How much money do you actually need to retire comfortably?

It's one of the most common questions financial advisors hear—and the answer may surprise you.

In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood and Lisa Green react to popular retirement advice from financial experts Ramit Sethi and Tom Hegna, breaking down the famous 4% Rule, why many retirees underestimate their expenses, and why **income—not assets—is the real key to a successful retirement.

You'll learn why two people with the exact same nest egg can have completely different retirement experiences—and how guaranteed lifetime income can help remove the fear of running out of money.

💰 Learn how much you may actually need to retire
📈 Understand the strengths (and limitations) of the 4% Rule
🛡️ Discover strategies designed to create income you can't outlive

Whether you're 10 years from retirement or already there, this episode will help you think differently about what financial freedom really means.

💰 What You'll Learn

 * Whether the 4% Rule still works today
 * Why retirement planning is about income, not just portfolio size
 * The difference between accumulating wealth and creating retirement income
 * How guaranteed income strategies may reduce retirement stress
 * Why having millions doesn't automatically mean you'll feel ready to retire

💬 Question for you:
If you retired tomorrow, would you feel more confident because of your assets... or because of your income?

👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who's planning for retirement.

📞 Want to know your retirement number?
Visit https://union-financial.com [https://union-financial.com/] and click Schedule a Meeting for a complimentary retirement review.

How Much Money Do You REALLY Need to Retire? 💰 The Truth About the 4% Rule | Future of Finance

Should you wait for interest rates to drop? Do you really need a 20% down payment? Is renting always throwing money away?

In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood is joined by veteran Realtor James "Jimmy B" Boardman to separate fact from fiction when it comes to today's housing market. Together, they react to some of the internet's most popular real estate advice and explain what actually makes sense for buyers, homeowners, and investors.

Whether you're buying your first home, considering an investment property, or wondering if now is the right time to move, this episode will help you make smarter real estate decisions based on your goals—not social media.

🏡 Learn when it actually makes sense to buy
📉 Understand how interest rates affect home prices
💰 Discover strategies for building long-term wealth through real estate

🏡 What You'll Learn

 * Why timing the housing market isn't always the best strategy
 * Whether waiting for lower interest rates could actually cost you more
 * The truth about 20% down payments and PMI
 * How to evaluate investment properties for cash flow and appreciation
 * Why buying a home should fit your financial goals—not someone else's advice

💬 Question for you:
If you were buying today, would you buy now or wait for interest rates to fall? Tell us why in the comments!

👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who's thinking about buying or selling a home.

📞 Have questions about your financial plan or home-buying strategy?
Visit https://union-financial.com [https://union-financial.com/] and schedule a complimentary consultation with the Union Financial team.

Should You Wait to Buy a House? 🏡 Real Estate Myths Busted

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. 🏆

Fantasy Football Meets Finance 🏈 | Building a Championship Worthy Portfolio | Replay

For the first time on The Future of Finance, the interviewer becomes the interviewee.

In this special episode, Marissa Wood sits down with Erin Kennedy, Emmy Award-winning communicator and Director of Communications at Brookstone Capital Management, to share the personal story behind Union Financial Services, what inspired her to become a financial advisor, and why financial planning is about so much more than investing.

From growing up in a family-owned financial planning business to witnessing firsthand how a financial plan changed a family's future after tragedy, Marissa opens up about the experiences that shaped her career and her passion for helping others build financial confidence.

Whether you've ever wondered what it's like to work with a financial advisor—or if you're simply looking for motivation to take control of your financial future—this is an episode you won't want to miss.

💙 Learn the story behind Union Financial Services
📈 Discover what financial advisors really do for their clients
🤝 See why relationships matter more than investment returns alone

💙 What You'll Learn

 * How Marissa's personal story shaped her approach to financial planning
 * Why financial advice is about relationships—not just investments
 * What to expect during your first meeting with an advisor
 * Common misconceptions that stop people from seeking financial guidance
 * Why comprehensive planning is becoming more important than ever

💬 Question for you:
What's the biggest financial lesson you've learned from your parents—or one you hope to pass on to your children?

👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who's been wondering whether working with a financial advisor is the right next step.

📞 Ready to build your own financial plan?
Visit https://union-financial.com [https://union-financial.com/] and schedule a complimentary phone, Zoom, or in-person consultation with the Union Financial team.

Behind the Financial Advisor: Marissa Wood's Story & Why Financial Planning Matters

Should you pay off your mortgage as fast as possible—or invest that money instead?

In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood and Lisa Green react to two viral investing philosophies from Dave Ramsey and Warren Buffett that completely clash on debt, mortgages, and long-term investing.

One side says: eliminate all debt immediately.
The other says: low-interest debt can actually help build wealth.

So who’s right?

🏡 Learn when paying off your mortgage makes sense
📈 Understand the power of leverage and investing
💡 Discover how your strategy should change throughout life

This episode dives into real-life examples, celebrity mortgage strategies, stock market psychology, and the emotional side of investing that most people never talk about.


🏡 What You’ll Learn

 * When it makes sense to pay off your mortgage early
 * How leverage can accelerate long-term wealth
 * Why emotional investing often hurts returns
 * The hidden tax advantages of long-term investing
 * Why retirement planning should evolve over time

💬 Question for you:
Would you rather have a paid-off home—or a larger investment portfolio?

👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone debating whether to pay off their mortgage.

📞 Want help running the numbers for your situation?
Schedule your free consultation: https://union-financial.com [https://union-financial.com/]

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early? Dave Ramsey vs Warren Buffett | Future of Finance

If something happened to you tomorrow…would your family actually know what to do?

In this eye-opening episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood sits down with estate planning attorney Fernando Ramos to break down the real consequences of dying without an estate plan—and why avoiding these mistakes could save your family years of stress and tens of thousands of dollars.

From probate and trusts to guardianship planning and protecting your children, this episode explains estate planning in plain English so you can finally take action.

⚖️ Learn how probate really works
👨‍👩‍👧 Discover why wills alone may not protect your family
💰 Understand how billions of dollars become “lost” assets every year

Whether you’re a parent, homeowner, business owner, or simply someone who cares about their loved ones… this conversation is essential.

⚖️ What You’ll Learn

 * The difference between a will and a trust
 * Why probate can drain time, money, and privacy
 * How to properly protect minor children
 * Why updating beneficiaries matters more than you think
 * The first steps every parent and homeowner should take today

💬 Question for you: Do you currently have a will, trust, or estate plan in place?

👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to stop putting this off.

📞 Want help reviewing your beneficiaries, investments, or estate planning gaps?
Visit https://union-financial.com [https://union-financial.com/] and schedule a complimentary consultation.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? Estate Planning Mistakes That Cost Families Thousands with Fernando Ramos

 * 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 old 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

The Truth About Your 401(k): Maximize Growth, Minimize Taxes | Future of Finance Podcast | REPLAY

What if the way you’ve been investing is already outdated?

In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood sits down with Dean Zayed, founder and CEO of Brookstone Capital Management, a firm managing over $13 billion in assets, to break down how investing has evolved from the aftermath of the Great Depression to today’s modern investment landscape.

From structured notes and buffered ETFs to independent advisors and defined outcome investing, this conversation explains how investors can pursue growth while managing risk more intelligently than ever before.

📈 Learn why most investors still use outdated strategies
🛡️ Discover modern tools designed to reduce downside risk
💡 Understand why the future of investing is becoming more personalized

Whether you’re investing on your own, relying solely on a 401(k), or looking for a smarter strategy—this episode is packed with insight.

📈 What You’ll Learn

 * The difference between independent advisors and traditional firms
 * What structured notes and buffered ETFs actually are
 * Why “set it and forget it” investing may no longer be enough
 * How modern strategies aim to reduce downside risk
 * Why the future of investing is becoming more customized

💬 Question for you:
Would you rather pursue higher returns—or more consistent outcomes with lower risk?

👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who wants to invest smarter—not just harder.

📞 Want a complimentary portfolio review or second opinion?
Visit https://union-financial.com [https://union-financial.com/] and click “Schedule a Meeting.”

The Future of Investing | How Wall Street Changed After the Great Depression | Future of Finance

Are credit cards helping build your financial future—or quietly destroying it?

In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood and Lisa Green react to two viral financial clips from Dave Ramsey and Kevin O’Leary, who have completely opposite opinions on credit cards.

One says they’re dangerous debt traps. The other says they’re essential financial tools. So… who’s right?

💳 Learn how to use credit cards responsibly
📈 Discover when credit cards can actually benefit your finances
🚨 Understand the warning signs of dangerous debt before it spirals

Whether you love points and travel perks or you’re trying to dig yourself out of debt, this episode gives practical, real-world advice on using credit cards wisely.

💳 What You’ll Learn

 * The right (and wrong) way to use credit cards
 * How to avoid falling into high-interest debt traps
 * Why credit scores still matter for buying a home
 * Smart strategies for travel rewards and cashback
 * How discipline—not the card itself—determines success

💬 Question for you:
Do you agree more with Dave Ramsey or Kevin O’Leary when it comes to credit cards?

👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone trying to improve their financial habits.

📞 Want help building a smarter financial strategy?
Schedule your free consultation: https://union-financial.com [https://union-financial.com/]

Dave Ramsey vs Kevin O’Leary | Are Credit Cards a Wealth Tool or Financial Trap? | Future of Finance

Money can either strengthen a marriage—or quietly tear it apart.

In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood sits down with Chris Wood and Dee Costa to unpack real-life money dynamics inside marriage—from joint vs separate finances to navigating income differences, financial stress, and planning for the unexpected.

With perspectives from newly married, long-term marriage, and life after loss, this episode goes beyond spreadsheets and into what actually makes financial partnerships work.

💍 Learn how to manage money as a team
💸 Discover common mistakes couples make (and how to avoid them)
🧠 Understand how communication—not math—is the real key to financial success

💍 What You’ll Learn

 * Whether to combine finances or keep them separate
 * How to avoid the #1 cause of money fights in marriage
 * Why monthly financial check-ins are a game changer
 * How to plan for worst-case scenarios (without fear)
 * The role of a financial advisor in strengthening relationships

💬 Which tip are you starting with this week? Drop a comment and let us know.

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you want more money strategies made simple.

Money & Marriage: Joint vs Separate Finances (What Actually Works?) | Future of Finance S2 Ep. 29

Marissa Wood (@marissawood) · Zencastr

Marissa Wood (@marissawood)

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.