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.

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, 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 expected rate of return. But what happens when those assumptions don’t align with reality?

Mark dives into the crucial distinction between average and actual rates of return, showing how misleading averages can distort your financial picture. Using simple, relatable examples, including a breakdown of the S&P 500’s performance over 30 years, Mark explains how sequence of returns and real-world market behavior can significantly impact your savings and retirement outcomes.

Whether you're accumulating wealth or planning retirement withdrawals, understanding the true nature of investment returns is vital. This episode underscores the importance of keeping your plan updated and partnering with a trusted advisor who can adjust your strategy as life and the market evolve.

Key takeaways:

• Every financial plan is built on facts and assumptions, both need regular review.
  

• Average rate of return and actual return are not the same and can lead to very different outcomes.
  

• The S&P 500’s long-term average of 10.59% translated to a real return closer to 8.97% over 30 years.
  

• Overestimating returns during retirement can cause you to outlive your money.
  

• Ongoing plan reviews and realistic assumptions improve your chances of meeting long-term goals.
  

Want to ensure your financial assumptions are on track? Visit www.makeitpersonalpodcast.com to download our free eBook or connect with one of our expert advisors for a no-obligation consultation. Make your financial plan personal, and powerful!

“The average return might sound impressive, but it’s the actual return that tells the real story.” - Mark Zagurski

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.