Make It Personal Podcast

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

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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.

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

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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.

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. 

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.

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

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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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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:

“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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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:

“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. 

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.