Make It Personal Podcast

Making $3M a Year Didn’t Make Them Feel Secure | EP 90

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

What if making more money did not actually make your financial life feel more secure?

In this episode of Make It Personal, we share a real financial planning story about a high-income physician family earning over $3 million a year who still felt pressure from taxes, lifestyle creep, retirement planning, college savings, insurance decisions, and the fear that their income might not last forever.

Mutual of Omaha advisor Franklin Mohri joins the show to explain how this family moved from feeling overwhelmed to building a clearer financial plan with better budgeting, advanced tax planning, retirement savings strategies, defined benefit plans, 401(k) planning, life insurance, disability protection, and long-term financial guardrails.

This conversation is especially helpful for doctors, physicians, business owners, high-income professionals, and families who earn well but feel unsure about whether they are saving enough, spending too much, paying too much in taxes, or protecting their future. You’ll hear why true financial confidence does not come from income alone, but from knowing your lifestyle, risks, goals, and future are working together.

You’ll Learn:

→How a physician family earning over $3 million a year still struggled with taxes, spending, and uncertainty about their long-term financial future.

→Why lifestyle creep can quietly become one of the biggest risks for high-income professionals, especially when income rises quickly.

→How tax planning, retirement accounts, defined benefit plans, budgeting, life insurance, and disability insurance helped create structure and accountability.

→Why working with a trusted financial advisor gave this family a clear framework for making major money decisions with more confidence.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

This podcast is for educational purposes only and may include references to concepts that have legal and/or tax implications. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult with the appropriate professional regarding your personal situation prior to making any financial decisions. Strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Mutual of Omaha Advisors is a division of Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company.

Could the Social Security Fairness Act Raise Your Benefit? | EP 89

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:57:04 -0400

Could the Social Security Fairness Act increase your monthly Social Security benefit, or change the retirement income plan you built years ago?

For decades, the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset reduced Social Security benefits for many people who also received pensions from work that was not covered by Social Security. Teachers, firefighters, police officers, government employees, spouses, surviving spouses, and people who moved between public- and private-sector careers were often affected.

Those two Social Security reduction rules are now gone for benefits payable from January 2024 forward. That means some retirees may receive a higher monthly benefit, a retroactive payment, or access to spousal or survivor benefits that were previously reduced. People who have not applied for benefits may also need to reconsider assumptions that influenced their original retirement strategy.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we explain what changed, who may be affected, and why a retirement income plan built under the old Social Security rules deserves another look. Even when the change does not apply directly to you, it may affect a parent, spouse, colleague, client, teacher, firefighter, or former public employee in your life.

What You’ll Learn:

→ The rules that changed: Understand how the Windfall Elimination Provision affected a worker’s own Social Security retirement benefit and how the Government Pension Offset affected spousal and survivor benefits.

→ Who may be affected: Learn why teachers, firefighters, government employees, pension recipients, spouses, widows, widowers, and people with both public- and private-sector work histories should review their eligibility.

→ Why your retirement plan may have changed: See how a higher Social Security benefit could affect retirement income projections, withdrawal decisions, pension planning, taxes, and long-term cash flow.

→ What to review next: Discover why it may be worth checking your Social Security record, requesting an updated benefit estimate, reviewing your claiming strategy, and discussing the change with a qualified advisor.

Benefits depend on individual work records, pension history, eligibility, and claiming circumstances. Confirm your personal information directly with the Social Security Administration before making financial decisions.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Financial Habits That Quietly Build Wealth | EP 88

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Every day, companies compete for your attention and encourage you to spend money. Buy now. Upgrade today. Take advantage of the limited-time offer. Consumer culture is built around transactions, but financial stability and long-term wealth are built through behavior.

In Episode 88 of Make It Personal, Mark Zagurski explains why one perfect investment, clever financial hack, or major money decision is unlikely to transform your financial future. Lasting financial confidence usually comes from simple financial habits repeated over time: spending less than you earn, saving before you spend, living below your means, building an emergency fund, increasing retirement contributions, and following your financial plan instead of reacting to every market headline.

You will also hear how Mark’s commitment to reaching a daily step goal taught him that motivation comes and goes, but consistent behavior remains. The same principle applies to personal finance. You do not build wealth by making one great decision. You build it by making the next good decision, and then repeating it.

This episode is for anyone who feels financially behind, overwhelmed by consumer culture, or distracted by the search for the perfect investment. Your financial future may depend less on one major transaction and more on the small money choices you make every day.

What You’ll Learn:

→ You’ll learn why high income does not always create financial stability

→ How consumer culture encourages spending instead of long-term wealth building

→ Why consistent financial habits can matter more than extraordinary investment decisions

→ How improving one repeatable money behavior can strengthen your financial confidence over time

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

How to Use College Savings Without Costly Mistakes | EP 87

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400

You spent years saving for college. You made regular contributions, watched the account grow, and worked toward the goal of helping your child pay for higher education. Then the first college bill arrived, and a completely different set of financial planning questions began.

How do you access your college savings? Which education expenses can the money cover? How should tuition, housing, meal plans, books, technology, fees, and scholarships work together? What receipts and financial records should you keep? And who can help you understand the withdrawal rules before you start using the account?

In Episode 87 of Make It Personal, Mark Zagurski shares what his own family learned when their oldest child started college. The accumulation phase may be complete, but the utilization phase is just beginning. For parents preparing to pay college expenses, having money available is only one part of the plan. Using those savings thoughtfully, documenting expenses, coordinating scholarships, and getting guidance from a financial advisor or tax professional can be just as important as the years spent saving.

This episode is for parents with a child in college, families approaching the first tuition payment, and anyone wondering how college savings fit into a larger financial plan.

What You’ll Learn:

→ You’ll learn why college planning has both an accumulation phase and a utilization phase

→ Which education expenses families should review before withdrawing money

→ How scholarships and college savings may need to be coordinated

→ Why receipts, documentation, withdrawal timing, and professional guidance can matter once college begins

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

AI Knows Your Money, But It Doesn’t Know Your Life | EP 86

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400

What happens when AI manages your money perfectly, but creates a financial plan that does not reflect the life you actually want?

Artificial intelligence can track spending, automate savings, rebalance investments, improve tax efficiency, and build an optimized retirement plan. But personal financial planning involves more than numbers. Your family history, life experiences, fears, priorities, relationships, and definition of “enough” all influence the decisions that are right for you.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we explore the growing role of AI in personal finance and wealth management. You’ll hear how the same automated financial tools can create confidence for one person and conflict for another. You’ll also discover why a technically perfect financial strategy may overlook the moments, opportunities, and relationships that matter most.

What You’ll Learn:

→ You’ll learn why financial optimization is not the same as personal alignment

→ How AI financial planning tools can improve discipline and consistency

→ Which parts of your financial life should not be completely outsourced

→ How to use artificial intelligence as a helpful tool without allowing an algorithm to become your financial compass

Money decisions are not only mathematical decisions. They are personal trade-offs involving your present, your future, and the life you want to experience along the way.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Don’t Mortgage Your Retirement for Your Kids’ College | EP 85

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400

From the outside, this family looked like they had everything together: strong careers, a nice home, and three kids in college. But behind the scenes, credit card debt, college expenses, retirement pressure, and quiet money stress were starting to take over their lives.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we share a real financial planning story about a family in their early 50s who wondered if they had fallen too far behind. They were high earners, loving parents, and doing many things right, but the cost of helping their kids through college left them asking a painful question: Are we sacrificing our own retirement future?

Mutual of Omaha advisor Lucas Feathers joins the show to explain how honest conversations, financial organization, debt planning, family communication, retirement projections, and estate planning helped this family move from fear to confidence. This episode is for parents, families, and anyone carrying hidden financial stress who needs reassurance that clarity can lead to a better plan.

Highlights:

→ You’ll hear how a family with good income and good intentions still ended up feeling overwhelmed by credit card debt, college costs, and retirement anxiety.

→ You’ll learn why getting financially organized can be the first major step toward reducing stress, seeing the full picture, and making better money decisions.

→ This conversation shows how hard family money talks, including conversations around gifting, estate planning, and retirement savings, can open new paths forward.

→ You’ll also hear why the goal of financial planning is not just getting out of debt, but building confidence, creating options, and protecting your future.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Roth Catch-Up Rule Most People Misunderstand | EP 84

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Do 401(k) catch-up contributions have to be Roth in 2026? Many people aged 50 and older have heard that catch-up contributions are changing, but the headlines have created a lot of confusion. Some retirement savers think all catch-up contributions now have to go into a Roth account, while others worry that catch-up contributions are going away completely.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we answer David’s question about the 2026 Roth catch-up contribution rule, who it applies to, and what it may mean for your retirement savings and tax planning. You’ll learn how SECURE 2.0 changed the rules for certain higher-income earners, why the $145,000 prior-year wage threshold matters, and how the 2026 catch-up contribution amount fits into the conversation. This episode is for anyone age 50 or older saving into a 401(k), 403(b), or workplace retirement plan who wants to understand whether their extra contributions can still be pre-tax or may need to be Roth.

Highlights:

→ You’ll learn that the new Roth requirement does not apply to everyone and does not eliminate catch-up contributions.

→ We explain how higher-income earners may be required to make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions, while others may still be able to choose between pre-tax and Roth if their employer plan allows both options.

→ You’ll also hear why this change is not just about saving more money, but about tax diversification, future retirement income flexibility, and whether paying taxes now or later makes more sense for your overall plan.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

An RMD Is Not a Retirement Spending Rule | EP 83

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, can create stress for retirees when the IRS tells them to withdraw more money from their IRA or retirement account than they actually need to spend. Many people wonder if a larger RMD means their retirement plan is off track, if they are spending too much, or if they are at risk of running out of money.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we explain a simple but powerful distinction: an RMD is a withdrawal rule, not a spending rule. Just because money has to come out of your IRA does not mean it has to leave your retirement plan. You may still have choices after taking the distribution and paying the tax. This conversation is for retirees, people approaching retirement, and anyone trying to understand retirement withdrawals, IRA distributions, safe withdrawal rates, Roth conversions, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and tax planning in retirement.

Highlights:

→ You’ll learn why RMDs can feel bigger than expected and why that does not automatically mean something is wrong with your retirement plan.

→ We explain how retirees may be able to reinvest excess RMD dollars in a taxable account, plan ahead with partial Roth conversions to potentially reduce future RMDs, and use Qualified Charitable Distributions to support causes they care about while satisfying RMD requirements.

→ You’ll also hear why safe withdrawal rates are guidelines, RMDs are rules, and your personal retirement plan should be flexible enough to respond as markets, spending, health, goals, and values change.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Why Retirement Feels Lonely (and How to Fix It) | EP 82

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Retirement sounds like freedom, until the calendar disappears and the questions get loud. If you’ve ever wondered why retirement can feel lonely, uncertain, or oddly unstructured (even when your finances look “fine”), this episode is for you.

In Episode 82, we break down a better way to navigate retirement decisions without carrying them by yourself: building a Retirement Board of Directors. This isn’t a formal committee or complicated system, it’s simply a trusted retirement support network that helps you connect money decisions to the life you want to live. We’ll walk through why retirement planning isn’t just about investments, savings, and income strategies, it’s about health, relationships, purpose, and identity. You’ll hear the story of Joe, who retired with a strong financial plan but still felt unexpected uncertainty, and why that happens to so many people.

The solution starts with one trusted financial advisor who truly knows you and can act as the hub, helping you identify when a decision is financial, personal, or a signal to bring in another voice. If you’re looking for clarity, confidence, and a retirement plan that feels personal, not just mathematical, press play.

You’ll Learn:

→ Why retirement decisions rarely fail due to lack of information and more often break down due to lack of perspective.

→ What a “Retirement Board of Directors” actually is and how it reduces uncertainty by turning solo decision-making into better conversations.

→ Why a great financial advisor should do more than manage investments, by helping connect your money to your values, lifestyle, and long-term health.

→ One question to ask yourself today to make retirement easier, more supported, and more aligned with the life you want.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Retirement Risk Most Families Never Plan For | EP 81

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

What if the biggest threat to your retirement plan is not the stock market, inflation, or taxes, but a long-term care event your family never saw coming? In this episode of Make It Personal, we share a real retirement planning story about a couple in their late 50s and early 60s who had saved well, invested carefully, and prepared for the future, but were still worried one unexpected health event could drain their savings and impact their children.

Mutual of Omaha advisor John Bronzema joins the show to explain how long-term care planning, pension decisions, permanent life insurance, retirement income planning, and legacy planning came together in one coordinated strategy. This conversation is for pre-retirees, retirees, and families who want to protect retirement savings, prepare for long-term care costs, make smarter pension and Social Security decisions, and leave a tax-efficient legacy for the next generation.

You’ll hear how thoughtful financial planning helped this couple move from fear and uncertainty to confidence, clarity, and freedom to enjoy the retirement they worked so hard to build.

Highlights:

→ You’ll learn how a real long-term care experience with a parent changed the way this couple looked at retirement risk, family protection, and future health care costs.

→ Why pension decisions matter so much in retirement planning, especially when choosing between a higher monthly payout and survivor benefits.

→ How permanent life insurance with living benefits can support long-term care planning, pension protection, and legacy goals in one flexible strategy.

→ How an annuity income stream helped fund insurance premiums and turned unused retirement assets into a larger protection and legacy plan.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Roth 401(k) to Roth IRA: The Tax Rule Most People Miss | EP 80

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Thinking about rolling over a Roth 401(k) to a Roth IRA after leaving your employer? Before you do, it’s important to understand how Roth 401(k) rollovers actually work, especially when your account includes employer matching contributions, pre-tax money, and after-tax Roth contributions.

Many people assume that because an account says “Roth,” every dollar inside it is automatically tax-free forever. But that is not always true. In this episode of Make It Personal, we answer Jennifer’s question about how Roth 401(k) to Roth IRA rollovers are tracked, what happens to employer pre-tax contributions, and whether choosing different investments inside the Roth IRA changes the tax treatment. You’ll learn how the IRS views Roth money versus pre-tax money, why rollovers often separate dollars into different IRA accounts, and when a Roth conversion may come into play. This episode is for anyone leaving a job, reviewing an old 401(k), planning retirement income, or trying to avoid tax surprises with Roth retirement accounts.

Highlights:

→ You’ll learn how Roth 401(k) dollars and employer match dollars are treated differently during a rollover.

→ We explain why pre-tax employer contributions usually do not simply become tax-free Roth IRA money, and why they may be moved into a Traditional IRA instead.

→ You’ll also hear why changing investments inside a Roth IRA, such as ETFs, mutual funds, stocks, or bonds, does not change the Roth tax status of the account.

→ We break down the difference between a rollover and a Roth conversion so you can better understand when taxes may apply and why planning matters.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Social Security Secrets That Could Add Thousands to Your Retirement | EP 79

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0400

What if you’re leaving thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits on the table every year, money you earned and may still be able to claim?

In this episode of Make It Personal, we reveal Social Security secrets and claiming strategies most people never hear about, including hidden spousal benefits, divorced spouse benefits, survivor benefits, and timing moves that can dramatically increase your monthly check.

