Category: Inspirational Stories
Shifting the Care Plan: From Patients to Portfolios with Barb Gleason (Ep. 26)

Shifting the Care Plan: From Patients to Portfolios with Barb Gleason (Ep. 26)

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Have you ever wondered how similar healthcare and financial planning can be? 

It’s all about helping people get back on their feet, whether physically or financially.

In this episode, Mike Milligan chats with Barb Gleason, who transitioned from a career in healthcare to financial planning, about her experiences and insights. She shares her journey, the parallels between physical therapy and financial planning, and her passion for assisting healthcare workers with their financial futures. Additionally, Barb discusses the importance of clear communication and personalized plans.

Barb discusses:

  • Her transition from a long career in healthcare to financial planning after experiencing a financial setback (01:53)
  • The surprising similarities between being a physical therapist and a financial planner (06:00)
  • The emotional baggage that often comes with finances and how it can hinder people from achieving their goals (06:56)
  • The unique challenges healthcare workers face, including long hours, intense work environments, and the emotional toll of the job (12:55) 
  • The importance of financial planning for healthcare workers and the need for simplified plans that address their specific concerns and questions (17:25)
  • And more!

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Barb Gleason:

About our Guest:

Barbara Gleason has spent the last 25 years as a physical therapist, working in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and management. While physical therapy was incredibly rewarding, she felt it was time for a new path. Her interest in personal finance grew over the years as she enjoyed reading finance books and helping friends with their taxes, which led her to pursue a career in financial planning.

She completed the Executive Certificate in Financial Planning at Old Dominion University, where she met Mike—and the rest is history! She is now excited to be part of the team at Ideas by Mike™ and plans to take the CFP® exam in March 2025.

Barbara is passionate about helping people, especially those who may feel overwhelmed by financial concepts. She believes everyone deserves to feel confident about their financial future, and she strives to create a comfortable, judgment-free space for clients to ask questions and learn.

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Navigating Retirement with Confidence: Strategies from Ideas by Mike (Ep. 25)

Navigating Retirement with Confidence: Strategies from Ideas by Mike (Ep. 25)

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What’s the secret to navigating your financial future with confidence?

Join Mike Milligan as he sits down with Tom Haines from Annexus to demystify fixed index annuities and their strategic role in crafting one-of-a-kind financial plans tailored for your unique retirement journey. Tom shares insights from his distinguished career, highlighting how indexing strategies can safeguard your financial future without the risk of market volatility. Dive into the depth of experience, fuelled by partnerships with top-tier institutions and renowned academics like Robert Schiller and Jeremy Siegel, ensuring your retirement portfolio is as bulletproof as it is personalized.

Mike Milligan & Tom Haines discuss:

  • How indexing and smart beta strategies can benefit retirement portfolios (03:14)
  • The role of renowned academics and industry leaders like Robert Schiller and Jeremy Siegel in financial planning (07:07)
  • Understanding the historical performance of fixed index annuities, backed by the pioneering research of Roger Ibbotson (11:25)
  • Navigating the present and future trends in fixed index annuities and ensuring they contribute effectively to your financial plan (32:47)

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect With Tom Haines:

About Tom Haines:

Tom Haines, EVP Capital Markets & Index Solution at Annexus. Tom leads the index diligence and selection process for Annexus and coordinates the firm’s relationships with asset managers, academic professionals and investment banks in conjunction with Annexus’ carrier partners. Tom is also one of the lead architects of the Lifetime Income Builder TDFs at Annexus Retirement Solutions (ARS). In his role within ARS, Tom works closely with the insurers and asset managers that partner with ARS on implementing the Lifetime Income Builder within portfolios and funds. Prior to joining Annexus, Tom led Equities Solutions Structuring at UBS Investment Bank. He began his career in index and statistical arbitrage trading within BNP Paribas’ Cooper Neff Division (Paris office) before serving as vice president in the Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) Group at NYSE Group and head of ETPs and Derivative Product Solutions at RBS. Tom’s research on index products has been published in top financial journals. He formerly served as a member of FINRA’s Investment Management Committee. Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Finance from James Madison University in Virginia.

