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.
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.
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.
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!**
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.
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 protecting family wealth. #TomHegna #RetirementIncomeStrategies #ideasbymike
Stream all past episode of Ideas by Mike™ Podcast for Expert Financial Planning Insights in our YouTube channel!
📞 Book your complimentary Financial & Retirement Planning Analysis: https://calendly.com/ideasbymike/linkedin-strategy-call?month=2025-07
✅ Subscribe for more expert financial planning insights, insider tax strategies, retirement income tips, and legacy planning ideas from the financial planning world.
👤 About Our Guest: Tom Hegna
Tom Hegna is a world-renowned retirement income expert, economist, and author widely known as the “Retirement Income Guru.” With decades of experience as a financial industry executive, retirement strategist, and keynote speaker, Tom has helped thousands of individuals and advisors understand how to retire happy and secure.
– Why annuities must play a foundational role in retirement income.
– The truth about fake fiduciaries—and how to spot them.
– Strategies for Roth conversions and cash value life insurance.
– How to build a wealth floor with life insurance for your family.
– Why guaranteed income leads to happier, longer retirements.
– How to prepare for the long-term care crisis with hybrid solutions.
– The balance between short-term liquidity and long-term stability.
This conversation with Tom Hegna is packed with insights that every retiree and pre-retiree should hear. This conversation is a masterclass in building a plan that actually works—covering income, taxes, legacy, investments, and healthcare.
📖 Episode Chapters:
00:00 – Tom Hegna Retirement Income Strategies (Intro)
22:59 – Safe Withdrawal Rate vs. Lifetime Guarantees
24:14 – Building a Wealth Floor with Life Insurance
25:56 – Creating a Comprehensive Financial Plan
27:38 – Short-Term vs. Long-Term Balance in Retirement
28:53 – Which Tom Hegna Book to Start With
**We’d love to hear your thoughts! Subscribe for more Tom Hegna retirement income strategies, proven tax tips, and financial planning insights that help you build wealth and peace of mind.**
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 advantages of real estate investments. The conversation culminates in an in-depth look at Puerto Rico’s Act 60, which offers significant tax benefits for residents and businesses. Mike emphasizes the importance of designing a unique financial plan tailored to individual needs and goals.
You’ll discover how to:
Design a financial plan that leverages tax incentives—are you missing hidden opportunities?
Use the Augusta Rule to generate tax-free rental income—have you considered renting your home to your business?
Preserve wealth using the buy, borrow, and die strategy—could borrowing against your assets reduce your taxes?
Optimize charitable giving with Donor Advised Funds—are you maximizing your deductions in high-income years?
Protect family wealth across generations using dynasty trusts—what steps safeguard your legacy?
Offset taxable income through real estate depreciation—are your investments working as hard as you are?
Unlock tax-free growth with the mega backdoor Roth IRA—are you fully using your retirement opportunities?
Save tens of thousands in taxes through Puerto Rico Act 60—might relocating reshape your financial future?
Understand the tax code to create significant savings—how well are you negotiating with the IRS?
Build a unique financial plan for long-term success—how customized is your current strategy?
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 you rise above the noise and grow with purpose.
In this episode of Ideas by Mike™, Mike Milligan sits down with Jeremy Houser, VP and Senior Advisor Development Consultant at Simplicity InsurMark, to explore how clarity of vision, belief in yourself, and purposeful communication can set you apart.
Jeremy shares how writing your vision down (“vapor to paper”), using video to build trust when you’re not in the room, and embracing the mindset shift of “Why not me?” can fundamentally reshape your business and your life.
You’ll discover:
How video builds trust and credibility, even when you’re not there
Why documenting your vision matters more than perfecting it
How AI tools can help bring clarity to your message and mission
The concept of “Retirement Chi” and creating a vision built around health, impact, and community
How small mindset shifts and consistent habits lead to big growth
Why personal connection is still the greatest differentiator in a crowded market
If you’re ready to move from ideas to action, and stop blending in, this episode is for you.