The truth is: the “best age” to claim Social Security retirement benefits isn’t the same for everyone. Your full retirement age, health, longevity, taxes, and other income sources, like a 401(k), IRA, pension, or part-time work, can completely change the smartest claiming plan. We also unpack why the Social Security breakeven point can be misleading, how COLA adjustments affect long-term retirement income, and how taxation of Social Security benefits works through provisional income.

If you’re approaching retirement, already retired, divorced, widowed, raising a child, or coordinating benefits with a spouse, this is a must-listen guide to maximizing Social Security and building a smarter retirement income plan.

You’ll learn:

→ How to choose the best Social Security claiming age based on your full retirement age, health, and cash-flow needs, not generic advice.

→ Often-missed spousal and survivor strategies, including divorced spouse benefits if you were married 10+ years and how survivor timing can change monthly income.

→ Lesser-known provisions like child-in-care benefits, parent benefits in special cases, and how disability-to-retirement conversion can protect benefit amounts.

→ Practical planning tips for coordinating Social Security with retirement accounts, reducing Social Security tax exposure, and staying prepared for COLA trends and potential legislative changes.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

How Reverse Mortgages Work (And Why the Bank Doesn’t “Take” Your Home) | EP 78

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:06:19 -0400

Your home isn’t just where your memories live, it may be the missing piece in your retirement plan.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we unpack the reverse mortgage reality and explain how a reverse mortgage can help eligible homeowners 62 and older access home equity for retirement income without selling the house or moving out. If you’ve ever heard “the bank takes your home” or that reverse mortgages are a last resort, this conversation clears up the biggest myths and gives you the real mechanics behind today’s federally regulated options like the HECM reverse mortgage. You’ll learn how reverse mortgages can create financial flexibility, support lifestyle goals like travel or home renovations, help cover healthcare costs, and even work alongside estate planning when structured thoughtfully. We also cover the important responsibilities, property taxes, homeowners insurance, upkeep, and the real costs like origination fees, closing costs, and interest accrual so you can make an informed decision.

Whether you’re planning retirement, optimizing cash flow, or exploring ways to stay in the home you love, this episode gives you a practical, planning-first framework. Learn more at makeitpersonalpodcast.com and explore education resources like HUD HECM guidance and trusted reverse mortgage counseling.

You’ll learn:

→ You’ll understand what a reverse mortgage is and how it turns home equity into cash flow through a lump sum, monthly payments, or a line of credit.

→ You’ll learn why you still own your home, when repayment actually happens, and how consumer protections work in today’s reverse mortgage programs.

→ We’ll walk through the real tradeoffs, fees, closing costs, interest accrual, and equity impact, so you can evaluate whether it fits your retirement plan.

→ Finally, you’ll get a step-by-step approach for exploring eligibility, using HUD and certified reverse mortgage counselors, and having a no-obligation conversation with a specialist to match the strategy to your income needs and legacy goals.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

If Your Business Vanished, Would Your Wealth Survive? | Ep 77

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

If your business disappeared tomorrow, would your financial security disappear with it? Many business owners work hard to grow revenue, increase profit, and build enterprise value, but their entire financial life is often tied to one place: the business. Their income comes from the business, their net worth depends on the business, and their retirement plan may rely on a future sale that may or may not happen on their terms.

In this final episode of the Seven Pillars mini-series from Profit, Protect, Prosper, we explore Pillar 7: building wealth beyond the business. This episode is for business owners, entrepreneurs, and families who want more financial independence, more liquidity, and more control over their future. You’ll learn why diversification outside the business matters, how owners can begin creating wealth that is not tied to a valuation event, and why retirement accounts, diversified portfolios, tax-advantaged strategies, and disciplined profit allocation can help create long-term security.

Your business can be your passion without being your only financial plan. When you build wealth beyond the business, you gain options, negotiate differently, plan differently, and sleep differently.

Highlights:

→ You’ll learn why having your income, net worth, and retirement tied to your business can create financial dependency instead of true diversification.

→ This episode explains how directing a portion of annual profits into investments outside the business can help create liquidity, independence, and long-term financial flexibility.

→ You’ll hear why diversified portfolios, retirement accounts, and tax-advantaged strategies can help business owners build wealth beyond a future sale or valuation event.

→ We also discuss how financial clarity gives business owners more control, better options, and greater confidence when planning for the future.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Your Business Shouldn’t Be Your Only Retirement Plan | Ep 76

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

If your business disappeared tomorrow, would your financial security disappear with it too? In this episode of Make It Personal, we unpack why building wealth beyond your business is one of the most important financial moves a business owner can make.

This conversation is for entrepreneurs, founders, and owners who have most of their income, net worth, and retirement tied directly to their company. If you want more financial independence, stronger retirement planning, better diversification, and real peace of mind, this episode shows why your business should be part of your wealth strategy, not the entire plan. Learn how creating investments outside the business can increase liquidity, reduce financial risk, and help you make smarter long-term decisions without feeling trapped by one future sale, one valuation, or one outcome.

You’ll Learn:

→ Why so many owners unintentionally build financial dependence instead of diversification.

→ How directing a portion of annual profits into retirement accounts, diversified portfolios, and tax-advantaged strategies can create more control.

→ Why liquidity outside the business changes the way you negotiate, plan, and think about your future.

→ How wealth beyond the business supports financial security, independence, and flexibility, especially for owners who want their business to remain a passion without making it their only financial plan.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

What If One Hospital Visit Destroys Your Retirement Plan? | EP 75

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:30:00 -0400

What if a sudden medical emergency wiped out years of careful retirement planning? One hospitalization, unexpected surgery, chronic condition, or long-term care need can quietly become the silent killer of retirement savings, especially when Medicare doesn’t cover everything.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we break down the “what if” of healthcare costs in retirement and how proactive retirement planning can protect your nest egg, your lifestyle, and your independence. If you’re pre-retirement or already retired, this conversation will help you think through Medicare limitations, out-of-pocket costs, supplemental coverage like Medigap or Medicare Advantage, and the real-world risk of assisted living, nursing homes, or in-home care. We also cover how Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can act as a tax-advantaged retirement healthcare fund, and why long-term care insurance may be worth evaluating before it’s too late.

The goal is simple: build a financial safety net for medical costs so you don’t have to scramble later, drain investments, or compromise your retirement lifestyle when health surprises happen.

You’ll learn:

→ How Medicare gaps can create major retirement out-of-pocket costs and what supplemental coverage options may reduce the risk.

→ How HSAs work as a tax-smart way to plan for healthcare expenses in retirement and why unused balances can strengthen your overall retirement strategy.

→ How long-term care costs (assisted living, nursing homes, in-home care) can derail even strong retirement plans and what insurance or planning tools may help protect assets.

→ How to create an emergency healthcare fund, estimate realistic retirement medical costs, and review your plan regularly as your health and needs change.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Real Problem With Debt Isn’t the Interest Rate | EP 74

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

It is a simple but powerful framework for evaluating whether your current debt strategy is helping you build a stronger business or just helping you survive from month to month.

You’ll Learn:

→ Why matching the length of a loan to the life of the asset matters so much.

→ How short-term debt can create long-term cash flow pressure.

→ Why borrowing for operational shortfalls is often a warning sign.

→ How to tell whether your leverage strategy is creating confidence or stress.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Hope Is Not a Strategy for Business Protection | EP 73

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 28 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Most business owners work hard to grow revenue, serve clients, and build something that lasts. But one unexpected event can undo years of progress if the business is not protected the right way. In this episode of the Seven Pillars mini-series based on Profit, Protect, Prosper, we break down why hope is not a business strategy and what real protection planning looks like.

This conversation is for entrepreneurs, partners, founders, and family business owners who want to reduce risk, protect ownership, and prepare for major disruption before it happens. If you have ever wondered whether your company could survive the loss of an owner, a sudden exit, a disability event, or a financial shock, this episode will help you think more clearly about the gaps that could threaten everything you have built.

You’ll Learn:

→ Why protection is more than insurance and why a funded buy-sell agreement matters if partners ever need to transfer ownership smoothly.

→ We also cover succession planning, compliance, contracts, key-person risk, and how resilient businesses prepare for the unexpected before chaos forces hard decisions.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

How to Fund Your Retirement AND Your Family’s Future| EP 72

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 21 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

What if your money could do more than just cover retirement, what if it could build a legacy that empowers your children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren?

In this episode of Make It Personal, we introduce the Legacy Loop, a long-term wealth strategy designed to help you enjoy life now while creating a multi-generational financial foundation. This isn’t about get-rich-quick schemes or luck. It’s about intentional financial planning, smarter portfolio decisions, and building structures that protect and grow wealth over decades. You’ll learn how families balance lifestyle spending with legacy accounts, and how tools like trusts, endowments, and strategic life insurance can provide protection, liquidity, and long-term flexibility. We also explore how investing in future-forward opportunities, like AI infrastructure and sustainable technology, can compound across generations. But the biggest missing piece for most families isn’t just money, it’s financial literacy. Because wealth without education often disappears.

If you’ve ever wondered how to create generational wealth, fund retirement confidently, and give your family a real head start, this episode is your blueprint.

You’ll learn:

→ How to balance retirement income planning with long-term legacy building without draining family wealth later.

→ How to use enduring wealth structures like trusts, endowments, and advisory frameworks to protect assets and keep generational planning organized.

→ How strategically designed life insurance can create liquidity, fund family needs, and jumpstart a legacy plan even when other investments are modest.

→ How mentorship and financial education turn inheritance into a repeatable wealth system where each generation reinvests, innovates, and strengthens the cycle.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Why Waiting Until April Could Cost You More in Taxes | EP 71

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 14 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

If April is the only time you think about taxes, you may be paying more than necessary.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we break down why tax strategy is not just about filing returns or staying compliant. It is about building year-round control over your income, expenses, cash flow, and long-term financial decisions. This episode is for business owners, entrepreneurs, and S-corp owners who want to stop reacting to tax deadlines and start using proactive tax planning to make smarter moves before the year ends. You will learn how tax projections, timing decisions, retirement contributions, equipment purchases, and compensation planning can all affect what you owe.

If you want better business tax strategy, lower stress, more financial clarity, and more confidence around growth decisions, this episode will show you why proactive tax planning matters and how it can help you keep more of what you earn while making better decisions throughout the year.

You’ll Learn:

→ Why taxes should be treated as a year-round business discipline instead of a once-a-year event.

→ How the timing of income and expenses can change your tax outcome, why equipment purchases before year-end may matter, and how retirement contributions through the business can play a role in a smarter tax plan.

→ How S-corp owners can think about salary and distributions more strategically, and why reviewing tax projections during the year can help you make better hiring, investing, and growth decisions.

This conversation is all about proactive tax planning, business tax strategy, tax projections, year-end tax moves, and financial clarity for entrepreneurs who want more control and fewer surprises.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

How to Build a Business You Can Actually Walk Away From | EP 70

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 07 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

If your business could not run without you tomorrow, your retirement plan may be more fragile than you think. In this episode of the Make It Personal Podcast, we continue the Seven Pillars series from Profit, Protect, Prosper by breaking down retirement planning and exit planning for business owners.

This conversation is for entrepreneurs, founders, and owner-operators who want more than just a someday dream. It is for people who want financial freedom, a stronger business valuation, better succession planning, and a real path toward retiring on their terms. We talk about why owner dependence lowers business value, how recurring revenue and documented systems can raise company value, and why building assets outside the business matters long before you are ready to exit.

If you want to sell your business someday, step away gradually, or simply know your company can survive without you, this episode will help you think differently about business continuity, retirement readiness, and long-term personal wealth.

The earlier you start planning your exit strategy, the more freedom, flexibility, and negotiating power you create for the future.

You’ll Learn:

→ Why a business that depends on the owner is often seen as risky by buyers and how that can affect business valuation when it is time to sell.

→ Why leadership depth, documented processes, and reliable recurring revenue can make your business more transferable and more valuable.

→ Why retirement planning for entrepreneurs should include assets outside the business, so your future is not tied to one company outcome.

→ What defines a successful transition, whether you plan to exit in a few years or simply want a business that can operate without you for six months.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Empty Nest ‘Money Shift’ No One Warns You About| EP 69

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

No one tells you this part: when the kids leave home, it’s not just the house that feels different, it’s your money. Your grocery bill drops, your calendar opens up, and suddenly the financial rules you lived by for decades don’t apply the same way. If you’re an empty nester (or about to be), this is the moment most people skip… and it can cost you years of financial momentum.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we’re talking about the empty nest money shift, how your cash flow changes, why your mindset changes, and what financial freedom can look like before retirement. Because these years aren’t a financial wind-down, they’re a season of autonomy.

This is where you can increase saving and investing without sacrificing lifestyle, pay down debt aggressively while still enjoying life, travel without school schedules, and start planning for legacy with clarity. If you’ve been running a family-first budget for decades, this episode will help you move from obligation to intention, and build a plan that fits who you are now.

Empty nest planning, retirement planning, purposeful spending, investing strategy, and legacy planning all start here.

You’ll learn:

→ How the financial landscape changes when the last child leaves home and why that shift creates a rare opportunity for intentional money decisions.

→ How to rethink purposeful spending so you can spend without guilt while still building long-term security.

→ Why empty nest years aren’t just a countdown to retirement, but a powerful window to increase retirement contributions, adjust investing strategy and risk tolerance, and make smarter debt payoff moves.

→ We’ll also explore legacy planning in a more meaningful way, how to support adult children without creating dependency, and how to align your money with your values, impact, and the story you want your choices to tell.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

How to Pay Yourself Consistently as a Small Business Owner

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Are you a small business owner who keeps saying, “I’ll pay myself later”?

In this episode, we talk about how to pay yourself consistently as a small business owner without guilt, stress, or guesswork. Too many entrepreneurs pour every dollar back into the business and call it discipline, but if your business cannot pay you reliably, it may not be a sustainable business model. This episode is for business owners who want more stability, better cash flow habits, and a smarter owner compensation strategy that supports both personal finances and long-term business growth. You’ll learn why paying yourself is not selfish, how a structured owner pay system can reduce emotional decision-making, and why personal financial stability helps you lead your business with more confidence and clarity.

If you have ever wondered how much to pay yourself, when to pay yourself, or whether your business is truly supporting your life, this conversation will help you rethink your approach and create a more intentional compensation plan that builds wealth inside and outside the business.

Highlights:

→ How inconsistent owner pay creates stress and reactive decision-making

→ How setting a percentage of revenue or profit for owner compensation can create discipline

→ Why paying yourself consistently improves both business clarity and personal stability

→ How to stop relying on whatever money happens to be left over at the end of the month.

This conversation also explores the connection between business structure, personal wealth building, and sustainable entrepreneurship for small business owners.

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

How a 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast Can Save Your Business | Ep 67

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Cash flow is the difference between running your business with confidence and checking your bank account in panic mode every day. In this episode, we break down why revenue is vanity, profit is opinion, and cash is survival for small-business owners who want more stability, less stress, and better decision-making.

If you have ever wondered why your business can look healthy on paper but still feel financially tight in real life, this conversation will help you understand the real issue. We explore how cash flow clarity gives business owners more control, more peace of mind, and more resilience when clients pay late, expenses rise, or uncertainty hits. This episode is for entrepreneurs, founders, and small-business owners who want smarter money management, stronger financial visibility, and a better way to plan ahead instead of constantly reacting.

If you want to improve business cash flow, strengthen liquidity, and make more confident financial decisions, this episode is a practical place to start. It is also part of our Seven Pillars of Smart Money Management for Small-Business Owners series, designed to help you protect what you are building and lead with greater clarity.

You’ll Learn:

→ Why cash flow is more important than revenue when it comes to business stability and day-to-day peace of mind.

→ Why two businesses with the same top-line revenue can feel completely different depending on their liquidity, reserves, and visibility into upcoming cash needs.

→ Why a 13-week cash flow forecast is one of the most practical tools a resilient business can use to anticipate pressure early, adjust spending, manage receivables, and make smarter decisions before cash gets tight.

→ How weak cash flow affects your mindset, causing delayed hires, reactive decisions, and second-guessing, while strong cash flow creates confidence, flexibility, and control.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Truth About Reverse Mortgages (It’s Not What You Think)

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Reverse mortgages have a reputation, and not a good one. Many people believe they’re risky, predatory, or only for those in financial trouble. But is that actually true? In this episode of Make It Personal, we break down the real story behind reverse mortgages, separating fact from fiction so you can make smarter retirement decisions.

If you’re a homeowner nearing retirement or already retired, your home equity may be one of your largest untapped assets. Yet it’s often ignored in retirement planning conversations. This episode explores when a reverse mortgage might actually make sense, how it compares to other strategies like HELOCs or portfolio withdrawals, and what safeguards exist today to protect borrowers.

We’re joined by industry expert Chris Bruser, who shares real-life examples, common misconceptions, and practical insights to help you understand how reverse mortgages really work. This is not about selling you on a strategy, it’s about giving you the clarity and confidence to make decisions based on facts, not fear.

You’ll Learn:

→ You’ll learn what a reverse mortgage actually is in plain English and how it differs from a traditional mortgage. The episode covers the biggest myths, like whether the bank owns your home or if your heirs lose everything, and explains the real impact on legacy planning.

→ We also dive into how reverse mortgages fit into a broader retirement income strategy, including when they may be a smart move versus when they should be avoided. You’ll hear real-world use cases, including how retirees use home equity to improve cash flow, fund healthcare, or reduce financial stress.

→ Finally, we break down the process, risks, and built-in protections like HUD counseling and non-recourse features so you can evaluate this option with a clear, informed perspective.

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Making Sense of Your HSA: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Get One| EP 65

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Could one account help you save on taxes, cover healthcare costs, and support your long-term financial goals?

In this episode of Make It Personal, we’re diving into the Health Savings Account, or HSA, a powerful but often misunderstood tool that can help you manage today’s healthcare costs and prepare for future ones. Whether you’ve heard the term or are already enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), this is your guide to understanding what an HSA is, how it works, and how people typically get started.

Host Mark Zagurski breaks it all down in real-life terms, from tax benefits to investment options, from eligibility to everyday use. You’ll learn the different ways an HSA can support your medical needs now, grow savings for later, and even provide flexibility in retirement.

Key Takeaways:

→ An HSA offers triple tax benefits: contributions may be tax-deductible, growth is tax-deferred, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.

→ Funds carry over year to year, no “use-it-or-lose-it” deadlines like other accounts.

→ Some providers allow investing HSA balances once a threshold is met, potentially growing your funds over time.

→ After age 65, non-medical withdrawals avoid penalties, though income tax may apply.

→ To open an HSA, you must be enrolled in a qualifying HDHP, and can typically do so through an employer, a financial institution, or your insurance provider.

“Healthcare choices aren’t just about premiums and deductibles, they’re about your peace of mind, your family, and your financial well-being.”

🩺 Curious whether an HSA fits into your healthcare and financial strategy? Visit makeitpersonalpodcast.com to connect with a Mutual of Omaha advisor who can walk you through your options. And don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone weighing their health plan choices.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

You Asked: Addressing Inflation in Retirement| EP 64

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0400

What if the greatest threat to your retirement isn’t market loss… but rising prices over time?

In today’s “You Asked” episode of Make It Personal, we dive into a smart question from listener Kurt: “Do we need to plan for inflation in retirement, even if we’ve saved well?” The answer is a resounding yes. Because when retirement lasts 20, 30, or even 40 years, inflation becomes more than a background factor, it becomes a silent force that can erode your lifestyle, dollar by dollar.

We unpack why inflation matters, even at modest levels, and how small percentage increases can compound into major cost jumps over time. But don’t worry, there are proven ways to plan ahead and protect your purchasing power.

From smart withdrawal strategies to growth-focused investments, and from inflation-sensitive tools like TIPS to annual plan reviews, you’ll hear how to approach inflation with clarity and confidence, so your money can keep up with the life you want to live.

Key Takeaways:

→ Even 3% annual inflation can double your cost of living over a 30-year retirement.

→ Adjusting withdrawals annually (instead of using a flat amount) helps preserve purchasing power.

→ Keeping some growth investments (like stocks or TIPS) in retirement can help outpace inflation.

→ Inflation-linked tools, like certain annuities or bonds, can act as a hedge during cost spikes.

→ Annual reviews and adjustments are key to staying flexible and financially secure over time.

“Inflation is a quiet risk, but with the right strategy, you don’t have to let it steal your future.”

📩 Have a question like Kurt’s? Email us at makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com and if this episode helped you think differently about your retirement strategy, subscribe, share, and connect with an advisor at makeitpersonalpodcast.com. Planning for inflation is planning for peace of mind.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Reverse Retirement: Redefining Purpose Post-Career| EP 63

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

What if retirement wasn’t about slowing down… but stepping into something greater?

In this episode of Make It Personal, we’re rewriting the retirement playbook, and flipping old assumptions on their head. Forget the outdated picture of golf carts and idle time. This is Reverse Retirement, a bold, purpose-driven approach to your post-career years, where meaning, creativity, and even new income streams take center stage.

We explore how people are living longer, healthier lives, and how retirement today is less about winding down and more about relaunching. Whether it’s picking up a long-forgotten passion, starting a side venture, consulting, creating, or volunteering, this season of life can be a launchpad for joy, connection, and fresh possibilities. And yes, even financial opportunity.

More than just a mindset shift, Reverse Retirement is also a strategic move. Every dollar earned in purpose-driven work is a dollar you don’t have to withdraw, meaning your portfolio lasts longer, and your options expand. It’s about doing what lights you up while keeping your future flexible.

Key Takeaways:

→ Reverse Retirement redefines retirement as a time for renewed purpose, creativity, and contribution.

→ Pursuing passion projects or part-time income can extend your savings and energize your days.

→ Social connection and mental engagement are vital, and often found through meaningful work or community.

→ A “purpose week” plan can help you visualize how you’d fill your time with joy and intention.

→ A thoughtful financial plan ensures your money supports the life you want, not the one tradition says you should live.

“Retirement isn’t an ending, it’s an opportunity. And with the right plan, you can make it truly personal.”

Inspired to rethink your next chapter? Share this episode with someone approaching retirement, subscribe for more fresh perspectives, or connect with a Mutual of Omaha advisor at makeitpersonalpodcast.com to design a Reverse Retirement that’s as bold as you are.

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

You Asked: Will Long-Term Care Needs Drain Retirement Savings?| EP 62

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

You’ve saved for retirement. You’ve followed the plan. But what happens if a long-term care need enters the picture, and threatens to unravel everything?

In this special “You Asked” episode of Make It Personal, we’re answering a heartfelt question from listener Barb: “If we’ve done the right things and saved enough, could long-term care still drain our retirement savings?” It’s a question more and more families are asking, and one you can’t afford to ignore.

We explore why long-term care costs are rising sharply, with private nursing home care topping $120,000 per year, and how those expenses can derail even the most well-funded retirement plans. But the good news? You’re not powerless. We walk through practical, real-life strategies that can help protect your financial future while still offering the care your family might one day need.

From traditional long-term care insurance to hybrid options that blend protection with flexibility, this episode is about building a plan that doesn’t just assume the best, but prepares for the unexpected.

Key Takeaways:

→ Long-term care costs can significantly impact retirement savings, especially without a plan.

→ LTC insurance can act as a safety net, helping you cover care without draining your nest egg.

→ Hybrid policies (life insurance or annuities with LTC riders) offer flexible options for dual protection.

→ Partial self-funding can be part of a balanced strategy, reducing the need for full insurance.

→ Ongoing conversations with your spouse and advisor keep your plan current as life evolves.

“Even if you’ve done everything right, a long-term care event can stretch savings fast, unless you plan ahead.”

💡 Have your own question? Email us at makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com and don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who’s thinking ahead about their retirement future. Because peace of mind starts with a plan.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

How Fixed Indexed Annuities Help Address Sequence of Returns Risk| EP 61

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 07:46:41 -0500

What if it’s not just how much you earn in retirement, but when you earn it, that makes all the difference?

In this episode of Make It Personal, we dive into a critical but often overlooked challenge in retirement planning: Sequence of Returns Risk. Through the real-life stories of Linda and James, two retirees with similar savings and returns, but drastically different outcomes, we explore how timing can either protect or derail your financial future.

You’ll learn how market losses early in retirement can create long-term damage, especially when you’re drawing income and selling investments at the wrong time. That’s where Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs) come in, tools designed to offer growth tied to a market index while shielding against market downturns, based on contract terms.

We break down how FIAs can play a key role in a “bucket strategy” for retirement, offering a stable middle ground in those vulnerable early years. You’ll also hear how optional lifetime income riders can provide predictable income when markets dip, reducing pressure and adding flexibility to your plan.

Key Takeaways:

→ Sequence of Returns Risk is real, poor market timing early in retirement can shrink portfolios fast.

→ FIAs offer downside protection, which can help preserve your assets during market declines.

→ Bucket strategies use FIAs for short-to-mid-term needs, buying time for investments to recover.

→ Optional income riders can provide steady income, regardless of market performance.

→ FIAs come with specific features and costs, so understanding the contract is essential.

“It’s not just how much return you earn, it’s when you earn it.”

Want to explore whether a Fixed Indexed Annuity fits into your retirement plan? Visit makeitpersonalpodcast.com to connect with an advisor who can walk you through your options, clearly and personally.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

There’s Moore to Life: Living for Today While Saving for Tomorrow| EP 60

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500

What if your greatest financial breakthrough doesn’t start with more money, but with a better plan?

In this inspiring real-life episode of Make It Personal, we meet Martin and Natascha Moore, a couple juggling work-from-home jobs, three young kids, and over $20,000 in credit card debt. Their house was tight, their budget tighter, and their dreams felt just out of reach. But with the right mindset and the right steps, they turned things around, not by winning the lottery, but by building a plan grounded in clarity, protection, and creativity.

You’ll hear how this young California family took small but intentional actions to regain control of their finances. From cutting back on everyday expenses to strategically using life insurance and discovering an unexpected income stream, the Moores show us what’s possible when you stop surviving and start planning.

This isn’t a story about perfection, it’s a story about progress. It’s about how the right guidance can open doors you didn’t even know were there.

Key Takeaways:

→ A clear roadmap, even with small steps, can reduce stress and create real momentum.

→ Life insurance isn’t just protection; it can also be a long-term planning tool.

→ Creative thinking, like short-term rentals, can unlock new income without major lifestyle changes.

→ Consistent habits matter more than drastic overhauls.

→ You don’t need a perfect financial situation, just the willingness to start.

“Sometimes the solution isn’t cutting, it’s creating.”

Feeling stuck or unsure where to begin? Visit makeitpersonalpodcast.com for free tools, eBooks, and a way to connect with someone who can help you start your journey, wherever you are.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Financial Advice I’d Give My 51-Year-Old Self | EP 59

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:58:03 -0500

In this episode of Make It Personal, we step into a unique perspective: what would I say to my 51-year-old self, not from the view of retirement, but right in the middle of the journey? If you’re in your 40s or 50s and wondering whether you’re really on track, this conversation is for you.

Unlike advice from retirees looking in the rearview mirror, this episode speaks from the front lines of real life, career pressure, family responsibilities, and a future that’s still unfolding. We unpack why this decade is not just another checkpoint, but a critical opportunity to act with clarity, intention, and courage.

You’ll hear practical steps for maximizing savings, planning proactively for taxes, updating insurance and estate documents, and shifting the focus from chasing "more" to defining "enough." Because at this stage, it's not about chasing perfection, it's about consistent, wise decisions while you still have levers to pull.

Key Takeaways:

→ Clarity replaces assumptions in your 50s, it’s time to stop thinking “someday” and start planning purposefully.

→ Savings rate and automation often matter more than chasing high returns.

→ Tax planning now means avoiding surprises later, Roth opportunities and account mix are key.

→ Protection shifts focus, from just income to momentum, family, and long-term care needs.

→ Defining “enough” on your terms guards your values from being shaped by comparison.

“At 51, the most powerful advice isn’t about what you’ve already done, it’s about intentional action while choices still matter.”

Want to dig deeper? Download our free eBook “THE GAME OF THE DECADE: Seven Plays for Winning the Most Important Ten Years to Retirement Success” at www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com. And if this episode hit home, subscribe, share, or start a conversation with a trusted advisor today. Your future is too important to leave to chance.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Asset Allocation and Asset Location: Two Tools, One Plan | EP 58

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500

What if two simple financial concepts could help you bring more clarity, coordination, and confidence to your investment strategy?

In this episode of Make It Personal, we’re unpacking two often-confused, but incredibly important, terms in financial planning: asset allocation and asset location. While they may sound alike, these tools serve very different purposes. And understanding how they work together can transform the way you think about your financial future.

We begin by breaking down asset allocation, the strategy of dividing your portfolio across asset types like stocks, bonds, and cash to reflect your goals and time horizon. It's not about chasing trends. It's about creating a purposeful framework that helps you stay grounded when markets shift.

Then we explore asset location, the strategy of placing different investments in different types of accounts (like Roth IRAs, traditional 401(k)s, or taxable accounts) based on how each is taxed. It’s not about avoiding taxes but about using tax rules to your advantage through thoughtful planning and coordination.

To make it personal, you’ll hear a real-life story about opening a Roth IRA for an 18-year-old, and how that simple act illustrates both concepts in action. The bottom line? These two strategies work best together: one tells you what you own, the other tells you where you own it.

Key Takeaways:

→ Asset allocation is about choosing the right mix of investments based on your goals and timeline.

→ Asset location is about placing those investments in the most tax-efficient accounts.

→ Both strategies aim to create clarity and discipline in your financial plan.

→ Coordination across accounts becomes more valuable as your financial life grows more complex.

→ A well-aligned plan considers both structure and placement to support your broader goals.

“Two people can own the same investments, but where they’re held makes a big difference in how that money works over time.”

