Episodes

  • How to Build a Business You Can Actually Walk Away From

    How to Build a Business You Can Actually Walk Away From
    May 7 2026
    If your business could not run without you tomorrow, your retirement plan may be more fragile than you think. In this episode of the Make It Personal Podcast, we continue the Seven Pillars series from Profit, Protect, Prosper by breaking down retirement planning and exit planning for business owners. This conversation is for entrepreneurs, founders, and owner-operators who want more than just a someday dream. It is for people who want financial freedom, a stronger business valuation, better succession planning, and a real path toward retiring on their terms. We talk about why owner dependence lowers business value, how recurring revenue and documented systems can raise company value, and why building assets outside the business matters long before you are ready to exit.If you want to sell your business someday, step away gradually, or simply know your company can survive without you, this episode will help you think differently about business continuity, retirement readiness, and long-term personal wealth. The earlier you start planning your exit strategy, the more freedom, flexibility, and negotiating power you create for the future.You’ll Learn:→ Why a business that depends on the owner is often seen as risky by buyers and how that can affect business valuation when it is time to sell. → Why leadership depth, documented processes, and reliable recurring revenue can make your business more transferable and more valuable. → Why retirement planning for entrepreneurs should include assets outside the business, so your future is not tied to one company outcome. → What defines a successful transition, whether you plan to exit in a few years or simply want a business that can operate without you for six months.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--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.
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    2 mins
  • The Empty Nest ‘Money Shift’ No One Warns You About| EP 69

    The Empty Nest ‘Money Shift’ No One Warns You About| EP 69
    Apr 30 2026
    No one tells you this part: when the kids leave home, it’s not just the house that feels different, it’s your money. Your grocery bill drops, your calendar opens up, and suddenly the financial rules you lived by for decades don’t apply the same way. If you’re an empty nester (or about to be), this is the moment most people skip… and it can cost you years of financial momentum. In this episode of Make It Personal, we’re talking about the empty nest money shift, how your cash flow changes, why your mindset changes, and what financial freedom can look like before retirement. Because these years aren’t a financial wind-down, they’re a season of autonomy. This is where you can increase saving and investing without sacrificing lifestyle, pay down debt aggressively while still enjoying life, travel without school schedules, and start planning for legacy with clarity. If you’ve been running a family-first budget for decades, this episode will help you move from obligation to intention, and build a plan that fits who you are now. Empty nest planning, retirement planning, purposeful spending, investing strategy, and legacy planning all start here.You’ll learn:→ How the financial landscape changes when the last child leaves home and why that shift creates a rare opportunity for intentional money decisions. → How to rethink purposeful spending so you can spend without guilt while still building long-term security. → Why empty nest years aren’t just a countdown to retirement, but a powerful window to increase retirement contributions, adjust investing strategy and risk tolerance, and make smarter debt payoff moves. → We’ll also explore legacy planning in a more meaningful way, how to support adult children without creating dependency, and how to align your money with your values, impact, and the story you want your choices to tell.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--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.
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    6 mins
  • How to Pay Yourself Consistently as a Small Business Owner

    How to Pay Yourself Consistently as a Small Business Owner
    Apr 23 2026
    Are you a small business owner who keeps saying, “I’ll pay myself later”? In this episode, we talk about how to pay yourself consistently as a small business owner without guilt, stress, or guesswork. Too many entrepreneurs pour every dollar back into the business and call it discipline, but if your business cannot pay you reliably, it may not be a sustainable business model. This episode is for business owners who want more stability, better cash flow habits, and a smarter owner compensation strategy that supports both personal finances and long-term business growth. You’ll learn why paying yourself is not selfish, how a structured owner pay system can reduce emotional decision-making, and why personal financial stability helps you lead your business with more confidence and clarity. If you have ever wondered how much to pay yourself, when to pay yourself, or whether your business is truly supporting your life, this conversation will help you rethink your approach and create a more intentional compensation plan that builds wealth inside and outside the business.Highlights:→ How inconsistent owner pay creates stress and reactive decision-making→ How setting a percentage of revenue or profit for owner compensation can create discipline→ Why paying yourself consistently improves both business clarity and personal stability→ How to stop relying on whatever money happens to be left over at the end of the month. This conversation also explores the connection between business structure, personal wealth building, and sustainable entrepreneurship for small business owners.→ 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 MeetingConnect 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--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.
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    2 mins
  • How a 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast Can Save Your Business | Ep 67

