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!

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.

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Will and Kevin had the pleasure of inviting on Dallas Rau, Executive Director of Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership to discuss the importance of mental health in the workplace and community. They explore ways to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, share insights on local mental health initiatives, and highlight the critical role of workplace culture in supporting mental well-being. Listen in for practical tips, inspiring stories, and how to access resources like the 988 helpline to support mental health for yourself and others.Connect with Dallas 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 this episode, Will & Kevin dive into personal finance, market volatility, and smart investment strategies, all within the context of Michigan. They explore the challenges of timing the market, discussing historical trends like September's typical stock market struggles and the "Sell in May and go away" adage, explaining why it doesn't always hold up—especially during the summer months. Tune in for practical financial insights mixed with local flavor and timely advice for navigating today's markets.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 dive into Michigan's rapid growth, from the booming real estate market to the surge in tourism in Northern Michigan. The two explore the economic impacts, the challenges faced by local communities, and exciting opportunities on the horizon.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.

Today Will is joined with Dr. Blair White of White Orthodontics. You may be familiar with his dentistry OR the fact he was briefly in the NFL playing for the Indiana Colts!Blair recounts his decisions in his dentistry career as well as leaving the NFL. His team-driven background helps lead his office to assure great experiences for not only his patients, but his employees as well. You can connect with Blair at https://www.white-ortho.com/ or (989) 737-6046.

What are bonds? Which one should you choose? What's the benefit of a fixed income? Will Zank & Kevin Scorsone answer all questions related to bonds! Whether you have one or are considering one, our hosts will help navigate informed investment decisions for a stable 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.

Debbie Briguglio, Tri-Star Relationship Manager, joins Will to discuss women & the financial struggles they still may face today. The two delve into topics exploring stigmas of retirement with women, financial tips, and what to expect when it IS time to retire. 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.

Fred Edmond, Jr., from Frankenmuth Insurance joins Will today to discuss the "insurance industry," including how their company remains one of the longest-standing in Frankenmuth, scenarios they deal with, technological advancements, and how they cater to their clients. You can connect with Fred here: https://www.fmins.com/https://www.youtube.com/ @FrankenmuthInsurance

Will & Kevin delve into the world of investor psychology, exploring how we can be both empowered and deceived in the realm of finance. Certain things can influence the average investor, such as fear of missing out, judging the future by the past, getting into a routine, and much more.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 discuss financial influencers - and the dangers that come with them! While some influencers are truly there to spread knowledge and awareness, it can become too easy to believe everything said on the internet. 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.

Today we have on very special guest Craig "Goose" Goslin, President and Managing Partner of the Saginaw Spirit, to talk about the highly anticipated Memorial Cup!Craig breaks down the economic impact the championship will bring to Saginaw as well as what's to come with the week-long span of festivities. Tune in as he covers $18 million worth of legacy projects, the projected tourism for Saginaw and the surrounding region, and the people who are working hard to make this a memorable week for the city of Saginaw.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.

Today, Will & Kevin sit down to discuss financial check-ups! Whether it is stock selection, buying annuities, or balancing a "fun" account, tune in for the breakdown on how to make sure you are on the right track.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.

Curious about extending your vacation budget beyond its initial expectations? Will and Kevin discuss how to pinch your pennies when traveling.

We are back with a new version of Mitten Money!Today, Will is joined with our NEW co-host, Kevin Scorsone! Kevin is the Market Director for Tri-Star's Midland location.Do they prefer Coke or Pepsi? Old-fashioned budgeting or budget apps? Tune in as Kevin tells more about himself while the pair answer This or That questions!

We have some very exciting news! Mitten Money is undergoing some changes, just in time for our 3rd anniversary. Stay tuned on February 20, 2024 to see what's in store...

