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.