The Future of Finance

Welcome to another episode of The Future of Finance, where host Marissa Wood and co-host Lisa Green bring together their two favorite F-words: Football and Finance! 🏈💸

With fantasy football season in full swing, Marissa and Lisa use powerful, fun analogies between football positions and investment strategies to help you rethink your portfolio.

Are you running a team of all tight ends? 😬 Are you missing a defense? 🤯 Do you even have a kicker? This episode will show you how to create a diversified financial team that wins — on and off the field.

🔁 Watch, learn, and maybe even win a gift card if you can guess the mystery play shown in the video. 🏆

00:00 – Intro: Finance meets Fantasy Football

01:10 – What do Tom Brady and your finances have in common?

02:45 – The role of the financial coach (Hint: It's not the QB)

04:20 – Running Backs = Dividend Stocks explained

06:30 – Wide Receivers = Growth Stocks (High risk, high reward)

08:30 – Tight Ends = Mutual Funds & ETFs (Versatile & balanced)

11:30 – Defense = Fixed Indexed Annuities (Your market protection)

14:50 – Kickers = CDs and MYGAs (Predictable and steady)

17:10 – Return Specialists = Crypto & REITs (Boom or bust)

20:00 – Backups = Life Insurance (Don’t wait for an emergency)

23:00 – Do you only have tight ends in your 401(k)? Let’s fix that.

25:30 – Final thoughts + Gift Card Challenge: Can you name the play?

📣 If you liked this fun approach to finance, hit the like button and comment your favorite football team!
💼 Need a coach for your financial future? Visit https://union-financial.com to schedule a call.

🎧 Subscribe for more episodes blending real life with real money conversations—every other Thursday.

• In this deeply emotional and insightful episode of The Future of Finance, host Marissa Wood sits down with industry veteran and business coach Dee Costa. With 40+ years in financial services and personal experiences with profound loss, Dee shares why financial planning is about more than numbers—it's about love, protection, and peace of mind.

💔 Hear the story of how sudden tragedy shaped Dee's mission to help others.
💡 Learn why proper planning can change lives—not just financially, but emotionally too.
✅ Discover actionable steps to protect your loved ones with life insurance, estate planning, and long-term care strategies.

0:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview
1:00 – The Pink Slip That Changed Everything
2:45 – The Phone Call: “Your Father is Gone”
4:15 – “Am I Going to Be Okay?” – The Question That Sparked a Mission
5:10 – The Financial Fallout of Losing a Spouse
6:45 – Dee’s Husband’s Passing & The Power of Preparation
9:00 – Why Women Need to Plan for Financial Independence
10:30 – The Emotional & Financial Toll of Loss
12:00 – Living Too Long: Planning for Long-Term Care
13:45 – Social Security: What You Might Not Realize
15:00 – Life Insurance & Annuities: Real Protection Stories
17:00 – A Young Widow’s Story: Why Planning Matters
21:00 – Estate Planning Essentials: It’s Not Just for the Wealthy
23:00 – Get Your House in Order—Out of Love, Not Fear
26:00 – Why Both Spouses Must Be Involved in Financial Planning
28:00 – First Steps: How to Start Planning with a Financial Advisor
30:00 – Final Words of Encouragement: It’s Never Too Early to Start

🔗 Ready to take the first step?
Visit https://union-financial.com to schedule a free consultation.

💬 If this episode moved you or gave you a new perspective, please like, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear this.

• In this powerful and relatable episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood sits down with client and fellow millennial Jeremy Hicks to unpack the unique financial challenges—and opportunities—facing today’s 30-somethings.

They dive into real-world budgeting strategies, navigating rising expenses, building wealth while raising a family, and how small consistent investing can create generational impact. If you're a millennial wondering, “Am I going to be able to retire?”—this episode is for you.

💬 Featuring candid conversation, emotional honesty, and actionable advice on how to thrive financially—even when the odds feel stacked against you.

