Ross Marino

Do you remember any gifts from your 15th birthday? I do. I received a copy of Money magazine, and it shaped my life. A subscription to Psychology Today soon followed. From an early age, I was fascinated with how people think and what they do with money.

I grew up outside of Cleveland, OH, (love the Browns, hate the cold weather), then headed to Stetson University in Florida, where I wrestled. My career as a financial advisor began in 1988, and I have been helping people ever since.

The drive to understand people and money remains deeply embedded in me today. How can I help people make decisions? What’s the best way to think things through when there are multiple options? General financial advice wasn’t enough, so I decided to become a Certified Financial Planner practitioner.

While studying for the CFP® exam, I learned how quickly life changes. One day, I’m anticipating the launch of a new financial planning career. The next day, I can’t get off the couch. An awkward bounce on a trampoline led to six years laid up with a severe back injury.

Fast forward ten years. My health is somewhat improved. Jocelyne, my wife, and I adopted two amazing daughters, and my business is flourishing. Then, life happens again. I found myself as a parent of a special-needs child and caregiver for my wife. Seemingly overnight, there weren’t enough hours in the day; I had less time in the office and more disruptions throughout the day.

The combination and timing of my challenges may be unique, but that doesn’t make me special. Life happens to everyone, regardless of how much planning we do. I’ve lived it and seen it firsthand in the people around me. Yes, change is hard. Do you know what’s even harder? Making life-altering financial decisions in the middle of those changes. My life experiences were the genesis for Transitus Wealth Partners. Eventually, I discovered the Financial Transitionist Institute and earned the CeFT® designation.

Outside of work, I enjoy being active with my family. We play tennis, pickleball, workout in the gym, and walk Lexi, our overly-protective and incredibly spoiled Blue Merle Pomeranian. I enjoy reading science fiction and listening to podcasts (or watching on YouTube) like the Knowledge Project or Huberman Lab. When relaxing, I need my sticks, as in chopsticks for sushi and drumsticks for my electric drum set. A perfect dinner is a Dragon Roll with a side of 80’s Rock.