Disclosure: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. does not provide tax or legal advice. Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC (www.finra.org) /SIPC (www.sipc.org). This is not an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where we are not authorized to do business. Not all Mutual of Omaha Financial Representatives are Fina ...
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Mutual Of Omaha Advisors Podcasts
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Why Most Americans Feel Unprepared, And What to Do About It | EP 42
7:26
7:26
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7:26We 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 g…
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Can Artificial Intelligence or AI Replace Your Financial Advisor? Unpacking the Hype | EP 41
9:16
9:16
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9:16Is 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 Persona…
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Tooth Fairy Money – Teaching Your Kids About Money | EP 40
9:07
9:07
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9:07Ever 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 …
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Trapped in the Middle: Why Your Wealth Feels Out of Reach | EP 39
6:39
6:39
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6:39You’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 t…
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Early Retirement: Dream Life or Financial Trap? - The Pros and Cons of Early Retirement | EP 38
8:05
8:05
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8:05Is 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 …
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The Psychology of Money: Why We Make Bad Financial Decisions | EP 37
8:12
8:12
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8:12Ever 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…
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Play #7: Finding a Financial Coach to Help You Plan in Decades | 36
8:37
8:37
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8:37Are 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 ste…
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Play #6: Planning for Healthcare in Retirement | 35
7:54
7:54
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7:54Retirement 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…
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Play #5: Retiring Early and Pivoting to Time Freedom | 34
8:14
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8:14More 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, whe…
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Play #4: Optimizing Social Security Retirement Benefits | Ep 33
10:21
10:21
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10:21Is 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 th…
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Play #3: The Do’s and Don’ts of Retirement Taxes | Ep 32
9:23
9:23
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9:23In 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 accoun…
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Play #2: Determining How Much You Need in Retirement | Ep 31
10:04
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10:04Mark 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…
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Play #1: Maximizing the Five Years Before and After Retirement | Ep 130
10:32
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10:32In 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 exp…
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Seven Plays for Winning the Most Important Ten Years to Retirement Success | Ep 29
10:27
10:27
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10:27Mark 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 …
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4 Ways to Pay for the Cost of Long-Term Care | Ep 28
11:28
11:28
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11:28In 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 annu…
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4 Key Ages for Generation X in Retirement Planning | Ep 27
11:32
11:32
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11:32Mark 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 saving…
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Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement? | Ep 26
9:46
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9:46In 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…
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Two Ways for Crowdfunding Your Future | Ep 25
8:03
8:03
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8:03In 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 re…
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Is a Financial Advisor Really Worth It? The Value of Trusted Guidance
12:11
12:11
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12:11In 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. …
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The Truth About Investment Assumptions: Average vs. Actual Returns
11:20
11:20
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11:20In 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 exp…
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The Hidden Cost of Subscription Creep: How to Take Back Control of Your Finances | EP 22
9:06
9:06
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9:06In 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, q…
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Navigating Medicare: Making the Right Healthcare Choice in Retirement | EP 21
9:38
9:38
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9:38In 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 b…
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The Big 4: Financial Steps Every College Grad Should Take Now | EP 20
16:33
16:33
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16:33In 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 th…
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The Top 10 Financial Choices That Define Your Future (Part 2) | Ep 19
14:35
14:35
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14:35In 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 …
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The Top 10 Financial Choices That Define Your Future (Part 1) | Ep 18
15:16
15:16
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15:16In 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. Thi…
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Reddit, Credit Karma, and the Myth of the Perfect Plan | Ep 17
11:13
11:13
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11:13In 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 b…
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Is the Roth IRA Worth It’s Weight in Gold? The Truth About Retirement Savings | Ep 16
12:31
12:31
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12:31In 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 adva…
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Memories vs. Money: Should You Spend on Family Trips or Save for the Future? | Ep 15
10:17
10:17
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10:17Time 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, a…
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How Millionaires Are REALLY Made (The Truth No One Tells You) | Ep 14
12:29
12:29
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12:29What 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 i…
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How 401(k) Withdrawals Are Really Taxed (Most People Get This Wrong!) | Ep 13
16:56
16:56
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16:56In 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…
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Think You Don’t Need a Financial Advisor? Here’s Why You’re Wrong | Ep 12
10:05
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10:05In 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 fa…
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Why Conventional Financial Advice Is Keeping You Broke | Ep 11
11:07
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11:07In 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…
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Most People Get This Wrong About Retirement Investing—Do You? | Ep 10
12:09
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12:09In 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 potenti…
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Most People Are Underinsured—Here’s How to Protect Your Wealth | Ep 9
11:08
11:08
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11:08In 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 lear…
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Financial Freedom vs. Instant Gratification—Which One Are You Choosing? | Ep 8
12:00
12:00
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12:00In 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 shif…
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Should You Save or Invest? The Truth No One Talks About | Ep 7
14:36
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14:36In 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 ea…
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The One Skill That Separates Wealthy People from Everyone Else | Ep 6
16:14
16:14
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16:14In 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 p…
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Social Media vs. Real Financial Advice: Who Should You Trust? | Ep 5
19:58
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19:58In 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 …
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The 10/4/80 Retirement “Cheat Code”: A Genius Hack or a Dangerous Myth? | Ep 4
17:54
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17:54Is 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, withdra…
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Protecting Yourself from Sequence of Returns: The Risk Many Retirees Miss | Ep 3
19:54
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19:54In 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 experi…
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62, 67, or 70? The Best Age to Take Social Security Might Surprise You | Ep 2
16:48
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16:48Join 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 Socia…
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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 offeri…
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