Reach Your Summit Podcast

Ready to kickstart 2024 with rock-solid financial goals? Join me and the seasoned financial expert, Scott Marks, as we launch the first part of a special series designed to set you on the path to financial success. Scott unravels the concept of SMART goals, offering insights into how these targeted, time-conscious objectives can be your stepping stones to financial freedom. Harness the power of penning down your goals and keep tabs on your progress throughout your journey. Join us as we empower you to face the new year with a confident stride toward your financial ambitions. And keep your ears peeled for the second part of this series, where we'll tailor goal-setting advice to different life stages and unravel the process of reviewing and adjusting goals. 

MEET SCOTT MARKS:
For nearly a decade, Scott has guided his clients in planning for important life events, establishing legacies for future generations, and achieving financial independence. Through individualized financial planning, Scott and his team focus on serving the needs of high-net-worth families with a focus on retirement and legacy planning. Scott is passionate about improving the financial lives of those he serves and prides himself on being accessible, relatable, and transparent.

Scott graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Supply Chain Management in 2010.  Drawn to the world of finance, he began work as a credit analyst in the commercial lending department with Alliance Bank of Arizona. 

After four years with the bank, Scott pursued a career as a financial advisor with Merrill Edge. During his time there, Scott provided investment guidance and built effective long-term financial plans for clients around the country.  

In August of 2016, Scott joined Summit Wealth Group to provide more holistic wealth management and planning solutions for his clients.  Scott is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), and a registered representative with Commonwealth Financial Network® (a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC).

In 2023, Scott Marks was honored with the Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State award, recognizing his exceptional achievements and contributions as a Financial Advisor.

Scott lives with his wife, Alysa, in Cave Creek, AZ.  In his free time, he enjoys golfing, coaching his son Redford’s baseball team, and spending time with his daughters, Abby and Scarlett.

*2023 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, created by SHOOK Research. Presented in Aug 2023 based on data gathered from March 2022 to March 2023. 3738 Advisors were considered, 1464 Advisors were recognized. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Click here for more award information.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®.

Thanks for listening! Make sure to follow us on all the socials at @summitwealthgroup, so you don't miss an episode! 

What if your financial planning could include making a real impact? Join us in a riveting discussion with esteemed financial advisor Scott Marks, as we take a deep-dive into the world of charitable giving and how it intersects with financial planning. We'll guide you through the various types of charitable accounts, including the practical benefits of donor advised funds. The timing of your charitable contribution can play a vital role in your financial planning - and we'll help you navigate that. Remember, it's never too early or too late in life to consider giving back to the community. Our promise - your journey to strategic charitable giving starts here!

Meet Scott Marks:
For nearly a decade, Scott has guided his clients in planning for important life events, establishing legacies for future generations, and achieving financial independence. Through individualized financial planning, Scott and his team focus on serving the needs of high-net-worth families with a focus on retirement and legacy planning. Scott is passionate about improving the financial lives of those he serves and prides himself on being accessible, relatable, and transparent.

Scott graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Supply Chain Management in 2010.  Drawn to the world of finance, he began work as a credit analyst in the commercial lending department with Alliance Bank of Arizona. 

After four years with the bank, Scott pursued a career as a financial advisor with Merrill Edge. During his time there, Scott provided investment guidance and built effective long-term financial plans for clients around the country.  

In August of 2016, Scott joined Summit Wealth Group to provide more holistic wealth management and planning solutions for his clients.  Scott is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), and a registered representative with Commonwealth Financial Network® (a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC).

In 2023, Scott Marks was honored with the Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State award, recognizing his exceptional achievements and contributions as a Financial Advisor.

Scott lives with his wife, Alysa, in Cave Creek, AZ.  In his free time, he enjoys golfing, coaching his son Redford’s baseball team, and spending time with his daughters, Abby and Scarlett.

*2023 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, created by SHOOK Research. Presented in Aug 2023 based on data gathered from March 2022 to March 2023. 3738 Advisors were considered, 1464 Advisors were recognized. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Click here for more award information.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®.

Thanks for listening! Make sure to follow us on all the socials at @summitwealthgroup, so you don't miss an episode! 

Ever feel like you're in a maze when it comes to figuring out student loans and college financing? Well, you're not alone and we're here to guide you through it, step by step. Joined by Josh Oller, an expert on the subject, we're peeling back the layers on direct plus loans, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and offering some hard-hitting advice on why you should think twice before jumping into debt. We're also sharing our personal experiences and insights into the potential pitfalls of taking out loans purely for the college experience.

