INSPIRED LIFE LIVING BETTER AFTER 55 IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN
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We’ve helped clients step back and ask a different question: What kind of retirement do you want to live? — AUTUMN CHALKER SOLTYSIAK, CFP, OF HEMMING& WEALTH MANAGEMENT
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The Hidden Costs of the Good Life by MEAGAN FRANCIS
Northern Michigan’s dream retirement is real, but so are the expenses that come with finally having the time to enjoy it.
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here’s often a specific fantasy that drives retirees who land Up North. Maybe it’s the Tuesday morning kayak launch because there’s nowhere else they need to be. The standing golf game, long lunches on a waterfront patio or weekends at the cottage with grandchildren running through the yard. It could be the last-minute road trips, volunteer work, winery afternoons and enough free time to finally say “yes” to all the things. Life in Northern Michigan can deliver all of the above. But even with careful planning, retirees are often caught off
guard by how the costs of a retirement lifestyle—some expected, some not so much—add up. “The biggest shift isn’t just how people spend their money but how they spend their time,” says Autumn Chalker Soltysiak, CFP, of hemming& Wealth Management in Traverse City. “Once the work schedule disappears, clients finally have the freedom to do the things they’ve been looking forward to for years.” Those dreams—golf memberships, travel, boating, entertaining family, dining out, hobbies, volunteering—are exactly what retirement is supposed to be about. But they also come
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with price tags that are easy to underestimate when you’re still working full-time. LIFESTYLE CREEP
Many future retirees assume their spending will naturally decrease once they stop working. After all, they’ll no longer be commuting, buying work clothes or contributing to retirement accounts. But while some expenses do disappear, many are simply replaced. “We see clients travel more, dine out more frequently, pick up new hobbies, or spoil their grandchildren,” Soltysiak says.
“Rather than assuming spending automatically declines, we help clients build a spending plan that reflects the life they actually want to live.” That’s especially true in Northern Michigan, where, for example, recreation is woven into everyday life. That Tuesday afternoon paddle may inspire the purchase of a nicer kayak, then a roof rack…then upgraded paddles, dry bags and finally, camping gear for that overnight paddling trip that used to just be a dream. When family visits, outings that once felt like special occasions suddenly become regular events. Ice cream, museum SEPTEMBER 2026
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admissions, boat rentals, zip lines, brewery lunches and farmers market purchases add up quickly. And the generosity many look forward to extending in retirement can quickly lead to unexpected costs, whether it’s helping grandchildren with college, contributing toward an adult child’s home purchase, or paying for big family vacations. It’s also worth remembering that our Northern Michigan location adds an element of specific expenses. Flights from smaller regional airports often cost more than travelers expect. Rural living can mean longer drives, more fuel and fewer opportunities to comparison shop. Dining out has become significantly more expensive, especially during the busy summer
season. None of those expenses are necessarily extravagant, but together, they can dramatically reshape a retirement budget. THE HOUSE ISN’T THE WHOLE STORY
“Many people assume downsizing will automatically reduce their expenses, but that’s often not the case,” Soltysiak says. “Property taxes, insurance, today’s mortgage rates, HOA fees, and the costs of a smaller home [or condo] often come as a surprise to retirees.” In Northern Michigan, even longtime residents can experience sticker shock. Insurance costs have risen. Seasonal homes require maintenance whether their owners are there full-time
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or not. Contractors are busy, making repairs both expensive and sometimes difficult to schedule. Snow removal, lawn care, tree work, well maintenance, dock installation and shoreline repairs often become recurring budget items rather than occasional projects. Retirees who purchase exactly the home they envisioned sometimes discover that the house leaves less room for the life they imagined living inside it. “We’ve helped clients step back and ask a different question: ‘What kind of retirement do you want to live?’ ” Soltysiak says. “In some cases, choosing a slightly less expensive home meant they could travel more, spend more time with family, support charitable causes, or simply enjoy life in peace without worrying about every dollar.” LOOKING BEYOND EARLY RETIREMENT
“The cost of aging is one of the most overlooked retirement expenses,” Soltysiak says. “Many people are so focused on getting to retirement that they haven’t yet considered what may come ten, twenty or even thirty years later.” Long-term care, home modifications, transportation needs and additional support services often aren’t discussed until someone experiences them firsthand with a spouse, parent or close friend.