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The Discipline Dividend: How You Do One Thing Is How You Do Everything with Josef Mehall (Ep. 24)

The Discipline Dividend: How You Do One Thing Is How You Do Everything with Josef Mehall (Ep. 24)

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From former college hockey player to a leading retirement specialist. Join host Mike Milligan as he sits down with team member Josef Mehall, a talented entrepreneurial spirit that is passionate about leaving things better than he found them. 

With his engaging story of growth to becoming a financial expert, Josef shares how he helps clients shape their retirement dreams with personalized financial plans that reflect their unique values and aspirations.

Other key discussion points include:

  • The transition from entrepreneurial ventures to financial planning (04:00)
  • Differences between Roth IRAs and traditional investments (12:00)
  • The impact of early retirement planning for young adults (11:00)
  • Unique insights on ‘Assets under Influence’ vs. ‘Assets under Management’ (17:00)
  • Personal strategies for tackling student loans and retirement savings (20:54)

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Josef Mehall:

About Our Guest:

Josef Mehall is a dedicated financial professional with a unique background that combines the discipline of a former collegiate hockey player with the strategic mindset developed through years of entrepreneurship and experience in the insurance industry.

Originally from Berkley, Michigan, just outside of Detroit, Mehall attended Iowa State University, where he refined his skills on the ice as a collegiate hockey player while cultivating a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for teamwork.

His professional journey has been diverse, spanning from a real estate apprenticeship to a career in financial services. He spent a decade as an entrepreneur, owning and operating his own car detailing business, where he developed a keen attention to detail, built strong customer relationships, and experienced the rewards of growing a business from the ground up. Following this entrepreneurial endeavor, he transitioned into the insurance industry, spending the past year and a half as an independent insurance professional, gaining valuable insights into risk management and financial planning.

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Legacy & Long-Term Care: A Strategic Guide to Planning for the Future (Ep. 23)

Legacy & Long-Term Care: A Strategic Guide to Planning for the Future (Ep. 23)

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In this episode, Mike Milligan introduces Scotty, a dedicated team member at Ideas by Mike™. Scotty shares his journey from his roots on the Ohio-West Virginia border to becoming a legacy specialist, exploring life insurance, legacy planning, and self-care strategies for life’s later stages. Join them as Scotty shares his personal story and uncovers the significance of personalized financial strategies

Mike and Scotty discuss:

  • Legacy and long-term care planning (01:28)
  • The importance of life insurance (14:18)
  • Dealing with underinsurance (15:17)
  • The benefits of life insurance while living (22:34)

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Scotty Liberatore:

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Why Financial Literacy Should Start Young: January Liddell’s Mission (Ep. 22)

Why Financial Literacy Should Start Young: January Liddell’s Mission (Ep. 22)

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What do planning for the future and teaching financial literacy to the next generation have in common?

In this unique episode, Mike Milligan welcomes January Liddell to the show. Money isn’t just about numbers; it’s about narratives. Explore how January, a dynamic financial professional, balances roles as a mother, wife, and author, while fiercely advocating for financial literacy beginning in childhood. January’s insights into minimizing taxes and the challenges of traditional retirement savings plans will transform how you think about your financial future.

Mike and January discuss key topics including:

  • January Liddell’s journey (02:00)
  • Financial mistakes and learning opportunities (04:00)
  • Teaching financial literacy to children (05:23)
  • Strategies to tackle taxes and financial burdens (10:38)
  • The philosophy behind the Ideas by Mike™ approach (12:44)
  • Personal growth, motivation, and community engagement (13:51)
  • Tips to take control of your finances (20:43)

January shares her story and insights to inspire listeners to create personalized financial plans that resonate with their values.

References: 

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with January Liddell:

About Our Guest:

January Liddell has over three years of experience in the financial industry, dedicated to helping clients achieve tax-free gains and secure access to their finances. She focuses on the ERFT method, “Eliminating Risk, Fees, and Taxes.” With a focus on protecting money from market risk and volatility, January provides her clients with peace of mind, knowing that their hard-earned assets are safe. 

Her extensive knowledge of financial products is matched by her unwavering commitment to client success. January radiates positive energy and is a pleasure to interact with. She understands that communication is essential, regularly keeping in touch with clients to ensure their financial goals are on track. Most importantly, January makes her clients’ success her top priority, giving them the confidence that she truly has their back every step of the way

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How to Live a One-of-a-Kind Life (Ep.21)

How to Live a One-of-a-Kind Life (Ep.21)

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Ever faced a mountain and thought, “I can’t do this?” This episode serves as a way to combat this thought.

As the calendar turns to 2025, Mike Milligan recounts an incredible journey to Peru’s Rainbow Mountain and draws parallels to the journey of retirement planning. Learn how each individual step, supported by a trusted guide, can lead you to breathtaking highs in your financial life.

Mike shares the importance of personalized financial planning, exploring the value of having an experienced guide in crafting your unique financial path. With stories of breathtaking adventures and overcoming limits, he ties these experiences back to helping you achieve the retirement of your dreams. 

Key discussion points include:

  • The significance of taking small, consistent steps in retirement planning (10:00)
  • Understanding how personalized plans can lead to unique financial experiences (14:59)
  • Get to know the team behind Ideas By Mike™ and how they contribute to crafting individualized plans (16:30)
  • The power of asking “What makes you one of a kind?” in developing a personal financial strategy (19:00)
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

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The Impact We Make In Our Communities (Ep.20)

The Impact We Make In Our Communities (Ep.20)

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What makes a team truly one of a kind?

Join host Mike Milligan, a Certified Financial Planner® with over two decades of experience, as he delves into the power of individuality with team members Kelsey Vollmer and Marcus Washington. Together, they explore how their personal experiences influence their communities. 

Mike, Kelsey and Marcus discuss: 

  • The power of a supportive community (04:03)
  • Unique journeys in the financial planning industry (13:21)
  • Bridging fundamental skills in both coaching and financial planning (19:02)
  • Individual and community impact through financial literacy (22:51)
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

About Our Guests:

Marcus Washington is a Retirement Specialist at Ideas By Mike™. He graduated from Abilene Christian University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science. With extensive experience in the Financial Service Industry, Marcus has specialized in assisting Federal Employees in navigating their retirement plans, particularly focusing on the complexities of FERS and CSRS retirement plans.

Kelsey Vollmer is our Senior Relationships Manager  at Ideas by Mike, LLC. She is dedicated to ensuring that everyone interested in Mike’s services feels heard and valued. She believes in the power of a personal touch, emphasizing a genuine and supportive approach to helping prospects feel understood and informed about their financial decisions.

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Personal Stories of Impact with Grace Milligan (Ep.19)

Personal Stories of Impact with Grace Milligan (Ep.19)

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How can simple actions lead to meaningful change?

Mike Milligan sits down with his daughter Grace, to explore what it truly means to make an impact. Grace shares her inspiring journey from creating fly swatters out of thrift store finds to leading charitable efforts at Grace Klein Community’s food rescue mission. This discussion dives deep into personal stories, community-focused initiatives, and how Grace found her calling in Birmingham, Alabama—proving that effective change often begins with loving the Earth and living purposefully.

Mike discusses: 

  • The craft of finding purpose in unexpected places
  • The story of a worm that sparked a vision for impact
  • Her journey to Grace Klein Community
  • The miracle of community food rescue efforts
  • Building relationships beyond traditional financial planning
  • And more

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Grace Milligan:

About Our Guest:

Ever since she was a little girl, Grace Milligan had a deep passion for the earth. Whether spending endless summer days outside or picking up trash on the playground, she always sought to sustain the planet’s beauty. Today, she is fortunate to do just that as the Sustainability Liaison at Grace Klein Community.

Grace graduated from the University of Lynchburg with a double major in Business Administration and Environmental Sustainability, along with a minor in International Relations. She was a member of the Westover Honors College, served as captain of the women’s soccer team, and was a regional student leader with Campus Outreach.

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