Ideas by Mike™

In this episode of Ideas by Mike™, financial therapist Erica Wasserman joins host Mike Milligan, CFP to explore the emotional side of retirement planning. Moving beyond just the spreadsheet, they discuss the concept of "Phase Three," how childhood "money scripts" unconsciously influence adult financial decisions, and the importance of aligning retirement visions as a couple. Erica provides practic...

Stop focusing only on the spreadsheet and start designing a life that matters. Join Mike Milligan, CFP® and design sociologist Dr. Gary David as they explore the human side of retirement, from navigating the “identity cliff” to the sociology of meaningful moments. Learn how to transition from a job title to a purposeful new chapter, bridge the communication gap with your spouse about l...

In this episode of Ideas by Mike™, Mike Milligan, CFP® sits down with Dr. Ives Machiz, PhD, CFP®, a fee-only pioneer, shares lessons from 4 careers on retiring into purpose. Learn how coaching and financial education build self-sufficiency & reduce anxiety.

Are you endlessly consuming financial content but still feeling stuck? In this special solo episode of the Ideas by Mike podcast , Mike Milligan, CFP® takes a step back to connect the dots. Over the last fifteen episodes, we’ve explored wealth, health, fear, and communication—but how do all these pieces actually fit together into a real, actionable plan for your future? Join Mike as he bridg...

Are your childhood memories secretly managing your money? We ALL have these stories. On this week’s episode of the Ideas by Mike podcast, I sat down with Dr. Megan McCoy, one of the top academic minds in financial therapy. We went deep into the psychology of how we handle money across every generation. Dr. McCoy even shared her own vulnerable money story about how wanting to “save the world&...

Is your wealth over-concentrated in company stock? In this episode of Ideas by Mike podcast , host Mike Milligan, CFP, sits down with Keshav Kolur—a former software engineer at Amazon and Meta who walked away from the cubicle to build Clive Capital. Keshav reveals how he applies a “tech brain” to evaluate real estate, oil, and gas deals to minimize downside risk. If you are a high-inco...

In Episode 48 of Ideas by Mike podcast, Mike Milligan, CFP sat down with Ronnie Sadka , Chair of the Finance Department at Boston College and co-founder of MKT MediaStats. We dove deep into a fascinating concept he calls “Narrative Momentum.” We humans have bounded rationality—we simply cannot process the millions of articles, tweets, and news stories published every single day. Becaus...

Cut through the “sea of sameness” in financial advice by using communication as your competitive edge. In this episode of Ideas by Mike (Ep. 47), Mike Milligan, CFP , talks with communication expert Deirdre Van Ness about the three common mistakes advisors make, why effective speaking starts with strong content and emotional resonance, and how AI and gender dynamics are shaping the ind...

In this 46th episode of the Ideas by Mike podcast, host Mike Milligan, CFP interviews KC Chohan, founder of Together CFO, who specializes in tax strategies for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs. KC shares his journey from working in a Fortune 500 company to becoming a fractional CFO, emphasizing the importance of understanding tax loopholes and structures to optimize financial outcomes....

Unlock the secret to living a brave, fulfilling life—at any age. In this episode, Mike Milligan, CFP & Jill Schulman, a Marine turned corporate leader and bravery expert, reveals how embracing fear can propel you to your biggest dreams. Whether you’re nearing retirement, navigating career transitions, or seeking to elevate your personal growth, you’ll discover proven science-backed...

Most high earners are leaving money on the table—failing to leverage tax strategies, automation, and personalized financial planning that can skyrocket their wealth. Today’s guest, Adam Dell, reveals how innovative technology and tailored advice are transforming the landscape for affluent individuals and advisors alike. Discover how Domain Money is rewriting the rules of wealth management for the...

In this episode of Ideas by Mike podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of love and money with Financial Therapist and “Fractional Financial Behavior Officer,” Ashley Quamme. What You’ll Learn: Many couples struggle with financial arguments, not because the math doesn’t work, but because the psychology doesn’t align. Mike and Ashley discuss why financial planning often...

