In this special Q&A episode of The Future of Finance, host Marissa Wood tackles real questions from real listeners—covering job transitions, forgotten 401(k)s, emergency funds, retirement benchmarks, and how the 2025 Fed rate cut could affect your wallet.

Whether you’re changing jobs, building your first emergency fund, or wondering how to adjust your investments as rates shift, this episode delivers clear, actionable advice.

✅ Got your own question? Book a free call with Marissa at https://union-financial.com and get personalized guidance—Zoom, phone, or in-person.

401(k) Rollovers, Emergency Funds & Fed Rate Cuts Explained | Future of Finance Q&A Ep. 21

Being your own boss comes with incredible freedom—but also serious financial responsibility. In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood and Lisa Green from Union Financial Services dive deep into what every self-employed person needs to know to plan for a secure future.

From setting up retirement plans and understanding Medicare penalties, to leveraging HSAs and preparing for emergencies, this is your one-stop-shop for building a smart, sustainable financial life as an entrepreneur, 1099 contractor, or small business owner.

If you’re wondering how to build your own pension, how to reduce taxes as a business owner, or how to prepare for the unexpected—don’t miss this conversation.

👉 Book a free consultation: https://union-financial.com

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Intro: Why this episode matters for the self-employed

1:10 – The shocking retirement stat: 40% of self-employed save nothing

2:15 – SEP IRAs: What they are and how they reduce your taxes

3:52 – SIMPLE Plans for small teams: A 401(k)-like solution

5:12 – How small biz employees get personalized retirement plans

7:47 – Individual 401(k)s: Double the contributions, double the tax benefits

9:00 – Retaining talent through retirement benefits

10:35 – Roth IRAs for kids? Yep, it’s legal and powerful

12:10 – The #1 expense for self-employed people: Health insurance

15:15 – Medicare trap: Why your income at 63 really matters

18:00 – Triple tax advantage of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

19:34 – Don’t forget quarterly tax payments (and how to plan for them)

22:23 – Emergency funds: Why your business needs one too

25:02 – Disability & indemnity insurance: Prepare for the worst

28:17 – Can self-employed people get a pension? Yes—here’s how

30:44 – The reality of self-employment: Best parts & biggest challenges

32:25 – Final thoughts + how to schedule a personal consultation

32:51 – How to book a free meeting with Union Financial Services

The Self-Employed Survival Guide: Retirement, Taxes & Healthcare Tips | Future of Finance Ep. 20

In this expert-packed episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood welcomes Mark DiOrio, Chief Investment Officer at Brookstone Capital Management, to unpack everything from 2025’s wild stock market to AI dominance, dividend stock strategies, buffered ETFs, and crypto access without the chaos.

Whether you're an investor trying to make sense of this year's tech surge—or an advisor wanting to diversify your portfolio beyond the Magnificent Ten—this episode brings the clarity you’ve been craving.

🧠 Learn what actually worked in 2025

📈 Discover what to expect in 2026

🔍 Get portfolio strategies from one of the nation’s top CIOs

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Meet Mark DiOrio, CIO at Brookstone

01:45 – Brookstone Capital Management: Who they are & what they do

02:36 – What a Chief Investment Officer actually does

05:05 – How Brookstone helps advisors offer high-level strategies

06:14 – Market recap: What happened in 2025

10:03 – AI, tech stocks, and market leadership

12:18 – Will AI dominate in 2026—or will the rest of the market catch up?

13:57 – Why diversification still matters—even in an AI-driven world

15:23 – Clients want more tech, but advisors need to manage expectations

17:27 – Avoiding headline investing: How to stay strategic, not emotional

18:22 – Core + Satellite portfolios: The Brookstone approach

20:04 – Matching risk profiles to core strategies

22:43 – Satellite strategy 1: Dividend Growth Value Baskets

25:38 – Why baskets work better than DIY stock picking

28:58 – Satellite strategy 2: Buffered ETFs explained

32:15 – Liquidity + protection: Why some clients prefer buffers

34:03 – Satellite strategy 3: Crypto via ETF Exposure

38:29 – Crypto like gold: Exposure without the complexity

39:44 – How other advisors can partner with Brookstone

40:31 – Final thoughts: Insights heading into 2026

AI Stocks, Market Trends & Crypto | Investing Insights w/ $13 Billion CIO Mark DiOrio 

Most people know to see a doctor when something changes with their health—but what about your financial health?

In this episode of The Future of Finance, host Marissa Wood shares the 10 most important life events that should signal it’s time to meet with a financial advisor. Whether you’ve changed jobs, gotten married, received an inheritance, or are nearing retirement, your financial strategy needs to evolve with your life.

This episode is packed with practical advice for every life stage, from growing families to recent retirees. If you’ve experienced any major life change lately—this one’s for you.

📞 Schedule your check-in at https://union-financial.com

🎯 Free Zoom, phone, or in-person consultations available.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: What health and finance have in common

01:00 – Why major life events = time for a financial checkup

UFS_Rec 4_10 Life Events For Fi…

01:25 – 1. Job Change: Rollover old 401(k)s, set up new plans

03:00 – 2. Marriage: New tax brackets, budgets, and combining finances

04:10 – 3. Moving: Update your address and invest home equity

05:45 – 4. New Child: College savings, custodial accounts, life insurance

07:12 – 5. Paying Off Debt: What to do with that freed-up cash

08:14 – 6. Inheritance or Lawsuit Settlement: How to avoid blowing a windfall

10:31 – 7. Divorce: Protecting your new financial reality

11:35 – 8. Loss of a Spouse: Estate transfers, income loss, and mistakes to avoid

14:06 – 9. Turning 59½: Access retirement accounts with no penalties

15:57 – 10. Retirement: Planning your income, Social Security, and legacy

17:12 – Key Takeaway: Life doesn't stand still—your financial plan shouldn't either

17:51 – How to book a free meeting with Union Financial Services

✅ Bonus Resources:

💼 Roll over a 401(k)

🧒 Open a 529 or custodial account

🛡️ Set up life insurance

💵 Inheritance investment strategies

🔁 In-service rollovers after 59½

📈 Maximize Social Security decisions

👍 Like, share, and subscribe for practical financial strategies built for real life.

🔔 New episodes drop every other Thursday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

10 Life Events That Should Trigger a Financial Checkup | Future of Finance Podcast 

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

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