What a Trip to Mackinac Island Reminds Me About Financial Planning
- Stephanie Trexler
- Aug 19
- 2 min read

What Our Mackinac Island Trip Reminded Me About Financial Planning
This past week, my husband, our two toddlers, and I spent a few days on Mackinac Island. If you have been there before, you know it feels like stepping back in time. The ferry ride over, the sound of horses on the streets, the quiet bike paths, and the smell of fudge drifting through the air all made it feel like life had slowed down.
We soaked in the lake views, ate more fudge than we probably should have, and made memories that I know we will talk about for years. While it was a beautiful getaway for our family, it also reminded me how much the island’s way of life connects to financial planning.
Planning Ahead Made the Journey Smoother
A trip to Mackinac takes preparation. We thought through ferry tickets, hotel reservations, packing for the kids, and ways to make the trip special for everyone. Financial planning works the same way. You do not need to have every detail perfect from the start, but having a direction and taking small steps makes the whole journey smoother and less stressful.
Protecting What Matters Most
Mackinac Island has been preserved for generations. The historic buildings, scenic shoreline, and traditions are still here because people have made the effort to protect them. In our financial lives, protecting what matters can mean having an emergency fund, making sure insurance coverage is right for our family, or keeping estate plans up to date. It is about safeguarding the people and things we care about so they last.
Making Space for Joy
On Mackinac Island, people come for the experiences. Seeing all of the beautiful flowers, exploring the trails, and tasting different flavors of fudge. These are the moments you remember most. Our finances should work the same way. A strong financial plan is not only about saving for the future. It is also about making sure we have the freedom to enjoy the present and create meaningful memories with the people we love.
Slowing Down and Enjoying the Ride
Without cars on Mackinac Island, everything moves at the pace of a bike ride or a stroll. We could not rush from place to place, and that meant we noticed more. In financial planning, slowing down can have the same benefit. We do not need to make every decision at once. Taking things step by step allows us to make thoughtful choices that feel right for our lives.
For me, this trip was a reminder that life is not just about reaching the next milestone. It is about enjoying the moments we have right now, while still protecting and preparing for what comes next.
If you are ready to take a fresh look at your finances and create a plan that balances security and joy, I would love to help.
Let’s connect and start building your plan together.
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