Nobody Told You This

Scott Zimmerman
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Biweekly

Nobody Told You This with Scott Zimmerman is a podcast for business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to design the life they truly want. Through free-flowing conversations with experts, entrepreneurs, and diverse voices, Scott uncovers the hidden gems, untold stories, and hard-earned lessons that shape personal and professional growth. Each episode offers insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways to help you plan your next move and build a future with intention.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 7: The Retirement Number Is NOT $1 Million

    Have you ever sat down and wondered how much money you actually need to retire? Maybe you've got $1 million in mind, or perhaps $2 million or even $3 million. But what if you've been asking the wrong question all along? Nobody told you this, but retirement isn't about hitting some magic number.  In this episode of Nobody Told You This, Scott Zimmerman sits down with 35-year financial planning veteran Jerry Citarella to unpack what really determines whether you can retire: your spending, your discipline, and how many bad years in the market you can survive right after you stop working. Jerry explains why the 4% rule is probably too conservative (and was created by an industry selling conservative products), why the break-even age for Social Security is earlier than most people think, and why some people should take it at 62 even if the math says to wait. He walks through the three phases of money: accumulation, preservation, and distribution, and explains why the distribution phase is where most people mess up, thanks to sequence-of-returns risk. Tune in to learn how to stress-test your retirement before you retire, why "anybody can retire; it's just what do you want it to look like," and why the difference between "I think I'm okay" and "I know I'm okay" is the whole point of planning. Our Guest Jerry Citarella is a 35-year veteran of the financial services industry and a partner at Prosperitas Financial. He got his start in the business selling gold and silver investments after walking into a jewelry store hoping for a discount on a pinky ring. He joined John Hancock in 1995, where he became the youngest sales manager in the country, and eventually went independent so he could be a planner rather than a single-company insurance salesperson. In this episode, you’ll learn Why “How much do I need to retire?” is the wrong question, and what to ask instead How to work backward from your monthly shortfall to the savings you actually need Why the 4% rule is only one way to look at retirement income, and what “last dime on the last day” planning means How sequence-of-returns risk works, and why the same average return can leave you broke or comfortable How the bucket approach separates income now from growth later When claiming Social Security early makes sense, and why the break-even point matters Why Jerry won’t let some clients retire until they have a plan for their days, not just their money What to do if you’re 58 with little saved Why a 401(k) isn’t entirely yours after taxes, and how the 10-year rule applies to heirs Where DIY and AI investing tools fall short How hybrid long-term care policies work, and why you may not need to cover the full cost The one thing Jerry says to do this week Timestamps 00:00 Cold open and welcome 02:17 How Jerry got into financial services 04:45 Is retirement harder today than 30 years ago? 07:32 Pensions vs. 401(k)s 10:04 The most expensive mistakes Jerry has seen 14:32 Why protection and debt come before investing 16:34 Why “the number” is the wrong question 19:06 The 4% rule and “last dime on the last day” planning 22:41 When to claim Social Security 28:49 What Jerry tells a 25-year-old and a 55-year-old 30:32 Age 58 with almost nothing saved: is it too late? 32:58 “If you can’t afford two, don’t buy one” (and need vs. want) 40:02 How much of a 401(k) is really yours, and what heirs inherit 44:26 DIY investing and AI vs. a real planner 1:00:47 “A good retirement is really about…” 1:02:15 Three questions to ask yourself 01:02:53 How to reach Jerry Resources and links Jerry Citarella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrycitarella/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JerryCitarellaPresents/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-citarella-a88b76337 Website: www.prosperitasfin.com Scott Zimmerman Website: https://scottzim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-9463a12 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-VFHmgfeiJrwmTjyw6l5wQ

