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 challeng...

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...

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-lif...

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 tea...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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 t...

Midlife doesn’t have to mean mid-crisis. In this week’s episode of Mitten Money, Will Zank and Kevin Scorsone dig into what a “midlife money squeeze” really looks like. Between college tuition, rising insurance costs, and trying to save for retirement, it can feel like your finances are always being pulled in every direction. Will and Kevin share practical, real-world advice on how to course-corre...

On this episode of Mitten Money, Will & Kevin take a deep dive into what it really means to plan for retirement. It’s not just about the numbers; they talk about how setting priorities before goals can shape your future, why health and purpose matter just as much as savings, and how flexibility is key when life changes. They share real-life client stories, practical travel hacks (like saving o...

In this episode of Mitten Money , host Kevin Scorsone sits down with Marketing Associate and college graduate Abby Welsh to talk about the real price of college. From FAFSA frustrations and student loans to hidden costs, scholarships, and refund checks, Abby shares her firsthand experience navigating higher education. Kevin reflects on how different college costs looked in his day, while Abby offe...

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 serv...

In this episode of Mitten Money, Will and Kevin explore the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and whether it’s truly achievable for most people. They discuss lean FIRE, fat FIRE, and barista FIRE, reflecting on what early retirement might look like in real life. The conversation covers how retirement is changing, the importance of purpose and social connection, and how to strike...

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 stewar...

Hosts Will and Kevin dive into the world of behavioral investing and how emotions can influence financial decision-making. They explore three common investor mindsets and how fear, overconfidence, or discipline can impact your long-term goals. The conversation highlights why building trust, sticking to a personalized plan, and tuning out the noise of headlines and social media are crucial for stay...

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 lon...

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...

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...

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 p...

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 im...

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. Al...

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...

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...

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...