0:00 – Intro: Why Millennials Need a Different Financial Strategy
 1:30 – Real Talk: Why “Just Do What Your Parents Did” Doesn’t Work Anymore
 3:15 – The Millennial Home Ownership Gap & Jeremy’s Early Win
 5:00 – Visualizing Retirement with a Future Cash Flow Analyzer
 6:30 – What Are You Really Spending? Tools & Truths About Budgeting
 8:00 – Inflation Reality: Why Your $8K Monthly Budget Will Cost $20K Later
 9:35 – Job Hopping, Salary Stagnation & Forgotten 401(k)s
 11:15 – What’s the Difference Between a 401(k) & an IRA?
 14:00 – The Forgotten 401(k) Fix: Step-by-Step Rollover Help
 16:00 – How Small Adjustments Can Add 5+ Years to Your Retirement
 18:15 – The YOLO Trap vs. Leaving a Legacy for Your Kids
 21:00 – The $500 Plan: Dividing Monthly Savings by Time Horizons
 23:00 – Why Financial Advisors Aren’t Just for the Wealthy
 25:00 – Clarity from Planning: Turning “I Hope” Into “We Have a Plan”
 26:45 – Jeremy’s Best & Worst Financial Decisions (Spoiler: Solar Panels)
 31:15 – Refinance Tips: For Both Real Estate & Investments
 33:00 – Final Advice for Millennials: Budget, Emergency Fund, and Start Now
 36:30 – Life Insurance as Legacy Planning for Future Generations
 39:00 – Closing: The Mindset Shift from Me to We

🔗 Ready to take the first step?
Visit https://www.union-financial.com/  to schedule a free consultation.

💬 If this episode moved you or gave you a new perspective, please like, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear this.

In this myth-busting episode of The Future of Finance, hosts Marissa Wood and Lisa Green break down 10 of the most common investing myths that could be holding you back from financial freedom. From Social Security illusions to outdated advice on annuities, debt, and 401(k)s — they tackle it all with facts, clarity, and a dose of humor.

Whether you're a first-time investor or thinking about retirement, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights that will challenge what you think you know.

⏱ Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction: Perception vs. Reality in Finance

1:50 – Myth #1: “You Need a Lot of Money to Work with an Advisor”

3:50 – Myth #2: “Annuities Will Lock Up My Money”

6:00 – Myth #3: “Bonds Are Always Safe”

8:10 – Myth #4: “I Can Retire on Social Security Alone”

11:00 – Myth #5: “Pay Off All Debt Before Investing”

15:15 – Myth #6: “Medicare Covers Long-Term Care”

18:00 – Myth #7: “Sell When the Market Drops”

21:00 – Myth #8: “The Bank is the Safest Place for My Money”

25:45 – Myth #9: “Life Insurance is Only for Wage Earners”

31:00 – Myth #10: “My Former Employer is Managing My 401(k)”

33:20 – Final Thoughts: Which Myths Have You Believed?

35:10 – How to Take the First Step Toward a Better Financial Future

📝 Mentioned in the Episode:

✔️ Why annuities are no longer your grandfather’s investment

✔️ The real math behind market losses

✔️ How high-yield savings and FDIC limits really work

✔️ The truth about 401(k) fees and management

✔️ How long-term care and estate planning protect your family

🔗 Book your FREE consultation: https://union-financial.com

📧 Contact Marissa or Lisa directly through our website to get started.

💬 If you learned something new, give us a thumbs up, leave a comment with your favorite myth, and share this with someone who needs to hear it!

In this episode of The Future of Finance, host Marissa Wood sits down with her longtime business coach and industry leader, Dee Costa, VP at Asset Marketing Systems. With over 40 years of experience in financial services, Dee shares her personal journey, insights on indexed annuities, the power of independent advisory, and key market trends affecting retirees today.

Whether you're a financial advisor, retiree, or just planning your future, this conversation is packed with real stories, insider advice, and actionable financial wisdom.

👉 Learn why independence in financial advising matters and how it can profoundly impact client outcomes.

