Category: financial strategies

Information is Cheap, Transformation is Rare | Ideas by Mike™ (EP. 51)

Information is Cheap, Transformation is Rare | Ideas by Mike™ (EP. 51)

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 bridges the gap between cheap information and rare transformation. You won’t hear any guests today, just a powerful look back so we can look forward to the next level of the show.

Discover why building a “one-of-a-kind life” is about much more than just a spreadsheet, and find out the single most important question you need to ask yourself to finally get unstuck. Stop doom-scrolling and start planning.

Subscribe to our YouTube and Tune in to find your starting line!

Also Get the Book “The One of a Kind Financial Plan” on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hAOPAgM

#moneymanagementpodcast #financialplanningpodcast #Finance #Inflation #RetirementPlanning #EconomicHistory #IdeasByMikePodcast

Family Wealth Strategy: From One Generation to the Next | Dr. Megan McCoy (EP. 50)

Family Wealth Strategy: From One Generation to the Next | Dr. Megan McCoy (EP. 50)

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” made her think she had to take a vow of poverty—and how she rewrote that narrative. It was absolute podcast gold.

If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by a financial decision, or if you’re arguing with your spouse about money, this episode is basically a free therapy session.

Connect with Dr. Megan McCoy:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-mccoy-phd/


Watch the full episode here: YouTube Link

To learn more about us, visit www.1oakfinancial.com   |  Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for latest updates!

Tax Strategies for High-Income Earners Who is “Time Poor But Cash Rich” with Keshav Kolur (EP. 49)

Tax Strategies for High-Income Earners Who is “Time Poor But Cash Rich” with Keshav Kolur (EP. 49)

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-income earner who is “time poor but cash rich,” this episode is your blueprint for rewriting your financial story through passive income and sophisticated tax strategies.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why tech employees are often dangerously over-concentrated in RSUs.
  • The specific “engineering guardrails” Keshav uses to vet private equity deals.
  • How to legally and ethically slash your tax bill through alternative assets.
  • The journey from Georgia Tech robotics to managing a multi-million dollar fund of funds.
  • Alternative Investments 2026 and the Passive Income for Tech Employees.
  • Real Estate Syndication Strategies and how to do RSU Diversification.
  • Tax Saving Strategies for High Earners.
  • Meta & Amazon Employee Wealth.
  • Oil and Gas Passive Income and doing Engineering Mindset in Investing.

Connect with Keshav Kolur:
Website: https://www.clivecap.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keshavkolur
Free Resource: 100+ Question Due Diligence Checklist – https://www.clivecap.com/alternative-assets


Watch the full episode here: YouTube Link

To learn more about us, visit www.1oakfinancial.com   |  Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for latest updates!

(Ep. 47) 3 Communication Mistakes Financial Advisors Make (And How To Fix Them) | Deirdre Van Nest

(Ep. 47) 3 Communication Mistakes Financial Advisors Make (And How To Fix Them) | Deirdre Van Nest

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 industry. 

Main points: three advisor mistakes, content-first speaking, emotional connection, AI’s role, fewer women in finance.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on financial communication and advisor growth.


Episode Summary: This episode of Ideas by Mike features Deirdre Van Ness discussing how financial advisors can escape the “sea of sameness” through powerful communication.

Main Topics:

  • The Power of Communication: Using communication as a “superpower” to build trust and influence.
  • Three Communication Mistakes: Avoiding common pitfalls by treating every conversation as a leadership audition.
  • Human-AI Collaboration: Leveraging AI for efficiency while using the human element to customize the Final Output.

To learn more about us, visit www.1oakfinancial.com   |  Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for latest updates!

(Ep. 46) Real Reason Why Rich People Pay Less in Taxes – Tax Planning Tips & Tricks with KC Chohan

(Ep. 46) Real Reason Why Rich People Pay Less in Taxes – Tax Planning Tips & Tricks with KC Chohan

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.

The conversation covers various topics, including the future of taxes, the differences between W-2 employees and entrepreneurs, charitable giving, and real-time tax planning scenarios. KC also warns about scams in the tax planning space and stresses the importance of understanding tax strategies before signing any agreements.

YT Link: Ideas by Mike Podcast Episode 46 – Click this link to watch it on YouTube

 

About our Guest:

KC Chohan is a tax strategist and the founder of Together CFO, a firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals legally minimize their tax liabilities. He specializes in transitioning business owners into family office structures to protect their assets and optimize their long-term wealth.

