Make It Personal Podcast

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:

“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

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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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

“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. 

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.

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:

“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. 

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.

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:

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. 

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.