⏱ Timestamps:

0:00 - Welcome & Introduction to Dee Costa

1:00 - How Dee Got Started in Finance (EF Hutton to Universal Life)

3:15 - Lessons from Delivering a Life Insurance Check

6:00 - The Shift from Captive to Independent Advising

8:25 - Understanding Indexed Annuities & Risk-Free Growth

10:40 - Who Is Asset Marketing Systems? Their Mission & Services

13:10 - How Independent Advisors Scale with Support Teams

15:05 - Empowering Small Firms with Big Resources

17:00 - Culture of Sharing: Inside Advisor Study Groups

18:45 - Market Trends: Why Clients Want Peace of Mind Now

21:20 - Short-Term Indexed Annuities & Health Care Features

24:00 - When and Why to Reposition Outdated Annuities

26:15 - How to Contact Asset Marketing Systems for Advisors

💬 Like this episode? Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway or a question you'd love answered in a future episode.

🔗 Visit https://www.assetfmo.com to learn more.

📩 Contact Union Financial Services for a personalized review of your retirement strategy.

Can doing good also be good for business? In this heartfelt episode of The Future of Finance Podcast, host Marissa Wood talks with Jason Humphrey, founder of the Sun Raising Foundation, about how philanthropy can—and should—become part of your business strategy.

From turning plastic bags into bedrolls for the homeless, to organizing emergency hurricane relief through poker nights, Jason shares real-world stories that prove doing good isn’t just the right thing—it’s smart business.

💡 You’ll also learn:

How the Power Partner Program makes philanthropy easy for busy entrepreneurs

What donor-advised funds are and how they grow tax-efficient charitable giving

The personal financial lessons that shaped Jason’s journey

How your business can launch its own branded Impact Fund with just a few simple steps

💻 Get in touch with Jason: https://sunraising.org

📅 Work with Marissa: https://www.union-financial.com/

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Doing good = good business

01:16 – What is the Sun Raising Foundation?

02:22 – Origin of the name “Sun Raising” ☀️

03:11 – The Nepal earthquake & Jason’s inspiration

03:34 – Current projects: clean water, solar, and Bags to Bedrolls ♻️

05:03 – Collection bins & community support

06:14 – Surprising benefit: retirees creating bedrolls

06:44 – Lights Out Poker Night: hurricane relief with a twist

08:38 – Over $11K raised for storm victims! 💰

10:14 – How Lisa Green (Marissa’s mom!) won the poker tourney & paid it forward

11:18 – Philanthropy is contagious

12:06 – Making it easier for businesses to give back

12:41 – Power Partner Program explained

14:21 – Union Financial’s own Impact Fund 🎯

15:07 – Annual giving goals and involving the community

16:03 – Where the funds actually go: hands-on grant writing

17:26 – Metropolitan Ministries: a model charity

18:34 – Power Partners = scalable, plug-and-play giving

19:31 – Fee structure: 93% to impact, 7% to run operations

20:43 – Charitable giving = tax savings for businesses and retirees 🧾

23:03 – The four buckets of legacy planning

24:38 – Building long-term client relationships through giving

26:33 – Donor-Advised Funds: grow your giving over time

28:22 – How to start your own Impact Fund

29:20 – Jason’s worst financial mistake: no legal counsel in divorce

30:56 – Best decision: building an 800+ credit score 💳

32:36 – 2025 goals: serve 5,000 meals & grow Power Partners

33:50 – Final message: doing good is just good business

34:52 – How to contact Jason & Union Financial

📌 Hashtags

#BusinessForGood #Philanthropy #SocialImpact #FinancialFreedom #SunRaisingFoundation #FutureOfFinance #UnionFinancial #DonorAdvisedFund #ImpactFund #CharitableGiving #PowerPartners #NonprofitInnovation #BagsToBedrolls

Every generation faces unique financial challenges—but what are the biggest money mistakes they keep making? In this episode of The Future of Finance, financial experts Marissa Wood and Lisa Green reveal the top financial pitfalls across Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—and share the exact strategies to avoid them.

