Just sold the family business? Preparing for a trusted confidant to retire? It may be time to consider a family office. Our own Bill Walker explores what family offices are – and what questions families need to ask before deciding to establish one. This article in MiBiz https://mibiz.com/item/23998-is-it-time-for-a-family-office outlines the top 10 considerations that families…

Recently, I was interviewed by the Grand Rapids Business Journal on the predicament parents face between choosing to pay for their children’s college versus saving for their own financial future. To read the article, please click the link below. http://www.grbj.com/articles/85969-parental-predicament-save-for-retirement-or-pay-for-college?

It seems like every time you turn on the TV, listen to the news or open an email…..lurking in the shadows is yet another way to have your identity stolen or become the next victim of a scam.  So I’m here to remind you quickly and simply of some ways to protect yourself. Protect your…

Since my last post reflecting on market behavior in the first half of the year, U.S. equities have continued their upward climb.  The three most commonly quoted U.S. stock indexes – the Dow, the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq – all hit record highs at the same time last week.  This is a feat that…

In the spirit of summer, we decided to visit the local food trucks and have a nice meal at the steps of the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Each Thursday around lunchtime, throughout the summer months, there are food trucks stationed at Rosa Parks Circle. They offer local, unique cuisine at an affordable price. Typically, there…

Over the last month or so I have been helping a close family member adjust to life in an assisted living arrangement.  This has become necessary after a long battle against kidney disease and related complications, all exacerbated by significant short term memory loss.  She had surgery yesterday to address ongoing medical challenges and in…

With the first half of 2016 officially behind us, mid-year always seems like a good time to look back and take stock.  Following years of relative calm and unusually low volatility, the past twelve months have brought no less than three significant selloffs in U.S. equities:  one in August on uncertainty about falling oil prices…

I recently wrapped up a four month long leadership development program that has changed the way I view things in such a profound way.  As a young leader in my company, my household and in my community, I am regularly looking for a way to make a difference.  But sometimes, even I get “stuck” in…

I love seeing my family and friends when I return to my hometown for a visit.  Most have a general idea of what I do, yet some think of me as either a banker (“what are you paying on CD’s these days”) or a broker (“got a hot stock tip for me?”).   However, I believe…

On August 27, 2016, I will be getting married to an amazing guy; he proposed at a fundraising event I have been a part of for going on six years, in front of a crowd of 250 people back in October.  Now that the big day is just over a couple months away, we have…