What if debt wasn’t the enemy—but your greatest tool for building wealth?

In this powerful episode of The Future of Finance, host Marissa Wood sits down with mortgage expert Jason Johnson of Sun Point Home Loans to uncover how the wealthy use strategic borrowing to grow their net worth. From celebrity mortgage moves to bridge loans and amortization tricks, Jason shares 22 years of experience to help everyday homeowners and aspiring investors make smarter financial decisions.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or just looking to refinance the right way—this episode is packed with actionable insights.

👉 Need a mortgage consultation?

Reach out to Jason at (813) 781-2744 or search "Jason Johnson SunPoint Home Loans" to see his 400+ 5-star reviews.

💬 Ready to talk investing, life insurance, or retirement strategy? Book a meeting at UnionFinancial.com

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 - Intro: Why the wealthy love debt

1:05 - Jason’s journey from carpenter to mortgage broker

2:20 - Why celebrities (like Meghan & Harry) take mortgages

3:50 - The power of leverage and investment returns

5:00 - How to get pre-approved for a mortgage

6:20 - How much house can you actually afford?

8:00 - What is a HELOC and when should you use one?

10:00 - Refinancing: When does it make sense?

13:15 - What to do with your savings after refinancing

14:30 - How amortization works and how to beat it

17:15 - Recasting: The mortgage trick no one talks about

20:00 - Why life insurance is a must with a mortgage

22:20 - Jason’s best & worst financial decisions

26:00 - What first-time buyers and investors need to know

27:00 - Bridge loans: A powerful strategy for movers and investors

29:00 - Florida’s Hometown Heroes program explained

30:30 - How to get in touch with Jason and Marissa

Why the Wealthy Love Debt: Mortgage Hacks & Equity Secrets with Jason Johnson | Future of Finance

One Big Beautiful Bill: What it Really Means for your Wallet

In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood welcomes policy expert and financial advisor Todd Manternach to break down what’s being called “The One Big Beautiful Bill”—and why it could have a serious impact on your finances.

They unpack changes in tax policy, new savings opportunities, how the bill impacts different generations (from Gen Z to Boomers), and why this could be the best time to rethink your strategy on Roth conversions, 529 plans, and Social Security.

If you've ever wondered how legislation really affects your wallet, this is the episode to watch.

⏱ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: What is "The One Big Beautiful Bill"?

01:00 – Meet Todd Manternach: 30+ Years of Financial Wisdom

02:00 – Plain-English Breakdown: What This Bill Actually Does

03:30 – Why the 2017 Tax Cuts Needed to Be Extended

04:50 – How This Impacts Taxes, Childcare, Healthcare & Student Loans

06:00 – What Families with Children Can Expect to Save

06:45 – Do You Need to Do Anything to Get These Tax Breaks?

07:15 – Generation-Specific Strategies: Gen Z, Millennials, and More

09:30 – Real-Life Impact: How One Client's Overtime Just Got More Valuable

11:10 – Social Security & Taxes: What's Changing and What’s Not

13:00 – The “Trump Accounts” (aka New Child Investment Accounts) Explained

15:30 – 529 Plans: New Rules, New Flexibility

17:00 – What Is a Roth IRA & Why the Government Limits It

18:30 – Roth Conversions for Gen Xers: The Sweet Spot

22:30 – The Rule of 72: How to Estimate When Your Money Doubles

24:45 – Tax Breaks on Cars Made in the USA

26:00 – Will This Bill Narrow or Widen the Wealth Gap?

27:15 – Biggest Myths About the Bill—Debunked

30:00 – Final Thoughts: Generational Wealth Starts with Legislation

31:30 – How to Connect with Todd or Union Financial Services

📌 Mentioned in This Episode:

✔️ Roth IRAs & Roth Conversions

✔️ Trump Accounts (working title)

✔️ 529 Plan to Roth IRA rollover

✔️ Rule of 72: Doubling your money

✔️ USA-made EV tax incentives

🎯 Ready to get clarity on your plan?

📅 Schedule your free consultation today at https://union-financial.com

💬 Drop a comment below:

What’s one change from the bill you’re most excited (or confused) about?