Health care can also surprise people well before those later years arrive. “Health insurance is one of the biggest unknowns,” Soltysiak says. “If someone retires before age sixty-five, they’ll need to account for private health insurance before Medicare begins, and even after Medicare there are premiums, supplemental coverage and out-of-pocket costs to consider.” PUTTING REAL NUMBERS BEHIND THE DREAM
One mistake financial planners see repeatedly is treating retirement goals as vague aspirations instead of concrete line items. So, rather than budgeting a generic amount for “travel,” Soltysiak encourages clients to price actual trips. “If travel is important, price out the trips you’d like to take,” she says. “If golf is a priority, consider membership costs. If you plan to spend more time at the cottage or hosting family, estimate what that lifestyle will actually cost, while also accounting for inflation over time.” Those conversations become especially important for couples. “At the end of the day, our goal is to help clients create a retirement that gives them the freedom and confidence to live the life they’ve been looking forward to.” Meagan Francis is a Michigan-based writer, podcaster and the author of The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read.
Five Retirement Expenses People Consistently Underestimate 1. Health care Even after Medicare begins, retirees still face premiums, supplemental insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. Those who retire before age 65 also need to budget for private health insurance. 2. Housing costs Downsizing doesn’t automatically mean spending less. Property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, maintenance and repairs often offset savings from a smaller home. 3. Lifestyle spending Golf, boating, travel, dining out, hobbies and entertaining family can increase significantly once retirees finally have the time to enjoy them. 4. The cost of aging Long-term care, accessibility renovations, transportation and in-home support are often overlooked because they’re decades away—until suddenly they’re not. 5. Family generosity Many retirees happily spend far more than expected helping adult children, treating grandchildren, contributing to education or paying for family vacations. Planning for those gifts makes them easier to enjoy.
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hemming& Wealth Management, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor Photo by Captured by Grace Photography
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Easing Our Emotional Ties to Money How to be investment savvy while releasing resistance. by LISA BLAKE
Sometimes we hang on to underperforming stocks gifted to us decades ago. Or we let sentimentality hold us back from selling the lake cottage that we no longer use. Maybe we play it safe and allow fear to take the wheel, swiftly pulling out of the market when it tanks. These reactive money moves can put us in a place of stagnation—or worse, set us back a few notches when we’re seeking forward momentum. We sat down with three expert advisors—touting more than 75 years of combined experience—at hemming& Wealth Management to pinpoint some common finance flounders. The Traverse City–based advisors provide education on tax and cash flow planning, investments and estate planning to empower clients to live their very best lives. “We are absolutely passionate about the work we do at hemming& Wealth Management,” says founder Dawn Hemming. “By listening carefully to client goals and desires, we craft clever solutions that embrace the client’s financial experience.” Here, hemming& advisors share their top tips for more money ease and less emotional stickiness: EVALUATE BIASES
Behavioral finance highlights common biases, such as the tendency to keep familiar investments or hoard cash out of fear. Recognizing these biases can help you make more rational investment decisions. While reviewing spending habits, look for emotionally driven trends or behaviors that you may want to change, like retail therapy or eating out when stressed. The healthiest investors maintain a positive outlook on life, holding gratitude for the people and opportunities around them rather than allowing outside factors to steer money decisions. This is especially true during seasons of big life changes, says hemming& advisor Autumn Chalker Soltysiak. “My experience working with clients has shown me that people who start with gratitude and a positive outlook, even when they’re starting over from the death of a spouse or divorce, have the best success,” Soltysiak says. UNDERSTAND EMOTIONAL TIES
It’s natural to form emotional attachments to certain investments or assets. Whether it’s hanging onto a stock that’s been in the family for years or keeping a house because of the memories it holds, these ties can sometimes cloud our financial judgment. “The goal is to have clients using money as a tool; saving,
trusting their advisors and staying focused on the long term, and to not be so tied to it emotionally,” says hemming& Chief Compliance Officer Jena Posey. Here’s how to proactively manage emotions: Stay Objective: Regular check-ins with a financial advisor can provide an unbiased perspective, helping you make decisions based on facts, not feelings. Diversify: Spreading your investments across different asset types can lessen the emotional impact of any single investment’s performance. Set Clear Goals: Having well-defined financial goals can guide your decisions, ensuring they align with your long-term plans rather than short-term emotions. Educate Yourself: Knowing how markets work can help you stay calm during ups and downs, making it easier to keep emotions in check. Understand the cost to hold, for example, property taxes and maintenance costs for a cottage, or the missed opportunity cost on what the asset could earn if invested differently. Stick to a Plan: A solid investment plan with specific criteria for buying, holding and selling can help you stay disciplined. TACKLE MONEY AVOIDANCE