Will interviews the president & CEO of Tri-Star, Pavel Konency, about himself and his new position. Pavel grew up in the Czech Republic where he was going to school for engineering. Pavel also played tennis and was learning English at the time, which ended up leading him to Northwood University in Midland, MI. He ended up going for Business Management while playing tennis for the school in 1992. Pavel originally didn't have a plan to go into banking and finance, but he had a knack for numbers. He had a long career at Chemical Bank where the possibility of becoming CFO was tossed around. Some changes took place, and his path didn't become as clear as it once was. The co-founders of Tri-Star eventually reached out to talk about a potential plan for him to lead within five years.As a leader, Pavel makes it a point to invest in younger employees. He claims a rewarding part of his job is to watch someone grow while sharing wisdom and knowledge and giving them opportunities. When looking for potential employees, Pavel looks for soft skills along with technical skills, which a lot of younger employees proved to have. While Tri-Star is growing, Pavel comments they made it a point to expand in areas that attract people to downtown development. With locations such as the Saginaw and Midland office, there is opportunity to grab lunch at a small sandwich place or shop at local boutiques. Pavel also helps make sure the office environment is somewhere employees want to be rather than working from home. In his new position, Pavel is looking forward to continuing community involvement, creating value, and investing in futures while teaching about financial health.Connect with Pavel here:https://www.tristartrust.com/

Will had the opportunity to sit down with Anna Bebow, Owner of Soul Fit in Bay City. Anna not only opened up Soul Fit to connect people to each other and their mind and soul, but she also runs her own wedding photography business. Anna had opened up Soul Fit when she realized there wasn't a lot of places that connect movement and the soul. Soul Fit is known to empower women through classes like Pilates, dance class, yoga and more, but is also available to men as well. Soul Fit is a studio rather than a gym, making the atmosphere more inviting with diffusers, low lights, and fewer equipment. The goal behind the studio is to make it more relaxing and not as intimidating as other fitness centers. Anna is open to trying new fitness trends in the studio. She recently added a dance class to Soul Fit, incorporating dance moves with core and lower-body exercises. The studio has plenty of instructors for all different classes to suit each client's tastes. Because of this, she has been open to the idea of offering virtual classes. Anna says the best marketing for her businesses is word of mouth. Most clients come with their friends or family to Soul Fit after hearing about it from someone else. On top of word of mouth, Anna turns to social media such as Instagram to post Reels of different classes. Besides typical exercise classes, Soul Fit offers hiking trips outside of Bay City for those who want to connect more with other people and with nature. Anna hopes to continue these trips quarterly, one for each season!While Anna owns Soul Fit, she also manages her photography business. She recognizes that one person may not be able to do it all, such as running multiple businesses, so she learns and grows from her weaknesses. Putting trust in instructors that are passionate for Soul Fit has made balancing her other business much easier.Connect with Anna here:https://soulfitmi.com/https://creativegraceco.com/

Will joins Tim, Director, Institutional Group at Brandes Investment Partners, to discuss his journey from northern Ontario to working for a Southern California-based firm, Brandes. He started his career in the early '90s in banking and retail advisory, transitioning to asset management. Tim joined Brandes when they sought to establish a Canadian subsidiary, attracted by their commitment to value investing and the opportunity to work with former colleagues.Tim explains that investors often exhibit a home bias, preferring to invest in familiar domestic companies. This bias is particularly evident in well-developed and diversified markets like the US, where investors feel more comfortable with companies they recognize, possibly due to personal connections or local presence. Tim warns against the drawbacks of home biases, emphasizing the need for diversification to mitigate concentration risk, underscoring the importance of international investing.Tim shares that people often seek active exposure to non-US securities. While some clients adopt a passive US approach, others blend it with active international strategies or even active US strategies to address concentration risk. There are various ways to build a portfolio and according to Tim, some popular biases are towards active management. For new investors, Tim touches on a few key points such as distinguishing between investing and speculation, delegating to professionals, taking a long-term view, and the power of compounding.You can reach Tim here:Brandes Investment Partners | WebsiteTim Newburn | LinkedIn

Will had the opportunity to have a conversation with Sharon Krumm, President and Owner of 4U, Inc., a consulting firm. Sharon's journey began with a passion for math, leading her to pursue accounting in college. However, she discovered a broader interest in finance, especially during globe-trotting M&A deals.Throughout her career, Sharon navigated challenges. As a woman in predominantly male environments, she faced unique challenges but lived by the mantra of “work harder and smarter.” Sharon emphasizes the importance of early and honest identification of value drivers in mergers and acquisitions, highlighting the need for a strategic integration plan and a team focused on preserving those drivers. She points out the significance of cultural fit in retaining talent and achieving long-term success. Transitioning from her successful corporate career, Sharon started her consulting firm, inspired by an empowered accountability culture, aiming to create a similar environment in her own company.In solving complex business problems, her method involves a top-down and bottom-up approach, understanding strategic goals and learning from details. She highlights active listening to connect the dots and identify challenges, ensuring buy-in and trust. Sharon advises individuals to prioritize what truly matters to them and understand their genuine interests. Despite external pressures, the importance of aligning personal values with career decisions is crucial. For Sharon, her family always came first, guiding her choices. She encourages defining success individually, as there is no one-size-fits-all path.

