MILMO Show

Woodworking can be a deeply fulfilling hobby, a practical skill, or even a powerful form of therapy but turning it into a business? That's a whole different challenge. Many aspiring makers struggle to bridge the gap between creativity and profitability, especially when faced with the realities of tools, pricing, and risk. In this episode, Stoane Loudenslager shares how to turn woodworking into a p...

Life insurance might be uncomfortable to talk about, but avoiding the conversation could leave your loved ones without support when they need it most. Whether you're on active duty or transitioning to civilian life, it's essential to understand the protections you have and the ones you don't. In this episode, Heather Walrath covers everything from traumatic injury benefits and accelerated death pa...

Health Savings Accounts, better known as HSAs, can be a powerful tool for saving money and reducing your taxes, but they're often misunderstood, especially in the military community, where eligibility can get tricky. If you've ever been confused about how HSAs work, who qualifies, or how they compare to Flex Spending Accounts and TRICARE, you're not alone. In this episode, military spouse and fina...

Saving for education can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling military life, moves, and everything in between. Whether it's understanding your military benefits, choosing the right savings plan, or figuring out how to afford college for multiple kids at once, it can get complicated quickly. In this episode, Joe Brown shares strategies to help you plan for education expenses while mak...

Taxes can feel like a mystery, and for many, they're scary. Add in a military transition, accidental landlord, or a side hustle, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But understanding your taxes and planning ahead can make a huge difference, not just in your wallet, but in your peace of mind. In this episode, Forrest Baumhover shares his journey from Navy to financial planner to online educator, and...

When it comes to investing, everyone wants to know the secret—how do you make fast money in the stock market? It's a question that is as old as the market. The answer isn't as simple or as quick as most people would like it to be. In this episode, I'm talking about what it really takes to be a stock trader, how that's different from just wanting a hot tip, and why your financial plan should be tai...

We are all juggling two financial forces. The first is living our life today, and the second is securing our future. The hard part is finding balance. You can't take money with you to the grave, but you also must have a surplus ready for when you need it most. If we put too much focus on one, the other falls apart. That's where Yin and Yang can benefit our financial lives.  In this episode, I'm go...

Debt can feel like an overwhelming burden that creates growing anxiety for not only yourself but also your family. When you're in the thick of debt, it can be hard to know how to get started and the best path forward.  In this episode, I'm going over strategies to help you get control of your debt with action and help you on the path to financial success. https://milmo.co/podcast/breaking-free-fro...

We talk a lot about the struggles of transitioning out of the military – losing that sense of purpose, the steady paycheck, and the tribe you trust. But what we don't highlight enough is the flip side: how that transition can be a launchpad to an incredible career or business and a life you design.   In this episode, I'm sitting down with Brendan Aronson, a Marine turned entrepreneur who's all abo...

Starting and running a business solo is difficult even for the most knowledgeable and disciplined. It's hard to find the time of day and mental fortitude to be a jack of all trades. Hiring help can seem scary when you aren't sure if you'll make enough to pay them.  In this episode, I'm sharing how I've been testing and using freelancer marketplaces to hire experts to help me get tasks and projects...

We often hear about how debt or the lack of a financial cushion can trap us in a cycle of stress, forcing tough decisions that might dig us deeper into trouble. Often, it's not because we want to but because our finances leave us no choice. What we don't talk about enough is the flip side: how being debt-free and having savings can open doors to incredible opportunities in life.   In this special...

Food spending is often where budgets go off the rails—eating out adds up fast and can leave you with more waste than you are even aware of. With warmer weather pulling us outdoors and tempting us to splurge, now's the perfect time to revisit a fan-favorite episode. Today's an encore airing of What's Your Trash Worth ? https://milmo.co/podcast/whats-your-trash-worth For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO...

You don't need a big paycheck to build a big bright future. Even if you're starting as an E-1 with little left over after bills, you can set yourself up for financial freedom. It's not about where you start. It's about the consistent steps you take from there.  In this episode, I'm sharing a roadmap to go from E-1 to financial success. I'm talking about avoiding money traps, budgeting like it's yo...

Many service members, military spouses, and veterans have valuable knowledge, skills, and expertise to share with the world. But turning that expertise into a steady stream of income can feel like an overwhelming challenge. Where do you even start, and how can you create something that generates revenue, makes a meaningful impact or both?   In this episode, Stu McLaren, a membership expert, shares...

Leaving the military can mean your entire identity is changing. It can be overwhelming. What is next for you in your career and your mission?    In this episode, Olivia Nunn shares her journey from military service to becoming a leading advocate for mental health and an authority in the branding world. We'll dive into how she navigated the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, her insig...

Building wealth is a financial buzz phrase we hear a lot. We all want a build-up of wealth, but how do we get there, and what does that path look like for service members and their families? In this episode, Jerry Quinn, shares actionable insights for military families looking to build wealth and achieve financial success, what wealth-building means, and practical strategies for saving, investing,...

Getting out of the military can be an exciting and daunting time mixed into one. In addition to starting new careers, potentially moving to a new location, and shifting your identity away from service member, there are VA disability compensation, military retirement pay, and tax planning to conquer.  In this episode, Curt Sheldon a former fighter pilot and highly respected financial expert, dives...

The unexpected is not limited to financial markets. Life is full of surprises, ranging from mildly annoying mistakes or mishaps to life-altering crises. While we can't predict all of our life's twists and turns, we can be proactive to shield ourselves from major fallout. This protective buffer is better known as a margin of safety. It's a concept often talked about as it relates to investing, but...

Building the infrastructure of a business from the ground up isn't for everyone, but starting a business doesn't always mean you have to start from scratch.  In this episode, Bryan Park shares how he transitioned from military life to building a nationwide flooring business. He talks about the importance of integrity in business, navigating challenges with resilience, and why the trades are a path...

Compounding is hailed as the secret sauce to financial success, and it is, but its power goes far beyond money. Whether networking or nurturing relationships, achieving personal goals, or growing your career, the power of compounding in life and money works its magic over time—for better or worse. The choices we make daily, no matter how small, stack up like blocks to shape the trajectory of our l...

It's that time. The sun is setting on 2024. Did your year go as planned? Did you do all the things you wanted? Sometimes things don't go according to plan and sometimes we don't do what we said we would do. If we want a different result we have to take different action in 2025.  In this episode, I'm talking about having the guts to go after what you want in the new year. Letting go of fear, stoppi...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family. The holidays are here, and I hope your's are filled with peace and joy. Traditions are a big part of holidays and special events. They are things built over time, sometimes with great intention, and other times start with special moments that are continued each year.  In this episode, I'm sharing some of my holiday traditions and my gift f...

Starting a podcast can be exciting, but turning it into a business that actually makes money? That's where many podcasters hit a wall. It's tough to find your niche, attract sponsors, and figure out how to make your show financially sustainable—all while keeping your passion alive. In this episode, we dive into Joe Crane's journey—from discovering podcasts on motivational CDs to creating his own s...

Tax season is coming—are you ready? Whether you're dreading it, putting it off, or just plain confused, you're not alone. But what if, this year, you could tackle your taxes with confidence and maybe even save some money along the way? In this episode, Paul Allen and I are diving into things you need to know to prepare for tax season 2024. We cover people's most common questions about taxes and ti...

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration, but it's no secret that it can also be incredibly stressful—especially for military families. The stressors can pile up quickly between tight budgets, work responsibilities, and the added challenge of spending holidays apart from loved ones due to deployments or just being stationed far from family. All the stressors can lead to ma...