About our Guest:
As a trusted consultant and advisor to the financial professionals he serves, Jeremy is committed to helping you professionalize all aspects of your practice and unlock your full potential.
In early 2018, he identified a clear gap in service and support for advisors across the nation and built the Advisor Mentorship Program to address and close it. One of his passions within AMP is to help advisors refine their own process and attract clients instead of chasing them.
Today, this program continues to help a select group of advisors stay focused on achieving consistent growth, while adding value to their practice and developing Business Alpha through the resources available through InsurMark.
Do you have any financial inquiries wanting to get answered?
Leave us an email – mike@mikemilligancfp.com
Or Call/Text Mike Milligan to help you out – 757-909-7151
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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 relocating to Puerto Rico, and the creation of the San Juan Social Club, which fosters community and networking among expats and locals.
Davin shares insights on tax advantages in Puerto Rico, the significance of building meaningful relationships, and the life lessons he’s learned along the way. The episode concludes with a look at Davin’s future aspirations and philanthropic efforts.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to a One-of-a-Kind Life
02:58 Davin Michaels: A Journey of Reinvention
06:05 Living Intentionally: Breaking Free from the Norms
09:02 The San Juan Social Club: Building Community in Puerto Rico
11:53 Tax Benefits and Opportunities in Puerto Rico
14:49 The Power of Relationships in Business
18:55 Life Lessons and Financial Wisdom
20:57 Rock Star Moments and Future Aspirations
Daven Michaels is a New York Times Best Selling Author, International Speaker and Founder of 123Employee, the premier Outsourcing Centers with hundreds of employees on 3 continents.
Daven travels the globe teaching entrepreneurs how to scale their businesses by leveraging resources, systems and human capital.
You can get more info on Daven at DavenMichaels.com and more info on his company at 123Employee.com.
Financial planning isn’t just about numbers; it’s about trust, connection, and understanding life’s goals.
How do you create meaningful client relationships? What does it take to navigate the ups and downs of the market while remaining grounded?
In this episode, Mike Milligan sits down with Christina Hill, Client Service Specialist at Ideas by Mike™, to discuss her approach to making financial planning accessible and personal. From balancing a bustling household of six daughters to helping clients stay calm during market fluctuations, Christina brings empathy and insight to every conversation.
Join us as Christina unravels:
(02:00) The art of personalized client service and navigating market sensitivity
(03:00) Her personal life, from raising six incredible daughters to managing household chaos
(11:00) Insights on client empowerment and financial education
(12:07) The philosophy behind nurturing her home garden with her husband, Frank
In this episode, Mike Milligan introduces Liz Mundey, Senior Client Services Manager at Ideas by Mike™, who shares her unexpected path from massage therapist to financial services, driven by a desire to make a lasting impact. Liz discusses her motivations, how she found a home in the firm, and the importance of practical, personalized support in clients’ lives.
Mike and Liz discuss:
Liz’s surprising career test results in high school (03:13)
The transition from massage therapy to financial planning (05:32)
Balancing work and family with purpose (10:31)
Assisting clients through life transitions (14:45)
Liz Mundey is the Senior Relationship Manager at Ideas by Mike, LLC. Her role was designed to give additional support to the clients! She does this by keeping accounts up to date, ensuring information is easy to access and understand, and staying closely connected with clients to ensure their financial plans stay in alignment with their evolving lives.
She is licensed in general life and insurance and is continuing her education every year in the world of finance. Becoming financially literate and getting to know all of the clients is her favorite part of the job. She truly loves what she does, which not everyone can say!
While she was born and raised in Arizona, she spent her twenties traveling the country, and it was a blast.
Before working with Mike, she was a National Trainer (4 years), Licensed Massage Therapist (6 years), and a Business Consultant (5 years). The common denominator for all of these jobs is directly impacting people’s lives!
Today, she is incredibly grateful to be where she is. Embarking into the financial space has been a gift in her life! She is honored to be part of this team, to be making an impact as a financial office, and to be supporting the clients in a meaningful way.