If this episode helped clear up confusion or gave you something to think about, subscribe to the podcast, share it with someone you trust, or take a moment to review your own plan. It’s your money, and clarity is power.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Annuities: The Most Misunderstood Tool in Retirement Planning | EP 57

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Is there a “secret weapon” for retirement income that most people overlook or misunderstand?

When it comes to retirement planning, most of us think 401(k)s, IRAs, or market-based investments. But there’s a tool you’ve probably heard of, maybe even avoided, that could play a crucial role in securing your future: annuities. Are they helpful or hype? Simple or overly complex? In this episode of Make It Personal, we’re clearing up the confusion.

You’ll learn what annuities really are, how they work, and why they’re so often misunderstood. With clarity and care, we’ll break down the two main types, Income Annuities and Accumulation Annuities, and help you understand when and why they might belong in a retirement strategy. Because, at their core, annuities aren’t magic, they’re contracts. And when used wisely, they can bring predictability and peace of mind to your financial future.

We also bust the top three myths that scare people away from annuities and explain why they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a customizable option for those who value structured income, downside protection, and tax-deferred growth.

Key Takeaways:

→ Annuities are contracts with insurance companies designed to provide retirement income, not investment accounts.

→ There are two main categories: Income Annuities (for guaranteed income) and Accumulation Annuities (for growth and optional future income).

→ Common myths, like high fees, money being locked up, or only being for retirees, don’t apply across the board.

→ Annuities can complement, not replace, other retirement tools like 401(k)s or IRAs.

→ Evaluating annuities with a qualified advisor helps match the right product to your personal goals and risk tolerance.

“They’re not automatically good or bad, annuities are tools. And tools only make sense when matched to your goals.”

If this episode brought clarity to a confusing topic, hit subscribe, share it with a friend, or take 10 minutes to reflect on your retirement goals. Your future deserves it.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Should You Be Paying Taxes on Your Employer Match? Here’s What Changed | EP 56

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Ever wonder if your employer's 401(k) match can grow tax-free like your Roth contributions? You’re not alone, and thanks to a recent law change, the answer might surprise you.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we tackle a smart question from Jennifer about how employer contributions work when you’re saving into a Roth 401(k). For years, the rules were straightforward: your contributions could be Roth, but your employer's match? Always pre-tax. But with the SECURE 2.0 Act, the game has changed, and many people don’t realize what’s now possible.

Key takeaways:

→ Employer matches used to only go into traditional 401(k)s, now they can go into Roth if your plan allows.

→ Roth matches are taxed upfront but can grow tax-free, just like your own Roth contributions.

→ Many employers haven’t adopted the new option yet, it’s not automatic.

→ The tax treatment of your match can have ripple effects on your future income, RMDs, and Medicare costs.

→ If Roth matching isn’t available, other tools like Roth IRAs, backdoor Roths, or cash-value life insurance might help.

“Retirement planning isn’t just about checking boxes in your 401(k). It’s about understanding your options, and having a strategy when the plan rules don’t give you every tool you want.”

If this episode sparked questions about your own plan, hit subscribe and share this episode with a friend. And if you’re ready for a personalized review, reach out to your Mutual of Omaha advisor to design a retirement strategy that fits your future.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Welcome to Saturday Every Day: A Retiree’s First-Year Report | EP 55

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500

What really happens the day after your last day of work? One retiree opens up about the surprises, joys, and real-life challenges of life after 42 years on the job.

Rick gives us a deeply honest look at his first year of retirement, not the highlight-reel version, but the real one. From relearning how to structure his days to facing the emotional shift of losing his professional identity, Rick walks us through the highs, lows, and everything in between. You'll hear what surprised him financially, what kept him grounded, and the two questions he believes everyone should answer before they retire.

In this episode, you'll learn:

→ Why identity can be harder to let go of than the job itself

→ How Rick found purpose (and 70 rounds of golf!) in the first year

→ The financial mindset shift from saving to spending

→ The unexpected emotional and relational impacts of retirement

→ What he’d do differently, and what he’s most excited about for year two

“You have to answer two questions: Have you had enough? And do you have enough?”

Whether you're years away from retirement or it's right around the corner, this episode is packed with wisdom from someone who's been there.

If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a friend or loved one who’s nearing retirement. Then, subscribe and leave a review, it helps others find the show and make their financial future personal.

Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com for tools, advisors, and more ways to plan for the retirement you actually want.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Gen X Balancing Act: Are You Saving Your Family or Sacrificing Yourself? | EP 54

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500

You’re helping everyone, but who’s helping you?

If you’re a Gen Xer, you might feel like the glue holding it all together, launching kids, checking in on aging parents, grinding at work, and still trying to save for your own retirement. This episode dives into the invisible load so many Gen Xers carry, and what it’s costing them.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we unpack the quiet sacrifices Gen Xers make in the name of love, and how those choices are impacting long-term financial health. Drawing on fresh research from LIMRA and the Alliance for Lifetime Income, we explore how caregiving, financial support for adult kids and parents, and rising healthcare costs are reshaping retirement planning for this unique generation.

Key Takeaways:

→ More than half of Gen Xers say supporting loved ones is cutting into their own retirement savings.

→ Delaying your own financial care could mean needing help later, from the very people you’re supporting now.

→ Caregiving isn’t just emotional, it’s a financial wildcard few plan for.

→ Planning doesn’t erase emotion, but it does prevent panic.

→ Your retirement depends more on predictability than market performance.

"What would it look like if I cared for myself with the same energy I give to others?"

Subscribe now, and if this episode hit close to home, share it with someone walking a similar path. Then journal your own “Make It Personal” moment, what does caring for you really look like?

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

8 Genius Ways to Use RMD Money You Don’t Need (Yet) | EP 53

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500

If you're in retirement, or approaching it, you know about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). The IRS says you have to start withdrawing money from your retirement accounts. But what if you don’t actually need the money right now? What if it feels more like a tax trap than a reward for decades of saving? You're not alone, and you’re not stuck.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we tackle the often-confusing world of RMDs with a refreshing mindset shift: what if these “required” withdrawals could actually work for you? Host Mark Zagurski breaks down eight clear, actionable strategies to put your RMD money to smart, purposeful use, whether you're focused on legacy, giving, or simply staying tax-efficient.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

→ Reinvest RMDs in a taxable account to stay in control of your tax bill

→ Use RMDs to fund a Roth IRA, and why that’s a legacy game-changer

→ Make charitable donations that reduce your taxes and boost your impact

→ Gift money in tax-smart ways to support loved ones or big milestones

→ Leverage RMDs for long-term care or insurance planning with purpose

“The IRS may require you to take the money out, but what you do with it is entirely your choice.”

Listen now and take one small step toward a retirement that’s not just secure, but meaningful.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a friend facing their own RMD questions, and journal one strategy that feels right for you.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Traditional vs Roth 401(k): Which One's Right for You Now? | EP 52

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Roth or traditional: how do you choose? If you've ever wondered when it's time to shift from a traditional 401(k) to a Roth, you're not alone. In this listener-led episode of Make It Personal, we tackle a smart, real-life question from Nicholle about taxes, timing, and how to plan ahead for retirement without getting stuck in a higher tax bracket down the road.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

→ The core difference between Roth and traditional 401(k)s

→ When future taxes could outweigh today’s tax savings

→ How RMD age changes impact your long-term tax planning

→ Why your total income picture matters more than rules of thumb

→ The value of pairing good content with personalized advice

"AI can educate you. Content can guide you. But an advisor helps you apply it to your life."

Got a money question? Send it in to makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com or comment wherever you're listening. And if you're ready to see how this applies to your future, connect with a Mutual of Omaha advisor at www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com. Don’t just learn - Make It Personal.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

From Saver to Spender: The Mindset Shift That Shapes Retirement | EP 51

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500

You planned, saved, and sacrificed for decades, so why is spending in retirement so hard?

After a lifetime of discipline and diligent saving, retirement arrives… and with it, an unexpected emotional hurdle: switching from saving to spending. Not because the numbers don’t add up, but because the mindset does. In this episode of Make It Personal, we dive deep into one of retirement’s most overlooked challenges: the emotional transition from wealth-building to wealth-using.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

→ Why spending after decades of saving triggers anxiety, even when you’re financially prepared

→ How your identity as a saver can make it hard to embrace retirement freedom

→ The “battery” analogy that helps reframe the role of your savings

→ Four proven strategies to move from fear to confidence

→ Why purposeful spending is the next chapter of disciplined living

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Why Paying Off Your House Isn’t the Finish Line (and What Actually Comes Next) | EP 50

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500

They did it, the Bridstons paid off their home in Southern California. No loan. No mortgage. Just freedom.

But what happens after the big goal is reached? In this episode of Make It Personal, we explore the surprising truth about life after paying off your house, and why the hardest (and most important) financial planning starts after the last payment.

What You’ll Learn / Highlights

→ Why financial freedom isn’t the same as financial finish line

→ The hidden costs that remain even after your home is paid off

→ The blind spots most families miss: life insurance, disability coverage, and education planning

→ How to prepare for the three phases of retirement: Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years

→ How to avoid sequence of returns risk and plan for sustainable retirement income

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Hard Truth About Instant Gratification You Don’t Want to Hear | EP 49

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500

What if the things that make us feel good right now are quietly stealing our future joy?

From one-click purchases to endless scrolling, we’re surrounded by temptation, and it’s costing us more than we realize. In this episode of Make It Personal, we uncover “The Instant Gratification Trap”, and how to build real peace, patience, and purpose in a world that’s always chasing “now.”

What You’ll Learn / Highlights

→ Why your brain is wired to crave instant rewards (and how to retrain it)

→ The real cost of “quick comfort”, in time, focus, and money

→ 3 practical tools to break the cycle: The 10-Minute Rule, mindful consumption, and vision anchoring

→ How to balance joy today with peace of mind tomorrow

→ A healthier approach to discipline that still leaves room for fun

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

From Overwhelmed to Confident: The Step Nobody Talks About When You Start Investing | EP 48

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500

If your money could work for you while you sleep, would you let it?

In this episode, you’ll learn how to start investing, even if you’ve never bought a single stock or still think you’re “bad with money.” This is your beginner-friendly roadmap to build wealth confidently, one simple, personal step at a time.

What You’ll Learn / Highlights

→ Why saving alone rarely builds wealth, and how compounding does (investing for beginners)

→ Which account to use first (401(k) match), and when to choose Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, or a brokerage

→ The owner mindset vs. trader mindset—why “own great companies” wins long term

→ Common rookie mistakes (chasing hot sectors) and how to avoid panic during volatility

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Lie You’ve Been Told About “Playing It Safe” with Your Money | EP 47

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Want to retire together on your timeline and still build generational wealth? This episode breaks down a real couple’s plan, cars, handbags, pension choices, and all, to show exactly what works. For professionals who earn well but want a coordinated retirement plan that actually lasts.

What You’ll Learn / Highlights

→ The simple math behind a 7-year retirement target, and why “savings only” falls short.

→ How to shift from high-yield saving to true ownership (investing with purpose vs “dabbling”).

→ The hidden risk of single-life pension choices and how to protect a younger spouse.

→ Why estate documents (will/trust) are step zero for generational wealth.

→ The “protection stack” that makes a plan self-completing (life, DI, LTC)

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Why Most People Fail at Beating Money Stress (and What Actually Works) with Dr. Rebecca Heiss | EP 46

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Financial stress isn’t “just in your head”, it’s your brain doing ancient survival work in a modern money world. In this episode, biologist and author Dr. Rebecca Heiss breaks down the science of financial stress and how to retrain your mind for calmer, smarter decisions. For anyone who’s ever felt that knot-in-your-stomach money moment, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn / Highlights

→ Why your brain treats money threats like physical danger (and how to disarm it)

→ The stress loop: signs you’re stuck in fight/flight with your finances—and how to break it

→ Practical “retrain the brain” habits for calmer spending, saving, and investing

→ How social/media comparison (FOMO + “keeping up with the Joneses”) hijacks decisions

→ A simple language shift to stop “should-ing” on yourself and reduce money shame

→ Why human nature is a failed investor, and how to outsmart it with process

→ Dr. Heiss’s personal aha: living for today while planning for tomorrow (kids, legacy, future)

If this helped you, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps more people make their money, and their legacy, personal.

Brought to you by Mutual of Omaha Advisors: It’s your money, your plan, your future.

Connect with Dr. Rebecca Heiss:

→ www.rebeccaheiss.com

→ instagram.com/drrebeccaheiss

→ twitter.com/drrebeccaheiss

→ facebook.com/drrebeccaheiss

→ linkedin.com/in/rebeccaheiss

→ fearlessmasterclass.com

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

When the Fed Cuts Rates, Here’s How It Hits Your Wallet | EP 45

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500

How Do Lower Interest Rates Actually Affect You?

Ever heard the news say, “The Fed cut rates,” and wondered what that means for your everyday life? This episode breaks it all down, no jargon, no confusion, just real talk about how the Federal Reserve’s decisions affect your mortgage, credit cards, and even your savings account.

In Episode 45 of the Make It Personal Podcast, we dive into what “Fed loosening” actually looks like on the ground. From cheaper home loans to smaller credit card bills, and yes, even changes to your rent, we’ll walk you through what to expect and how to take advantage. Whether you're buying your first home, tackling credit card debt, or trying to grow your savings, this episode helps you turn a headline into a helpful next step.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

→Why adjustable-rate mortgage holders should pay close attention to Fed moves

→How renters might benefit in the long run when rates go down

→The one downside to falling rates, and how to offset it

→Three practical financial moves you can make this week

→How even small rate changes can lead to big savings over time

"Even a quarter-percent drop in rates could mean dinner out with the family, or a weekend getaway. That’s real money, real fast." - Mark Zagurski

Ready to act? Start by reviewing your debts, comparing mortgage offers, and checking if your savings could earn more elsewhere. Then share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it. Subscribe, leave a review, and visit makeitpersonalpodcast.com for more tools to make your money, and your legacy, personal.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Unseen Millionaire Habits, The Quiet Path to Wealth | EP 44

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0500

What if the secret to becoming a millionaire has nothing to do with luck, and everything to do with daily, quiet decisions?

Here’s the truth: most millionaires don’t look like the ones you see on social media. No flashy sports cars, no massive mansions, and no viral success stories. About 80% of millionaires are self-made, and they’ve built wealth by following simple, repeatable habits that anyone can start today.

In this episode of Make It Personal, we’re diving deep into the real routines and mindsets of everyday millionaires. From driving modest cars to avoiding debt like the plague, these habits might seem boring, but they work. And the best part? You don’t need a six-figure income to get started.

We’ll explore the power of small, consistent actions: budgeting that brings freedom, saving for opportunity, not just emergencies, and protecting your time like the valuable asset it is. Whether it’s starting a side hustle or reading 30 minutes each morning, these habits compound in surprising ways.

5 Key Takeaways:

→Wealth is built on consistency, not charisma.→Most millionaires avoid debt and live below their means.

→A budget isn’t a restriction—it’s a roadmap to freedom.

→Investing in yourself pays the biggest dividends.

→Delayed gratification is a superpower worth mastering.