    Episode 7: The Retirement Number Is NOT $1 Million

  2. Oct 27

    Episode 6: Estate Planning Secrets Most Families Learn Too Late

    Who would be allowed to touch your bank account if something happened to you tomorrow? Not who you’d want, but who the law would actually allow. For most families, the answer is nobody, until a judge decides. And even people who paid for a trust can end up in probate court because of one step they skipped. In this episode of Nobody Told You This, Scott Zimmerman sits down with California estate attorney Andrew Cohen to explain what actually happens to your money, your home, and your kids when you die or become incapacitated. Andrew walks through why a trust, not a will, is the centerpiece of a solid plan, how probate really works, and the critical mistake that leaves people with a trust still stuck in court. They debunk the biggest trust myths, including the belief that a trust saves you on income taxes, protects your house from the nursing home, or is only for the wealthy. They also break down the real costs on both sides: a few thousand dollars to plan now versus roughly $19,000 in statutory fees alone on a $1 million estate in probate, plus executor fees, court costs, and years of delay. Tune in to learn how to fund your trust properly, who to name as trustee, how to protect minor children and blended families, and why leaving your family to clean up a mess you could have prevented is the most selfish thing you can do. In this episode, you’ll learn What actually happens, legally, when someone dies with no will or trust Why a will still goes through probate court (and why that matters) The real cost of probate: time, money, and aggravation How to protect minor children and control when they inherit What to do about blended families, second marriages, and stepchildren The difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts, in plain English Which common trust myths are false (taxes, nursing home protection) What "funding" a trust means and why an unfunded trust fails How beneficiary designations on life insurance and IRAs override your trust How to choose the right trustee, and who to avoid What a typical trust costs and what's included Why incapacity planning matters just as much as planning for death Timestamps 00:00 Cold open and welcome 01:39 How Andrew ended up in estate planning 05:12 Who a trust is really for 06:40 What happens if you die with no will and no trust 07:51 Who raises your kids, and who controls the money 09:55 Blended families and second marriages without a plan 11:53 Will vs. trust, explained simply 16:00 How long probate takes and what it costs 18:21 Planning for incapacity, not just death 21:28 Trust myth: “I have a trust, so I don’t pay taxes” 22:50 Revocable vs. irrevocable trusts 26:08 Trust myth: “My trust protects my house from the nursing home” 27:44 What it means to fund your trust 29:46 Why beneficiary forms can override your plan 31:18 How to pick the right trustee 32:53 What a trust costs and what’s included 34:02 Why Scott calls skipping a trust “selfish” 37:54 How to reach Andrew Resources and links Andrew Cohen Website: ⁠andrewcohenlegal.com Scott Zimmerman Website: https://scottzim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-9463a12 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-VFHmgfeiJrwmTjyw6l5wQ

    Episode 6: Estate Planning Secrets Most Families Learn Too Late

  3. Oct 20

    Episode 5 : The One Hire That Can Give You Your Life Back

    Did you know that the most successful entrepreneurs aren't the ones doing everything themselves? They're the ones who've mastered the art of letting go. While you're buried in emails, scheduling appointments, and handling paperwork, they're scaling their businesses and enjoying time with their families. The difference isn't talent or resources. It's knowing how to leverage the right people. In this episode of Nobody Told You This, Scott Zimmerman sits down with Ryan Goldman, a serial entrepreneur and founder of CEO Sidekicks. Ryan shares his journey from hitting rock bottom to building multiple successful businesses, including a real estate portfolio of over 30 doors in a single year. He explains how he did it by leveraging virtual professionals as the core engine of his operations. Scott and Ryan dive deep into the world of virtual assistants, debunking common myths and explaining how to find, hire, and manage them effectively. Tune in to learn how to delegate smarter, reclaim your time, and build a business that works for your life instead of taking it over. Our Guest Ryan Goldman is a serial entrepreneur who has been involved in the door-to-door sales industry for over 14 years, where he built and led large teams across multiple states. He is the founder of CEO of Sidekicks, a premier virtual assistant agency that connects business owners with highly qualified virtual professionals from the Philippines. After turning his life around from a challenging period in his early twenties, Ryan developed a passion for personal development and leadership. He applied these principles to build multiple businesses, including a thriving real estate portfolio. Along with his wife, Stephanie, Ryan founded CEO Sidekicks to help other entrepreneurs experience the same freedom and business growth he achieved by leveraging virtual talent. In this episode, Ryan shares his powerful personal story, his proven strategies for business delegation, and how he uses virtual assistants to manage every aspect of his diverse business interests. In this episode, you’ll learn How a change in mindset can completely transform your life and business The surprising earning potential of a career in door-to-door sales What a "virtual professional" is and the massive range of tasks they can handle How to identify and delegate the tasks that are holding your business back A simple framework for hiring a virtual assistant that is tailored to your specific needs The systems you can use to monitor performance and ensure accountability Why providing clear expectations and feedback is the key to a successful VA relationship The single book Ryan recommends to every new team member for personal and professional growth Timestamps 00:35 Welcome and introduction 02:34 From rock bottom to door-to-door sales 06:55 The skills door-to-door sales teaches 11:18 Introducing CEO Sidekicks 12:54 The COVID shutdown and the origin of CEO Sidekicks 15:26 What business owners use virtual assistants for 17:28 How CEO Sidekicks hires, manages, and supports its VAs 20:42 Can you outsource anything? Cost and quality in the Philippines 22:22 How to make sure your VA is actually working 28:24 The "80% as good as you" rule 29:05 Part-time vs. full-time, and what it costs 31:47 The biggest mistake in the first 30 days 34:11 Working your hours and fair pay 35:13 How to connect with Ryan and CEO Sidekicks 39:24 Closing thoughts Resources and linksRyan Goldman Website: https://www.ceo-sidekicks.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryangoldmanceosidekicks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanjgoldman/?hl=en Scott Zimmerman Website: https://scottzim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-9463a12 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-VFHmgfeiJrwmTjyw6l5wQ Books mentioned The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

