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24:00 - When and Why to Reposition Outdated Annuities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

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

Building a Business That Gives Back: Jason Humphrey on Turning Purpose into Impact

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 [http://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

Episode 7: Biggest Financial Mistakes by Generation (Gen Z to Boomers) — And How to Fix Them 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

Finance Q&A: How much money would I need to never work again?

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 [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

Financial Cruise Control by 40: How This Couple Mastered Wealth, Risk & Retirement Planning 🚗💰

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
[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.

The Truth About Your 401(k): Maximize Growth, Minimize Taxes

 * Business owners—what if your company’s health insurance could fund your retirement? 💰 In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood sits down with insurance expert Filip Lundstedt to break down a powerful strategy that turns unused health insurance premiums into a tax-advantaged wealth-building tool for CEOs.

Discover how level-funded health plans can help you:

 * Save thousands annually in premiums 💸
 * Earn refunds on unused claims
 * Fund retirement through annuities or life insurance
 * Create employee benefits that actually attract & retain top talent

This episode is a must-watch for small business owners, CFOs, HR professionals, and anyone building financial freedom through smart business structuring.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing the CEO Wealth Hack
 00:40 – Why benefits are crucial for scaling your business
 02:15 – The truth about employee retention and benefit costs
 03:03 – How CEOs can reinvest unused premium dollars
 04:01 – What is a level-funded insurance plan?
 05:25 – How claims refunds work + real-life examples
 06:45 – Stop-loss insurance: protecting your business from risk
 07:55 – What size companies qualify for level-funded plans?
 09:06 – How easy is it to switch or enroll?
 10:05 – The 3-layer CEO wealth hack: save, retain talent, and invest
 11:00 – Using IULs & key person insurance for retirement
 12:18 – Bonus strategies: employee benefits that build cash value
 13:38 – Why CEOs need a fiduciary advisor in their corner
 14:07 – Why insurance companies are powerful wealth-building vehicles
 16:00 – How banks use life insurance for profit (and you can too)
 18:18 – The role of fixed indexed annuities (FIA) in retirement income
 20:36 – Income for life: creating your own pension
 22:14 – Partnering financial advisors + insurance agents = better results
 24:13 – How CEOs grow wealth using their savings
 25:18 – Filip’s passion for the insurance industry
 26:43 – Medicare plans: why seniors should review annually
 28:06 – Medicare strategy: saving retirees from unnecessary expenses
 30:19 – How Filip supports seniors with real-life guidance
 32:59 – How to get in touch for a free plan evaluation

📞 Ready to take control of your retirement planning?
 Visit 👉 https://www.union-financial.com [https://www.union-financial.com/]
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.

Want to get in touch with Filip Lundstedt at ProCare Consulting?

  Visit 👉 ProCare Consulting [https://procare.consulting/] 



The CEO Wealth Hack with Filip Lundstedt

New parent? Expecting a baby? 👶 This episode of The Future of Finance with Marissa Wood from Union Financial Services dives into 5 essential financial tips every new parent needs to know.

From life insurance to budgeting, estate planning to starting an investment account for your child — this episode walks you through exactly how to financially prepare for your growing family.

Whether you're already a parent or planning for the future, this episode is packed with actionable advice to protect your loved ones and build lasting wealth.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:

 * Why life insurance is critical for new parents
 * How to create a will or trust
 * A simple budget framework every family can use
 * How to build the right emergency fund
 * Smart ways to invest for your child’s future

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to the Future of Finance
 00:17 – Why financial planning is crucial for new parents
 00:55 – Tip 1: Get Life Insurance (Term vs. Permanent Explained)
 04:14 – Real-life example of why life insurance matters
 08:14 – Tip 2: Create a Will or Trust (Estate Planning Basics)
 09:46 – Why you want to avoid probate
 09:54 – Tip 3: Build a Budget (60/20/20 Rule Explained)
 12:21 – How to evaluate your actual monthly expenses
 13:04 – Tip 4: Build an Emergency Fund (How Much You Really Need)
 14:48 – Why emergency savings come before investing
 15:13 – Tip 5: Invest for Your Child’s Future (3 Smart Options)
 16:17 – Brokerage accounts vs. 529 vs. cash value life insurance
 18:44 – Recap: Prioritize your financial health first
 20:01 – How to connect with Marissa for personalized planning

📞 Ready to start planning?
Schedule a free consultation with Marissa Wood at 👉 union-financial.com [https://www.union-financial.com/]

💡 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 for more personal finance tips for families and new parents!

5 Financial Tips for New Parents

 * Hey friends! Welcome to The Future of Finance Podcast 💕✨

In this episode, Marissa Wood sits down with her business partner and financial guru Lisa Green, who’s been helping people retire stress-free for nearly 20 years! Today, we’re talking about something super important—the #1 fear in retirement: running out of money 😱. But don’t worry—we’ve got four powerful strategies to help you retire with confidence, security, and peace of mind!

💖 What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Why running out of money is every retiree’s biggest fear (and how to avoid it!)
✔️ How to create income for life so your money lasts as long as you do
✔️ The safest way to grow your savings without worrying about market crashes
✔️ How to prepare for healthcare costs without draining your nest egg
✔️ The secret to an organized, stress-free financial plan (so you can relax & enjoy life!)

🎧 Soundbite Sneak Peek:
"You don’t want to run out of money before you run out of life—so let’s make sure that never happens!" 💡

📌 Timestamps to Skip Around:
00:00 – 🌟 Welcome to the Future of Finance Podcast!
00:26 – Meet Lisa & today’s big topic: The #1 fear in retirement
01:26 – Why so many retirees worry about outliving their money
02:57 – The difference between saving & spending in retirement
03:29 – Step 1: Protecting your money (while still letting it grow!)
06:54 – How fixed index annuities can safeguard your savings
07:19 – Step 2: Creating a paycheck for life—hello, stress-free retirement!
09:05 – Why guaranteed income makes retirees way happier
12:59 – Step 3: Preparing for healthcare costs (because life happens!)
15:12 – Lisa’s personal story on the real cost of care & how to plan ahead
17:47 – How your retirement income can actually double if you need long-term care
20:07 – Should you and your spouse have separate retirement plans? (YES!)
22:32 – Step 4: Keeping it all organized (because no one likes a financial mess!)
24:24 – The simple, stress-free way to map out your retirement income
26:37 – Why we love helping our clients feel confident about their future
28:20 – Want a personalized retirement roadmap? Here’s how to book a free session!

💻 Let's Chat!
💖 Schedule a complimentary call with Marissa or Lisa: Union Financial Services  [https://www.union-financial.com/]

📩 Questions? Drop a comment below or email us at mgreen@union-financial.com

💡 Don’t forget to like, subscribe & hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Let’s make your retirement dreams a reality! 🎉

#RetirementPlanning #MoneyMoves #FinancialFreedom #WomenInFinance #WealthBuilding #SecureYourFuture

The #1 Fear in Retirement

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.