Feral Gen Xers Need To Know About Social Security and Medicare

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Jim Komoroski of the M1 Agency for a deep dive into the often misunderstood world of Medicare and Social Security planning. Jim shares how a personal family health crisis during the pandemic exposed major blind spots in his mother-in-law's retirement planning—despite her seemingly having “her affairs in order.” That experience led him and his wife LIsa, a fellow Gen Xer, to launch the M1 Agency with a mission to help others avoid similar pitfalls.

We begin by discussing the concept of being a “feral Gen Xer”—a nod to the self-sufficient, figure-it-out approach that defines many in this generation—and how that mindset helped Jim build a business rooted in research, self-education, and a drive to serve. Jim explains that M1 specializes in Social Security optimization, Medicare education, and annuities, with a local focus and a name inspired by both Woodward Avenue and Medicare itself.

The heart of our conversation is focused on how ill-prepared most Americans are when it comes to Social Security and Medicare. Jim breaks down common misconceptions, like the idea that Medicare covers everything or that Social Security won’t exist in the future. He stresses that very few people truly optimize their Social Security benefits—only about 8%—and the rest leave an average of $111,000 on the table over their lifetimes. Through individualized planning, Jim helps clients make better decisions on when to claim benefits and how to coordinate those choices with retirement accounts and lifestyle needs.

We also touch on lesser-known facts, like how divorced individuals can still benefit from their ex-spouse’s Social Security if they were married for at least ten years. Jim emphasizes that education should start early—ideally in your mid-40s—so you’re not caught off guard by the real costs of healthcare and retirement. Even healthy Medicare recipients in Michigan spend around $3,700 in their first year on premiums and out-of-pocket costs, so having a strategy is crucial.

Jim also shares insight on how misinformation spreads—especially online—and why it’s essential to dig into the details, not just rely on headlines. His daily “M1nute” videos help break down complex topics into digestible updates that apply directly to Michigan residents. We wrap up with a conversation about the value of getting involved in the community through the Royal Oak Chamber and how those human connections energize business owners like us.

More:

The M1 Agency Website: https://www.them1agency.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/them1agency/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheM1Agency

Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimkomoroski/

00:00 – The Social Security Optimization Problem

01:00 – Meet Jim Komoroski of M1 Agency

02:42 – How a Family Crisis Sparked a Business

05:51 – When Should You Start Planning?

07:26 – Medicare Myths and Real Costs

10:50 – What is Social Security Optimization?

13:08 – Social Security and Divorce

15:33 – The “M1nute”: Sorting Out Misinformation

16:45 – Chamber Involvement and Community Impact

19:56 – Fishbowl Question: Advice I Wish I Took

22:32 – Where to Find Jim and Final Thoughts

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

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