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.
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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.
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.
In this 37th episode of Ideas by Mike Podcast, Mike Milligan, CFP® and Tom Hegna went for another one to discuss his newest book “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?”.
They revealed these HUGE financial mistakes younger generation can avoid because these financial mistakes are stopping them from reaching their First Million mark on their professional careers.
Tom Hegna explains Why the First Million is the Hardest and the critical importance of patience in wealth building.
Learn the math behind the $10.8 million mistake couples make and the essential savings discipline: The 10/20/70 Rule. They both discuss how to use the SEC Savings Goal Calculator to hit your targets, and Tom’s secret to career success: Finding Riches by being the Best in your Niche.
This episode provides the mindset and the math for building wealth faster and helping you execute your One of a Kind Financial Plan.
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
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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.
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?