“Your fortune isn’t built in a day. It’s built daily.” - Mark Zagurski

If you’re ready to take control of your financial future, start with just one habit. And don’t do it alone, schedule a free consultation at www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to build a quiet legacy of wealth.

Make it personal- it’s your money, your plan, your future.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Beyond the Checkbook, Defining Your Legacy | EP 43

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Is your legacy something you’re building... or something you’re hoping will just happen?

Most people say they want to leave a legacy. But here’s the hard truth: nearly 70% never take steps to define what that means for them, or put a plan in place to make it happen. In this episode of Make It Personal, we’re challenging the narrow idea that legacy is just about money. Because when you pause and ask, “What do I want to be remembered for?”, the answer usually isn’t a dollar amount. It’s impact.

We’ll walk through real-life stories that show how ordinary people are building extraordinary legacies, from a teacher funding her favorite animal shelter, to a couple supporting their church while securing their retirement. Whether you’re mid-career, facing retirement, or simply reflecting on the next chapter of your life, this conversation will help you take meaningful steps toward a legacy that reflects your values, not just your bank account.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

→Why legacy isn’t just financial, it’s personal and emotional

→How to identify the causes and values that define your legacy

→Practical tools like Donor-Advised Funds and Charitable Remainder Trusts

→How to align your estate plan with your long-term impact goals

→The ripple effect of sharing your giving story with your family

"Legacy isn’t just what you give, it’s what you stand for." - Mark Zagurski

This week’s challenge: Take five minutes to write down one cause that speaks to your heart, and one simple way you can support it. Because your legacy starts with your next intentional step.

Like what you heard? Subscribe, share, and leave a review. Then visit makeitpersonalpodcast.com to download free resources or connect with an advisor who can help you build a legacy with purpose.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Why Most Americans Feel Unprepared, And What to Do About It | EP 42

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

We say we want to protect our families. So why don’t we feel ready to? 9 out of 10 Americans feel a deep responsibility to protect their loved ones, but only 2 in 10 believe they’re financially prepared to do it. That disconnect is more than just a stat, it’s a wake-up call. In this episode of Make It Personal, we get honest about the gap between good intentions and real-life readiness, and how to close it, starting today.

Host Mark Zagurski pulls back the curtain on Mutual of Omaha’s latest Protection Index Report, revealing what’s really holding families back from feeling secure. You’ll hear how rising costs, uncertain futures, and a lack of clear guidance are leaving millions stuck in the middle, not in crisis, but far from confident. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Whether you’re a single parent, a retiree, or just trying to make ends meet, this episode offers hope, and practical next steps. Mark walks you through four proven actions anyone can take to shift from fear to freedom, including simple habits, honest conversations, and why it might be time to sit down with an advisor (no matter your income level).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

→ Why 77% of Americans feel unprepared to protect their families

→ The biggest fears around medical emergencies and long-term care

→ How income and gender affect financial confidence

→ The “middle ground” mindset, and how to escape it

→ Four next steps to start building financial peace of mind today

“Intentions aren’t enough. We want to protect our families. But too many of us don’t believe we actually can, and that gap creates stress, anxiety, and inaction.” -Mark Zagurski

Take 5 minutes to visit makeitpersonalpodcast.com. Use our free Financial Fitness Calculator, download helpful resources, or connect with an advisor who gets it. And if this episode encouraged you, share it, subscribe, and help others take that first step too.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

→ ⁠Mutual of Omaha Protection Index Report

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Can Artificial Intelligence or AI Replace Your Financial Advisor? Unpacking the Hype | EP 41

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Is your financial future safe in the hands of a robot?

With all the hype around artificial intelligence, it’s tempting to think AI might soon handle everything, even your money. But can it really replace the personal insight, emotional intelligence, and deep care that a human financial advisor brings to the table?

In this episode of Make It Personal, Mark Zagurski explores the limits of artificial intelligence in the world of financial planning. Yes, AI is fast, smart, and great with data. But when it comes to real-life decisions, the ones driven by fear, joy, uncertainty, and life changes, it often misses the mark. From market crashes to messy life events like divorce or inheritance planning, we unpack why human connection still matters in money management.

You’ll hear how AI tools like robo-advisors can help with budgeting and investments, but also where they fall flat, especially when emotions, values, and ethical decision-making come into play. Mark even shares a behind-the-scenes reveal: much of this episode was created using AI, including his voice! Creepy? Maybe. Useful? Definitely. But as you’ll hear, the human touch is irreplaceable.

Takeaways:

→AI is powerful, but lacks emotional and ethical insight.

→ Personal finance is more about behavior than knowledge.

→ Robo-advisors serve “average” needs, not unique, complex situations.

→ Human advisors can pivot, comfort, and personalize in real time.

→ The future isn’t AI or humans, it’s the smart blend of both.

“Personal finance is personal. It’s not just math, it’s your life.” - Mark Zagurski

👉 Ready to take control of your future?

Visit makeitpersonalpodcast.com to book a free consultation, access tools like the Financial Fitness Calculator, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter. And if you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Tooth Fairy Money – Teaching Your Kids About Money | EP 40

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Ever wonder if the Tooth Fairy could double as a financial advisor?

That first wiggly tooth isn’t just a rite of passage, it’s a golden opportunity to start teaching your kids about money. While you’re fumbling for spare change and sneaking into bedrooms by moonlight, there’s a bigger story unfolding… one that could shape your child’s relationship with money for life.

In this episode of Make It Personal, host Mark Zagurski reveals how a tiny tooth, and the tradition that comes with it, can spark powerful conversations about spending, saving, and giving. From silver dollars under pillows to “Summer Deals” that challenge kids to read, solve math problems, and crush fitness goals, Mark shares how his own family turned everyday moments into lifelong money lessons.

Key Takeaways:

→ Make Tooth Fairy moments magical and meaningful with intentional money habits.

→ Use real-life milestones as springboards for age-appropriate financial conversations.

→ Start simple: Spend, Save, Give, let kids decide with low-stakes cash.

→ Reinforce learning through consistent incentives and fun family challenges.

→ Teach generosity early by letting kids choose their own causes to support.

“It’s more than a tooth. It’s a teachable moment, a financial building block, and a sweet memory rolled into one.” - Mark Zagurski

🎧 Ready to make magic and money lessons go hand in hand? Subscribe to Make It Personal, share this episode with a fellow parent, and visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to take our Financial Fitness Calculator or schedule a no-obligation chat with an advisor. Your child’s financial literacy starts with moments like these, don’t miss them.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page-2

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/free-ebook-page?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitpersonal_podcast/

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors: https://www.facebook.com/MutualofOmahaAdvisorsFB

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting: https://makeitpersonalpodcast.com/get-connected/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=allplatforms&utm_mediacode=FCF&utm_campaign=makeitpersonal

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Trapped in the Middle: Why Your Wealth Feels Out of Reach | EP 39

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

You’ve done everything “right”, steady job, 401(k), a house, maybe even an emergency fund. So why does it feel like you’re stuck on a financial treadmill, running hard but not getting ahead? Welcome to the middle-class trap, where you're technically wealthy, but not actually free.

In this eye-opening episode, host Mark Zagurski exposes the hidden tension so many middle-class earners feel: financial security on paper, but no real access to the life they imagine. He breaks down why this sense of being “wealthy and stuck” is so common, and what you can do about it.

We’ll unpack the core issue: most middle-class wealth is tied up in home equity and retirement accounts, assets that aren’t liquid or easily accessible. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to wait until 65 to live your dreams. Mark shares practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help you unlock your options and build a life of flexibility and control, starting now.

Takeaways:

→ Why retirement accounts and home equity can feel like “financial jail”
→ How traditional financial advice may be keeping you stuck
→ Smart ways to diversify your investments for access and growth
→ Legal strategies to tap into retirement funds early, like SEPPs and the Rule of 55
→ The power of financial literacy and working with the right advisor

“The middle-class trap isn’t just about money, it’s about mindset.” -Mark Zagurski

Ready to break free? Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to use our free Financial Fitness Calculator, download helpful resources, or schedule a no-obligation conversation with one of our advisors. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Early Retirement: Dream Life or Financial Trap? - The Pros and Cons of Early Retirement | EP 38

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Is early retirement the ultimate freedom, or a financial mirage? We’ve all seen the highlight reels: 35-year-olds living it up on tropical beaches, posting #retiredlife on Instagram. But behind the filtered photos is a deeper question: Is early retirement everything it’s cracked up to be… or are there hidden costs that could derail your future? In this episode, we take a real-world look at the growing trend of early retirement, and what it actually takes to get there.

Host Mark Zagurski breaks down the dream and the danger of walking away from full-time work decades ahead of schedule. From the financial math to the emotional realities, you’ll get an honest look at whether early retirement is a path to freedom, or a trap dressed up like a goal.

Takeaways:

→ Early retirement is about freedom, but freedom takes planning.
→ Without a purpose, early retirees often struggle emotionally.
→ Health insurance and inflation are major hidden costs of retiring young.
→ You may need to save 25x your annual spending, or more, to make it work.
→ A clear plan for how you'll spend your time is as important as how you'll spend your money.

“Early retirement isn’t good or bad, it’s a lifestyle choice. Just make sure you’re retiring to something, not just from something.” – Mark Zagurski

Feeling curious, or even a little uncertain, about what your retirement plan should look like? Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to use our free Financial Fitness Calculator, download our eBooks, or schedule a no-obligation conversation with one of our trusted advisors. Subscribe, share, and take one small step toward your future today.

Make It Personal - It’s Your Money, Your Plan, Your Future.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors
→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Psychology of Money: Why We Make Bad Financial Decisions | EP 37

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Ever wonder why you keep making the same money mistakes, even when you know better? Why saving feels so hard, spending feels so easy, and your paycheck seems to disappear without a trace? In this episode, we’re digging deep into the surprising science of why we make bad financial decisions, and how to stop.

Our brains weren’t built for modern money. They were designed for survival, not savings accounts. And in a world of one-click purchases, dopamine hits, and endless comparison, it’s no wonder we often sabotage our own financial goals. Host Mark Zagurski breaks down the field of behavioral finance to help you see your money habits through a whole new lens.

From emotional spending to herd behavior and mental accounting, we explore the real psychological traps that hold people back, and, more importantly, what you can do to break free. Packed with relatable examples, practical hacks, and honest insights, this episode will help you understand your brain, take back control, and make smarter money moves, starting today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

→ Why your brain prefers instant gratification over long-term gain
→ The top 4 psychological traps that sabotage your finances
→ Why automating good habits beats relying on willpower
→ How to use “friction” to stop impulse spending
→ A simple journaling trick to uncover emotional spending triggers

“We don’t make bad money moves because we’re dumb. We make them because we’re human.”

🎯 Your next step: Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to download free resources, check your Financial Fitness Score, or schedule a no-obligation consultation with a financial advisor. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Make It Personal - It’s Your Money, Your Plan, Your Future.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors
→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Play #7: Finding a Financial Coach to Help You Plan in Decades | 36

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Are you navigating your finances without a map? For many, the path to retirement feels like a maze, filled with confusing options, emotional decisions, and the constant fear of falling behind. In our final episode of the “Game of the Decade” mini-series, we unpack Play #7: Finding a Financial Coach to Help You Plan in Decades, and show why this step may be your most important move yet.

Host Mark Zagurski, Director of Strategy and Communication at Mutual of Omaha Advisors, tackles the misconception that financial coaching is just for the wealthy. In reality, a trusted coach could be the missing link between where you are now and the confident, purpose-filled retirement you envision. If you’ve ever felt uncertain about your next financial step, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

→ A financial coach provides the accountability and education most people were never taught.
→ Coaching helps align your habits with your long-term vision, without shame or blame.
→ Retirement is made of decades, not just one moment, plan accordingly.
→ Your emotions and mindset matter just as much as your math.
→ The right advisor-coach can walk with you through every life and financial transition.

“It’s one thing to have a plan, it’s another to stick with it.” - Mark Zagurski

Want to take the next step? Download the free “Game of the Decade” eBook at makeitpersonalpodcast.com, and schedule a no-obligation chat with an advisor who can help you build a plan tailored to your future.

Subscribe, share this episode, and take a few minutes to journal about your retirement fears and goals. Make it personal, because it’s your money, your plan, your future.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors
→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Play #6: Planning for Healthcare in Retirement | 35

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Retirement isn't just about the money, it's also about managing the health challenges that come with aging. And if you’re not prepared, healthcare costs can sneak up and derail your financial plans. So the real question is: do you have a strategy for healthcare in retirement?

In this episode of Make It Personal, Mark Zagurski walks you through Play #6: Planning for Healthcare in Retirement, a crucial move in the “Game of the Decade” series. From understanding Medicare basics to preparing for long-term care, this episode unpacks how to build a solid defense against rising healthcare costs in your golden years. You'll also get a lighthearted intro to IRMAA, the Medicare premium penalty you probably didn’t see coming.

Whether you’re 5 or 10 years out from retirement, this episode will help you ask the right questions and begin shaping a personalized plan that protects both your health and your wealth.

What you'll learn in this episode:

→ The difference between Medicare Part A, B, Supplement (Medigap), and Advantage plans
→ Why IRMAA can increase your Medicare premiums, and how to plan ahead
→ How long-term care insurance fits into a retirement healthcare strategy
→ The pros and cons of hybrid vs. standalone long-term care policies
→ Why starting early gives you more affordable, flexible options

“If you want your plan to be personal, it has to be tailored to you.” - Mark Zagurski

Ready to take control of your healthcare future? Download our free eBook and schedule a no-obligation conversation with an advisor at makeitpersonalpodcast.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and revisit Episode 28 for more on long-term care planning.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors
→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Play #5: Retiring Early and Pivoting to Time Freedom | 34

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400

More and more Americans are asking a game-changing question: What if I don’t want to wait until 65 to retire? In today`s episode of Make It Personal, we tackle the bold and often misunderstood concept of early retirement, not as an escape, but as a purposeful pivot toward “time freedom.”

What happens when retirement comes earlier than expected, whether by choice or circumstance? Mark Zagurski dives into Play #5 from The Game of the Decade e-book. You’ll learn how to rethink your retirement timeline, explore strategies for tapping into retirement funds early without penalties, and discover how part-time work could be the secret weapon to living the retirement life you truly want.

Whether you're exploring FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early), intrigued by flexible withdrawal strategies like the Rule of 55 or IRS Section 72(t), or simply wondering how you’ll fill your time post-career, this episode delivers clear insights and practical tools to build a retirement plan that’s actually yours.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

→ Why 6 in 10 people retire earlier than expected, and how to plan for it
→ How to use the Rule of 55 and Section 72(t) for early, penalty-free withdrawals
→ The surprising math behind part-time income and retirement savings
→ What “Barista FIRE” really means, and why it’s more achievable than you think
→ Why personal finance strategies like permanent life insurance can fuel your pivot to freedom

“Early retirement isn’t just for the lucky or the ultra-wealthy, it’s possible with the right plan.” - Mark Zagurski

Download our free eBook The Game of the Decade at www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com and schedule your free consultation. Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s dreaming of more freedom, sooner.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Play #4: Optimizing Social Security Retirement Benefits | Ep 33

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Is there really a “right age” to claim Social Security?