    How a 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast Can Save Your Business | Ep 67
    Apr 16 2026
    Cash flow is the difference between running your business with confidence and checking your bank account in panic mode every day. In this episode, we break down why revenue is vanity, profit is opinion, and cash is survival for small-business owners who want more stability, less stress, and better decision-making. If you have ever wondered why your business can look healthy on paper but still feel financially tight in real life, this conversation will help you understand the real issue. We explore how cash flow clarity gives business owners more control, more peace of mind, and more resilience when clients pay late, expenses rise, or uncertainty hits. This episode is for entrepreneurs, founders, and small-business owners who want smarter money management, stronger financial visibility, and a better way to plan ahead instead of constantly reacting. If you want to improve business cash flow, strengthen liquidity, and make more confident financial decisions, this episode is a practical place to start. It is also part of our Seven Pillars of Smart Money Management for Small-Business Owners series, designed to help you protect what you are building and lead with greater clarity.You’ll Learn:→ Why cash flow is more important than revenue when it comes to business stability and day-to-day peace of mind. → Why two businesses with the same top-line revenue can feel completely different depending on their liquidity, reserves, and visibility into upcoming cash needs. → Why a 13-week cash flow forecast is one of the most practical tools a resilient business can use to anticipate pressure early, adjust spending, manage receivables, and make smarter decisions before cash gets tight. → How weak cash flow affects your mindset, causing delayed hires, reactive decisions, and second-guessing, while strong cash flow creates confidence, flexibility, and control.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--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.
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    3 mins
  • The Truth About Reverse Mortgages (It’s Not What You Think)

    The Truth About Reverse Mortgages (It’s Not What You Think)
    Apr 9 2026
    Reverse mortgages have a reputation, and not a good one. Many people believe they’re risky, predatory, or only for those in financial trouble. But is that actually true? In this episode of Make It Personal, we break down the real story behind reverse mortgages, separating fact from fiction so you can make smarter retirement decisions.If you’re a homeowner nearing retirement or already retired, your home equity may be one of your largest untapped assets. Yet it’s often ignored in retirement planning conversations. This episode explores when a reverse mortgage might actually make sense, how it compares to other strategies like HELOCs or portfolio withdrawals, and what safeguards exist today to protect borrowers.We’re joined by industry expert Chris Bruser, who shares real-life examples, common misconceptions, and practical insights to help you understand how reverse mortgages really work. This is not about selling you on a strategy, it’s about giving you the clarity and confidence to make decisions based on facts, not fear.You’ll Learn:→ You’ll learn what a reverse mortgage actually is in plain English and how it differs from a traditional mortgage. The episode covers the biggest myths, like whether the bank owns your home or if your heirs lose everything, and explains the real impact on legacy planning.→ We also dive into how reverse mortgages fit into a broader retirement income strategy, including when they may be a smart move versus when they should be avoided. You’ll hear real-world use cases, including how retirees use home equity to improve cash flow, fund healthcare, or reduce financial stress.→ Finally, we break down the process, risks, and built-in protections like HUD counseling and non-recourse features so you can evaluate this option with a clear, informed perspective.→ 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 MeetingConnect 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--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.
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    30 mins
  • Making Sense of Your HSA: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Get One| EP 65

    Making Sense of Your HSA: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Get One| EP 65
    Apr 2 2026
    Could one account help you save on taxes, cover healthcare costs, and support your long-term financial goals?In this episode of Make It Personal, we’re diving into the Health Savings Account, or HSA, a powerful but often misunderstood tool that can help you manage today’s healthcare costs and prepare for future ones. Whether you’ve heard the term or are already enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), this is your guide to understanding what an HSA is, how it works, and how people typically get started.Host Mark Zagurski breaks it all down in real-life terms, from tax benefits to investment options, from eligibility to everyday use. You’ll learn the different ways an HSA can support your medical needs now, grow savings for later, and even provide flexibility in retirement.Key Takeaways:→ An HSA offers triple tax benefits: contributions may be tax-deductible, growth is tax-deferred, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.→ Funds carry over year to year, no “use-it-or-lose-it” deadlines like other accounts.→ Some providers allow investing HSA balances once a threshold is met, potentially growing your funds over time.→ After age 65, non-medical withdrawals avoid penalties, though income tax may apply.→ To open an HSA, you must be enrolled in a qualifying HDHP, and can typically do so through an employer, a financial institution, or your insurance provider.“Healthcare choices aren’t just about premiums and deductibles, they’re about your peace of mind, your family, and your financial well-being.”🩺 Curious whether an HSA fits into your healthcare and financial strategy? Visit makeitpersonalpodcast.com to connect with a Mutual of Omaha advisor who can walk you through your options. And don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone weighing their health plan choices.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--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.
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    6 mins
  • You Asked: Addressing Inflation in Retirement| EP 64