What if retirement isn’t about money at All? In this episode of the Ideas by Mike Podcast, we explore retirement without fear through a powerful real-life transformation. From losing 80 pounds to redefining freedom, purpose, and identity after work, this conversation challenges everything most people believe about retirement.   **We’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to subscribe and...

In this 40th Episode of Ideas by Mike Podcast, Mike Milligan, CFP, sits down with financial experts Coach Pete D’Arruda & Gary Nolan to discuss the history of the US economy, the stock market, and personal finance strategies. Whether you are looking for retirement planning advice, trying to understand inflation, or just want a nostalgic look back at the “good old days,” this...

Dr. Axel Meierhoefer joins Mike Milligan, CFP®, to uncover his unique strategies for achieving financial freedom and navigating the future landscape of wealth. This Ideas by Mike Podcast episode dives deep into three core areas: building wealth through residential real estate investing, the imminent impact of AI and embodied robotics, and the tactical steps to successfully transitioning to expat l...

In this episode of the Ideas by Mike Podcast, Mike Milligan, CFP®, talks with Rhyan Finch, CEO of 1st Class Real Estate, about the mindset and strategies behind real estate investing and franchise growth. Rhyan shares how to spot real estate investing opportunities in today’s market, the role of financial discipline in scaling a business, and the key decisions that helped him grow one of the faste...

In this 37th episode of Ideas by Mike Podcast, Mike Milligan, CFP® and Tom Hegna went for another one to discuss his newest book “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?”. They revealed these HUGE financial mistakes younger generation can avoid because these financial mistakes are stopping them from reaching their First Million mark on their professional careers. Tom Hegna explains Why the Firs...

In this episode of the Ideas by Mike Podcast, Mike Milligan sits down with best-selling author David McKnight , creator of The Power of Zero. They dive deep into the truth about rising taxes, why the next 10 years are critical for retirement savers, and how to build a tax-free strategy before rates climb again. Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKVYnUY-NoY Visit our Website: htt...

When people talk about retirement, most conversations revolve around money — but what about what comes after the paychecks stop? In our latest Ideas by Mike Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Riley Moynes , author of The Four Phases of Retirement , to unpack the emotional and psychological journey that every retiree goes through — and why so many struggle to find meaning once the “vacation” phase fade...

In this episode of the Ideas by Mike podcast, host Mike Milligan, CFP shares the journey of his financial planning firm, Ideas by Mike, and its evolution into 1.oak Financial. He discusses the tumultuous financial landscape over the past few years, the founding principles of his firm, and the importance of client-centered financial planning. Mike emphasizes the need for a unique approach to financ...

William Bengen retirement withdrawal strategies have shaped how millions plan for retirement. Known as the creator of the famous 4% Rule, Bengen now reveals new research that challenges the old standard. In this episode of the Ideas by Mike Podcast, Mike Milligan, CFP®, asks the key question: is 4% rule still safe in 2025? Bengen explains why his updated research supports a 4.7% withdrawal rate, w...

Tom Hegna retirement income strategies are some of the most researched, proven methods to retire with security, peace of mind, and lasting wealth. In this episode of the Ideas by Mike Podcast, Mike Milligan, CFP®, sits down with Tom Hegna—renowned author of Paychecks and Playchecks and Don’t Worry, Retire Happy—to uncover his formula for creating guaranteed lifetime income, reducing taxes, and pro...

In this episode, Mike Milligan discusses innovative tax planning strategies that can help individuals and businesses maximize their financial potential. He explores various tax incentives, including the Augusta Rule, advanced strategies like ‘buy, borrow, and die’, and the benefits of Donor Advised Funds and Charitable Trusts. Additionally, he delves into estate planning tools and the...

Discover how to stand out in a crowded market and attract clients even in today’s competitive business landscape. Learn proven strategies to sharpen your business vision, use AI tools for clear and powerful messaging, and build trust through video, so you become the go-to choice in your industry. Whether you’re a financial advisor, entrepreneur, or small business owner, these insights will help yo...

In this episode of Ideas by Mike, host Mike Milligan interviews Davin Michaels, a New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur known for his innovative approach to business and life. The conversation explores Davin’s journey from the fashion industry to the music business and his successful ventures in outsourcing. They discuss the importance of living intentionally, the benefits of re...