It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as you approach retirement, and one of the easiest to get wrong. Play #4 in our “Game of the Decade” series zooms in on how to optimize your Social Security benefits and why this move could make or break your financial security in retirement.

In this episode, Mark Zagurski, Director of Strategy and Communication for Mutual of Omaha Advisors, unpacks the myths, numbers, and hidden factors behind Social Security timing. You’ll learn why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and why trusting a break-even calculator or viral YouTube video might lead you down the wrong path. Whether you’re nearing 62, still a decade away, or helping a loved one plan, this episode is packed with clarity and guidance.

We’ll walk through:

→ The truth behind “full retirement age” and the 8% annual growth after it
→ What a break-even calculator really tells you (and what it doesn’t)
→ How your life expectancy and career passion shape your best claiming age
→ The financial ripple effect of your decision on your spouse
→ Why planning your Social Security strategy isn’t just smart, it’s essential

“There is no ‘best age’, only the best age for you.” – Mark Zagurski

Take the next step: Download our free eBook “The Game of the Decade” at makeitpersonalpodcast.com, and while you're there, schedule a no-obligation conversation with one of our advisors. Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone you care about.

Make It Personal—It’s Your Money, It’s Your Plan, It’s Your Future!

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Play #3: The Do’s and Don’ts of Retirement Taxes | Ep 32

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Mark Zagurski tackles Play #3 of the Seven Plays series: mastering the do’s and don’ts of retirement taxes. Taxes can be one of the biggest expenses in retirement, especially with pre-tax accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. Mark explains the importance of asset location, strategically choosing taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts to minimize tax liability. He debunks the myth of a flat 30% tax rate, illustrating how progressive tax brackets and effective tax rates work, and shares strategies for diversifying your portfolio across account types for flexibility and control.

You’ll learn:

→ Why asset location is critical for minimizing retirement taxes.

→ The differences between taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts.

→ How progressive tax brackets affect your actual tax burden.

→ The benefits of Roth IRAs and cash value life insurance for tax-free growth.

→ Why working with a financial advisor and tax professional is essential for tax planning.

“A diversified portfolio across types of accounts can keep your retirement income steady while allowing you to easily handle payments to the IRS.” - Mark Zagurski

Take control of your retirement taxes! Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to download our eBook and schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Mutual of Omaha advisor today.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Play #2: Determining How Much You Need in Retirement | Ep 31

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Mark Zagurski explores Play #2 of the Seven Plays series: determining how much money you need in retirement. He challenges the conventional rule of thumb of replacing 70-80% of pre-retirement income, citing Morningstar research showing replacement rates vary from 54% to 87% based on lifestyle and expenses. Mark discusses the “go-go,” “slow-go,” and “no-go” phases of retirement and how expenses like healthcare and travel can shift over time. He emphasizes the need for a personalized plan to account for Social Security, retirement accounts, and personal savings.

You’ll learn:

→ Why retirement income needs vary widely based on lifestyle and circumstances.

→ The three phases of retirement and their impact on spending.

→ How Social Security, retirement accounts, and savings form your income foundation.

→ Why generic rules of thumb fall short in retirement planning.

→ The importance of tailoring your plan to your specific expenses and goals.

“In retirement, every day is essentially a Saturday. Don’t think of retirement as a simple accumulation goal for only paying your bills or expenses.” - Mark Zagurski

Start planning your retirement income now at www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com. Download our eBook and schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Mutual of Omaha advisor.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Play #1: Maximizing the Five Years Before and After Retirement | Ep 130

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Mark Zagurski dives into Play #1 of the Seven Plays series: maximizing the five years before and after retirement, dubbed the "Game of the Decade." He explains the shift from the accumulation phase (saving and investing) to the distribution phase (generating income) and the challenges of modern retirement, including longer life expectancies and the decline of pensions. Mark highlights key pre-retirement steps like building an emergency fund and maximizing savings, and post-retirement strategies like managing withdrawals and sequence of returns risk to ensure your money lasts.

You’ll learn:

→ Why the ten years around retirement are critical for financial success.

→ Key steps to take in the five years before retirement, like estate planning and insurance.

→ How to transition to a “spender” mindset in the first five years of retirement.

→ What sequence of returns risk is and how to mitigate it.

→ The value of working with an advisor to navigate these critical years.

“In the simplest terms, one of the most essential financial issues in retirement is: will our money outlive us, or will we outlive our money?” - Mark Zagurski

Ready to maximize your retirement? Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to download our eBook and schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Mutual of Omaha advisor.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Seven Plays for Winning the Most Important Ten Years to Retirement Success | Ep 29

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Mark Zagurski introduces the eBook The Game of the Decade: Seven Plays for Winning the Most Important Ten Years to Retirement Success, targeting pre-retirees who need a personalized action plan. He outlines the seven plays: maximizing the five years before and after retirement, determining retirement income needs, managing taxes, optimizing Social Security, planning for early retirement, addressing healthcare, and finding a financial coach. Mark emphasizes that modern retirement planning is more complex than in past generations, requiring tailored strategies to navigate longer life expectancies and declining pensions.

You’ll learn:

→ The seven key strategies for a successful retirement.

→ Why the ten years surrounding retirement are critical for financial security.

→ How modern retirement differs from past generations due to longer lifespans and rising costs.

→ The importance of a personalized plan for pre-retirees.

→ How a financial advisor can help you achieve your retirement goals.

“The thing about personal finance is... well, it’s personal. If you want your plan to be personal, it has to be tailored to you.” - Mark Zagurski

Download the free eBook at www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com and schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Mutual of Omaha advisor to start planning your retirement today.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

4 Ways to Pay for the Cost of Long-Term Care | Ep 28

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Mark Zagurski shares a personal story about his grandmother to underscore the importance of planning for long-term care, which 70% of 65-year-olds will need. He outlines four options to manage these costs: paying out of pocket, long-term care insurance, hybrid policies combining life insurance or annuities, and deferred income annuities like QLACs. Mark explains how each option works, their benefits, and their trade-offs, emphasizing that Medicare doesn’t cover extended care and Medicaid has strict eligibility. He stresses the emotional and financial toll on families and the need for proactive planning.

You’ll learn:

→ The four main options for funding long-term care and their pros and cons.

→ Why long-term care insurance can preserve assets for heirs.

→ How hybrid policies offer flexibility for those hesitant to buy standalone coverage.

→ The role of deferred income annuities in covering care costs later in life.

→ The importance of planning to protect your family from the burden of caregiving.

“Long-term care doesn’t just affect an individual; it impacts their entire family.” - Mark Zagurski

Ready to plan for long-term care? Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to download our eBook and schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Mutual of Omaha advisor.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

4 Key Ages for Generation X in Retirement Planning | Ep 27

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Mark Zagurski, a proud Gen Xer, dives into the four critical ages for Generation X (born 1965–1980) in retirement planning: 50, 59½, 62, and 73. As Gen Xers juggle peak earning years with expenses like mortgages and kids’ education, Mark highlights the importance of these milestones. At 50, catch-up contributions allow for boosted retirement savings. At 59½, penalty-free access to retirement funds begins. Age 62 marks eligibility for Social Security, though early claiming reduces benefits. Finally, at 73, required minimum distributions (RMDs) kick in for tax-deferred accounts. Mark emphasizes personalized planning to navigate these milestones effectively.

You’ll learn:

→ How catch-up contributions at age 50 can accelerate retirement savings.

→ Why age 59½ offers greater flexibility for accessing retirement funds.

→ The trade-offs of claiming Social Security at age 62 versus waiting.

→ How RMDs at age 73 impact tax-deferred accounts and planning.

→ Why Gen Xers need a tailored retirement strategy to balance competing financial demands.

“When it comes to retirement, it doesn’t matter where you started, all that matters is where you finish.” - Mark Zagurski

Are you a Gen Xer ready to plan for these milestones? Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to download our eBook and schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Mutual of Omaha advisor.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement? | Ep 26

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Mark Zagurski tackles the hotly debated question: should you pay off your mortgage before retirement? With nearly 20% of homes in major U.S. metros owned by people 65 and older still carrying mortgages, this decision carries significant financial and emotional weight. Mark breaks down four reasons to pay off your mortgage, peace of mind, lower expenses, interest savings, and housing security, and four reasons to keep it, including low interest rates, liquidity needs, opportunity costs, and tax deductions. He also explores how home equity, a major component of net worth for retirees, can be leveraged through options like reverse mortgages to generate income in retirement.

You’ll learn:

→ The pros and cons of paying off your mortgage before retirement.

→ How home equity fits into your overall retirement strategy.

→ The role of reverse mortgages in accessing cash flow without monthly payments.

→ Why personal finance decisions, like mortgage payoff, must be tailored to your situation.

→ The importance of considering opportunity costs in your financial planning.

“The home is a large asset and needs to be considered as part of total wealth and as a possible asset to generate retirement income.” - Mark Zagurski

Ready to explore how your home fits into your retirement plan? Head to www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to download our eBook and connect with a Mutual of Omaha advisor for a no-obligation consultation.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Two Ways for Crowdfunding Your Future | Ep 25

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Make It Personal Podcast, Mark Zagurski explores two time-tested strategies, life insurance and annuities, that act as a form of “crowdfunding” to secure your financial future and that of your family. While modern crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe have become popular for addressing unexpected expenses, Mark explains why relying on them for critical needs, like funeral costs, is less secure than planning ahead with insurance products. He traces the historical roots of risk pooling back to Ancient Greece and Rome, showing how life insurance and annuities leverage the law of large numbers to provide guaranteed financial protection. Mark emphasizes the certainty and peace of mind these tools offer compared to the uncertainty of crowdfunding campaigns.

You’ll learn:

→ The historical origins of crowdfunding and how life insurance and annuities share similar principles.

→ How life insurance ensures financial security for your loved ones.

→ How annuities provide a reliable income stream for retirement.

→ Why crowdfunding is not a substitute for a disciplined financial plan.

→ The importance of working with a financial advisor to tailor a strategy to your needs.

“With life insurance, you know with certainty that if the unexpected happens, your loved ones will be financially secure.” - Mark Zagurski

Want a personalized plan to secure your family’s future? Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to download our free eBook and schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Mutual of Omaha advisor today.

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Is a Financial Advisor Really Worth It? The Value of Trusted Guidance

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Make It Personal Podcast, host Mark Zagurski tackles one of the most common, and important, questions people ask: Do I really need a financial advisor? With so much financial content flooding the internet, from talking heads to self-proclaimed “gurus”, it’s hard to know what’s credible and what’s truly in your best interest. Mark offers an honest, inside look at what a trusted financial advisor really does, how they add value beyond just buying investments, and why personalized advice outshines generic online tips every time.

Drawing from over 30 years of experience, and sharing wisdom from top advisor Marty Higgins, Mark explores the key differences between buying financial “products” and building a strategic, long-term plan. He walks through the real-life benefits of working with a professional, from creating holistic financial roadmaps to ensuring plans stay on track through life’s inevitable twists and turns. This episode also addresses common objections, like whether paying a 1% fee is worth it, and sheds light on the true cost (and risk) of a DIY financial approach.

Key takeaways:

→ A financial advisor’s real value is personalized guidance, not just buying investments.
→ Paying a 1% fee may not make sense for simple tasks, but it can be well worth it for comprehensive planning and behavioral coaching.
→ Good advisors add value through tax strategies, estate planning, risk management, and by keeping your plan on track when emotions run high.
→ Personalized advice helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures your plan is self-completing, designed to work even if life throws you unexpected curveballs.
→ Financial planning is not a one-time task; it requires regular updates, strategic adjustments, and a partner who understands your unique goals.

Thinking about whether professional financial advice is right for you? Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to connect with one of our expert advisors for a no-obligation consultation, download our free eBook, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Your future deserves a personal touch!

“Good advice is never free, but bad advice can cost you everything.” - Mark Zagurski

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Truth About Investment Assumptions: Average vs. Actual Returns

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Make It Personal Podcast, host Mark Zagurski tackles one of the most overlooked yet critical components of financial planning: assumptions. Every solid financial plan relies on a mix of facts, like your age and income, and assumptions, such as how long you’ll live, what inflation will look like, and most importantly, your expected rate of return. But what happens when those assumptions don’t align with reality?

Mark dives into the crucial distinction between average and actual rates of return, showing how misleading averages can distort your financial picture. Using simple, relatable examples, including a breakdown of the S&P 500’s performance over 30 years, Mark explains how sequence of returns and real-world market behavior can significantly impact your savings and retirement outcomes.

Whether you're accumulating wealth or planning retirement withdrawals, understanding the true nature of investment returns is vital. This episode underscores the importance of keeping your plan updated and partnering with a trusted advisor who can adjust your strategy as life and the market evolve.

Key takeaways:

→ Every financial plan is built on facts and assumptions, both need regular review.
→ Average rate of return and actual return are not the same and can lead to very different outcomes.
→ The S&P 500’s long-term average of 10.59% translated to a real return closer to 8.97% over 30 years.
→ Overestimating returns during retirement can cause you to outlive your money.
→ Ongoing plan reviews, and realistic assumptions, improve your chances of meeting long-term goals.

Want to ensure your financial assumptions are on track? Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to download our free eBook or connect with one of our expert advisors for a no-obligation consultation. Make your financial plan personal, and powerful!

“The average return might sound impressive, but it’s the actual return that tells the real story.” - Mark Zagurski

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Hidden Cost of Subscription Creep: How to Take Back Control of Your Finances | EP 22

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Make It Personal Podcast, host Mark Zagurski takes a lighthearted but impactful look at a growing financial trap many of us fall into: subscription creep. With humor, a nod to classic Gen X TV, and real-world data, Mark explores how small, recurring charges, whether for streaming services, news sites, or monthly deliveries, quietly drain your wallet over time. According to recent studies, the average American spends over $200 a month on subscriptions, often underestimating by $100 or more.

Mark connects this to the broader theme of personal finance, reminding listeners that financial discipline starts with awareness. He shares simple, actionable strategies for auditing your subscriptions, canceling unused services, and reallocating that money toward your long-term goals. Highlighting insights from Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s Be Your Future Self Now and Atomic Habits by James Clear, Mark emphasizes that small daily decisions, like canceling an unused $10 subscription, can snowball into significant financial gains.

Key takeaways:

→ Subscription creep is a real financial drain, most people underestimate what they’re spending by a wide margin.
→ Averages show Americans spend $219/month on subscriptions; small changes can add up to big savings.
→ Regularly auditing your subscriptions can free up funds for saving, investing, or paying down debt.
→ Apps like Rocket Money can help identify hidden subscriptions (though manual reviews are still key).
→ The principle of “1% better every day” applies: simple steps like swapping out a daily coffee purchase can build long-term wealth.
→ Canceling unused subscriptions and redirecting those savings can be a simple first step toward achieving your bigger financial goals.

Ready to tighten up your finances? Download our free eBook or schedule a no-obligation consultation at www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com. Don’t just let small leaks sink your financial ship—make it personal!