Aimee Korch, Director of Relationship Management at Breckinridge Capital Advisors, joins Will today to discuss fixed income.Aimee says fixed income is the “most interesting” area of work for her. According to Aimee, there are so many ways the financial system can create debt, which fuels the economy. There are a lot of conversations on stocks, but not fixed income, so it tends to not come to mind for most people. Public stocks also tend to be more straightforward, whereas bonds work more inversely. Individual bonds or bond mutual funds? Aimee says owning individual bonds is an interest to investors who have unique guidelines and want customizations. Mutual funds are more of “what you see is what you get.” Breckinridge invests in investment-grade bonds and doesn't venture into high-yield or junk bonds. High-yield bonds generally offer higher returns due to their riskier nature, as they have lower credit ratings and weaker balance sheets. This increased risk could lead to a higher chance of default. The suitability of high-yield bonds depends on an investor's risk tolerance and financial profile.The decision to invest in a single segment or multiple segments within fixed income is subjective and depends on the client's objectives and portfolio context. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Generally, diversifying across multiple segments is beneficial as it spreads risk, but the choice ultimately depends on the client's specific goals and preferences.Find Aimee here:Breckinridge Capital Advisors | Website

Today, Will sits down the Matt Smith, a jack of all trades. Matt has experience in the military, owning his own gym, and becoming a realtor. How did he decide to go from one thing to the next?Right out of high school, Matt knew college wasn't the route he wanted to go on. He was drawn to the army, since his father and grandfather had served. Around his time in service circa 1993, he was deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia. In the army, he didn't have the luxury of Facetiming family members. He had to write and receive letters. Matt reminisces on how different his time in the military was compared to today's service members. Matt had always exercised through high school and found that this continued for him in the army. He transitioned from the military to joining the gym once his service was over and realized he loved interacting with other gym-goers. Matt eventually opened up Smitty's Iron Works. His “internal drive” was to pave his own path, and this began with opening his own gym. Matt's gym has merged with another organization and had taught them how he ran his personal training business. During this time, it solidified his love of working independently and opened the door for “What's next?” Matt had always had a love for the outdoors and took classes for habitat development. In these classes, Matt learned people made a living by showing people hunting land, which led him to real estate. He currently owns and runs Matt Smith Outdoors, a small realty business. He utilizes social media to build his brand, everything from a home walkthrough to deciphering generators. Connect with Matt here:Matt Smith Outdoors | FacebookMatt Smith | LinkedIn

Will had the opportunity to interview Cameron Massey, Executive Director of the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, before the beginning of their season! Cameron got started at the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra after volunteering while running his own marketing firm. Eventually, his role at the Orchestra turned into a marketing position, and eventually Executive Director. He has always had an interest in instruments, as he plays piano, guitar, bass, and much more. But his passion lies on the stage.When a new season comes around, Cameron and his team take into consideration things their audience would want to see and hear. Whether you want to hear the same classical piece over and over again or want to experience a movie with live music, this season of the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra has got you covered. They also take into consideration the Saginaw community and how to get them involved. The Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra is growing and growing. The goal is to always bring the most music possible to the area – this is one of the Symphony's biggest budgets thus far. Cameron doesn't consider other orchestras as competition. Instead, he thinks of them as all working together to keep classical music alive. The season begins October 7th and includes numerous exciting programs that they haven't done before. Connect with Cameron and the Symphony here:Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra | WebsiteSaginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra | Facebook

Today, Will sits down with Joseph (Skip) Simms to discuss angel investing and his journey to becoming Managing Partner of the MI Angel Fund. Skip mentions how he started in venture investing in 1999, went through the dot-com boom and bust, and later got involved with Ann Arbor Spark, an economic development organization. Skip also talks about the growth of angel investing in Michigan and the importance of honesty and transparency in investor-founder relationships. He shares a success story with SkySpecs, a company focused on drone monitoring for facilities, and how they shifted their focus from drones to technology. Skip reflects on the changes in the venture capital landscape in Michigan and the need for state incentives to encourage more high-net-worth individuals to become angel investors. Connect with Skip:MI Angel Fund | WebsiteJoseph Simms | LinkedIn