Many people avoid dealing with their finances, Soltysiak says, but facing money matters head-on is crucial for building wealth. Oftentimes we carry stories around money that can be inflated by grief, fear or lack of confidence. A divorce may leave us disempowered when it comes to money decisions. Loss of a loved one may feel financially paralyzing in the moment. “We had a young family say ‘We really want a lake house … someday.’ But they weren’t moving forward with it because they thought it was something they had to wait on,” Soltysiak says. “We devised a plan for them to have it now and make those memories with their children while they’re young.” Here are some tips to overcome money avoidance: Start Talking: Open up about money with family, friends or a financial advisor. These conversations can demystify finances and reduce anxiety. Track Your Spending: Create a budget to see where your money goes. Use a simple spreadsheet or budgeting app to make this task easier and more manageable. Take Action: Don’t put off financial decisions. Whether it’s investing, paying off debt or saving, taking action is essential. “Ultimately, financial empowerment and releasing emotional ties and fears around money comes from understanding that money is just a tool that we use,” Soltysiak says. “By understanding and managing emotional attachments and actively engaging in financial planning, you can make smarter, more intentional decisions.” SEPTEMBER 2026
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TRUE STORIES
Your steady guide through uncertainty. In nearly every family, there comes a time when roles begin to shift. Parents become grandparents, and children quietly step into the role of caregivers. As two siblings navigated the growing responsibility of caring for aging parents while also supporting a brother with special needs, they weren’t simply looking for financial planning. They needed a partner who understood the full picture of their lives. The Greenleaf Trust client centric team came alongside the family to develop a holistic strategy that encompassed individual needs and goals. They offered empathetic guidance, helping the parents transition with dignity. As their lives and families evolved, they found comfort knowing their finances were guided by Greenleaf Trust, steady, always present and deeply understanding of their history, dynamics and values. While larger firms see only accounts and smaller firms lack the resources to serve multiple generations, Greenleaf Trust built a legacy on hitting the sweet spot in between. With the care and patience of a family friend, the team understands that true wealth is knowing every generation is thoughtfully cared for. With that understanding, a burden was lifted, and the family could cherish the present with peace of mind knowing their future was in good hands.
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When Life Changes, Can Your Estate Plan Change With It? Kids grow up, families change and the cottage that once seemed simple to pass down may become anything but. A flexible trust can help an estate plan adapt to what comes next without losing sight of what matters to you. by CARA MCDONALD
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he cottage has been in the family for 40 years. The kids learned to swim off the dock, there are pencil marks recording their heights on a bedroom doorframe, and nobody can quite bring themselves to replace the creaky swing on the porch. Mom and Dad know exactly what they want: Keep it in the family. Then Mom and Dad are gone. One child lives in Grand Rapids and comes north every summer. Another lives in Arizona. A third loves the place but can’t shoulder a third of the taxes, insurance and new roof. Meanwhile, there are spouses, grandchildren and a waterfront property now worth far more than anyone imagined when the estate plan was written. Suddenly, “keep the cottage in the family” isn’t much of a plan. For Regina Jaeger, CFP®, CTFA, and senior vice president, market director and senior trust relationship officer at the Traverse City office of Greenleaf Trust, the problem isn’t unusual. Families tend to underestimate the practical realities of passing down a beloved property: carrying costs, unequal use and the possibility that one heir may simply need the money. “Equal ownership doesn’t always mean equal willingness or ability to pay,” Jaeger says. And when one family member wants out, she adds, “a buyout or exit mechanism should always be included when planning for a family cottage or property.” That gap between what we imagine for the future and what actually happens is one reason estate planners build flexibility into trusts, even beyond a cottage trust. The goal is to honor the grantor’s wishes while also recognizing that a document drafted today may still be directing family assets decades from now. Sometimes, even choices made in the name of fairness can create trouble. Naming siblings as co-trustees, for example, may seem like a natural way to give everyone an equal voice. But years later, Jaeger says, “circumstances, personal goals and the pressures of making difficult decisions can turn that arrangement into family conflict and resentment.” The same risk comes with trying to prescribe too much
of the future in advance. There are times when precise instructions make sense, Jaeger says. But generally, “the more precisely a document tries to dictate outcomes, the more brittle it becomes when reality diverges from the assumptions baked in.” Instead, a trust can pair a clear statement of the grantor’s intent with enough trustee discretion to respond to changing circumstances. Other tools, including trust protector and decanting provisions, may allow a trust to adapt to changes in the law or update terms that no longer work, without losing sight of the original purpose. Flexibility also starts with simply revisiting an existing plan. Marriage, divorce, births, a move to another state, a major change in wealth or a beneficiary facing bankruptcy, addiction or a disability can all warrant another look. Even without a major life event, Jaeger recommends reviewing estate-planning documents every three to five years. After all, the point isn’t to predict whether today’s toddler will someday want the cottage, or whether the child who swears she’ll never leave Northern Michigan ends up living 2,000 miles away. The point is to build an estate plan flexible enough to work if she does.