“The subscription economy thrives on convenience—but convenience without awareness can cost you.” - Mark Zagurski

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Navigating Medicare: Making the Right Healthcare Choice in Retirement | EP 21

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 29 May 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Make It Personal Podcast, host Mark Zagurski tackles one of the most confusing and critical aspects of retirement: planning for healthcare. With nearly 99% of retirees age 65 and older qualifying for Medicare, understanding your options is essential for safeguarding your financial and physical well-being in retirement. Mark breaks down the differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage, helping listeners evaluate the complexities of coverage, costs, and provider choice.

Drawing from Mutual of Omaha’s nearly 60 years of experience with Medicare, Mark outlines the key factors that determine which plan is right for you, from network flexibility to out-of-pocket costs. Listeners will also learn about the six simple questions Mutual of Omaha advisors ask to tailor a Medicare solution that fits each person’s unique lifestyle, health needs, and budget.

Key takeaways:

→ Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage: what they are and how they differ.
→ Why your choice of doctors, travel habits, and health needs matter when selecting a plan.
→ How premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and provider networks factor into your decision.
→ Why it’s important to plan ahead to avoid unexpected health costs that can drain retirement savings.
→ How Mutual of Omaha’s advisors use six key questions to guide you toward a personalized healthcare strategy.

If you’re nearing retirement or already enrolled in Medicare and feeling uncertain about your healthcare coverage, this episode offers clarity and actionable steps. Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to schedule a no-obligation consultation or download helpful resources. Don’t leave your healthcare—and your financial future—to chance. Make it personal!

“The right Medicare plan for you depends on your doctors, your travel habits, and your comfort with risk.” - Mark Zagurski

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Big 4: Financial Steps Every College Grad Should Take Now | EP 20

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 22 May 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Make It Personal Podcast, Mark Zagurski takes recent college graduates, and those advising them, through the essential first steps to financial success after graduation. From ancient graduation traditions like diplomas and gowns to the more modern tradition of student loan debt, this episode highlights both the history and the current challenges facing today’s grads.

With student debt averaging over $29,000 and many young adults feeling anxious about their financial future, Mark emphasizes that while it may feel overwhelming, it’s never too soon to start planning. He outlines four foundational steps every new graduate should take: budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. Along the way, Mark shares personal stories, practical advice, and timeless principles to help listeners build a solid financial footing as they step into adult life.

You’ll learn:

→ Why a personal budget is the cornerstone of financial success.
→ How saving for an emergency fund provides security and flexibility.
→ The importance of starting to invest early, even in small amounts.
→ Practical strategies for managing and paying down student debt.
→ Why balancing living for today with planning for tomorrow is key.

Whether you're a new graduate or someone looking to reset your financial path, this episode provides clear, actionable steps to get you moving in the right direction. Ready to get started? Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to download the free eBook “Seven Principles for Your Financial Success” or to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of Mutual of Omaha’s expert advisors. Make smart moves today for a stronger tomorrow!

“The day you walk off your college campus may not be the day you need a formal financial plan, but it’s never too early to have a plan for your future.” - Mark Zagurski

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Top 10 Financial Choices That Define Your Future (Part 2) | Ep 19

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 15 May 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Make It Personal Podcast, Mark wraps up the two-part series on the 10 most important financial decisions that shape your long-term success. Building on last week’s exploration of education, career, budgeting, and saving, this episode tackles the next five pivotal choices that deepen and secure your financial foundation.

Mark revisits the crucial difference between saving and investing, explaining why both are essential but serve distinct purposes. He emphasizes that true wealth-building requires a thoughtful investment strategy aligned with your personal risk tolerance and long-term goals. The episode then moves into decisions around marriage and family, unpacking how life partnerships and raising children add layers of financial responsibility and the need for coordinated household planning.

Next, Mark dives into risk management, detailing why life insurance, disability coverage, and long-term care protection are indispensable parts of a complete financial plan. He guides listeners through the many facets of retirement planning, covering everything from Social Security timing to creating reliable income streams. Finally, he addresses risk management in retirement, explaining how to guard against inflation, longevity risk, market downturns, and escalating health care costs.

You’ll learn:

→ Why investing is different from saving—and why both matter.
→ How marriage and family choices impact your overall financial strategy.
→ The critical role of risk management in safeguarding your income and assets.
→ How to prepare for a retirement that could last 30 years or more.
→ Strategies to mitigate major retirement risks like inflation and market volatility.

Want a plan that’s personal to you? Download the free eBook “Seven Principles for Your Financial Success” at www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com and schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Mutual of Omaha advisor today. Secure your future by making smart, intentional choices now!

“In the simplest terms, one of the most essential financial issues in retirement is: will our money outlive us, or will we outlive our money?” - Mark Zagurski

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The Top 10 Financial Choices That Define Your Future (Part 1) | Ep 18

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 08 May 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Make It Personal Podcast, the team dives into one of life’s most overwhelming and yet critical arenas: financial decision-making. Host Mark walks listeners through the sheer volume of choices we make daily, estimated at 35,000 per day, and zooms in on the 10 most important financial decisions that shape long-term success. This episode kicks off with the first five, helping listeners break down complex topics into actionable steps.

Mark starts by laying a philosophical foundation, highlighting a key truth from Stoic philosopher Seneca: while we can’t choose our parents, everything after that is a matter of choice. With that grounding, the episode digs into the pivotal decisions that define financial wellness:

Education: From choosing whether to attend college to selecting a major and considering post-grad work, your formal education is the gateway to both opportunity and debt.

Where You Live: Location influences not only your cost of living but also job opportunities and overall quality of life.

Career Path: One-third of your life is spent working. Mark discusses how aligning your career with your values and goals pays dividends beyond just a paycheck.

Budgeting: Managing cash flow through tracking, planning, and adjusting is foundational to financial health.

Saving vs. Investing: Learn why building a solid savings cushion must come first—before chasing higher investment returns.

You’ll learn:

→ Your financial life is shaped by intentional decisions, not just luck or circumstance.
→ Budgeting and saving aren’t just chores—they are cornerstones of security.
→ The career and location you choose have a ripple effect across every aspect of your finances.
→ True financial growth requires balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s goals.

Ready to take the next step? Download the free eBook “Seven Principles for Your Financial Success” at www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com and schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of Mutual of Omaha’s expert advisors. Don’t just let life happen, make it personal!

“One-third of your life is spent at work, so your career choice has a massive impact on both finances and happiness.” - Mark Zagurski

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Reddit, Credit Karma, and the Myth of the Perfect Plan | Ep 17

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 01 May 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Make It Personal Podcast, host Mark Zagurski pulls back the curtain on DIY financial planning. With over 30 years of experience in insurance, investments, and strategic communication, Mark takes you on a journey into what today’s internet really says about “doing it yourself" when it comes to finances—and why that might not be your best move.

From Google searches to Reddit threads, from 9 steps to 12, from Mike Tyson quotes to real stories from the field, this episode unpacks:

→ The surprising results of searching “DIY financial planning steps” online

→ Why financial advice on social media isn’t as helpful as it sounds

→ The single most overlooked key to any successful financial plan

→ How behavioral economics explains why we often sabotage our financial goals

→ Why working with a financial advisor might be the most "personal" thing you can do

Mark also shares a moving personal story about loss, resilience, and the value of human guidance during life’s hardest financial (and emotional) curve balls.

“It’s never too late to create a plan for the financial security and freedom you deserve.”

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

→ Download The Game of the Decade eBook

→ Download the Seven Principles eBook

→ Instagram

→ Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

→ Sign Up For a Free Financial Strategy Meeting

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Is the Roth IRA Worth It’s Weight in Gold? The Truth About Retirement Savings | Ep 16

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Mark Zagurski tackles a crucial financial question sparked by a conversation with his video producer—Is the Roth IRA the gold standard? With nearly 30 years of experience in training and developing financial advisors at Mutual of Omaha Advisors, Mark breaks down the differences between Roth and Traditional IRAs, explaining the advantages and trade-offs of each.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of:

• How the Roth IRA was created and why it differs from a Traditional IRA.

• The key benefits of a Roth IRA, including tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

• Roth 401(k) contributions, now available in over 90% of employer-sponsored retirement plans.

• Roth IRA conversions—when and why they might be a smart financial move.

• The tax question: Should you pay taxes now (Roth) or later (Traditional)?

• The impact of future tax rates and how to plan for financial flexibility.

• The connection between Roth IRAs and financial freedom—how they fit into a larger wealth-building strategy.

Mark also introduces an important perspective—considering tax-advantaged financial tools like cash value life insurance as a complementary option for wealth building and legacy planning.

The real question isn’t whether the Roth IRA is the gold standard, but whether it aligns with your financial goals. If you’re unsure about your retirement strategy, now is the time to create a plan tailored to your needs.

“A financial plan isn’t about guessing tax rates in the future; it’s about creating flexibility and control over your financial future.” - Mark Zagurski

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Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Memories vs. Money: Should You Spend on Family Trips or Save for the Future? | Ep 15

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Time moves fast, and for parents, the reality is stark—by the time a child turns 18, 80-90% of your time together has already passed. This episode dives deep into the importance of family vacations, financial planning, and balancing present experiences with future security.

Drawing from studies on childhood memories, vacation spending statistics, and financial planning insights, host Mark Zagurski explores:

• Why family vacations create lasting memories and why experiences often outweigh material possessions.

• The financial reality of vacations: the average cost for a family of four, debt trends, and budgeting strategies.

• The 5-10% income rule for vacation spending and why financial planning matters.

• How to plan vacations without going into debt, and why saving ahead makes all the difference.

• The long-term impact of prioritizing experiences while still securing financial stability.

While travel costs can add up, studies show that most parents have no regrets about investing in experiences with their children. However, without a financial strategy, many risk derailing their long-term financial goals.

Is there a way to have both? Yes—and that’s where personalized financial planning comes in.

Take control of your financial future while still making space for meaningful experiences. Schedule a no-obligation consultation at www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com today and start planning for a life that balances living for today and preparing for tomorrow.

“Memories last longer than things—investing in experiences with your family is just as important as financial planning.” - Mark Zagurski

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Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

How Millionaires Are REALLY Made (The Truth No One Tells You) | Ep 14

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

What does it really take to become a millionaire? In this episode, host Mark Zagurski explores the realities behind wealth accumulation, challenging the myth that millionaires are simply born into money. Drawing from Ramsey Solutions’ National Study of Millionaires and the insights of The Millionaire Next Door, Mark uncovers how financial success is built through intentional habits, smart investments, and disciplined financial planning.

Listeners will learn how Omaha has become known for its high concentration of millionaires, how most self-made millionaires build wealth through 401(k) investments and strategic career choices, and why inheritance plays a far smaller role in millionaire status than many assume. Mark also breaks down the five key principles of accumulating wealth, from setting financial goals to living within your means and investing wisely.

Key Takeaways:

• 79% of millionaires didn’t inherit their wealth—they built it through hard work and financial discipline.

• A million dollars isn’t just for the elite—it may actually be necessary for a secure retirement.

• The “4% rule” can help estimate retirement income, but personalized financial planning is key.

• Saving is different from investing—both are essential, but the order matters.

• Staying the course through market fluctuations is what separates those who reach financial independence from those who don’t.

If you’re serious about building financial security, it’s time to take action. Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to schedule a no-obligation consultation and start your journey toward financial freedom today.

“The key to building wealth isn’t luck or inheritance—it’s setting a goal, staying disciplined, and making smart financial choices.” - Mark Zagurski

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Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

How 401(k) Withdrawals Are Really Taxed (Most People Get This Wrong!) | Ep 13

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, host Mark Zagurski takes a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood aspects of personal finance—taxes in retirement. Many people assume that once they stop working, their tax burden will automatically decrease, but the reality is far more complex. With a tax code that grows more complicated every year, understanding how federal income tax applies to your retirement savings is crucial.

Drawing from over 30 years in the financial industry, Mark unpacks the truth about how 401(k) withdrawals are actually taxed, the difference between marginal and effective tax rates, and why boilerplate financial advice from online “gurus” can be misleading. Mark also explores the history of U.S. taxation, from Benjamin Franklin’s famous “death and taxes” quote to today’s progressive tax system.

Key Takeaways:

• A $1 million 401(k) isn’t worth $1 million—learn how taxes impact retirement savings.

• Your marginal tax rate is not your effective tax rate—understanding the difference can save you thousands.

• Social media and financial “gurus” often oversimplify tax planning—you need a plan tailored to your situation.

• Tax laws change constantly—what worked 10 years ago may not work today.

• Engaging a financial advisor can help optimize your retirement tax strategy and protect your wealth.

If you’re serious about minimizing your tax burden in retirement, now is the time to create a strategic plan. Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to schedule a no-obligation consultation and ensure your financial future is secure.

“Most people think their 401(k) is worth a million dollars, but after taxes, that number might be very different.” - Mark Zagurski

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Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Think You Don’t Need a Financial Advisor? Here’s Why You’re Wrong | Ep 12

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In the final episode of this enlightening podcast series, the focus shifts to Principle #7: Find Good Financial Advice Tailored to Fit Your Needs. Over the past seven episodes, host Mark Zagurski has explored the Seven Principles for Your Success, including building a strong career foundation, balancing savings and investing, and protecting your family’s financial future. Mark ties it all together with the essential cornerstone: personalized financial advice.

Too often, personal finance advice is overly generalized, failing to account for unique life circumstances. Social media, financial websites, and so-called “gurus” offer quick-fix solutions, but one-size-fits-all approaches rarely deliver lasting results. Instead, the path to true financial security starts with tailored advice that reflects your individual goals, challenges, and aspirations.

Listeners will learn how to overcome common myths about working with financial advisors, such as the misconceptions that you need a lot of money to get started or that advisors only serve the wealthy. Mark highlights the importance of building a relationship with a trusted advisor who can adapt your financial plan as life evolves.

Key takeaways include:

• Why personalized financial plans outperform generic advice.

• How a financial advisor can help balance living for today with saving for tomorrow.

• Dispelling myths about the cost and value of professional financial guidance.

Start building a financial strategy that grows with you. Subscribe now and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Mutual of Omaha Advisor. Financial freedom is within reach—make it personal, make it yours.

“A sound financial plan has the potential to do more for your future than years of hard work alone.” - Mark Zagurski

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Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Why Conventional Financial Advice Is Keeping You Broke | Ep 11

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, host Mark Zagurski continues his exploration of the Seven Principles for Your Success with Principle #6: Conventional Advice Is Too Conventional – The Wisdom of Building Your Own Capital. After diving into career growth, saving vs. investing, and retirement planning, Mark shifts to a critical yet often overlooked aspect of personal finance: creating and safeguarding your own capital.

Building your own capital means having liquid, accessible funds tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Listeners will learn why blindly following conventional advice can limit opportunities and why innovative strategies, like permanent life insurance, can offer tax-deferred growth, legacy protection, and guaranteed income. Drawing insights from an Ernst & Young study, this episode highlights the $240 trillion retirement savings gap and how personalized planning can address these challenges.

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of control, flexibility, and options in financial planning.

• Leveraging life insurance to protect against risks while growing your wealth.