Will sits down with very special guest Johnathan Rand, author of the Michigan Chillers and American Chillers series, as well as various other books. Michigan-native Johnathan originally wanted to work in conservation, keeping reading and writing as a hobby. His journey took him to radio commercials, where he practiced telling stories. Johnathan self published in 1987, and his career took off. He found a passion for recordings and audio, eventually releasing audiobooks on cassettes. Eventually, the idea for a kids' horror series dawned upon him from the fictitious name of a bottled town, and the Chiller series were born.Johnathan suggests that self-publishing is still a great opportunity for a new author. Self-publishing opens doors for creativity, but he touches on how not many people are prepared for the next phase of it: marketing. While you can have a great story, who is your audience? The first step is to think ahead. With self-publishing, you have to think of how you will get your book out there.Around 2004, Johnathan's series really started taking off, initiating the idea of his retail store Chillermania. Many people started showing up in his community looking for his books, so Johnathan decided to place the store in a high-traffic area off I-75. The store has entertainment value along with products, making it a hot spot for visitors during the summertime. You can connect with Johnathan here:Johnathan Rand Website

Did you know July is National Ice Cream month? In this episode, Will sits down with three ice cream connoisseurs of Michigan to discuss how they make their business as sweet as can be.Tim Mangan of Michigan Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Company in Bay City discusses moving from creating menus at Horizons Conference Center to managing their new ice cream shop in the midst of the pandemic. Cream & Sugar is known for sourcing Michigan ingredients, ranging from sugar made by Michigan Sugar Company to carrots for a carrot cake flavor from Cherry Capital Foods in Traverse City. During Tim's off-season, he spends his time crafting recipes for the upcoming season and training new staff. His secret to making his business so well-liked is keeping his staff happy, which in turn makes the guests happy. Cream & Sugar recently received a grant to open a second location in Old Town Saginaw!Chris McKellar of Love's Ice Cream & Chocolate in Grand Rapids tells his tale of starting as a performer to e-commerce to finding a passion in cooking and recipe-development. When this “love” sparked, he sold his e-commerce company to a competitor and opened Love's. It started small, but eventually became big enough to ship their products internationally. Love's also offers gluten and dairy free options to reach a broader range of ice cream lovers. Jon Plummer of Moomer's Homemade Ice Cream in Traverse City tells how Moomer's operates an 80-acre dairy farm right next to their ice cream parlor - you can see the cows that potentially made the milk in your ice cream. Moomer's likes to experiment with flavors and products, ranging from eggnog in July to asparagus ice cream (which didn't get as much buzz as eggnog). Back in 2008, Good Morning America had a “Best Scoop Shop” competition in which Moomer's was voted the best shop in the nation! They celebrated by inviting customers to come out for free ice cream early in the morning for the GMA taping!Connect with these sweet businesses here or by stopping in:Michigan Cream & Sugar Ice Cream CompanyLove's Ice Cream & ChocolateLove's Ice Cream & Chocolate | FacebookMoomer's Homemade Ice Cream

BSA Officer Cindy Holliday and Owner of Blue Thumb Kip Northrup walk us through their journey today of encountering check fraud.Kip had a first-hand experience with check fraud, as one of his checks was intercepted by a third party. He reached out to Cindy for the next steps on how to handle the interaction. With Cindy's help, they were able to stop the deposit of the check.Check fraud is one of the most common types of fraud back on the rise. Kip and Cindy used Positive Pay, a fraud management tool, but advises those without it to check your account and make sure your checks get deposited correctly and all the information is correct from one party to the next. This is not the first time Kip has experienced fraud; he recounts another time where funds were almost incorrectly sent to a "customer." In this instance, Kip was able to recognize the signs of fraud and reach out to Cindy once again.Connect with Cindy and Kip here:Cindy Holliday | LinkedInKip Northrup | LinkedIn

