Month: March 2026
Gen Z, Investing, and Purpose with Margaret Easterling (Ep. 45)

Gen Z, Investing, and Purpose with Margaret Easterling (Ep. 45)

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What shapes the financial mindset of the next generation? 

How do young professionals balance money, work, faith, and purpose as they begin their careers?

In this episode, Jim Sumpter, CFP®, sits down with Margaret Easterling, Finance student at Samford University and intern at CMC Financial, to explore how young adults think about money and career choices today. Margaret shares her path from South Carolina to Samford, her experience helping manage the student-run Bulldog Investment Fund, and what she learned analyzing stocks and presenting investment ideas. She also talks about working during college, studying abroad in London, and how her generation connects money with purpose, experiences, and helping others.

Key takeaways:

  • Choosing a small Christian university in a new state and building community through faith and campus life
  • Managing real investment decisions through Samford’s student-run Bulldog Investment Fund portfolio
  • Applying classroom finance concepts to real investment analysis and portfolio allocation
  • How working during college shaped her view of spending, saving, and financial independence
  • Why many Gen Z adults value experiences, purpose, and charitable giving in their financial choices
  • And more!

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Margaret Easterling: 

About Our Guest:

Margaret Easterling is a senior at Samford University, where she studies finance and data analytics. Originally from Greenville, South Carolina, she has developed practical experience through her internship with CMC Financial, her work with Samford’s student-managed Bulldog Investment Fund, and prior experience at a CPA firm. Margaret also studied abroad in London through Samford’s business school and is active in campus organizations and faith-based communities.

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Expanding Capacity Through Strategic Financial Partnerships with Mark Green (Ep. 44)

Expanding Capacity Through Strategic Financial Partnerships with Mark Green (Ep. 44)

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Financial planning today is about more than picking investments.

As client needs grow more detailed and interconnected, how do advisors bring together the right people and resources to serve families well?

In this episode, Jim Sumpter, CFP®, introduces Mark Green, President at GFG Wealth Advisors, to share how their strategic partnership expands capacity for clients. They explore the shift from transaction-based investing to comprehensive planning, including tax strategy, retirement income, cash flow, and business owner solutions. Mark explains why partnering with a tax-focused advisor enhances outcomes and how a team approach helps address goals clients may not even recognize at first.

Key insights:

  • Why today’s clients expect coordinated planning beyond simple investment trades
  • How outsourcing portfolio management can expand advisor capacity
  • The difference between tax preparation and proactive tax advisory
  • Ways business owners can use 401(k) plans to attract and retain talent
  • How a quarterback model unites investment, tax, insurance, and estate professionals
  • And more!

Connect with Jim Sumpter: 

Connect with Mark Green: 

About Our Guest: 

Mark Green has been in the financial services industry since 1985. He spent the first nine years in the back office operations department of a major wirehouse. In 1994, Mark became a registered advisor and stepped into the role of assisting clients and their families in the development and execution of strategies that are focused on meeting their specific needs. He remains committed to the tradition of client relationships – “Know your client, stay connected with them, learn what they need and assist them in achieving it”.

Mark has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Brazos Valley Boys and Girls Club, former President of the Brazos Valley Fellowship of Christian Athletes and currently serves on the Brazos Valley Council for Alcohol and Substance Abuse Board. He was also a charter member of Christ Church in College Station where he served on the finance committee and sang in the choir.

Mark is married to his wife of 30+ years, Sheri and they have 2 adult daughters, Brittney and Haley. Mark enjoys playing golf and pickleball, playing the piano and spending time with friends and family.

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