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Ready When You Are The freedom of a lock-and-leave lifestyle. by KIRSETIN K. MORELLO
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n Northern Michigan, the good life has a rhythm all its own: long summer evenings on the water, dinner on the deck with friends, brilliant color tours, snowy mornings and weekends spent exploring. But anyone who owns a home Up North also knows the other side of that rhythm. Last winter’s blizzard was a vivid reminder that snow can quickly become more than scenery. Ice storms bring their own hassles, from slick driveways and sidewalks to cleanup and worry. Then summer arrives with lawns to manage, landscaping to maintain, and repairs that surface just when you’d rather be sailing or sharing wine with friends. That’s one reason the “lock-and-leave” lifestyle is resonating with more people. For active retirees, frequent travelers and those who simply want fewer household responsibilities, the idea is simple: You leave when you want, for as long as you want, without worrying about your home. It’s also changing how many people think about retirement communities. Rather than places people move when they’re ready to slow down, many are vibrant, active communities that offer freedom, convenience and connection for people eager to make the most of the years ahead. “People are making this choice at a younger age, and finding that they like the flexibility,” says Hadley Dickinson, marketing and leasing director at the Village at Bay Ridge in Traverse City. “They like the fact that they can lock their door, head out to enjoy all that our area has to offer and not have to worry about anything happening at home.” For many people in or near retirement, that relief can be significant. Instead of planning life around the house, residents can focus on the people and experiences that matter most. They can visit family, escape for a winter getaway, spend the day exploring Northern Michigan, or say yes to spontaneous plans without first running through a list of household concerns. At Bay Ridge, that ease is built into daily life. Maintenance, landscaping, snow removal and home repairs are handled, freeing residents from the work and responsibility of coordinating it. “We handle all of the maintenance,” Dickinson says. “They don’t have to worry about snow removal, a drippy
faucet or even changing a light bulb. It’s all taken care of.” The beauty of that arrangement isn’t simply that life becomes easier. It’s that time once spent managing the house can now be spent on what matters most. At the Village at Bay Ridge, for example, residents make that freedom their own. Some enjoy walking around the private pond or spending time outdoors enjoying the trees and watching wildlife. Others use the on-site fitness center or head into Traverse City for concerts, restaurants, shopping and community events. The nearby YMCA, Grand Traverse Commons, walking paths and trails add even more opportunities to stay active. “Thriving in retirement is about having the freedom to do things that bring joy and purpose,” Dickinson says. “It’s about staying connected, active and engaged.” Community doesn’t have to mean one-size-fits-all. Some residents enjoy a full calendar. Others prefer quiet mornings and a good book. Some love to travel; others revel in new friendships closer to home. Dickinson sees that flexibility as central to the appeal. “Independent living is a great choice,” she says. “It’s a lifestyle that gives people the freedom to live life as they choose.” If you’re wondering whether a lock-and-leave lifestyle is right for you, Dickinson advises don’t start by asking whether you’re ready to downsize. Ask instead: “How much of my time and attention does my house require—and how would I spend that energy if I had it back?” If homeownership has begun to feel heavier than it used to, Bay Ridge offers a lighter way to live. It offers a welcoming home base, a built-in sense of connection, and more time for what matters most. Because retirement isn’t simply about having fewer responsibilities—it’s about having more room for the life you want to live. SEPTEMBER 2026
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4020 Copper View, Suite 230, Traverse City, MI 49684 Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser.
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Are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Professionals Worth the Fee?
