotels spending is down 21.9 percent and spending on health care is down 16.5 percent. But it’s important to note the spending increase in low-income ZIP codes likely is much less on a dollar-to-dollar basis in the wealthier ZIP codes, said Nick Juhle, senior vice president and […]
1.48m more Americans file for unemployment as pandemic takes toll
Claims for unemployment insurance have now fallen for 12 weeks in a row, but remain historically high. About 47 million people have now filed for benefits in the last 14 weeks, with 3m claims made in the last two weeks. Last week’s figure was just 60,000 lower than the previous week. The latest figure comes […]
Recovery from coronavirus recession has begun, but Michigan unemployment remains among worst in U.S.
The addition of 2.5 million U.S. jobs in May signals a turning point after the economy plunged into a recession caused by the coronavirus, but experts say it will take years for Michigan’s economy to recover to pre-pandemic conditions. Read more in mLIVE
Thirteen West Michigan companies were announced as elite winners at the annual “West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” digital awards celebration held earlier this month. Elite winners represent the best practices in human resources programs. The winners are selected based on their overall high scores and are then named an Elite winner […]
As business owners and employers work to achieve full forgiveness of their PPP loans, Retirement Plan Division Director Chris Middleton is working with many to deploy federal funding into retirement contributions for full loan forgiveness. An excerpt from the article is below. Read the full article in MiBiz. Frontloading benefits One potential way for a […]
Amidst increased market volatility, Michigan’s economy is slowly re-opening. But do consistently sharp market movements mean investors should worry about their assets? Research Director Nicholas Juhle talks with WILS-AM to share his insights: https://bit.ly/35WYQge
For the advisors that survive the consolidation, those that embrace holistic wealth management—incorporating tax planning, estate planning, philanthropic planning and other services—will fare much better than those who focus on asset management alone. “Successful advisors will need to make the shift toward value-add financial planning, if they have not already, or risk obsolescence,” says Dan […]
Whether you’re maximizing your time at home, or more prepared to make important decisions, now may be a good time to review your estate plan. Grand Rapids-based Trust Relationship Officer Stacy Beekman shares a list of recommended documents to review and a few ways to maximize your estate’s wealth strategy in this current environment. Read […]
For charitable givers, CARES Act offers big tax breaks
How has the CARES Act changed charitable giving strategies in a year without Required Minimum Distributions? If you’re looking for ways to maximize your tax efficiency, consider changing where your contribution comes from, such as appreciated assets or cash from a taxable account. Read more from Chief Client Officer Dan Rinzema in InvestmentNews: https://bit.ly/3eS8MvF
Federal Reserve Support of Money Market Funds Garners Headlines
Increased market volatility has sparked concern around money market funds, but investors have little cause to worry. Greenleaf Trust’s Christopher Burns provides historical context on money market reforms that have ensured their current stability with ValueWalk: https://bit.ly/2W1hPSp
Advisers say now might be perfect time to rebalance portfolios
Jeff Pauza, senior wealth management adviser at Greenleaf Trust, agreed investors can minimize financial losses through proper portfolio rebalancing. “A properly diversified portfolio that would be the outcome of these comprehensive plans that were created for clients typically has several assets that are performing well even during a market sell-off,” he said. “When we have […]
Early financial planning smooths path for company succession
It’s crucial for business owners to develop a sound personal financial plan separate from their business to ensure an early and successful retirement and transition of business ownership. What are the factors that can hinder that process? Read more from our Doug Bajor in this week’s edition of MiBiz: https://bit.ly/3dEWfuO
Crisis could slow exits, but owners need to keep planning
Professionals say that the planning process needs to begin years in advance. A well-planned transition is more likely to go smoothly, enabling an owner to find the right buyer that’s a good fit for the business, and improving the chances of achieving the desired financial results from a transaction. “Rather than doing it just in […]
When Dan Rinzema, Chief Client Officer, sought to create impact in the community on behalf of a client, he turned to donor-advised funds. Learn more about their popularity, tax efficiency and benefits from Dan with InvestmentNews
Interview: Financial expert gives advice as stock markets continue to plunge
Nick Juhle’s interview with Kate Siefert on Channel 3 Kalamazoo has published online and is available here: INTERVIEW: Financial Expert gives advice as stock markets continue to plunge
While stepping into retirement might mean walking away from a job, many Americans are dragging financial baggage into this next stage: debt. In recent years, the amount of debt retirees carry has grown, and the numbers are troubling from both a monetary and emotional standpoint. In 2016, 60% of 65+ households had debt, up significantly […]
The coronavirus manifests as a pneumonia-like illness resistant to standard treatments. The first case was reported on Dec. 31, 2019, in the city of Wuhan located in the Hubei province in central China. As of Feb. 17, there have been approximately 71,500 confirmed cases worldwide with a death toll approaching 1,800. Why should U.S. investors […]
Concerns over the human and economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak in China have driven a financial market flight to safety in recent days. The outbreak invites anxiety on the heels of a sustained rally in U.S. stocks that occurred despite looming issues, including a presidential impeachment, ongoing global trade negotiations and a flare up […]
Lucas Mansberger, senior manager selection analyst and investment strategist at Greenleaf Trust in Kalamazoo, notes the “very strong” divergence in public comments to the SEC between the investment industry and investor advocates and protection organizations. When people are moving from public to private capital markets that have less oversight, “we view that it’s much more likely that abuses will […]
Kalamazoo-based Greenleaf Trust announced the promotions of Daniel Baker to senior vice president, director of business development and trust relationship officer; Sarah Johansson to senior vice president, director of marketing; and Nicholas Juhle to senior vice president, director of research. Read more in the Grand Rapids Business Journal
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 […]
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
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 […]
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
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 […]
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
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
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 […]
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
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
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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
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
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 […]
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.
At over $12,000, Bitcoin (BTC) has more than tripled in value this year garnering renewed attention from the investment community mainstream media, and the general public after a dramatic 1,700% rise (and subsequent fall) in 2017/2018. Read the full article at ValueWalk.
Digital Estate Planning: How to Plan for Online Accounts
What happens to email, usernames, passwords, banking information, social media and blogs when an individual dies? It’s a question most people haven’t considered, but should. Without proper planning and documentation, online information may become inaccessible and may eventually cease to exist. Read the full article at ThinkAdvisor.
Greenleaf Trust Director of Research Nick Juhle talks tariffs, trade, the fed and what it means for investors on WILS Morning Wake Up with Dave Akerly. Listen to the full interview at WILS1320
Congratulations Karen Baldwin! Your recognition as one of Michigan’s most Notable Women in Human Resources is well-deserved. Read more at Crain’s Detroit Business.
Sarah Johansson joined the Greenleaf Trust team on a blind leap of faith. At her interview for the position of director of marketing almost nineteen years ago, Johansson laid her hesitations on the table: “You know, I couldn’t find anything about this company—anywhere. You don’t even have a website.” William D. Johnston, chairman of Greenleaf, […]
Family LLCs (FLLCs) and/or Family Limited partnerships’ (FLLPs) have long been popular devices to use when making intra-family gifts (note the terms are used interchangeably below). They are easy to understand and administer, and require very little reporting at the state level, unlike a corporation. Read the full article at Private Wealth.