MILMO Show

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...

It's hard to believe we are winding down Veteran's Appreciation Month and rolling into the holidays. Before we know it, it will be the new year. A new year is a great time to set yourself up for success all year long. But, a new year also means the beginning of a new tax season.  Even though we know it's coming, it can be a dreadful time of the year for people. I'm bringing back a popular episode...

Building a successful tech-driven business is no small feat, but Sam Ingrassia has made it his specialty. As the CEO of BudgetSimple, Sam helps financial professionals, advisors, and brands grow their impact while generating recurring income. With more than 15 years of experience in engineering, marketing, and finance, Sam has built and scaled multiple web-based businesses, blending innovation wit...

The day you join the countdown to separation or retirement begins. Your days of being labeled a "service member" are numbered. At some point, you'll become a "veteran" of military service. In a snap, your life and identity will change. Are you ready for veteranhood? How can you make the best life after the military for you and your family? In this episode, I'm sharing how veterans can embrace thei...

Building a real estate investing empire while on active duty may seem like a monumental task, but it's entirely possible with the right strategies. Johnny Lynum, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, has done just that, growing his portfolio to over 115 properties worth $14 million. In this episode, Johnny shares his journey into real estate investing, the methods he used to build wealth whi...

Serving in the military comes with some perks. The VA home loan guarantee is one of the more popular benefits. It helps service members and veterans with home ownership. While it's generally talked about, sometimes the exact details aren't and can lead to not getting the most out of your benefit. In this episode, Dr. Paul Lawrence discusses VA home loans in detail. He shares how the benefit works,...

Members of the military are involved in problem-solving. It's at the heart of a successful mission. Many don't realize that it is also at the heart of STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It's all about data and problem-solving. In this episode, Navy veteran Anne Gibbon discusses how she is building a business to help others use data to its fullest potential to make better d...

It's no secret that I've had some trademark issues. When you build a business, you're bound to be touched by trademarks in some way. You could file for your own trademark, or someone could be infringing on yours or you could be trying to be preventative. There are a lot of areas.  One that is particularly unnerving is getting a notice from an attorney or, even worse, the United States Trademark an...

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a new career path in entrepreneurship. Not only are you starting something new, you have to make your own paycheck. In episode 305, I'm joined by Justin Brock, a Marine veteran who went from aviation operations in the Marine Corps to building a successful career in financial services and ru...

Service members and their families are a protected group when it comes to their finances. The Department of Defense intentionally protects the military community from predatory financial sales practices while they are serving. Those protections are no longer there when you separate or retire, making transitioning service members top targets of predatory sales practices.  In this episode, Drew Stam...

The relationship between money and marriage can be complex especially when you add military service to the mix. When you bring two different backgrounds to a relationship and if you've had marital problems, managing money together can be all the more challenging.  In this episode, veteran and military spouse Tyron White and I discuss the financial challenges military couples face, the importance o...

Separating or retiring comes with changes in many areas of your life and money. One of those often overlooked big changes is your taxes.  What you did or didn't pay in taxes looks a lot different after military service.  In this episode, Matt Stephens and I discuss what the tax differential wage equivalent is, why it matters, and how it can significantly impact your financial decisions as you move...

It's my Birthday Week on the MILMO® Show. Every year for my birthday, I like to interview someone special in my life. In past years, I've interviewed my Mom, Dad, and my 97-year-old grandmother. This year is no different. I have a very special guest to help me celebrate my birthday on the show.  In this episode, my brother, Brian Flanigan is in the hot seat answering all of my questions. He shares...

It's my 300th episode. When I started, I never imagined being where I'm at now. Having a podcast is like being on a roller-coaster. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, but it's all exhilarating.  In this special episode, I'm sharing a look back on podcasting 300 episodes of the MILMO Show, a behind-the-scenes look at what I do, lessons learned, and the questions and answers I'm asked about...

I love that I get to talk to you every week about money and entrepreneurship. I'm getting real close to my 300th episode, which means a lot to me. While I love that I have the privilege to be one of the podcasts you listen to, I want to do more. I want to go beyond devices and connect with members of the MILMO® community in a more meaningful and impactful way. I've been planning something for a wh...

A PCS or Permanent Change of Station impacts every part of your life, including your finances and jobs. Understanding the basics of PCSing can help you avoid costly mistakes and maybe make some money on it.  In this episode, Kate Horrell breaks down the financial basics of a PCS, the allowances provided by the DoD for your move, and advice to make everything go smoother.  Kate is an Accredited Fin...

Not everyone tracks the state of the economy, but when the news reports that it's taking a nosedive, that usually gets people's attention. There is one thing at the heart of our economy that can help you have a better understanding of how it all works, and that's the federal funds rate.   In this episode, I'm going to break down what the federal funds rate is. Who sets it? And most importantly, wh...