Red Zone Retirement Planning

Adam Olson
  • 5.0 (20)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Adam Olson, Representative.

  1. 2D AGO

    If You’re 55+ and Feel Financially Behind in 2026, Listen to This

    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.

    9 min
  2. 9 Purchases That Destroy Your Retirement! (And What to Do Instead)

    FEB 5

    9 Purchases That Destroy Your Retirement! (And What to Do Instead)

    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.

    11 min

  3. JAN 29

    You Hit $2M… Now Here’s the Mistake That Can Ruin Your Retirement

    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.

    12 min

  4. JAN 22

    WARNING: If You Retire at 60 and Do This, You’ll Regret It Forever

    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.

    11 min

  5. JAN 15

    Shocking Numbers That Prove You Can Retire Sooner at 60+

    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.

    9 min

  6. JAN 12

    How Business Owners Can Shelter $150K–$300K+ From Taxes Using a Cash Balance Plan

    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.

    13 min

  7. JAN 8

    Why I Stopped Listening to “Convert Everything to Roth Now” Advice

    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.

    8 min

  8. JAN 3

    The Retirement Income Sequence That Saves You Hundreds of Thousands

    Claiming your retirement income in the wrong order can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. In this episode, Adam Olson, CFP®, breaks down the optimal sequence for pulling from your 401(k), starting your pension, and claiming Social Security — and why the order you choose dramatically impacts your taxes, income, and long-term security. Most retirees make the same avoidable mistakes:• Taking Social Security too early• Delaying 401(k) withdrawals until it triggers huge RMDs• Starting pension income before planning tax brackets• Stacking income sources at the worst possible times Using real client examples, Adam explains: Why 401(k) first often delivers massive tax savings When to turn on pension income for maximum stability How delaying Social Security to age 70 unlocks the most lifetime value How proper sequencing protects against longevity risk, tax shock, and market volatility Why strategic timing—not just savings—determines retirement success This episode gives you the framework to coordinate all three income sources so you get more lifetime income, pay less in taxes, and retire with far more confidence. 🎧 Listen now to learn the exact order to claim your 401(k), pension, and Social Security for maximum lifetime benefit. 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.

    10 min
See All (180)

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Adam Olson, Representative.

Information