Mitten Money

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.

Get ready for hot take roulette! In this episode, Will & Kevin spill their financial hot takes.Will challenges the common belief that buying a home is always better than renting, pointing out how high interest rates and rising costs make renting a smarter, more flexible choice, especially if you’re not planning to settle long term. Kevin dives into the booming world of Buy Now, Pay Later services like Klarna and Afterpay, discussing how these easy micro-loans can help, but also lead to debt stacking if you’re not careful.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, Will & Kevin sit down with Andy Bethune of Tri-Star Trust to explore his journey from PGA pro to philanthropy expert. Andy shares insights from his new book Relationship First Fundraising, emphasizing the power of trust, authenticity, and strategy in donor relationships. He also reflects on building SVSU’s Carmona College of Business, the importance of stewardship, and why fundraising is more about people than money. Grab his book here!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 honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Will & Kevin talk to Dr. Dan Kehres, a chiropractor and wellness expert who believes true health goes far beyond the spine. Dr. Kehres shares how your daily habits—what you eat, how you move, and how you manage stress—play a critical role in shaping not only your physical health but also your mental well-being.From the connection between mood and longevity to the power of anti-inflammatory nutrition and epigenetics, this conversation is a reminder that small, consistent choices can have a lasting impact. Tune in for an inspiring and practical discussion that encourages you to take charge of your health from the inside out.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, Will and Kevin dig into the often misunderstood world of credit. From stories about missed payments (like an old library fine that came back to haunt Will) to whether closing a credit card really hurts your score, they break down what actually matters when it comes to managing your credit. They also chat about how credit scores are calculated, how to monitor your report, and what you can do to improve your score over time.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, we dive deep into the age-old debate: leasing vs. financing a vehicle. With car prices skyrocketing and technology evolving, what’s the smarter financial move? Hosts Will and Kevin break down the pros and cons of each option, share personal car-buying experiences (including a totaled vehicle!), and discuss how factors like reliability, safety, and affordability impact your decision. Plus, they explore the surprising shift in savings habits over the decades and what it means for personal finance today.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 week, we’re diving into two of the biggest financial topics—Social Security and Medicare—with Bobbi, Tri-Star’s Director of Financial Planning. We break down the best time to file for Social Security, how earnings can impact benefits, and what you need to know about Medicare. Bobbi also shares common mistakes people make, strategies to maximize benefits, and how planning ahead can make all the difference.Along the way, we chat about travel, blackjack, and why financial planning is more important than ever. Tune in and start securing your financial future!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, Will & Kevin interview Brad Johnson, the former owner of Northern Michigan’s first Culver’s, who reflects on his inspiring entrepreneurial journey. After a 30-year career at McDonald’s, Brad transitioned into owning and operating multiple Culver’s franchises, including the first location in Traverse City. He shares how his dedication to exceptional customer service, strategic location planning, and deep community involvement—such as hosting classic car shows and supporting local charities like Disabled American Veterans—helped him achieve long-term success.Brad also opens up about the challenges of building a business in smaller markets and the importance of perseverance and team building. Now retired, he continues to stay connected to the community while enjoying life with his family, classic cars, and plenty of golf.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.