* 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.