This week on Mitten Money, hosts Will Zank and Kevin Scorsone dive into the realities of holiday gift-giving and how to keep the season joyful and financially manageable. From planning ahead to avoiding that last-minute December panic, they talk through how they budget for gifts, balance birthdays that fall near the holidays, and keep spending in check without sacrificing meaningful moments. They even unpack the popular “five-gift rule,” the art of stocking stuffers, and why personalized or sentimental gifts can go further than anything flashy.

Will and Kevin also share their experiences with shopping early, hunting for deals throughout the year, and the importance of supporting local businesses. Whether you’re a strategic planner or someone who usually scrambles at the end of the month, this episode offers practical tips, relatable stories, and a reminder that giving thoughtfully matters more than spending big.

Comments made are not to be considered endorsements of Tri-Star Trust or its employees. All viewpoints expressed herein belong solely to the commentators, whether or not they are employees or clients, and remain uninfluenced and uncompensated by Tri-Star Trust or any of its affiliates.

In this week’s Mitten Money episode, Will and Kevin open with conversation about Denver rent, kids’ soccer, and Halloween traditions before shifting into the core topic: preparing your portfolio for year-end. They break down why this is the ideal time to reassess your financial plan, review upcoming cash needs, and decide whether to set aside funds in money markets or short-term municipal options.

The discussion covers key strategies like tax-loss harvesting, managing capital gains distributions from mutual funds, staying mindful of Medicare IRMAA limits, planning RMDs and QCDs, and how to spread gains across multiple tax years to avoid unnecessary surprises.

Kevin and William also stress the importance of evaluating portfolio performance, checking for style or allocation drift after strong market years, and rebalancing to keep risk aligned with long-term goals.

Comments made are not to be considered endorsements of Tri-Star Trust or its employees. All viewpoints expressed herein belong solely to the commentators, whether or not they are employees or clients, and remain uninfluenced and uncompensated by Tri-Star Trust or any of its affiliates.

In this episode of Mitten Money, hosts Will Zank and Kevin Scorsone dive into the most common financial mistakes people make, like credit card debt, lifestyle creep, and overspending on travel or cars, and share smart ways to avoid them. From personal stories and travel hacks to practical budgeting tips, this conversation is full of relatable insights and real-world advice.

Comments made are not to be considered endorsements of Tri-Star Trust or its employees. All viewpoints expressed herein belong solely to the commentators, whether or not they are employees or clients, and remain uninfluenced and uncompensated by Tri-Star Trust or any of its affiliates.