In this episode of Mitten Money, Will and Kevin tackle some of the financial questions clients may be hesitant to ask their advisors. They discuss responsible credit card use, managing debt, evaluating portfolio performance, and how couples can approach joint and separate finances.

The conversation also covers adjusting investment strategies as retirement approaches and the considerations that go into paying off a mortgage. They dive into estate planning, gifting during your lifetime, and how parents can balance helping their children with funding college while protecting their own financial future.

Throughout the episode, they reinforce that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to financial decisions. Understanding your goals, risk tolerance, and long-term plan is key to making confident financial choices.

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.

This episode of Mitten Money explores one of the biggest financial decisions many people face: renting versus buying a home. Will and Kevin discuss the hidden costs of homeownership, including maintenance, repairs, property taxes, insurance, closing costs, and the time commitment that comes with owning a home.

They also explain why buying isn't always the best financial move, especially if you expect to move within a few years or aren't prepared for unexpected expenses. The conversation emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all answer and encourages listeners to weigh both the financial and lifestyle factors before making a decision.

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, Kevin & Relationship Manager Mason Sarosi discuss an important question: Are you using your money the way you intended? While saving and investing are key to financial success, they explain why true financial planning is about finding the balance between preparing for the future and enjoying life today.

Through real client experiences, they explore the challenges of both overspending and being too afraid to spend after years of disciplined saving. The conversation highlights how a personalized financial plan can provide the confidence to make meaningful financial decisions, whether that's traveling with family, helping loved ones, or investing in experiences that improve quality of life.

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 the latest episode of Mitten Money, Kevin is joined by Rob Clark to chat about how companies can look beyond the bottom line and give back through conscious capitalism. Rob breaks down corporate community engagement into three pillars: philanthropy, volunteerism, and thought leadership. He explains that real impact happens when you move past simple sponsorships and build true partnerships.

They discuss how getting out into the community can be a strong team-building tool that boosts morale, with a key takeaway being that community work should never be done for credit. When it’s done for the right reasons, business growth tends to follow naturally.

They also share updates on Tri-Star’s growth in the Great Lakes Bay region, including a new 4,000-square-foot office opening this fall in downtown Bay City, as well as exciting news about co-host Will Zank, who is welcoming his third child!

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 and Kevin use Michigan’s never-ending pothole problem as a metaphor for generational wealth, showing how what is ignored today can become costly later. They explain that generational wealth is not just for the ultra-wealthy, and can range from simple estate planning to larger trusts designed to support families or communities over time.

Through real-life examples, they highlight how poor planning and lack of communication can quickly erode wealth, while clear intentions, strong financial guidance, and family transparency help it last for generations.

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.

On this episode of Mitten Money, Will & Kevin sit down with special guest Ben Bakken to talk through one of the most important, yet often overlooked, parts of running a business: succession and exit planning.

They break down why planning ahead can create more flexibility and opportunity, and how understanding your business’s value goes beyond just revenue and profit. From building a strong team to creating systems that support long-term success, this episode highlights the key factors that can strengthen your business over time.

Have questions regarding your business? Reach out to Ben at ben.bakken@tristartrust.com

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.

Money isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s shaped by childhood experiences, family dynamics, stress, habits, and the stories we’ve carried with us for years. And when two adults build a life together, those money stories don’t disappear, they merge.

In this episode of Mitten Money, Will and Kevin explore what our relationship with money looks like in adulthood and how it impacts couples. From different spending triggers to navigating joint versus separate accounts, they unpack why financial tension is common and completely normal.

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.

Will & Kevin are kicking off the year with a timely conversation about how scams are becoming harder than ever to spot. With AI-generated voices, fake videos, and messages that look like they’re coming from trusted institutions, fraud is evolving fast.

Will & Kevin share real-world examples, including a close call with a highly sophisticated scam, and explain how urgency and fear are often used to pressure people into quick decisions. They also discuss simple but effective ways to protect yourself, from slowing down and verifying requests to using multi-factor authentication and account alerts.

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.