Today we are joined with 1st State Bank's Executive Vice President & Chief Lending Officer, Todd Gregory, and Saginaw Bay Underwriter's President & CEO, Peter Ewend, to discuss the rise of check fraud. Fraud is back on the rise. Changing checks - whether it be tampering the dollar amount or duplicating a check - is becoming very common in the banking world. The level of information provided on a check and the technology we have makes them an easy target for fraud. Another form of fraud going around as of late is mail fraud, or stealing mail directly from mailboxes.While fraud can be alarming, there are some ways you can prevent it. A few different methods include verifying requests, monitor your accounts, and noting all the information provided on the check you are about to send. There are also insurances available for business to protect against losses and other policies put into place to protect aspects of fraud.Todd and Peter's tips for staying safe against fraud include being knowledgeable, aware, and educating others. Prevention is key, and working with others can be a great resource. You can connect with Todd and Peter here:Todd Gregory | LinkedInPeter Ewend | LinkedIn1st State Bank Saginaw Bay Underwriters

In this episode, Lizzi shares her personal story of returning to Michigan and seeking opportunities for work. Lizzi reached out to her alma mater, Saginaw Valley State University, and eventually found herself working in their Career Services office. The Career Services office at SVSU goes beyond providing support solely during the college years; they offer lifelong services to alumni.Lizzi explains that the office has noticed an increase in alumni returning for assistance in tweaking their resumes and navigating career transitions, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. On a day-to-day basis, Lizzi engages with students, collaborating closely with faculty members to ensure that students have a job lined up when they walk across the graduation stage.When it comes to making a career switch or finding your first job, Career Services takes a comprehensive approach to help individuals explore their options. They administer a questionnaire consisting of over 200 questions designed to delve into an individual's interests and passions. Along with this, they partner with over 20 employers to gain insight about the do's and don'ts of resumes and interviews. Lizzi highlights important tips to master your career skills, whether it be straight out of school or 15+ years into your career. With helpful insight from her time at Career Services, Lizzi hopes these tricks will be useful in your searching process. Connect with Lizzi here:Elizabeth Hubble-Radosa | LinkedInSVSU Website

On today's episode, we sit down to chat with Wendy Groll and Dan Handley from Dale Carnegie Training of Mid-Northern Michigan. Wendy got her start in Dale Carnegie after emerging into a leadership role of her previous job, and Dan followed his family in the business after graduating college, working alongside his father. Dale Carnegie offers educational courses to enhance your leadership skills to use in the workplace and your personal life. Training at Dale Carnegie is very accessible, with over 9 million graduates to date. Many graduates of Dale Carnegie speak of their experience to others, which result in more graduates to come.The training Dale Carnegie offers is applicable to a multitude of people because of their commitment to growth. People's ability to create change and opportunity drives training. In today's world, growth is a skill that continually needs to be mastered. Most people's calendar is spent convincing others to do things – friends, family, coworkers. Learning the “sales skills” Dale Carnegie provides helps create action. Dale Carnegie training is about the ability to connect and bounce around ideas and skills that someone may not utilize personally. Dale Carnegie provides live online training as well as face to face, which are both highly interactive. Every participant will leave with a specific action plan that resulted from various activities and lessons that will help add to their skillset. With every skill learned, it opens up the question of what else someone can learn.It is crucial to continue your education throughout your careers. If you aren't growing, others around you are, and so are your competitors. Certain skills get you to an opportunity but growing them will keep you there. Today if you sit back, life will pass you by. Growth is fun! Connect with Wendy and Dan here:Dale Carnegie Training of Mid-Northern Michigan

Saginaw-native Mike Ball has been doing comedy for 11 years, yet he hadn't seen live comedy until he was about 21 years old. He eventually started going to LA during his lawn business's off season, and eventually interned for comedian Pauly Shore. Since then, Mike's career has taken off with his own comedy show, “The Future of Comedy Show.” While comedy is ever-changing, Mike says the basics are still the same. According to Mike, comedy is “the last form of free speech.” Through his career, he has met many comedians who have given him advice along the way; Mike's advice to being in comedy is to be who you are, no matter your style of humor, because there's only one of you. While it is important to be who you are in your humor, there is a time and place to do so – Humor in the workplace has its limits, but an open mic does not. Mike advises to make safe jokes in your place of work and experiment outside of the office. Open mics are the perfect opportunity to practice other things on top of humor such as public speaking, stage presence, and much more. Mike practices this with corporate clients, as well as “under-promising and over-delivering.” Find Mike Ball here:Mike Ball | WebsiteMike Ball | Facebook