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay up to date with smart financial conversations—built for real life.

 * In this solo Q&A episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood, co-founder of Union Financial Services, tackles your most pressing financial questions with clarity and real-life examples. From daily coffee habits to mortgage payoffs and investing for your kids’ futures, this episode breaks down key concepts in a way that’s easy to understand—and apply.

Whether you're just starting your financial journey or already investing, this is the perfect episode to fine-tune your strategy and build confidence in your money decisions.

⏱ Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro: Marissa’s Listener Q&A Special

0:32 – Does Buying Coffee Daily Really Hurt Your Financial Future?

2:07 – What Skipping Coffee Could Be Worth in 30 Years

3:34 – Tips for Saving on Coffee Without Giving It Up

4:21 – What Is the S&P 500 & Why It Matters

6:05 – What Is a Stock, Really? Ownership Explained

8:06 – What’s the Difference Between a Stock and a Mutual Fund?

10:33 – Diversifying Through Mutual Funds vs. Individual Stocks

11:08 – Should I Pay Off My Car or Invest Instead?

14:00 – How Much Investment Risk Should You Take On?

15:46 – Understanding Target Retirement Date Funds

17:16 – Should I Put Extra Toward My Mortgage Each Month?

20:19 – New Baby? What to Do Financially to Set Your Child Up for Success

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

Should You Pay Off Debt or Invest? | Listener Q&A with Marissa Wood 

 * What if you could retire with tax-free income, leave millions to your heirs, and not give Uncle Sam a dime?

In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood sits down with financial industry veteran Marty Willenborg, who shares powerful strategies using life insurance, premium financing, and the Kaizen concept to create wealth, preserve it, and pass it on—without the IRS taking a cut.

 * If you're skeptical about whether life insurance can be more than just a death benefit, this episode will change your mind.

⏱ Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro: Meet Marty Willenborg & His 44-Year Financial Journey

1:00 – How a Cancer Diagnosis Changed Marty’s Life—and Career

4:00 – The Harsh Truth About Life Insurance When You Need It

6:15 – Why Annual Policy Reviews Are Non-Negotiable

9:35 – Living Benefits: How Life Insurance Is More Than a Death Benefit

10:05 – Term vs. Permanent Insurance: The Real Cost of “Cheap”

11:30 – What Is Indexed Universal Life (IUL)? Explained Simply

13:20 – The Kaizen Strategy: Tax-Free Income Using Bank Leverage

15:10 – How the Kaizen Plan Works (Step-by-Step)

17:40 – Real Example: $125K In, $7M Out (Tax-Free)

21:55 – “Is This Too Good to Be True?”—Addressing the Top Objection

24:00 – 401(k)s vs. IULs: Tax Implications You Need to Know

25:00 – Can’t Do Kaizen? LIRPs & Legacy Planning Options for All Budgets

26:30 – How to Set Your Kids or Grandkids Up with Millions (G-Suite Strategy)

28:30 – Final Thoughts: Stop Giving Your Legacy to the IRS

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

How to Build a TAX-FREE Retirement and Legacy with Life Insurance 

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. 🏆

⏱ Timestamps:

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 [https://union-financial.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] to schedule a call.

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

 Fantasy Football Meets Finance 🏈 | Building a Championship Worthy Portfolio

 * 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.

⏱ Timestamps:

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 [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.

Am I Going to Be Okay? | Dee Costa on Loss, Financial Planning & Protecting Your Legacy

 * 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.

⏱ Timestamps:

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://union-financial.com/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.

Millennial Money Truths: Budgeting, Retirement & Real Talk with 35 Year-Old Client

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 [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!

Top 10 Investing Myths DEBUNKED | Don’t Let These Mistakes Ruin Your Financial Future

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.

The Value of an Independent Financial Advisor | Dee Costa on Annuities, Market Trends & Legacy Planning

Introducing The Future of Finance, a podcast hosted by our own Marissa Wood. Join us every other Thursday, where we will break down financial strategies, investment insights, and real success stories to help YOU take control of your financial future. Because financial freedom isn’t just a dream—it’s a plan. And it starts here.

Marissa Wood

Shows