    Episode 5 : The One Hire That Can Give You Your Life Back

  4. Oct 13

    Episode 4: The Mortgage Strategies Wealthy People Have Used For Decades

    Most people get a mortgage, sign the paperwork, and spend decades making payments without ever understanding the options available to them. They choose the loan they are offered, not always the loan strategy that fits their goals. In this episode of Nobody Told You This, Scott Zimmerman sits down with Brad Rice, a mortgage expert with more than 30 years of experience, to uncover the mortgage strategies most people never learn about. Brad explains why a traditional 30-year fixed mortgage may not always be the best option, how adjustable-rate mortgages can be a powerful financial tool, and why wealthy individuals have used leverage as part of their financial strategy for decades. Scott and Brad also discuss alternative mortgage options for business owners and investors, including non-QM loans, bank statement loans, and DSCR loans. They break down how interest rates actually work, why waiting for rates to drop may not always make sense, and what buyers should consider before making their next move. Brad also shares the truth about reverse mortgages, explaining how they work, who they can help, and why they are often misunderstood. This conversation reveals the mortgage knowledge many homeowners only discover after making costly mistakes. Our Guest Brad Rice has been working in the mortgage industry since 1993 and has spent decades helping homeowners, investors, and business owners navigate the complexities of mortgage lending. Throughout his career, Brad has worked with a wide range of mortgage products and specializes in helping borrowers understand options beyond traditional loans. From adjustable-rate mortgages and non-QM loans to investment property financing and reverse mortgages, Brad brings years of experience helping people make more informed decisions about real estate and financing. In this episode, Brad shares the mortgage strategies, loan options, and financial insights that many homeowners never hear about. In this episode, you’ll learn Why most people choose a mortgage without understanding all their available options How adjustable-rate mortgages can be a powerful financial tool when used correctly What self-employed borrowers need to know about alternative mortgage programs How non-QM loans, bank statement loans, and DSCR loans work Why waiting for lower interest rates may not always be the best strategy How mortgage points, rates, and refinancing decisions impact homeowners The truth about reverse mortgages and who they can help Brad’s biggest mortgage advice for first-time buyers and homeowners Timestamps 00:00: The mortgage mistakes most people make 02:27: Fixed vs adjustable-rate mortgages 04:14: How the wealthy use mortgage leverage 08:33: Understanding mortgage points 11:25: Mortgage options for self-employed borrowers 14:07: How DSCR loans work 16:46: Should buyers wait for lower rates? 22:56: “Marry the house, date the rate” 26:25: Reverse mortgages explained 35:27: Brad’s biggest mortgage advice 37:26: Connecting with Brad Rice Resources and links Brad Rice Website: https://amerifund.com/team/brad-rice/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradrice Scott Zimmerman Website: https://scottzim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-9463a12 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-VFHmgfeiJrwmTjyw6l5wQ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nobody-told-you-this/id6805991169 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OLlZNyzC4IM4S6WRbbgJH?si=537266a3e47d406e