• Why conventional advice, like over-reliance on 401(k)s, might not suit everyone.

• How asset location impacts your financial security.

Don’t settle for cookie-cutter solutions. Discover how personalized financial strategies can help you build lasting wealth while providing peace of mind. Subscribe now on your favorite platform, and download our “7 Principles” eBook through the show notes for actionable insights into financial success. At Mutual of Omaha Advisors, we help you make it personal—because it’s your money, your plan, and your future!

“The thing about personal finance is…well, it’s personal. Your plan has to be tailored to your unique situation, not a generic blueprint.” - Mark Zagurski

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Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Most People Get This Wrong About Retirement Investing—Do You? | Ep 10

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Make it Personal podcast, host Mark Zagurski dives into Principle #5 of the Seven Principles for Your Success:Retirement Investing – It’s Personal and Subject to Change. Building on the foundations laid in previous episodes, Mark takes a personalized approach to the complexities of retirement planning. With retirement potentially lasting 30 years or more, this principle highlights the importance of tailored strategies that adapt to your evolving goals and circumstances.

Listeners will learn why a one-size-fits-all approach to retirement planning falls short and why understanding the nuances of asset location, tax implications, and withdrawal strategies is critical. Topics include the potential pitfalls of being “retirement plan rich but cash poor,” the pros and cons of 401(k) plans, and how to balance taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts for maximum flexibility.

Key takeaway points:

• Retirement is personal: Your strategy should reflect your unique lifestyle, goals, and financial situation.

• The power of location: Proper asset location can significantly impact your after-tax returns and retirement income.

• Rules of thumb are just starting points: Principles like the 10/4/80 “cheat code” need to be customized for individual circumstances.

• Professional guidance matters: A trusted financial advisor can help navigate tax strategies, account diversity, and market changes.

Ready to craft a retirement strategy that’s as unique as you?Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on future episodes. Don’t forget to grab a copy of the accompanying eBook through the link in the show notes for a deeper dive into the Seven Principles. At Mutual of Omaha Advisors, it’s your money, your plan, and your future—let’s make it personal!

“Asset location matters as much as asset allocation; diversifying across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts provides control, flexibility, and security.” - Mark Zagurski

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Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

Most People Are Underinsured—Here’s How to Protect Your Wealth | Ep 9

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into Principle #4 of the Seven Principles for Your Success: Protect Your Most Important Asset First—You and Your Family. Building on the foundation laid in previous episodes, host Mark Zagurski highlights why personal financial protection is the cornerstone of any effective financial plan.

Listeners will learn the importance of safeguarding their income and family’s future with life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance. Mark breaks down common misconceptions, such as the “10-times income rule” for life insurance, and explains why a one-size-fits-all approach to financial advice often falls short.

Discover why your ability to earn an income is your greatest asset and how to protect it in the face of unexpected challenges. Explore real-world examples, such as how long-term care costs can erode savings without proper coverage, and why delaying decisions like purchasing life insurance can leave families vulnerable.

Key takeaways include:

• The critical role of self-completing financial plans.

• How to calculate adequate life and disability insurance coverage.

• The rising cost of long-term care and strategies to protect savings.

• Why personalized advice is essential in building a solid financial foundation.

Don’t navigate the complexities of financial planning alone. Subscribe to the podcast today and explore how proactive protection can empower your financial future. Download our free eBook, which outlines all Seven Principles, and start creating a plan that prioritizes what matters most—your family’s security.

“Think of life insurance as love in action—it’s about ensuring your family’s financial future, even when you’re not there to see it through.” - Mark Zagurski

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Financial Freedom vs. Instant Gratification—Which One Are You Choosing? | Ep 8

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Make it Personal podcast, the journey through the Seven Principles for Your Success continues with Principle #3: Emotional Wants vs. Financial Needs. Host Mark Zagurski builds on the foundation laid in earlier discussions about careers and the difference between saving and investing, this principle dives into the mindset shifts needed to overcome societal pressures and impulsive spending habits.

Listeners will explore how emotional wants—fueled by social media comparisons and the “Keeping Up with the Joneses” mentality—can derail financial goals. Mark shares personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the power of delayed gratification, making conscious financial decisions, and differentiating between wants and needs.

Key takeaway points include:

• The financial drain of trying to compete with the Joneses.

• How small, consistent choices compound into significant financial impacts.

• The benefits of deferring large purchases, like cars or homes, and investing the savings.

• Real-world examples illustrating how behaviors become habits that shape financial futures.

• The importance of making decisions that align with personal long-term financial goals rather than fleeting emotional satisfaction.

Mark encourages listeners to consider the opportunity cost of their spending habits and to embrace a mindset that prioritizes control, flexibility, and financial stability.

Tune in now to challenge your financial thinking and take control of your money story. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you won’t miss the next deep dive into Principle #4. Grab your copy of the “Make It Personal” eBook, available via the link in the show notes, for even more insights into the Seven Principles for Your Success. Your financial freedom starts here!

“Trying to keep up with the Joneses can derail your financial goals. Their shiny new purchases often come with hidden debt and fleeting happiness.” - Mark Zagurski

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Should You Save or Invest? The Truth No One Talks About | Ep 7

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Make It Personal, host Mark Zagurski dives into Principle #2 of the Seven Principles for Your Success: Savings vs. Investing: Know the Difference. Picking up from last week’s discussion on leveraging your career as a growth engine, Mark tackles the critical distinction between saving and investing, emphasizing the unique roles each plays in achieving financial security and long-term growth.

Listeners will discover why traditional advice to save 10-20% of income may fall short for most individuals, especially when unforeseen expenses arise. Mark highlights the importance of building a savings safety net for emergencies, such as six months of living expenses, before venturing into investment opportunities. Mark also sheds light on the potential pitfalls of conflating saving with investing and breaks down the risks and rewards of both strategies.

Key takeaways include:

• Saving provides immediate security and flexibility, while investing focuses on long-term growth.

• The importance of building an emergency fund before investing.

• Understanding the real difference between average and actual returns on investments.

• Why saving and investing are complementary strategies—not mutually exclusive.

Packed with actionable insights and real-life examples, this episode equips listeners with the tools to create a balanced financial strategy tailored to their unique needs.

Ready to take control of your financial future? Subscribe to the podcast to stay updated on the remaining principles, and download our free eBook, Seven Principles for Your Financial Success. Your journey to financial freedom begins today!

“Saving provides safety, security, and flexibility for immediate needs, but investing builds wealth over time through growth and opportunity.” - Mark Zagurski

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Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The One Skill That Separates Wealthy People from Everyone Else | Ep 6

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode, the Make It Personal podcast begins an in-depth exploration of the 7 Principles for Your Financial Success, starting with Principle #1: Your Career as a Growth Engine to Success. Host Mark Zagurski unpacks how your career or business serves as the cornerstone of financial prosperity, offering insights into maximizing your earning potential through skill development, personal growth, and strategic planning.

Listeners will learn why a person’s ability to earn income is their greatest asset, and how investing in their growth can create a multiplier effect for building wealth. Mark compares two employees, Bill and Sally, demonstrating how prioritizing self-improvement, rather than chasing quick investment returns, can significantly boost income and savings over time.

Key takeaway points include:

• The importance of skill enhancement and continuous learning in increasing earning potential.

• Why focusing on what you can control—like personal growth—outweighs obsessing over market returns.

• How a deliberate development plan and a “pay yourself first” strategy accelerate wealth-building.

Mark also discusses timeless financial wisdom from classics like The Richest Man in Babylon and Think and Grow Rich, emphasizing the value of specialized knowledge and intentional action in achieving financial success.

Ready to make your career the engine that drives your financial goals? Subscribe now and gain exclusive access to the Make It Personal eBook, available in the show notes. Don’t miss the next episode, where we dive into Principle #2: Saving vs. Investing – Know the Difference. Let’s build a financial future as unique as you are. It’s your money, your plan, your future—make it personal!

“Financial success starts with maximizing your greatest asset—your ability to earn an income.” - Mark Zagurski

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Social Media vs. Real Financial Advice: Who Should You Trust? | Ep 5

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Make It Personal podcast, Mark Zagurski challenges the common belief that financial planning is a do-it-yourself project. While it’s tempting to rely on online resources, social media, or advice from well-meaning friends and family, DIY financial planning often overlooks the complexities and nuances of personal finance. From budgeting and investing to retirement and estate planning, Mark emphasizes that financial decisions should be as unique as the individuals making them.

Listeners will learn the pitfalls of relying on generic advice, including the risks of one-size-fits-all strategies offered by financial “gurus” on social platforms. Mark shares insights into the personalized approach Mutual of Omaha Advisors take, rooted in seven key principles for financial success. These principles—ranging from protecting your income to building your own capital—serve as a roadmap for achieving financial freedom tailored to your needs and goals.

Key takeaway points include:

• Why cookie-cutter advice fails to address individual circumstances.

• The importance of understanding emotional wants versus financial needs.

• How a trusted advisor can provide clarity, wisdom, and a customized plan.

For those seeking more than broad “rules of thumb,” this episode delivers practical wisdom to help you rethink your financial strategy. Ready to take control of your financial future? Download the Seven Principles for Your Financial Success eBook through the link in the show notes and subscribe to stay informed. Your personalized financial journey starts here.

“Financial planning isn’t a DIY project; it’s a tailored process requiring expertise and personal insight to achieve long-term success.” - Mark Zagurski

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The 10/4/80 Retirement “Cheat Code”: A Genius Hack or a Dangerous Myth? | Ep 4

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Is there a “cheat code” for retirement planning? In this episode, Mark Zagurski, Director of Strategy and Communication for Mutual of Omaha Advisors, dives into the concept of “cheat codes” and their application to retirement planning. Drawing parallels to video game strategies, Mark unpacks the popular 10/4/80 rule—save 10% of your income, withdraw no more than 4% annually, and plan for 80% of your pre-retirement income. While simple, these rules serve as starting points, not definitive solutions.

Key takeaways include:

• Saving Smart: Why saving 10-20% of your income can be a powerful foundation for retirement, especially if you start early.

• The 4% Rule: Understanding withdrawal strategies and the risks of outliving your retirement savings.

• The 80% Rule: How realistic income replacement targets vary based on lifestyle, expenses, and unforeseen needs.

• Avoiding Instant Gratification: How resisting “keeping up with the Joneses” can safeguard long-term financial health.

• The Role of Professional Guidance: Why consulting a trusted financial advisor can help you navigate complexities and create a personalized plan.

Mark also challenges listeners to move beyond one-size-fits-all advice, emphasizing the importance of aligning financial strategies with individual goals and circumstances.

Ready to take control of your financial future? Whether you’re starting your journey or revisiting your plan, this episode offers actionable insights to guide you.

Discover how a Mutual of Omaha advisor can help you balance today’s priorities with tomorrow’s goals. Visit Mutual of Omaha Advisors to start building your personalized retirement plan today.

“Chasing instant gratification can sabotage long-term goals; a good financial plan helps you resist the urge to keep up with the Joneses.” - Mark Zagurski

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Protecting Yourself from Sequence of Returns: The Risk Many Retirees Miss | Ep 3

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode, host Mark Zagurski tackles one of the most pressing questions for retirees: how much of your retirement assets should be invested in the stock market? With traditional pension plans fading and the burden of retirement savings increasingly placed on employees, this question is more relevant than ever.

Mark draws on decades of experience in the insurance and investment industries to explore key strategies for managing retirement assets and navigating market risks. Whether it’s planning for potential market downturns, understanding the sequence of returns risk, or leveraging diversification to balance risk and growth, this episode offers actionable insights for anyone preparing for retirement.

Key Takeaways:

• Why the stock market is a critical component for many retirees’ financial strategies.

• The importance of diversification to minimize the impact of market downturns.

• How sequence of returns risk can impact the longevity of your retirement savings.

• Practical ways to create a volatility buffer, such as emergency funds, non-traditional assets, or part-time work.

• Why comprehensive planning, including income generation strategies, is essential to retirement success.

Don’t leave your financial future to chance. A personalized plan can make the difference between outliving your money or enjoying a comfortable, stress-free retirement. Connect with a Mutual of Omaha advisor today to explore how a customized strategy, including volatility buffers and diversification, can help you secure your future.

Your money. Your plan. Your future—take control now.

“Without a plan, market downturns in retirement can turn your golden years into financial stress.” - Mark Zagurski

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62, 67, or 70? The Best Age to Take Social Security Might Surprise You | Ep 2

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Join host Mark Zagurski as he unpacks the complexities of incorporating Social Security benefits into your retirement planning. Whether you’re just starting to think about your golden years or you’re approaching retirement age, this episode provides essential insights to help you make informed decisions.

Key takeaways include:

• Understanding Social Security eligibility requirements and how benefits are calculated.

• Exploring the differences between claiming benefits at age 62, Full Retirement Age (67 for those born after 1960), and deferring until age 70.

• Evaluating the impact of early claims versus delayed benefits on your lifetime income.

• How tools like Social Security break-even calculators can clarify your options.

• The role of factors like health, financial resources, and marital history in your claiming strategy.

• Why relying on generic advice from social media might do more harm than good.

• The importance of consulting a qualified financial advisor to align Social Security decisions with your unique retirement goals.

With clear explanations and actionable advice, Mark helps listeners demystify acronyms like FRA, AIME, and PIA, ensuring you understand how these terms affect your benefits. He also highlights the additional value of Social Security as a safeguard against inflation and longevity risks.

Don’t leave your retirement to chance. Connect with a Mutual of Omaha advisor today to design a customized retirement plan that maximizes your Social Security benefits. It’s your money, your plan, and your future—take the first step toward securing it now.

“No one is average; we are all unique people with unique circumstances, and your retirement plan should reflect that.” - Mark Zagurski

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Trailer

makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com (Mutual of Omaha Advisors) — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:37:14 -0500

Where do you turn for financial advice? In this episode, host Mark Zagurski dives into the pitfalls of relying on TikTok trends, Instagram influencers, and financial “celebrities” for guidance on something as critical as your financial future. With so much generic, cookie-cutter advice flooding social media, Mark challenges the status quo by offering actionable insights into crafting personalized financial strategies that truly work for your unique goals.

Mark, the Director of Strategy and Communications for Mutual of Omaha Advisors, represents the expertise of nearly 1,000 financial advisors nationwide. From paying off debt and buying a home to funding your child’s education or planning for retirement, this episode highlights why personal finance must be tailored to your life.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the risks of following generic financial advice from social media influencers.

• Learn why your financial strategy should reflect your individual circumstances, goals, and timeline.

• Explore the importance of personalizing plans for debt repayment, retirement savings, and beyond.

• Discover how expert advice can cut through the noise and provide clarity in a crowded marketplace of ideas.

• Get inspired to start or rethink your financial planning process with professional insights.

Tired of advice that doesn’t fit your life? Schedule a consultation with a Mutual of Omaha advisor today. Together, you’ll create a financial plan that’s truly personal. It’s your money, your plan, and your future—take control now!

“Generic advice from social media influencers may entertain, but your financial future deserves more than one-size-fits-all strategies.” Mark Zagurski

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