Right before the pandemic, Ali Huntoon decided she wanted to quit her corporate job to start her own HR consulting business, Allied HR Solutions. During the pandemic, Ali began scouring the internet for freelance jobs, but soon began working for people all over the country. Every engagement is different for Ali and the small businesses she works with. Her work involves anything from attending staff meetings to working with budgets and recruiting for small businesses. Ali's business not only offers HR services, but anything a small business needs – from advertising to marketing to audits, Allied HR is a catalyst to make sure these operations are seamless. Although she does it all, Ali's favorite part is the “people stuff.”Starting her own business during the start of a pandemic had Ali noticing how the job market is changing. For her recruiting services, she has noticed more workers value their time and families, and more people are looking for a hybrid-remote work environment. Ali manages her work-life balance by mixing her other business, Allied Group Fitness, with something she loves. Her trick is to catch burn out before it happens. Connect with Ali: Ali Huntoon | LinkedInAllied HR Solutions

Dakota and Garret Porter started ActionGlow over 10 years ago. The idea began when they were snowboarding on a dark ski slope and had the idea to tink around with their gear to include LED lights. It originally didn't start as a business venture until other boarders were interested in the product. The brothers built up inventory and sold out within 48 hours. Around this time is when Shark Tank producers reached out to have them apply to the show. ActionGlow at that point was too new, but they tried to get on the show on three separate occasions. Garret applied a fourth time without consulting Dakota, and the rest is history. On the show, the two needed something to break the ice, so cracking a few jokes was the route they decided to take. The pitch took about 45 minutes but boiled down to 8 minutes on TV. Since the show, the brand has been sold out. The Porter brothers added that having a Shark on their side “opens doors.” According to the brothers, it took about 2 years to actually come out with a product to withstand action sports. Action sport equipment tends to get roughened up; ActionGlow is 100% waterproof and can be submerged up to 10 meters. The LED lights were toughened up to not tear under pressure. Constant revisions of ActionGlow are always undergoing.Now, the boys are planning a bus tour as a “grassroots way of selling.” As for the future of ActionGlow, they are lasered in on the action sport market for now. Connect with Dakota and Garret here:Dakota Porter | LinkedInGarret Porter | LinkedInActionGlow WebsiteActionGlow Instagram

This week's episode, we sit down with some members of the Tri-Star team to discuss some financial mistakes we've experienced in our lives and have grown from the most. Sandy Worner delves into the repercussions of borrowing from your 401(k). For every dollar put in, it took about $1.30 to get back to where she was.Lee Reimann recalls not knowing what she really wanted before talking to an insurance salesperson, spending a lump sum on yearly premiums.Kevin Scorsone recounts his 3-step process of credit. Establish, manage, monitor! Jane Hagen touches on selecting investments carefully. When there was no education on 401(k), there was money market. To finish it off, our host Will Zank looks back on how important self-reflection is for investing. He realized he needed to think more in depth for what he wanted that money to be when researching where to put it.With each financial mistake comes a lesson learned. Tune in for insight on what each of them know now that they wish they knew back then. Connect with the Tri-Star Team:Sandy Worner | LinkedInLee Reimann | LinkedInKevin Scorsone | LinkedInJane Hagen | LinkedInWilliam Zank | LinkedInTri-Star Trust

Today, we sit down to talk to Kyle DeWees, Interim Executive Director of Valley Lutheran High School. Kyle was involved with the school's biggest capital campaign, raising over $12 million in 5 years and reaching out to 1,700+ donors.DeWees originally never saw himself at Valley Lutheran – he started just 1.5 years before their biggest capital campaign. But as soon as he started on the staff, it was made clear it would be his responsibility to oversee it. The level of success of the campaign was impactful; the school raised $2 million more than their $10 million goal. According to DeWees, the staff was hopeful and thought it was the right time for such a campaign. It started with volunteer leadership and reaching out to anyone connected to the school - alumni, parents, etc. Reaching out to alumni was a big part of the capital campaign. A way Valley Lutheran keeps alumni involved, as well as other members of Valley Lutheran, is making sure to establish personal relationships. Meeting one-on-one in person is the backbone of alumni relations that Valley Lutheran continues to make an effort to do.The capital campaign went towards expanding the space to teach properly, making it more of what a 21st century education looks like. With more space comes more opportunity to collaborate, problem-solve, and co-teach. The teachers of Valley Luther High School act more as “mentors” and get to know their students individually. Connect with Kyle:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdewees/https://vlhs.com/

