Make It Personal Podcast

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

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

Download the Seven Principles eBook

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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.

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

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

Download the Seven Principles eBook

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Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

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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.

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

Connect with Mutual of Omaha Advisors through the following links:

Download the Seven Principles eBook

Instagram

Facebook - Mutual of Omaha Advisors

--

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.