    You Asked: Addressing Inflation in Retirement| EP 64
    Mar 26 2026
    What if the greatest threat to your retirement isn’t market loss… but rising prices over time?In today’s “You Asked” episode of Make It Personal, we dive into a smart question from listener Kurt: “Do we need to plan for inflation in retirement, even if we’ve saved well?” The answer is a resounding yes. Because when retirement lasts 20, 30, or even 40 years, inflation becomes more than a background factor, it becomes a silent force that can erode your lifestyle, dollar by dollar.We unpack why inflation matters, even at modest levels, and how small percentage increases can compound into major cost jumps over time. But don’t worry, there are proven ways to plan ahead and protect your purchasing power.From smart withdrawal strategies to growth-focused investments, and from inflation-sensitive tools like TIPS to annual plan reviews, you’ll hear how to approach inflation with clarity and confidence, so your money can keep up with the life you want to live.Key Takeaways:→ Even 3% annual inflation can double your cost of living over a 30-year retirement.→ Adjusting withdrawals annually (instead of using a flat amount) helps preserve purchasing power.→ Keeping some growth investments (like stocks or TIPS) in retirement can help outpace inflation.→ Inflation-linked tools, like certain annuities or bonds, can act as a hedge during cost spikes.→ Annual reviews and adjustments are key to staying flexible and financially secure over time.“Inflation is a quiet risk, but with the right strategy, you don’t have to let it steal your future.”📩 Have a question like Kurt’s? Email us at makeitpersonal@mutualofomaha.com and if this episode helped you think differently about your retirement strategy, subscribe, share, and connect with an advisor at makeitpersonalpodcast.com. Planning for inflation is planning for peace of mind.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--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.
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    3 mins
  • The Reverse Retirement: Redefining Purpose Post-Career| EP 63

    The Reverse Retirement: Redefining Purpose Post-Career| EP 63
    Mar 19 2026
    What if retirement wasn’t about slowing down… but stepping into something greater?In this episode of Make It Personal, we’re rewriting the retirement playbook, and flipping old assumptions on their head. Forget the outdated picture of golf carts and idle time. This is Reverse Retirement, a bold, purpose-driven approach to your post-career years, where meaning, creativity, and even new income streams take center stage.We explore how people are living longer, healthier lives, and how retirement today is less about winding down and more about relaunching. Whether it’s picking up a long-forgotten passion, starting a side venture, consulting, creating, or volunteering, this season of life can be a launchpad for joy, connection, and fresh possibilities. And yes, even financial opportunity.More than just a mindset shift, Reverse Retirement is also a strategic move. Every dollar earned in purpose-driven work is a dollar you don’t have to withdraw, meaning your portfolio lasts longer, and your options expand. It’s about doing what lights you up while keeping your future flexible.Key Takeaways:→ Reverse Retirement redefines retirement as a time for renewed purpose, creativity, and contribution.→ Pursuing passion projects or part-time income can extend your savings and energize your days.→ Social connection and mental engagement are vital, and often found through meaningful work or community.→ A “purpose week” plan can help you visualize how you’d fill your time with joy and intention.→ A thoughtful financial plan ensures your money supports the life you want, not the one tradition says you should live.“Retirement isn’t an ending, it’s an opportunity. And with the right plan, you can make it truly personal.” Inspired to rethink your next chapter? Share this episode with someone approaching retirement, subscribe for more fresh perspectives, or connect with a Mutual of Omaha advisor at makeitpersonalpodcast.com to design a Reverse Retirement that’s as bold as you are.→ 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 MeetingConnect 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--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.
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    7 mins