This week's guest is Arielle Patrick, Chief Communications Officer of Ariel Investments, who sits down with us to discuss a mini “master class” of crisis management, relationship building, and rebranding. A graduate of Princeton University, Arielle was first interested in journalism, which eventually led her into consulting, and eventually corporate strategy and finance. With crisis management comes many factors. Of these factors, Arielle touches on the human side of mistakes; the word “humility” comes up in conversation, which Arielle is not afraid to address. Humans make mistakes, but the way we correct them is important. Unveiling initiative and standing on the right side of history with corrective action is important. “Networking” isn't in Arielle's vocabulary – instead, she prefers “relationship building.” Adding value to other peoples' lives is far more important than trying to gain something from them. A simple yet widely known phrase of paying it forward is Arielle's tip on how she became more involved with people and her current organization.On surface level, rebranding may sound easy. In actuality, rebranding comes down to the nitty gritty of how you want others to perceive your organization. For Ariel Investments, diversity exists within them, being a black and female owned company. Reciprocating this in their image was something Arielle had the pleasure of tasking. Arielle is a graduate from Princeton University, where she earned an AB in Classics with a concentration on Ancient Greek and Latin language, Literature and History. She currently resides in New York City with her husband and daughter.Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment related advice. Clients of Tri-Star Trust firm may contain securities that are mentioned in this podcast.

In this week's episode, Michelle Burkhard, Owner of Grow by 1, LLC, sits down with us to discuss the ins and outs of life coaching. Michelle's point of change happened about 15 years ago when she calculated how many people she affected as a teacher and wanted to go beyond that number. Michelle delves into how people struggle with change not because the fear of failure, but the fear of success. Fear of success can mean results such as pulling away from other duties or making others in your life unhappy by these changes. Michelle explains that with navigating and negotiating your life comes discomfort, which is perfectly normal for working through understanding changes. Discomfort is part of the process, but it should never reach “overwhelming.” According to Michelle, people want to start making changes when they hit a “midlife crisis” – a very real phase of life some people experience. Not everyone goes through this; some people make changes very early on or very late in life. When you make it to that phase and are seeking assistance, there is a difference between working with a coach vs. a mentor. Anyone can coach, but only experts can mentor. Michelle has her PhD in Educational Evaluation and Research from Walden University. She is a Coach Doctor that is highly requested in 7 different time zones. She also produces a podcast called “Change Your Thinking.” Michelle spends her free time with her three children. Connect with Michelle:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-burkhard-870062100https://growby1.com

In this week's episode, Joe Ruth joins us to discuss how roles in healthcare has evolved into today's standing from experience at the loading dock at Saginaw General Hospital to being the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Sparrow Health System. During their conversation, Joe goes into depth about how the healthcare industry as a whole has been operating since the pandemic. Joe touches on the diverse job opportunities within healthcare; anything from food service to IT staff to accounting is needed to operate a health system, with patient care at the forefront. The pandemic has exhausted healthcare, with many health organizations continuing to struggle finding staff. For Sparrow, acquiring talent comes from redefining roles and jobs, vertical integration, continuous training for workers and students of major universities and community colleges, and adding specialized roles such as social workers in primary care clinics for mental and behavioral care. Since making the decision to join the University of Michigan health system, Joe has made it clear this will be beneficial for Sparrow as two like-minded organizations add to the ability to care for patients. Joe is a graduate of Michigan State University and the DeVos Graduate School of Management, Northwood University, where he earned Bachelor's and Master's Degrees, respectively. He and his wife Pam have 2 children and live in East Lansing. Connect with Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-ruth-6685345/https://www.sparrow.org/

In this week's episode, we speak with Kip Northrup of Blue Thumb Water Features. The self-professed “Fish Geek” has turned his water feature installation company into a national wholesaler. Kip shares his tips on how mergers and acquisitions helped grow their small aquarium cleaning company to a network of dealers for water features throughout the U.S.Since 2005, Blue Thumb has been through multiple challenging financial situations between the 2008 recession and the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. Through each challenge, his team utilized its tools and grew stronger than before.At the end of the 2020 Pandemic, Blue Thumb had explosive growth, with sales nearly doubling by the end of the year. Kip says, “Our success is due to good decisions. Good decisions need to be made on a daily basis. Some are small, and some are big, but be consistent. Being consistent with these good decisions means you will continue to grow and prosper.”Kip is a proud graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a focus on International Business. He and his family reside in Saginaw, MI. His company, Blue Thumb, is headquartered in Saginaw, MI.Connect with Kip on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kipnorthrup/Blue Thumb's website: https://shopbluethumb.com/