Connect with KC Chohan on LinkedIn
Together CFO – (YouTube –‪@TogetherCFO‬)
Instagram – Kc Chohan Together CFO

To learn more about us, visit www.1oakfinancial.com   |  Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for latest updates!

(Ep. 45) The Science behind Fear & Bravery | Jill Schulman Answers Why many #solopreneurs Stay Stuck

(Ep. 45) The Science behind Fear & Bravery | Jill Schulman Answers Why many #solopreneurs Stay Stuck

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 strategies to build courage, conquer doubts, and take bold steps forward.

This episode is perfect for anyone feeling stuck—from entrepreneurs and executives to retirees aiming to live intentionally. If you want to turn fear into your greatest motivator and craft a life of purpose, this conversation is your blueprint. Don’t let fear hold you back from reaching your highest potential—your brave new chapter starts here.

YT Link: Ideas by Mike Podcast Episode 45 – Click this link to watch it on YouTube

Connect with Jill Schulman on LinkedIn or at www.jillschulman.com for your free bravery assessment and blueprint. Her book, The Bravery Effect, is available everywhere books are sold. Whether you’re looking to boost confidence, pivot careers, or inspire loved ones, this episode will leave you motivated to step into your own bravery.

To learn more about us, visit www.1oakfinancial.com   |  Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for latest updates!

(Ep. 44) Building Personalized Financial Plans That Speak to Your Values with Adam Dell

(Ep. 44) Building Personalized Financial Plans That Speak to Your Values with Adam Dell

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 mass affluent, offering flat-fee models, sophisticated tax strategies, and a relationship-driven approach that keeps clients engaged and on track. Adam shares insider insights on building a truly personalized financial plan—focusing on values, goals, and behavioral economics—to prevent costly mistakes like underinvesting during market dips or neglecting estate transfer complexities. You’ll break down:

  • The future of wealth management beyond AUM fees, emphasizing transparency and choice.
  • How high-yield savings accounts (like Marcus by Goldman Sachs) are critical in building robust emergency funds.
  • The real power of behavioral economics in helping clients stay disciplined, especially amid market volatility.
  • The role of advanced tax planning—HSAs, Roth conversions, and long-term care strategies—that most advisors overlook.
  • The innovative partnership between Domain and 1.oak, designed to serve clients with smaller assets and nurture their growth toward more complex needs.
(Ep. 43) How to Stop Fighting About Money: “Financial Therapy” Tips w/ Ashley Quamme

(Ep. 43) How to Stop Fighting About Money: “Financial Therapy” Tips w/ Ashley Quamme

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 fails without a psychological component, how to identify your “money scripts,” and the secrets to building a “Wealthy Marriage.”

Whether you are a saver married to a spender, or a financial advisor looking to better serve your clients’ emotional needs, this episode bridges the gap between the spreadsheet and real life.

 

Guest: Ashley Quamme, LMFT, FBS®, CFT-I™ Visit Beyond the FP: https://www.beyondthefp.com/

Connect with Ashley Quamme: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-quamme/

Host: Mike Milligan, CFP®: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemilligancfp/

Visit 1.oak Financial: https://wwwwww.1oakfinancial.com

Also Get the Book “The One of a Kind Financial Plan” on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hAOPAgM

#FinancialTherapy #CouplesAndMoney #FinancialPsychology #IdeasByMike #WealthyMarriage #MoneyScripts #MikeMilligan

 

(Ep. 42) LOSING 80 POUNDS AT AGE 64: How to RECLAIM Your HEALTH for an active Retirement

(Ep. 42) LOSING 80 POUNDS AT AGE 64: How to RECLAIM Your HEALTH for an active Retirement

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 leave a comment below!**

Stream all past episode of Ideas by Mike™ Podcast on YouTube! 

 

(Ep. 40)How Inflation Reshaped America’s Cost of Living (1909 vs 2025 Historic Prices Changes)

(Ep. 40)How Inflation Reshaped America’s Cost of Living (1909 vs 2025 Historic Prices Changes)

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 episode is packed with value.

 

Coach Pete D’Arruda – Known nationally as “Coach Pete,” Peter J. D’Arruda is the President of the Capital Financial Advisory Group and a fiduciary dedicated to helping clients navigate retirement with confidence.

With over 30 years in the financial arena, he is the host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Financial Safari, which airs weekly on over 50 stations across the country.

 

**We’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below!**

Stream all past episode of Ideas by Mike™ Podcast on YouTube!