    Episode 4: The Mortgage Strategies Wealthy People Have Used For Decades

  5. Oct 6

    Episode 3: Nobody Talks About This Until It’s Too Late

    Most people spend their lives building a family, creating memories, and preparing for the future. But very few take the time to prepare their loved ones for what happens when they are no longer there. In this episode of Nobody Told You This, Scott Zimmerman sits down with Rabbi Mark Blazer, founder of Final Peace, to discuss the importance of legacy planning and why families often face unnecessary confusion during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. After years of officiating more than 800 funerals, Mark saw the same problem repeatedly: families searching for documents, financial information, final wishes, and answers when they were already grieving. Mark shares the story behind creating Final Peace, a platform designed to help individuals and families securely organize important documents, legal information, personal instructions, and meaningful messages for their loved ones. The goal is simple: create clarity instead of confusion when families need it most. Scott and Mark discuss why preparing your legacy is not about focusing on death, but about showing love, responsibility, and care for the people you leave behind. From wills and trusts to personal messages and ethical wills, this conversation explores how planning ahead can give families peace of mind. Our Guest Mark Blazer is a Rabbi, television producer, entrepreneur, and longtime Jewish communal leader. He serves as Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth Ami in Southern California and is President of Jewish Life Foundation, which operates JLTV, Jewish Life Television. He is also a founder of FinalPeace, an innovative digital legacy-planning platform designed to help people organize their wishes, important documents, legal planning, and personal messages so the people they love aren't left searching for answers during life's most difficult moments. In this episode, you’ll learn Why Rabbi Mark Blazer created Final Peace after decades of helping families through loss Why most families struggle to find important documents and information when they need it most How Final Peace helps organize wills, wishes, financial information, and personal messages in one secure place Why legacy planning is an act of love that can prevent family conflict and confusion The importance of leaving behind not just assets, but your values, lessons, and memories Why preparing your legacy today can give your family peace of mind tomorrow Timestamps 00:00: The conversation most families avoid 01:08: Introducing Rabbi Mark Blazer 04:15: The moment that shaped Mark’s calling 06:52: Why Mark created Final Peace 07:31: What is Final Peace? 10:43: The problem Mark saw in 95% of funerals 15:33: Scott’s experience using Final Peace 18:28: The importance of ethical wills 20:36: Creating wills and protecting your wishes 23:45: Why nobody talks about legacy planning 25:43: Why planning creates peace of mind 28:51: Why planning is an act of love 29:53: The meaning behind Final Peace 32:17: Final Peace as an employee benefit 33:13: The legacy you leave behind Resources and links Mark Blazer Final Peace: https://finalpeace.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-blazer-1993751b8 Scott Zimmerman Website: https://scottzim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-9463a12 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-VFHmgfeiJrwmTjyw6l5wQ

    Episode 3: Nobody Talks About This Until It’s Too Late

  6. Sep 29

    Episode 2: The Lessons From Tesla, Podcasting, and Building Something Meaningful

    For years, Billy Samoa has followed an unconventional path, moving from filmmaking to Tesla leadership and eventually building Podify, a company helping entrepreneurs, experts, and businesses create successful podcasts. Throughout each chapter of his career, one theme remained consistent: creating meaningful experiences through storytelling and connection. In this episode of Nobody Told You This, Scott Zimmerman sits down with Billy to explore the lessons behind building a podcast, finding the right audience, and creating content that stands out. Billy shares how his experiences in film production, employee training at Tesla, and launching his own podcast shaped the way he thinks about communication and storytelling. From understanding why research creates better conversations to explaining why podcasting is still in its early stages, Billy shares practical advice for anyone thinking about starting a show. He also discusses the future of video podcasting, the biggest mistakes creators make, and the lessons he wishes someone had told him earlier about mentorship, ownership, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Our Guest Billy Samoa Saleebey is the founder of Podify, a company focused on helping individuals and businesses launch, produce, and grow podcasts. Before building Podify, Billy spent years working in media, filmmaking, and corporate leadership. He created the documentary-style film Rolling before moving into the corporate world, where he worked at SolarCity and Tesla in learning, development, sales, and product training roles. His career has centered around one common theme: creating experiences that help people learn, connect, and share ideas. Through Podify, Billy combines his creative background with his experience in communication, storytelling, and audience development to help others build podcasts that create meaningful impact. In this episode, you’ll learn How Billy went from filmmaker to Tesla executive to podcast entrepreneur Why research equals respect and how preparation creates better conversations The lessons Billy learned from creating films and training teams at Tesla Why podcasting is still in its early stages and why great stories will always stand out Why creators should stop waiting for perfection and simply start creating How to identify the unique concept or “it factor” behind a successful podcast Why understanding your audience is one of the most important parts of building a show How video podcasting is changing the future of content creation The biggest mistakes new podcasters make and how to avoid them Why strong introductions and audience retention are critical for podcast growth How Podify helps creators launch and build podcasts from concept to execution Why mentors, advisors, and the people around you play an important role in success The importance of ownership, investing, and building assets beyond trading time for money Timestamps 00:00: Welcome to Nobody Told You This and Billy Samoa introduction 02:25: Why research equals respect 03:18: Billy’s journey from filmmaking to Tesla to Podify 08:57: Why it’s not too late to start a podcast 12:06: Building and launching a successful podcast 15:26: The future of podcasting and video content 19:07: The biggest mistakes podcasters make 21:44: Handling mistakes and regrets 25:44: Billy’s advice for better podcast interviews 29:32: Inside Podify’s podcast launch process 32:46: The lessons nobody told Billy earlier 36:58: What’s next for Podify Resources and links Billy Samoa Saleebey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billysamoa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billysamoa/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billysaleebey/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BillySamoa Twitter/X: https://www.youtube.com/@BillySamoa Scott Zimmerman Website: https://scottzim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-9463a12 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-VFHmgfeiJrwmTjyw6l5wQ

