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.

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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.