Episodes

  • The $3M Retirement Tax Trap: RMDs, IRMAA, and the Hidden IRS Schedule
    Feb 20 2026

    How much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-Olson


    What actually happens when you retire with $3 million in traditional retirement accounts?

    In this episode, I walk through the real numbers behind Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) starting at age 73—and why having a large IRA or 401(k) can quietly turn into a tax and Medicare premium problem if you don’t plan ahead.

    You’ll learn:

    • What a $3M portfolio forces you to withdraw in your first RMD year

    • How RMDs stack with Social Security, pensions, and dividends

    • Why many retirees end up in higher tax brackets than they expected

    • How RMD income can trigger IRMAA Medicare surcharges years later

    • The surviving spouse tax trap almost no one sees coming

    • What proactive tax planning (like Roth conversions) can still do—before it’s too late

    The biggest threat to a well-funded retirement isn’t market loss—it’s government-mandated income taxed on their schedule, not yours.

    I’m Adam Olson, a CFP®. I used my 14 years of experience to create the Red Zone Retirement Planning Process, so that your retirement feels like a Saturday every day.

    If you want help optimizing your own retirement plan, click the link to fill out the questionnaire and I’ll send you a personalized video showing exactly how this applies to your situation.

    How much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-OlsonInvesting involves risk, including loss of principal. Be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider all factors prior to making any financial decisions. Any strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Adam Olson, Representative. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services is not affiliated with any entity listed herein. 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 and its representatives do not offer legal or tax advice. The information presented is subject to change without notice and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security or insurance product.Mutual of Omaha Investor Services and its various affiliates do not endorse or adopt comments posted by third parties. Comments posted by third parties are their own and may not be representative or indicative of other's opinions, views, and experiences.



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    8 mins
  • If You’re 55+ and Feel Financially Behind in 2026, Listen to This
    Feb 12 2026

    If you’re 55 or older and feel financially behind heading into 2026, this episode may completely change how you think about retirement.

    Most people assume retirement readiness is about how much you’ve saved. But after working with hundreds of pre-retirees, I’ve found that it’s not a number problem—it’s a sequence problem.

    In this episode, I break down why being in your late 50s or early 60s with a lower balance can actually give you more leverage than someone with twice the money but worse timing. You’ll learn how low-income years, tax sequencing, and intentional withdrawals can help you flatten your tax curve, reduce future IRS exposure, and avoid Medicare IRMAA surprises.

    We’ll cover:

    • Why feeling “behind” can actually be a timing advantage

    • How MAGI suppression can unlock ACA subsidies worth $15,000–$25,000 per year

    • Strategic IRA spend-downs that prevent future RMD explosions

    • How Social Security can be used as a tax-planning tool—not just a benefit

    • Why redirecting contributions and eliminating debt before retirement creates freedom

    • The real catch-up move that has nothing to do with saving more

    This is the foundation of my Red Zone Retirement Planning process—helping you catch up by design, not by stress or guesswork.

    If you’re in the window before the system stops giving you options, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

    How much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-OlsonInvesting involves risk, including loss of principal. Be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider all factors prior to making any financial decisions. Any strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Adam Olson, Representative. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services is not affiliated with any entity listed herein. 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 and its representatives do not offer legal or tax advice. The information presented is subject to change without notice and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security or insurance product.Mutual of Omaha Investor Services and its various affiliates do not endorse or adopt comments posted by third parties. Comments posted by third parties are their own and may not be representative or indicative of other's opinions, views, and experiences.


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    9 mins
  • 9 Purchases That Destroy Your Retirement! (And What to Do Instead)
    Feb 5 2026

    How much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-Olson


    Most people think they’re “getting ready” for retirement between ages 60 and 67.
    In reality, this is when many retirees quietly sabotage their entire plan.

    In this episode, I break down 9 common purchases people make before age 62 that seem smart—but actually destroy flexibility, increase taxes, and cost tens of thousands of dollars over time .

    You’ll learn:

    • Why the 60–67 window is the most tax-sensitive period of your entire financial life

    • How early annuities, insurance, renovations, and debt payoffs can backfire

    • The hidden impact these decisions have on Roth conversions, ACA subsidies, IRMAA, and Social Security timing

    • Real client examples where “good intentions” led to massive opportunity loss

    • What you should spend money on instead during the Retirement Red Zone

    This episode is especially important if you’re within 5–7 years of retirement and want to protect your income, lower lifetime taxes, and stay in control—without locking yourself into irreversible decisions.

    If you want help sequencing your income the right way and avoiding the mistakes that derail most retirements, check the link in the show notes.


    How much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-OlsonInvesting involves risk, including loss of principal. Be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider all factors prior to making any financial decisions. Any strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Adam Olson, Representative. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services is not affiliated with any entity listed herein. 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 and its representatives do not offer legal or tax advice. The information presented is subject to change without notice and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security or insurance product.Mutual of Omaha Investor Services and its various affiliates do not endorse or adopt comments posted by third parties. Comments posted by third parties are their own and may not be representative or indicative of other's opinions, views, and experiences.


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    11 mins
  • You Hit $2M… Now Here’s the Mistake That Can Ruin Your Retirement
    Jan 29 2026

    How much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-Olson

    Reaching $2 million should mean financial freedom — but for many retirees, it quietly becomes the beginning of long-term trouble.

    In this video, I break down the $2M spending trap that silently destroys retirement security, even for disciplined savers. I explain how withdrawal inflation, poor account sequencing, unnecessary taxes, and Medicare IRMAA penalties slowly erode wealth — without any warning signs.

    I’ve seen it firsthand: retirees assume a large balance equals unlimited spending freedom. But without a coordinated withdrawal strategy, portfolios that should last 30+ years can struggle to make it 20.

    In this video, you’ll learn:

    • Why early retirement withdrawals cause hidden long-term damage

    • How “reasonable” spending increases quietly accelerate depletion

    • The tax sequencing mistake that costs retirees hundreds of thousands

    • How unplanned withdrawals trigger Medicare IRMAA premium spikes

    • The coordinated drawdown strategy that protects income and control

    This is the foundation of what I call the Red Zone Retirement Planning Process — a system built around tax efficiency, Medicare awareness, and sustainable income planning.

    If you want help optimizing your retirement withdrawals, click the link below to complete my questionnaire and I’ll send you a personalized video showing how to structure your retirement plan the right way.

    Your retirement isn’t about how much you saved — it’s about how you withdraw.

    Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider all factors prior to making any financial decisions. Any strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Adam Olson, Representative. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services is not affiliated with any entity listed herein. 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 and its representatives do not offer legal or tax advice. The information presented is subject to change without notice and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security or insurance product.Mutual of Omaha Investor Services and its various affiliates do not endorse or adopt comments posted by third parties. Comments posted by third parties are their own and may not be representative or indicative of other's opinions, views, and experiences.

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    12 mins
  • WARNING: If You Retire at 60 and Do This, You’ll Regret It Forever
    Jan 22 2026

    How much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-Olson


    Retiring at 60 sounds like the dream — but one common mistake can quietly destroy your retirement plan for life.

    In this video, I break down the biggest regret I see early retirees make, and it has nothing to do with market crashes or running out of money. It’s about rushing into the wrong income decisions too early, triggering permanent penalties, reduced benefits, and massive tax consequences.

    Here’s what you’ll learn in this video:

    • Why tapping retirement accounts before age 59½ can cost you 35–45% instantly

    • How claiming Social Security at 62 permanently reduces your income for life

    • The hidden Medicare gap that blindsides early retirees between 60 and 65

    • Why rushing income decisions forces retirees back to work

    • How a bridge strategy lets you retire early without penalties or regret

    • The powerful Roth conversion window most early retirees miss

    I also explain how a patient, structured retirement strategy can help you:

    • Avoid early withdrawal penalties

    • Maximize Social Security benefits

    • Control healthcare costs before Medicare

    • Reduce lifetime taxes

    • Retire early — and stay retired

    If you’re within 5–7 years of retirement, or thinking about retiring around age 60, this video could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    👉 Want to see how this applies to your situation?
    I’ve created a short questionnaire that analyzes your retirement timing, income strategy, and tax exposure. Once completed, I’ll send you a personalized video breakdown showing how to optimize your retirement plan.


    How much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-Olson


    📌 Watch before you make a retirement decision you can’t undo.


    Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider all factors prior to making any financial decisions. Any strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Adam Olson, Representative. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services is not affiliated with any entity listed herein. 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 and its representatives do not offer legal or tax advice. The information presented is subject to change without notice and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security or insurance product.Mutual of Omaha Investor Services and its various affiliates do not endorse or adopt comments posted by third parties. Comments posted by third parties are their own and may not be representative or indicative of other's opinions, views, and experiences.

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    11 mins
  • Shocking Numbers That Prove You Can Retire Sooner at 60+
    Jan 15 2026

    Most people wait years longer than they need to retire — not because they can’t afford to, but because they never see the full picture.

    In this episode, I reveal the shocking numbers at age 60+ that completely flip the retirement equation, including:

    • Why household spending often drops 25–40% at retirement

    • How Social Security at 62 can instantly replace $18,000–$30,000 per year

    • How Medicare at 65 can cut healthcare costs by $12,000–$18,000 annually

    • Why a simple 4% withdrawal from $1M creates $40,000 of sustainable income

    You’ll hear the real story of a couple who thought they had to work until 65 — and retired five years earlier once they stacked these numbers together.

    This episode explains why retirement isn’t about hitting a bigger number — it’s about understanding how income layers, spending changes, and planning work together.

    👉 If you want help stacking these numbers for your own situation, click the link and take my How Much You Need to Retire Quiz, and I’ll send you a personalized breakdown using my Red Zone Retirement Planning Process.

    How much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-OlsonInvesting involves risk, including loss of principal. Be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider all factors prior to making any financial decisions. Any strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Adam Olson, Representative. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services is not affiliated with any entity listed herein. 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 and its representatives do not offer legal or tax advice. The information presented is subject to change without notice and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security or insurance product.Mutual of Omaha Investor Services and its various affiliates do not endorse or adopt comments posted by third parties. Comments posted by third parties are their own and may not be representative or indicative of other's opinions, views, and experiences.


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    9 mins
  • How Business Owners Can Shelter $150K–$300K+ From Taxes Using a Cash Balance Plan
    Jan 12 2026

    Bob Miller: Partner/Vice President of Business Development of MidwestEmail: bmiller@erisaservices.comPhone: (865) 966-1225Mobile: (515) 306-9468Adam Olson, CFP 402-379-6745adam.olson@mutualofomaha.com Most business owners think the most they can save pre-tax is their 401(k).That’s not even close.In this video, I sit down with Bob Miller from ERISA Services to break down one of the most powerful—and underutilized—tax strategies available to high-income business owners: Cash Balance Plans.If you:Make strong incomeHate overpaying taxesAre 45+ (especially 55–65)Want to accelerate retirement savings…this strategy could allow you to shield $150,000 to $300,000+ per year from taxes—on top of your existing 401(k).🔍 What We Cover in This Video:Why most business owners are unknowingly capped at $23K–$70KHow a Cash Balance Plan stacks on top of a 401(k)A real client example showing $220,000 pre-tax sheltered on a $300K incomeHow age dramatically increases what you can saveWhy many CPAs never bring this upWho this strategy works best for (and who it doesn’t)These plans are ERISA-qualified, IRS-approved, and designed specifically for business owners who want to:✔ Reduce current taxes✔ Catch up fast for retirement✔ Create flexibility for exit or succession planning⚠️ Important: Cash Balance Plans are powerful—but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Design, employee structure, income level, and long-term intent all matter.📞 Want to See If This Works for Your Business?If you’re a business owner and want to explore whether a Cash Balance Plan makes sense for you:👉 Reach out to me directly👉 Or contact Bob (info below)We’ll coordinate with your CPA and run the numbers before you make a move.I’m Adam Olson, CFP®. I’ve spent 14 years helping business owners and retirees reduce taxes, protect income, and build retirement plans that actually work—so retirement feels like a Saturday every day.📌 Contact Info:Adam Olson, CFP®🌐 adamolson.com | adamolson.bizHow much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-OlsonInvesting involves risk, including loss of principal. Be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider all factors prior to making any financial decisions. Any strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Adam Olson, Representative. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services is not affiliated with any entity listed herein. 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 and its representatives do not offer legal or tax advice. The information presented is subject to change without notice and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security or insurance product.Mutual of Omaha Investor Services and its various affiliates do not endorse or adopt comments posted by third parties. Comments posted by third parties are their own and may not be representative or indicative of other's opinions, views, and experiences.

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    13 mins
  • Why I Stopped Listening to “Convert Everything to Roth Now” Advice
    Jan 8 2026

    How much you need to retire quiz: ⁠https://bit.ly/Adam-Olson⁠


    Roth conversions are powerful — but blindly converting everything can be one of the most expensive retirement mistakes I see.

    In this episode, I break down why popular “convert it all now” Roth advice is built for clicks, not real retirement math. We’ll walk through the hidden tax traps most people miss, including:

    • When Roth conversions actually increase lifetime taxes

    • How Social Security timing changes the math completely

    • Why IRMAA Medicare penalties matter more than most realize

    • The difference between tax diversification and tax obsession

    I’ll also share a real client example that shows how waiting — not rushing — saved tens of thousands in taxes and created more retirement flexibility.

    If you’re in your late 50s or early 60s and thinking about Roth conversions, this episode will help you make intentional, strategic decisions instead of following generic internet advice.

    👉 Want to see how this applies to your situation? Click the link and take my How Much You Need to Retire Quiz, and I’ll personally send you an analysis using my Red Zone Retirement Planning Process.


    How much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-Olson


    Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider all factors prior to making any financial decisions. Any strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Adam Olson, Representative. Mutual of Omaha Investor Services is not affiliated with any entity listed herein. 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 and its representatives do not offer legal or tax advice. The information presented is subject to change without notice and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security or insurance product.Mutual of Omaha Investor Services and its various affiliates do not endorse or adopt comments posted by third parties. Comments posted by third parties are their own and may not be representative or indicative of other's opinions, views, and experiences.

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    8 mins