    Episode 2: The Lessons From Tesla, Podcasting, and Building Something Meaningful

  7. Sep 22

    Episode 1: The Things Nobody Tells You Until It’s Too Late

    For more than 36 years, Scott Zimmerman has sat across the table from thousands of families and business owners, helping them navigate some of life’s biggest decisions. Over that time, he noticed a pattern: the biggest problems rarely come from what people did wrong. They come from the things nobody ever told them about ahead of time. In the first episode of Nobody Told You This, Scott shares why he finally decided to launch the podcast and create a place for honest conversations about the lessons people often discover only after it’s too late. From preparing for aging parents and protecting your wealth to understanding health, business, and life transitions, this show is designed to bring the right information at the right moment. Each week, Scott will sit down with experts and people who have learned valuable lessons through experience, covering four major areas: health, wealth, business, and life. The goal is simple: real conversations, practical insights, and the information people need to make better decisions before a crisis arrives. Our Host Scott Zimmerman has spent the past 36 years working in insurance and financial services, helping thousands of families and business owners navigate important financial and life decisions. Throughout his career, he has seen the same pattern repeatedly: people are often not impacted by the crisis itself, but by the information they never received beforehand. Through Nobody Told You This, Scott brings together experts and conversations focused on the lessons, insights, and advice people often discover only after it is too late. His goal is to share practical knowledge that helps listeners prepare, protect what matters, and make informed decisions. In this episode, you’ll learn Why Scott created Nobody Told You This after 36 years in financial services The common life lessons people often discover only when it is too late Why the biggest problems often come from missing information, not bad decisions The four pillars that will shape the podcast: health, wealth, business, and life Why health is the foundation everything else depends on How the show will explore building, protecting, and transferring wealth Why entrepreneurs need practical conversations about building something sustainable The importance of preparing for life transitions before they happen Who this podcast was created for and the questions every listener should be asking What listeners can expect from future episodes and expert conversations Timestamps 00:00: Welcome to Nobody Told You This and what listeners can expect 00:42: Scott Zimmerman’s 36 years of experience helping families and businesses 00:59: The pattern Scott sees again and again with clients 01:18: Why Scott finally decided to start the podcast 01:39: Introducing the four pillars: health, wealth, business, and life 02:23: Why this podcast will focus on real conversations without the fluff 02:47: Who this show is designed for 03:09: Why hearing the right information at the right moment matters 03:30: The mission behind Nobody Told You This 03:47: What listeners can expect from upcoming episodes 04:07: Closing thoughts and the future of the podcast Resources and links Website: https://scottzim.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-9463a12 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvVqLPOD4_SGwKfzaKKo9GA

    Episode 1: The Things Nobody Tells You Until It’s Too Late

  8. Season 1 Trailer

    Trailer

    Nobody Told You This with Scott Zimmerman is a podcast for business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to design the life they truly want. Through free-flowing conversations with experts, entrepreneurs, and diverse voices, Scott uncovers the hidden gems, untold stories, and hard-earned lessons that shape personal and professional growth. Each episode offers insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways to help you plan your next move and build a future with intention.

  • 1 Trailer
    7 Episodes

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About

Nobody Told You This with Scott Zimmerman is a podcast for business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to design the life they truly want. Through free-flowing conversations with experts, entrepreneurs, and diverse voices, Scott uncovers the hidden gems, untold stories, and hard-earned lessons that shape personal and professional growth. Each episode offers insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways to help you plan your next move and build a future with intention.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Zimmerman
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Scott Zimmerman
  • Show Website
    Nobody Told You This