From ignoring long-term care to overspending on credit cards, this episode breaks down real-life examples, practical tools, and actionable tips to help you take control of your financial future—no matter your age.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• Long-term care & estate planning
• Retirement readiness by generation
• Prioritizing your kids vs. your own future
• Credit card debt & Gen Z struggles
• How to start investing (even with little money)
• Smart tax-free retirement strategies

📌 Ready to take action? Visit union-financial.com to book a free consultation today.

👥 For one-on-one planning with Marissa or Lisa: https://www.union-financial.com/

➡️ Phone • Zoom • In-person available

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why Financial Mistakes Differ By Generation

02:00 – Baby Boomers’ #1 Mistake: No Long-Term Care Planning

04:30 – How Estate Planning & Annuities Can Help Boomers

08:00 – Why Boomers Must Introduce Their Financial Advisor to Family

11:00 – Gen X’s Mistake: Prioritizing Kids Over Their Own Retirement

13:00 – The Cost of Withdrawing from a 401(k) Too Early

15:30 – Maxing Out Retirement Plans the Right Way

18:00 – Millennials’ Mistake: Delaying Investing

20:30 – Understanding Dollar Cost Averaging for Beginners

22:00 – Why Roth IRAs & IULs Are Crucial for Millennials

26:30 – Budgeting, Emergency Funds & Spending Habits

28:30 – Gen Z’s Pitfall: Credit Cards & Instant Gratification

31:30 – Why Gen Z Should Start a Roth IRA Now

In this special Q&A episode of The Future of Finance Podcast, host and financial advisor Marissa Wood answers your most-asked personal finance questions — from how much car you can afford to the truth about Roth IRAs, student loans, and even that daily coffee habit ☕.

If you've ever wondered:

Should I max out my 401(k)?

How expensive of a car can I afford?

How much money would I need to NEVER work again?

This episode is for you.

These practical, real-world answers will help you take control of your money — whether you're just starting out, navigating student debt, or planning for a work-optional lifestyle.

💻 Work with Marissa: https://www.union-financial.com/

📩 Got a question for a future episode? Send it through our site!

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Listener-submitted financial questions

00:52 – What is a Roth IRA & why should you invest in one?

02:15 – What a Roth IRA can actually hold

03:09 – How expensive of a car can I afford? (The 15% Rule) 🚗

04:58 – Why you should shop your car insurance every year

05:17 – Should I max out my 401(k)? Pros & cons

06:17 – Why liquidity matters when investing

07:17 – One of the biggest mistakes: cashing out your 401(k) early

08:50 – The compounding cost of taking out retirement funds

09:33 – Another big mistake: waiting too long to invest

10:01 – How much do you need to retire at 35 with 4 kids in NJ?

11:43 – Explaining the 4% withdrawal rule

12:05 – The bare minimum number: $1.8 million

13:03 – Best ways to invest when you’re young

14:03 – Why consistency is key 🧾

15:12 – Why you should keep investing when markets are down

16:44 – Tax-free investing vehicles for young people

17:18 – Should I aggressively pay off student loans? 🎓

18:09 – Student loans = good debt?

19:16 – Why investing instead of accelerating payments might win

20:00 – How do financial advisors get paid?

21:44 – Understanding fees vs. commissions

22:30 – Wrap-up & how to submit questions for future episodes

📌 Hashtags

#FinancePodcast #FinancialFreedom #RothIRA #401k #InvestingTips #StudentLoans #MoneyAdvice #QandA #PersonalFinance #FutureOfFinance #Budgeting #FinancialGoals #SmartSpending

In this inspiring episode of The Future of Finance Podcast, host Marissa Wood sits down with power couple Sarah and Eric Taylor to explore how they achieved financial "cruise control" before turning 40.

