When The Unexpected Shows Up

Episode 71 – When the Unexpected Shows Up I Am Self-ish Podcast In this episode of the I Am Self-ish podcast, Will Wright sits down with certified financial planner Ross Levine for an important conversation about financial security, preparation, and what it means to protect yourself when life takes an unexpected turn. Ross shares practical insights into why financial planning is about more than investing. It is about creating a strategy that supports your life through uncertainty. Whether it is job loss, illness, disability, or unexpected life changes, Ross explains why having a plan in place before something happens can make all the difference. Will and Ross explore the difference between investment advisors and comprehensive financial planners, highlighting why a written financial plan matters more than simply watching numbers in an account. The conversation also breaks down common misconceptions around insurance and why protecting your income through disability and life insurance is often overlooked until it becomes urgent. The discussion touches on how financial priorities shift during different stages of life, from young couples and growing families to retirement planning and divorce. Ross also shares insights into his work as a financial planner and the importance of helping clients make decisions rooted in clarity rather than fear. What stands out throughout the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: preparation creates peace of mind. Financial planning is not about predicting every outcome. It is about building enough protection and flexibility so the unexpected does not completely derail your future. At its core, this episode is a reminder that financial confidence begins with awareness, education, and taking action before you think you need to. About Ross Levine Ross Levine is a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner® professional with Northwestern Mutual. His mission is to build lasting relationships by helping clients create a path toward financial security and long-term independence. Inspired by watching his father help families prepare for the unexpected, Ross combines practical planning with education to support clients through every stage of life. His specialties include retirement planning, insurance analysis, education planning, divorce planning, and helping young couples and families build strong financial foundations. Connect with Ross Levine Website: https://www.insightfinancial.nm.com Email: [email protected] Planning Resource: https://www.letsmakeaplan.org Financial Planning Specialties Include: ✔️ Retirement Planning ✔️ Insurance Analysis & Planning ✔️ IRA / 401(k) Rollovers ✔️ Advisory Services through Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company ✔️ Young Couples & Families ✔️ Education Planning ✔️ Divorce Planning ✔️ Long-Term Care Planning Connect with Ross Levine https://tinyurl.com/RossPlanningCall 🌐 Website: https://www.insightfinancial.nm.com 📧 Email: [email protected] 📚 CFP Resource Website: https://www.letsmakeaplan.org A great resource for financial planning topics and education. Produced and Edited by Will WrightCreator of the I AM SELF-ISH Method📧 [email protected]🌐 iamself-ish.com📸 Instagram: @selfish.will💼 linkedin.com/in/selfish-will Be bold. Be SELF-ISH.Less stress. More choice.