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

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 Seven Principles eBook

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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.

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

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 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.

  
  

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

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 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.