Inspirational Stories – Ideas By Mike™ Podcast

(Ep. 45) The Untold Science Behind Fear & Bravery and the #1 Reason Many Solopreneurs Stay Stuck

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

By Ideas by Mike | February 13, 2026

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!

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

By Ideas by Mike | January 30, 2026

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.

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

By Ideas by Mike | January 16, 2026

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

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

By Ideas by Mike | January 2, 2026

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!**

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

By Ideas by Mike | December 19, 2025

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!**

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(Ep. 39) AI and the Age of Abundance: A Futurist Perspective from Dr. Axel Meierhoefer

By Ideas by Mike | December 5, 2025

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 life.

Visit Dr. Axel’s website at: https://www.idealwealthgrower.com/

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

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Real Estate Investing Tips & Franchise Growth Strategies with Rhyan Finch (Ep. 38)

By Ideas by Mike | November 28, 2025

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 fastest-expanding real estate franchises in the country.

Rhyan’s journey is a powerful lesson in financial planning and growth: he transitioned from a $40,000/year plumber to a $100,000/year agent, only to realize he was over-leveraging and almost went broke.

He shares how he overcame this hurdle, stabilized his finances, and endured the pain of losing $50,000 monthly to build his national real estate franchise.

👉 Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKVYnUY-NoY
🌐 Visit our Website: https://1oakfinancial.com/

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

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Understanding The 4 Phases of Retirement & How to Thrive in Each One w Dr. Riley Moynes (EP. 35)

By Ideas by Mike | October 20, 2025

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 fades.

🎧 Listen to Episode 35: “The Four Phases of Retirement Explained”
👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1-8J8ebFLA
🌐 Website: https://1oakfinancial.com/

Because retirement isn’t the end of your story — it’s the start of your next one.

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1.OAK Financial’s True Meaning: Guiding People to Overcome Fear & Anxiety Around Finances (Ep. 34)

By Ideas by Mike | October 3, 2025

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 financial services that prioritizes clients’ needs and goals, culminating in the introduction of the one-of-a-kind financial plan designed to help clients live their best lives.

Episode Takeaways:

– Ideas by Mike aims to provide unique financial insights.
– The firm was founded on principles of client-centered service.
– Mike’s career journey reflects a commitment to client needs.
– The one-of-a-kind financial plan is central to their approach.
– Financial planning should prioritize individual client goals.
– The evolution to One Oak Financial signifies growth and innovation.
– Client service is prioritized over profit in their business model.
– Understanding clients’ core beliefs about money is crucial.
– The firm aims to reduce fear and anxiety around finances.
– Community impact is a key focus for clients in retirement.

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Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®

Do you have any financial inquiries you need answered?
Send us an email – mike@mikemilligancfp.com
Or Call/Text “PODCAST” to (757) 909-7151

Intro and Outro Music: “Podcast Interview Background Music” by Ievgen Poltavskyi (HitsLab) via Pixabay

#ideasbymike #moneymanagementpodcast #wealthbuilding #retirementplanning #financialplanningpodcast #careerjourneypodcast #clientservices #worklifebalance #impactfulcareers #personalizedfinance #retirementwithdrawalstrategies #communityengagement #financialliteracypodcast #podcast #podcastforfinancialliteracy #financialmanagementpodcast #financialplanningguide #financialliteracymatters #financialtips #financialhelp #financialstrategies #socialsecuritytips #federalbenefitsconsultant #cfp #annuity #Safewithdrawalrates #RetirementWithdrawalStrategies

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William P. Bengen’s Newest Updates: How Retirees Can Safely Withdraw 4.7% or Even 5.5% Ep. 33

By Ideas by Mike | September 19, 2025

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, when retirees might take even 5.5%, and how diversification, inflation, and market conditions impact retirement success.

📞 Book your free complimentary portfolio analysis today: https://calendly.com/ideasbymike/linkedin-strategy-call?month=2025-07

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

👤 About Our Guest: William P. Bengen

William P. Bengen is the pioneering financial planner who first formulated the now-famous “4 % Rule” for retirement withdrawals and coined the term “SAFEMAX.” With over 30 years of research on maximizing sustainable income in retirement, he’s updated the rule to 4.7 % in his new book A Richer Retirement. Bengen holds a B.S. in Aeronautics & Astronautics from MIT and an advanced degree in financial planning, and runs a website where he shares his charts, tables, and ongoing research.

If you want to dive deeper into Bengen’s research? Visit his website: https://www.bengenfs.com/

To explore free retirement planning charts, and grab his new book A Richer Retirement on Amazon to learn how to supercharge the 4% Rule, click this!

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Resources:

Tom Hegna’s Retirement Playbook: Proven Formula for Retirement Income, Wealth & Peace of Mind Episode 32

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Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®: