Podcast
Red Zone Retirement Planning
Hosted by Adam Olson · EN
Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Adam Olson, Representative.
11episodes
Episodes
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The Red Zone Retirement Planning Process Explained | Adam Olson CFP®
Mar 1000:31:23Tap to summarizeIf you're within 5–7 years of retirement or recently retired, you're entering what I call the Red Zone of Retirement — the most important stretch of your financial life.This is the decade where every decision you make can determine the next 20–30 years of your financial future.In this episode, Adam Olson, CFP®, sits down with TJ to break down:• How the Red Zone Retirement Planning Process was created• The patterns Adam saw after years of helping retirees• Why traditional financial planning often fails retirees• How the Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go framework works• The step-by-step client journey through the Red Zone processThe Red Zone process was designed specifically for people approaching retirement who need clarity around income, taxes, investments, and long-term planning.Rather than focusing only on accumulation, this process focuses on what matters most:Turning decades of savings into reliable retirement income.You'll also hear real stories about how this framework has helped families retire with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.Adam Olson is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and retirement strategist who helps individuals and families prepare for and transition into retirement.He is the author of:• 21 Things You Need to Know About Money• What's Your Plan?• Red Zone Retirement PlanAdam created the Red Zone Retirement Planning Process to guide families through the most important financial decade of their lives.His goal is simple:Help people live every day of retirement like it's Saturday.Explore resources, schedule a meeting, or download Adam's book:Linktree:https://linktr.ee/adamolsoncfpThe Red Zone Retirement Planning Process is designed for:• Pre-retirees within 5–7 years of retirement• Recently retired individuals• High savers preparing to transition from accumulation to distribution• Families looking for clarity around taxes, income, and long-term planningAbout Adam OlsonLearn More / ConnectWho We HelpInvesting 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.
Transcribe →7 Spending Strategies NOBODY Uses in Retirement (Retire 3X Richer in After-Tax Income)
Feb 2600:11:55Tap to summarize🔗 Start Here: https://linktr.ee/adam.olsonMost retirees don’t get poorer because of bad investments.They get poorer because of tax sequencing mistakes.In this video, I break down 7 income-sequencing strategies inside the U.S. retirement system that can dramatically increase your after-tax spending power over a 30-year retirement.These are NOT investment tricks.These are tax-bracket and income-control strategies most advisors never talk about.Inside this video, you’ll learn:✔️ The Tax Bracket Fill Withdrawal Strategy✔️ The Roth Conversion Ladder Before RMD Age✔️ Social Security Timing Based on Tax Structure✔️ The Pre-73 Traditional IRA Spend-Down Strategy✔️ IRMAA Threshold Management✔️ Survivor Bracket Protection Planning✔️ Dynamic Bucket Sequencing (The Right Withdrawal Order)Retirement isn’t about portfolio size.It’s about how much you actually keep.If you’re 5–7 years from retirement (or already in it) and want to protect your income from:• RMD compression• Social Security taxation• Medicare IRMAA surcharges• Survivor tax bracket spikes• Lifetime marginal rate stackingThen this video will show you how to think differently.If you’d like help applying this to your specific situation, click the link above and fill out the short questionnaire. I’ll personally send you a customized video breaking down your numbers.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.#RetirementPlanning #RedZoneRetirement #RothConversion #TaxPlanning #SocialSecurityStrategy #IRMAA #RMD #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning #CFP #PreRetirement #WealthManagementHow 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.
Transcribe →The $3M Retirement Tax Trap: RMDs, IRMAA, and the Hidden IRS Schedule
Feb 2000:08:02Tap to summarizeHow much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-OlsonWhat 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 yearHow RMDs stack with Social Security, pensions, and dividendsWhy many retirees end up in higher tax brackets than they expectedHow RMD income can trigger IRMAA Medicare surcharges years laterThe surviving spouse tax trap almost no one sees comingWhat proactive tax planning (like Roth conversions) can still do—before it’s too lateThe 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.
Transcribe →If You’re 55+ and Feel Financially Behind in 2026, Listen to This
Feb 1200:08:56Tap to summarizeIf 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 advantageHow MAGI suppression can unlock ACA subsidies worth $15,000–$25,000 per yearStrategic IRA spend-downs that prevent future RMD explosionsHow Social Security can be used as a tax-planning tool—not just a benefitWhy redirecting contributions and eliminating debt before retirement creates freedomThe real catch-up move that has nothing to do with saving moreThis 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.
Transcribe →
9 Purchases That Destroy Your Retirement! (And What to Do Instead)
Feb 500:10:55Tap to summarizeHow much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-OlsonMost 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 lifeHow early annuities, insurance, renovations, and debt payoffs can backfireThe hidden impact these decisions have on Roth conversions, ACA subsidies, IRMAA, and Social Security timingReal client examples where “good intentions” led to massive opportunity lossWhat you should spend money on instead during the Retirement Red ZoneThis 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.
Transcribe →You Hit $2M… Now Here’s the Mistake That Can Ruin Your Retirement
Jan 2900:11:38Tap to summarizeHow much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-OlsonReaching $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 damageHow “reasonable” spending increases quietly accelerate depletionThe tax sequencing mistake that costs retirees hundreds of thousandsHow unplanned withdrawals trigger Medicare IRMAA premium spikesThe coordinated drawdown strategy that protects income and controlThis 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.
Transcribe →WARNING: If You Retire at 60 and Do This, You’ll Regret It Forever
Jan 2200:10:46Tap to summarizeHow much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-OlsonRetiring 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% instantlyHow claiming Social Security at 62 permanently reduces your income for lifeThe hidden Medicare gap that blindsides early retirees between 60 and 65Why rushing income decisions forces retirees back to workHow a bridge strategy lets you retire early without penalties or regretThe powerful Roth conversion window most early retirees missI also explain how a patient, structured retirement strategy can help you:Avoid early withdrawal penaltiesMaximize Social Security benefitsControl healthcare costs before MedicareReduce lifetime taxesRetire early — and stay retiredIf 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.
Transcribe →Shocking Numbers That Prove You Can Retire Sooner at 60+
Jan 1500:09:25Tap to summarizeMost 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 retirementHow Social Security at 62 can instantly replace $18,000–$30,000 per yearHow Medicare at 65 can cut healthcare costs by $12,000–$18,000 annuallyWhy a simple 4% withdrawal from $1M creates $40,000 of sustainable incomeYou’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.
Transcribe →How Business Owners Can Shelter $150K–$300K+ From Taxes Using a Cash Balance Plan
Jan 1200:13:00Tap to summarizeBob 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.
Transcribe →Why I Stopped Listening to “Convert Everything to Roth Now” Advice
Jan 800:07:38Tap to summarizeHow much you need to retire quiz: https://bit.ly/Adam-OlsonRoth 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 taxesHow Social Security timing changes the math completelyWhy IRMAA Medicare penalties matter more than most realizeThe difference between tax diversification and tax obsessionI’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-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.
Transcribe →