Mitten Money

In this episode of Mitten Money, Will & Kevin talk to Rich Martin of Assisted Living Locators, who provides important information about senior living options. He discusses independent living, assisted living, and memory care, and how his company assists families in finding appropriate communities based on care needs and financial situations. The episode also highlights the role of the Medicaid waiver program and offers tips for evaluating facilities to ensure quality care.

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, Will & Kevin dive into the impact of artificial intelligence on the financial industry with Wassan Kasey and Winston Chang from Capital Group. As a practice management consultant, they share insights on how AI is shaping financial advising, enhancing efficiency, and changing the way advisors connect with clients.

We discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents, its role in investment management, and how financial professionals can adapt to this rapidly evolving landscape. Whether you're in the industry or just curious about the future of finance, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

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.

College students take over the mic! 🎙️ In this episode of Mitten Money, we welcome Northwood University students to ask their burning finance questions—from breaking into the industry to managing money in the age of TikTok. Tune in for insightful conversations, career advice, and a few laughs along the way!

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 the season premiere of Mitten Money season 5, Will & Kevin explore the major financial trends shaping 2025. From lingering inflation and rising costs to housing market challenges, they discuss how these issues are affecting everyday life. They also dive into the growing role of AI in industries like healthcare and finance, as well as the resurgence of cryptocurrency and its implications for fraud prevention.

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.

In this special episode, hosts Will and Kevin explore Michigan’s role as home to four major pizza chains: Jet's, Hungry Howie's, Little Caesars, and Domino's. They discuss the history and impact of these brands, sample their pizzas, and rank their favorites. The episode highlights Michigan's pizza culture, innovations like the corrugated pizza box, and the rise of delivery.

On the flipside...Kevin reveals he likes anchovies on his pizza.

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.

Election, AI, football - oh my!

In today's episode, hosts Will and Kevin interview Pavel Konecny, President and CEO of Tri-Star. Pavel discusses his transition into leadership, focusing on guiding his team and benefiting from a strong stock market.

They explore how the upcoming election could impact the market, with Pavel leveraging his deep financial expertise. He also reflects on political polarization in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of pragmatic discussions and avoiding confirmation bias.

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.