Thanks for listening! Make sure to follow us on all the socials at @summitwealthgroup, so you don't miss an episode! 

Prepare to navigate through the labyrinth of college planning and savings with us, your hosts Jessica Magnuson and advisor Josh Oller. We guarantee you'll be fully equipped with knowledge on how to utilize grants, scholarships, cash flow, and loans. With our practical tips on understanding and completing the FAFSA, you'll be ready to maximize this free federal aid. Warning: do not mistake student loans for grants! We'll guide you on how to reach out to schools for aid information - the right preparation can bring surprising results.

Josh Oller joined Summit Wealth Group in July of 2019 working alongside Chris Wells as a Financial Advisor in Summit's Ridgeland, MS branch office.  Josh completed the CFP® certification in October of 2021. He spends time with Chris in an advisory role and is also part of Summit's financial planning department.

Josh is a graduate of Mississippi State University where he obtained both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration all while competing for the MSU golf team.  Josh began his career in the banking industry in 2012, and eventually found his niche in the credit department of the bank where he became the VP of Credit Administration.  In this role, Josh was able to learn the many aspects of corporate finance, taxation, and business cash flow. 

Josh later realized that his real passion was working with people.  He wanted a career that helped people reach their goals and is excited to help our team assist clients with navigating the bumpy road to the lifestyle they seek.  

Josh currently resides in Jackson, MS, with his wife, Mollie, daughter, Betts, their cat, Lady Grey, and their dog, Rory. Josh and Mollie love outdoor activities and anything that revolves around food! They often joke that their vacations are focused mainly on what places have the best local restaurants. Josh still has a strong passion for golf and regularly competes at various tournaments throughout the state.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®.

Thanks for listening! Make sure to follow us on all the socials at @summitwealthgroup, so you don't miss an episode! 

Are you feeling the pre-holiday frenzy? Fear not, because on the Reach your Summit podcast, we're serving up tried-and-true strategies for navigating the holiday season without the stress. I'm Jessica Magnuson, your guide through the tumultuous tides of budgeting, gift planning, and dealing with social pressures. Get ready to chart the course for your holiday spending with tips on creating a budget that considers not just gifts, but all the trimmings—decorations, food, and those cute Christmas pjs! 

Tune in as we unwrap gift ideas that are budget-friendly, and yet, bound to spark joy! 

Thanks for listening! Make sure to follow us on all the socials at @summitwealthgroup, so you don't miss an episode! 

Ever wondered how you can finance your child's college education without breaking the bank? Join us as we unpack the various options available with our expert advisor, Josh Oller. Learn about the tax-free growth potential of 529 college savings accounts and how starting early could drastically reduce the financial burden of college. The conversation doesn't stop at 529 plans, though. We move on to compare Coverdell ESAs and 529 plans, examining the pros, cons, and who they could be most suited for. 

 This episode is a goldmine of valuable insights, helping you make informed decisions about your child's future education costs. Tune in now to start planning effectively!

**The fees, expenses, and features of 529 plans can vary from state to state. 529 plans involve investment risk, including the possible loss of funds. There is no guarantee that an education-funding goal will be met. In order to be federally tax-free, earnings must be used to pay for qualified education expenses. The earnings portion of a nonqualified withdrawal will be subject to ordinary income tax at the recipient’s marginal rate and subject to a 10 percent penalty. By investing in a plan outside your state of residence, you may lose any state tax benefits. 529 plans are subject to enrollment, maintenance, and administration/management fees and expenses. **

A little more about Josh Oller:

Josh joined Summit Wealth Group in July of 2019 working alongside Chris Wells as a Financial Advisor in Summit's Ridgeland, MS branch office.  Josh completed the CFP® certification in October of 2021. He spends time with Chris in an advisory role and is also part of Summit's financial planning department.

Josh is a graduate of Mississippi State University, where he obtained both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration, all while competing for the MSU golf team.  Josh began his career in the banking industry in 2012 and eventually found his niche in the credit department of the bank, where he became the VP of Credit Administration.  In this role, Josh was able to learn the many aspects of corporate finance, taxation, and business cash flow. 

Josh later realized that his real passion was working with people.  He wanted a career that helped people reach their goals and is excited to help our team assist clients with navigating the bumpy road to the lifestyle they seek.  

Josh currently resides in Jackson, MS, with his wife, Mollie, daughter, Betts, their cat, Lady Grey, and their dog, Rory. Josh and Mollie love outdoor activities and anything that revolves around food! They often joke that their vacations are focused mainly on what places have the best local restaurants. Josh still has a strong passion for golf and regularly competes at various tournaments throughout the state.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®.