💆 Sarah, a licensed massage therapist and founder of Stay Well Massage, shares her journey of launching a successful business from scratch. 🧠 Eric, a risk management expert, offers his strategic take on investments, wealth-building, and early retirement planning.

• Together, they talk about:
• Building wealth as a couple 💼
• Investing with intention 📈
• The power of cash value life insurance 🛡️
• Knowing your numbers 📊
• Their best (and worst!) financial decisions 🤦‍♀️🤓

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a young investor, or looking to simplify your finances, this episode is packed with wisdom, relatable stories, and actionable insights.

🔗 Book with Sarah at: https://staywellmassage.net

📅 Connect with Marissa: https://www.union-financial.com/

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro to Sarah & Eric Taylor

01:12 – How Marissa and Sarah met: a fender bender and fate

04:04 – Sarah’s path to starting Stay Well Massage

07:16 – Must-know tips for launching your own business

08:50 – Customizing the client experience in any business

09:58 – Eric’s investment philosophy: “No risk, no biscuit”

14:09 – Why 401(k) rollovers matter—even if you're happy with yours

19:08 – Consolidating your retirement accounts

20:31 – Understanding Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IULs)

24:53 – Retirement analysis: Are you on cruise control or need a pit stop?

26:38 – The value of knowing your numbers

30:18 – Risk management and early retirement planning

33:41 – How to prepare for both “dying too soon” and “living too long”

41:13 – Worst financial decisions: a condo, a Mercedes & a case of beer

44:25 – Best decisions: hiding money from yourself + buying at the right time

48:07 – Final thoughts & where to find Sarah’s services

📌 Hashtags

#FinancialFreedom #EntrepreneurJourney #FutureOfFinance #MoneyMatters #MassageTherapist #EarlyRetirement #IUL #401kRollover #FinancialPlanning #StayWellMassage #InvestSmart #RiskManagement #KnowYourNumbers

Is your 401(k) working for you—or against you? 😬 In this eye-opening episode of The Future of Finance, hosts Marissa Wood and Lisa Green dive deep into the truth about 401(k) plans, Roth IRAs, and how to better plan for retirement.

If you’ve ever asked:
 ✅ Should I contribute more to my 401(k)?
 ✅ What happens to my 401(k)s when I change jobs?
 ✅ Should I open a Roth IRA too?
 ✅ How do I diversify for tax efficiency?

Then THIS is the episode you need to hear!

🔍 Learn about:

• The history & intent of the 401(k)
• Why too many people rely solely on it
• Roth IRA benefits for tax-free retirement
• What to do with an old 401(k)
• Tax diversification strategies
• SEP IRAs & solo 401(k)s for self-employed

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro to the Episode & Guests
 00:36 – Who this episode is for: working professionals & business owners
 01:26 – Why 401(k)s were created and what went wrong
 03:00 – How 401(k)s became the default retirement plan
 04:09 – Why relying solely on your 401(k) can be risky
 06:00 – Common problems: lack of education, poor fund selection, no reviews
 07:20 – How much should you contribute to your 401(k)?
 08:19 – Qualified vs. Non-qualified investments explained
 09:07 – Where to invest beyond your 401(k)?
 10:08 – What to do with your old 401(k)s when you change jobs
 11:26 – Benefits of rolling over to an IRA
 12:26 – How we help clients consolidate and manage old plans
 14:42 – Why the Roth IRA is your future tax-free best friend
 16:20 – Roth IRA contribution limits and who should open one
 18:28 – IRA, Roth, and non-qualified: understanding account types
 20:18 – The importance of diversification in tax buckets
 21:12 – Roth conversions explained (and when to consider them)
 23:26 – Retirement planning for self-employed individuals
 24:49 – Final thoughts: systematic savings, compound interest, and balance
 25:37 – How to schedule a free consultation with Marissa or Lisa

📞 Ready to take control of your retirement planning?
 Visit 👉 https://www.union-financial.com
 📅 Book a free meeting directly through our calendar!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more retirement strategies, financial planning tips, and money mindset advice from financial experts who care.