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Six ways working with a pro adds value to your life. by KIRSETIN K. MORELLO
Making life decisions that involve money, emotions and relationships can be daunting. However, it doesn’t have to be, says Holly Gallagher, CFP , founder and president of Horizon Financial in Traverse City. “Working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional who understands your financial snapshot, as well as your wants and needs, your communication style and your values, can help you reach your ultimate goals—and avoid your biggest fears,” she says. Horizon Financial, a women-owned boutique investment firm founded by Gallagher in 1992, offers comprehensive financial planning and wealth management. As an independent firm, they aim to simplify the process and deliver the best wealth management experience to their clients. If you’re considering hiring a financial planner, you might wonder if the cost is justified. Here are six ways a CFP can add significant value: TM
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Trustworthy guidance. Only 30 percent of financial advisers are CFP s. “When you hire a CFP , you’re hiring a fiduciary,” says Gallagher. “Fiduciaries must act in the client’s best interest at all times.” Advisors who aren’t fiduciaries are often paid by the company of the products they are recommending. Fiduciaries like Gallagher and her team are paid directly by the client, and the fees are transparent on their monthly statement. TM
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A clear financial snapshot. A CFP
typically begins by getting to know your wants and needs, then creates a comprehensive financial plan. “It’s like a financial physical,” Gallagher explains. “Jumping into investments without a financial plan is like a doctor writing a prescription before getting your diagnostic test results.” TM
Ongoing oversight. Wealth management isn’t a one-time
event. A CFP can help with all aspects of your financial life, including charitable giving, tax strategies, education funding and estate planning reviews. They can also help clients plan for major life events, such as the sale of a business, health changes of a loved one, divorce—or, in this interest rate environment, perhaps helping adult children buy that first home. Having a CFP in your corner means a professional is always monitoring your plan and helping you stay on track. TM
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terback of your entire advisory team, coordinating with estate planning attorneys, insurance agents and CFP s. “When clients know we’re all working toward a common goal—their goal—it gives them peace of mind,” says Gallagher. “For example, we saved a client $4,000 annually in insurance premiums by collaborating with a property and casualty insurance agent after she moved to Michigan.” Working with a CFP means knowing that as your life evolves, a professional is managing your financial situation and allowing you to focus on the people and issues that are important to you. “Our team cares deeply about our clients. We’re not trying to be everything to everybody,” Gallagher emphasizes. “But we are trying to be everything for the clients we have.” TM
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strategies you may not have considered. For instance, placing aggressive investments in a Roth IRA could create tax efficiency for you, since the money grows tax free. “We saved one client almost $8,000 in taxes annually by making this adjustment,” says Gallagher.
An understanding of behavioral finance. It can be tempt-
ing for investors to make decisions based on a temporary feeling that can lead to drastic long-term consequences. “Our combined forty years of experience helps clients stay calm and avoid potentially disastrous decisions,” Gallagher explains. In fact, Vanguard released a white paper in July 2022 that estimates the value of an advisor could be as much as three percent ... per year.
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Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Advisor. SEPTEMBER 2024
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The Volunteers Holding Northern Michigan Together As longtime volunteers step back, essential institutions are searching for the next generation willing to step in. by MEAGAN FRANCIS
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hen most of us think about volunteering in retirement, the conversation often centers on the benefits to the volunteer: staying active, finding purpose, meeting new people. But across Northern Michigan, another story is unfolding. From hospitals and Meals on Wheels routes to tax preparation programs, senior centers and food distributions, many of the services residents rely on every day function because thousands of retirees quietly donate their time. Some volunteer because they love it. Others because they see a need that simply has to be filled. Either way, they have become an essential workforce—one that many organizations are increasingly worried about replacing. “If we didn’t have volunteers, there are programs we simply couldn’t do,” says Melissa Findley Thompson, engagement manager for the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA). For an organization that serves a 10-county region through programs ranging from Early Head Start to housing assistance, senior nutrition and emergency food distribution, volunteers aren’t an added bonus—they’re woven into the fabric of daily operations. Meals on Wheels is one of the most striking examples of how vital the volunteer force is to a mission’s success. The program relies on volunteers not only to deliver meals to homebound seniors but also to prepare and serve congregate meals at senior centers. Those visits often provide something equally important: a wellness check, a familiar face and reassurance that someone is looking out for older adults living independently. SEPTEMBER 2026
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“We know that the lifeblood of a lot of nonprofits relies on a robust volunteer base,” Thompson says. And the need extends well beyond meal delivery. NMCAA depends on volunteers for its IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where trained volunteers prepare free tax returns for qualifying residents. Administrative volunteers help behind the scenes, while others assist with food distribution, community events and the agency’s free laundry program. Even with roughly 40 to 45 tax volunteers, Thompson says the organization needs nearly twice that number each year to meet demand, and that challenge isn’t unique to Community Action. At Munson Healthcare, volunteers greet visitors, help patients navigate hospital corridors, escort discharged patients to their vehicles, comfort families, work in the Cowell Family Cancer Center, assist at Munson Manor hospitality housing and even serve as NICU “cuddlers,” rocking babies whose parents can’t always be at the bedside. “Our volunteers are here to enhance the patient experience and the staff experience,” says Tiffany Likar, system manager for patient experience and volunteer services. “They’re here to support our teams and our patients.” The work isn’t clinical, but it fills an important gap. Patients receive excellent medical care regardless, Likar says.
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Volunteers provide something harder to quantify. “They bring joy, compassion, an extra smile,” she says. “It’s something that’s not tangible. They’re bringing love and support that you just can’t measure.” Many of those volunteers are retirees. Far from slowing down, Likar says, they’re looking for meaningful ways to stay engaged. “They want to be active,” she says. ”They don’t want to sit around. They want to connect with people and connect with their community.” Some come because they or a loved one once received care at Munson. Others recruit friends, turning volunteering into a shared social activity. That social element may become increasingly important as organizations search for the next generation of volunteers. “We have people retiring from volunteering at 88 and 93,” Thompson says. “They’ve been with us forever.” Replacing them is proving to be complicated. Many volunteers carry years of institutional knowledge, relationships with clients and deep familiarity with programs that can’t be replicated overnight. At the same time, Thompson says, while demand is higher than ever, the pool of willing volunteers seems much more shallow. Service clubs have shrunk and church memberships have declined in many communities, which means the typical pipelines that once fed nonprofits have reduced in number. SEPTEMBER 2026
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And older adults are simply less available: they’re working longer before retiring, juggling more competing commitments, and simply spending their free time differently than previous generations. “I think community service hasn’t been impressed upon the next few generations,” she says. “It’s not a judgment, it’s just one way our society has changed.” Northern Michigan’s geography adds another layer of complexity. Organizations often serve multiple counties spread across large rural areas, making transportation and travel time a challenge for both volunteers and the people they serve. “You have this combination of rural meets quasi-urban,” Thompson says. “Those are big distances.” The result is that even when volunteers are available, they may not be located where they’re needed most. Still, both Thompson and Likar see reasons for optimism, pointing out that today’s retirees often arrive with decades of professional experience, problem-solving skills and a desire to remain engaged.
Most of that work happens behind the scenes, which makes it easy to overlook. Perhaps that’s why so many Northern Michigan residents assume someone else will step in. —TIFFANY LIKAR “Their life experiences are priceless,” Likar says. “Their skills and their knowledge—they bring so much to the organization.” Just as important, volunteering creates connections that benefit everyone involved. Likar has watched hospital volunteers become trusted listeners for anxious patients. Thompson points to two longtime Meals on Wheels volunteers who have spent more than a decade delivering meals together: not because it’s convenient, but because it has become part of their friendship. “They don’t just get together and have coffee once a month,” Thompson says. “They go out and deliver meals together.” That social dimension, she believes, may be one of the keys to sustaining volunteerism. “Invite a friend,” she says. “You’re looking to give back to your community. Make it social.” The stakes extend beyond any single organization. Without volunteers, hospitals lose the people who greet frightened families and comfort patients. Homebound seniors may lose regular visits that help them remain independent. Free tax preparation programs shrink. Community events become harder to stage. Food distribution slows. Small nonprofits stretch already-limited budgets to replace donated labor, scale back services, or even eliminate them. Most volunteer work happens behind the scenes, which makes it easy to overlook. Perhaps that’s why so many Northern Michigan residents assume someone else will step in. The reality is that, for many organizations, someone already has. For decades, retirees have formed the backbone of volunteer programs that keep communities connected and services running. As that generation gradually steps away, the question facing Northern Michigan isn’t whether volunteering is good for retirees; it’s whether enough retirees—and eventually the generations that follow—will be ready to take their place. Meagan Francis is a Michigan-based writer, podcaster and the author of The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read. SEPTEMBER 2026
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