Thanks for listening! Make sure to follow us on all the socials at @summitwealthgroup, so you don't miss an episode! 

Ready to discover the importance of early college planning and the tools to achieve it? Our guest, Josh Oller, a financial advisor at Summit Wealth Group, brings his unique blend of experiences and knowledge to illuminate this crucial topic. From his personal journey as a former golf player at Mississippi State to his insightful perspective as an MBA graduate, Josh helps us navigate the path to a better, more secure future. We dive into the nitty-gritty of college planning and savings, exploring everything from picking the right college to the numerous scholarships available and understanding the benefits of a 529 account.

This episode is stacked with valuable insights for parents, grandparents, and prospective students!

A little more about Josh Oller:

Josh joined Summit Wealth Group in July of 2019 working alongside Chris Wells as a Financial Advisor in Summit's Ridgeland, MS branch office.  Josh completed the CFP® certification in October of 2021. He spends time with Chris in an advisory role and is also part of Summit's financial planning department.

Josh is a graduate of Mississippi State University, where he obtained both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration, all while competing for the MSU golf team.  Josh began his career in the banking industry in 2012 and eventually found his niche in the credit department of the bank, where he became the VP of Credit Administration.  In this role, Josh was able to learn the many aspects of corporate finance, taxation, and business cash flow. 

Josh later realized that his real passion was working with people.  He wanted a career that helped people reach their goals and is excited to help our team assist clients with navigating the bumpy road to the lifestyle they seek.  

Josh currently resides in Jackson, MS, with his wife, Mollie, daughter, Betts, their cat, Lady Grey, and their dog, Rory. Josh and Mollie love outdoor activities and anything that revolves around food! They often joke that their vacations are focused mainly on what places have the best local restaurants. Josh still has a strong passion for golf and regularly competes at various tournaments throughout the state.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®.

Thanks for listening! Make sure to follow us on all the socials at @summitwealthgroup, so you don't miss an episode! 

Find out the answer in today’s mini-episode of Reach Your Summit Podcast.

Host: Randy Morris, CFP®, ChFC®, AIF® | CEO

After graduating from the University of Colorado in 1982 with a degree in business and organizational management, he worked in Denver, Colorado, for two years as Vice-President of Executive Economic Services, Inc.

In 1985, Randy founded Executive Financial Planning, Inc. (EFP), one of Mississippi's first financial planning firms. EFP became one of the nation's largest financial planning firms during his tenure as founder and CEO.

In 2002, he created Summit Wealth Group (SWG) out of a desire to provide additional wealth management services for clients. Randy serves as the firm's CEO. Summit Wealth Group currently works with clients in 46 states with client assets under advisement of more than $1 billion, as of February 2021.

Summit Wealth Group | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter 

(719) 633-4033 | 13710 Struthers Road, Suite 115, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®.

Thanks for listening! Make sure to follow us on all the socials at @summitwealthgroup, so you don't miss an episode! 

Thanks for listening! Make sure to follow us on all the socials at @summitwealthgroup, so you don't miss an episode! 

Over 90% of people fail to reach their financial goals. Why is that percentage so high? In this week's mini-episode, Dan Cook based out of our Denver, CO branch shares some specific patterns he's seen over the years and how to avoid them.

Host: Daniel Cook, CFP®, AIF® | Chief Financial Officer

Daniel Cook is one of the founders and serves as CFO of Summit Wealth Group. Through an integrated approach to personal financial planning, business management, and tax reduction strategies, Dan has helped hundreds of clients plan for and retire more comfortably. He has extensive experience working with business owners on tax minimization strategies, helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals without overlooking personal financial needs, and using pre-tax dollars both for business capitalization and investment goals. Dan also works with business owners who are transitioning their business such that both the buyer and seller benefit.

In 2001, a particularly difficult year in the financial industry, Dan was recognized as the Advisor of the Year by his previous broker/dealer for his work in guiding clients through those tough times. Dan is now an Investment Adviser Representative of Commonwealth Financial Network. He is a graduate of the College for Financial Planning, attended the Executive MBA program at the University of Denver, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Along with his prestigious education, Dan has obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®).

Daniel Cook is proud to have been recognized as a Winners Circle advisor for 2015—a distinction based on annual production that places him among the top 30 percent of advisors affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network.

Summit Wealth Group | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter 

(719) 633-4033 | 13710 Struthers Road, Suite 115, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®.

Thanks for listening! Make sure to follow us on all the socials at @summitwealthgroup, so you don't miss an episode!