Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Cussen.
Hi Mark, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I graduated from the University of Kansas in 1994 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. I started my financial career at DST as a customer service representative for Chase Vista Funds. Next I became a stockbroker at Dean Witter and then quickly moved to Quick & Reilly, where I worked for almost four years. Then I went to Firstar Bank and spent a year there as an investment representative. Then I moved to Himalaya Mortgage where I originated home loans for two years. I also prepared income taxes for Jackson Hewitt each year. I became a financial writer in May of 2007 when I landed my first gig with Investopedia. I wrote heavily for them for the next ten years along with many other clients. In 2010, I also landed a gig working with the U.S. military as a financial counselor. I worked with service members for the next ten years in one capacity or another as a financial advisor at Fort Leavenworth. I left there in 2019 and took a break from the financial world for about five years. In 2025, I started a job selling Medicare insurance for Selectquote. I am also currently trying to start my own financial planning company called Cussen About Money, where I will sell equity-indexed annuities and indexed universal life insurance.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road has had many obstacles to overcome. I have tried many different plans and approaches to financial planning, but I finally decided that I would have to do things my own way if I want to succeed. I have had to contend with sales quotas and compliance issues, unhappy customers and unreasonable bosses along the way. My record is still clean, however.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been a jack of all trades in the personal finance industry. I have worked as a stockbroker, life insurance agent, mutual fund customer service representative, loan officer, income tax preparer, and financial planner. I now specialize in retirement planning for retirees and pre-retirees who are looking to grow their money safely with no market risk. I have a breadth of experience in the financial industry that is not very common.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Don’t be afraid to do things your way. Advice and input from others can be very helpful, but what works for them may not work for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.investopedia.com/contributors/186
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpcussen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markpcussen
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcussen/
- Twitter: https://x.com/markpcussen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0hnsXkWqdw
- Other: https://www.cussenaboutmoney.com