Upwards of 2,000 cyberattacks happen per day to businesses, yet they may not know how to fix this problem as they don't have an IT specialist to look over their programs on a day-to-day basis. On the podcast, Will Zank speaks with Chad Paalman, CEO of NuWave Technology Partners. Chad faced the unexpected early in life. In high school, he suffered an injury causing him not to be able to join the air force dashing a lifelong dream. This problem led him to go to college and become the entrepreneur he is today. Anything can happen in this world. Even if you think your company is secure, it just takes a split second for someone to gain all the information about your company, your clients, and your personal information. In this episode, we discuss the dangers of not having an IT specialist or company looking over your company's programming. Every business, big or small, should be budgeting out for an IT portion within their company to eliminate the unpredictability of what could come. It may be an expensive portion within your budget, but would you rather have a costly bill or lose all of your company's earnings because someone cyberattacked your business and stole your money? To learn more about Chad Paalman and NuWave Partners, visit the following links.Chad Paalman | LinkedInhttps://nuwavepartners.com/

In this episode, Will Zank interviews Kim and Daniel Guest, the proud owners and hosts of the Little Yellow Cottages in Port Austin, Michigan. Kim and Daniel have worked in corporate America for many years now. They endlessly aim to be their own bosses and increase their financial freedom. What turned out as a hunt for their own house turned into purchasing a unit of 6 vacation rentals and turning them into a must-see vacation destination, the Little Yellow Cottages. In their conversation, Will unpacks how this entrepreneurial duo has successfully built a new revenue stream and how they manage day-to-day operations. Kim and Dan share the highs and lows of owning vacation rentals and valuable tips on making their properties stand out in a tourist town. You'll fall in love with their Midwestern charm and passion for their fur babies and daughter, Lottie June. Family means everything to Kim and Dan. Kim jokes that she is now retired and enjoys caring for “the bird, the cat, the dog, and the kid.” To learn more about Little Yellow Cottages, visit the link below! https://littleyellowcottages.com/

This week we spoke with our very own Andy Bethune. Andy is a master networker, and this week he talks with Will Zank about the art of networking. A key to unlocking your potential is confidence. No matter what you're doing or where you are, networking is essential to any work or social environment. It is about working with those who will not only help with your work but also will help build the community together. One of the biggest problems people face is networking as an introvert. For extroverts, it feels like you're talking with any other person, but for some, it may be a little more challenging. The most considerable note to remember is that introverts can be just as talented at networking as extroverts, but it may take some practice. The best thing to do in this situation is to prepare, ask questions, and have a different outlook than you did going into the events. Andy notes that often people skip out on events for fear of not knowing anyone or being unable to network, as others may be networking. It can be overwhelming, and some may not be comfortable in their situation, but anyone is willing to help if you ask. This week, listen in and learn a few tips on improving your networking ability. Connect with Andy at andrew.bethune@tristartrust.com

The cost of living has become expensive lately. Inflation is driving up prices of everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transportation, and now the housing market. You're probably thinking, “tell us something we don't already know.” On today's episode, host William Zank speaks with Jeff Southcott, Senior Vice President at 1st State Bank. Jeff and Will talk specifically about the housing market. Jeff has been working as an expert in the housing market for years. He shares insight on where he believes the housing market is heading in the coming years. If you want to purchase new real estate, this episode will give you alternative options for this current housing market and insight into rising rates' impact on new homeowners. Jeff also speaks on how the FED raising the interest rates will impact home purchases. Rising rates are causing prospective buyers to put off owning a home and could even make some homeowners no longer eligible to purchase a home. Lastly, Jeff decodes perspective ways to save money with new home purchases and touches on the Adjustable-Rate Mortgage and how they could be beneficial in the long run. Jeff Southcott, Senior Vice President, Residential Mortgage Administrator https://www.1ststate.bank/contact-us/