The Future of Finance

AI is everywhere right now—but should you trust it with your financial future?In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood sits down with industry expert Dee Costa to break down the real role of AI in financial planning—what it’s great at, where it falls short, and how to use it the right way.From budgeting and goal-setting to emotional decision-making and life events, this episode shows why AI is a powerful tool—but not a replacement for human advice.🤖 Learn how to use AI to prepare for financial meetings 📊 Discover what AI can (and can’t) do with your money 💡 Understand why strategy, discipline, and accountability still matter most🤖 What You’ll Learn How to use AI as a tool (not a crutch) The biggest mistakes people make relying on AI Why financial planning is more emotional than logical How to prepare for a meeting with a financial advisor The real secret to building wealth: consistency over time💬 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.

What does a former undercover police officer know about financial planning? More than you’d think.In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood sits down with Chris Wood, financial advisor and former narcotics detective, to break down how crisis response, risk management, and preparation translate directly into your financial life.From emergency funds to market crashes, taxes, and life’s unexpected moments—this episode shows why the best financial plans aren’t reactive… they’re prepared.🚨 Learn how to build a crisis-ready financial plan 📉 Understand the risks that can quietly destroy your future 🧠 Discover why staying calm (not reacting) is your biggest advantage🚨 What You’ll Learn How to build a financial plan that can handle real-life emergencies The biggest risks most people don’t plan for (but should) Why income planning > account balance The difference between reacting emotionally vs responding strategically The first step everyone should take this week to improve their finances💬 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.⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Crisis response meets financial planning 00:45 – Meet Chris Wood: From police officer to financial advisor 01:39 – Serving people in different ways: protection in life vs finance 02:11 – What undercover police work teaches about planning for risk 03:10 – Why you can’t plan for everything—but you still must prepare 04:14 – Markets, life events, and “things going wonky” 05:00 – Staying calm: why emotional reactions destroy plans 06:02 – Confidence comes from preparation and repetition 06:46 – The role of financial advisors: risk managers, not just investors 07:08 – Biggest risks: legislation, markets, and black swan events 07:56 – Sequence of returns risk explained (and why timing matters) 08:56 – Longevity risk: the longer you live, the more can go wrong 09:46 – Real-life financial emergencies (and why planning ahead matters)11:30 – When it’s too late: procrastination and missed opportunities 12:21 – What a “crisis-ready” financial plan actually includes 14:28 – Why every financial plan must be personalized 14:42 – Emergency funds: your first line of defense 15:19 – Life insurance: protection against the unexpected 16:20 – Beneficiaries, power of attorney, and planning basics 17:50 – Why income planning matters more than account balances 18:54 – Social Security myths and income gaps 20:04 – The “widow’s trap” most couples overlook 22:02 – Done is better than perfect: take action now 23:02 – Financial blind spots: lifestyle creep in retirement 24:53 – Taxes: the silent drain on your wealth 27:24 – Reacting vs responding: the mindset shift that changes everything 29:13 – The #1 action step: know your monthly expenses 30:21 – Emergency fund goal: 6 months of expenses 31:03 – Debt management and reducing financial stress32:23 – Final takeaway: don’t wait for urgency to force action

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 Generation02:00 – Baby Boomers’ #1 Mistake: No Long-Term Care Planning04:30 – How Estate Planning & Annuities Can Help Boomers08:00 – Why Boomers Must Introduce Their Financial Advisor to Family11:00 – Gen X’s Mistake: Prioritizing Kids Over Their Own Retirement13:00 – The Cost of Withdrawing from a 401(k) Too Early15:30 – Maxing Out Retirement Plans the Right Way18:00 – Millennials’ Mistake: Delaying Investing20:30 – Understanding Dollar Cost Averaging for Beginners22:00 – Why Roth IRAs & IULs Are Crucial for Millennials26:30 – Budgeting, Emergency Funds & Spending Habits28:30 – Gen Z’s Pitfall: Credit Cards & Instant Gratification31:30 – Why Gen Z Should Start a Roth IRA Now

Feeling like you're behind with money in your 20s or 30s? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing.  In this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood breaks down 5 easy, high-impact financial moves you can implement in the next 90 days to build wealth early and avoid common financial pitfalls.  From understanding why budgets aren’t diets to leveraging compound interest and employer 401(k) matches, this episode is your go-to guide for getting on track without feeling overwhelmed. ✅ Key Takeaways- Budgeting is lifelong, not temporary- Starting early with investing unlocks the power of compounding- Employer match is free money—take it- Diversify beyond your 401(k)- Life insurance is cheaper when you don’t need it (yet)- Taking action matters more than perfection

Annuities are one of the most misunderstood words in finance—and in this episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood and Lisa Green break down exactly what they are, how they’ve evolved (think cell phones!), and how they can help you lock in income for life, protect against market losses, and even cover long-term care.Whether you’ve heard horror stories or you’re curious if annuities could fit into your retirement plan, this episode gives you real answers, real examples, and real clarity—without the industry jargon.📞 Ready to explore what an annuity could look like in your plan? Schedule a free call: https://www.union-financial.com🔍 What You’ll Learn: What annuities really are (not the scary kind you’ve heard about) Why they're gaining popularity with all age groups The difference between fixed, indexed, and variable annuities How to get guaranteed income for life Why many clients feel peace of mind (and live longer!) after buying one💬 Question for You  Have you ever considered an annuity—or do you think they’re all bad? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments!👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode if you learned something new.

Becoming a parent changes everything—including your finances. In this episode, we break down 5 essential financial tips every new parent should know, from budgeting and saving to planning for the future. Simple, practical advice to help you feel confident and prepared.

Climbing the mountain of retirement is hard—but the descent is where most people fall. Literally.In this eye-opening episode of The Future of Finance, Marissa Wood sits down with Sam Payne, a financial advisor with 40+ years of experience, to uncover the five hidden threats that can destroy your retirement plan if you’re not prepared.From taxes and inflation to sequence of returns and long-term care, this is not a scare tactic—it’s your survival guide for making your money last as long as you do.