Tag: Financial Goals

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

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

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!

______________________________________________________________

Resources:

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

Stream all past episode of Ideas by Mike™ Podcast!

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

Mike and Steve on Purpose-Driven Investment Planning (Ep. 13)

Mike and Steve on Purpose-Driven Investment Planning (Ep. 13)

Is your portfolio working toward your dreams—or just chasing the market?

This week on Ideas by Mike™, Mike Milligan, CFP®, sits down with Steve Osterink, CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Advisory Alpha, to explore the art and science of investment planning. Drawing from his vast experience managing $3.8 billion in assets, Steve shares practical insights on aligning your investments with your financial goals, avoiding emotional pitfalls, and leveraging tools like Koyfin and FRED to optimize your strategy.

Tune in and hear Steve’s powerful story of how his father’s mentorship shaped his client-first philosophy while learning how to create a personal “Investment Policy Statement” that serves as a financial roadmap. 

(Whether you’re a DIY investor or work with an advisor, this episode leaves you equipped to make smarter, purpose-driven investment decisions!)

Key Highlights:

  • Investment as Architecture: Why a strong foundation—your plan—is more important than the materials (products)
  • Risk and Return Mastery: Understanding your personal capacity for risk to achieve meaningful financial outcomes
  • Behavioral Bias Busters: How to avoid emotional traps like recency and hindsight bias
  • Essential Tools: Maximize your strategy with Koyfin’s analytics dashboard and FRED’s economic data
  • Advisory Alpha’s Edge: Learn about fee-waived charitable solutions and other innovative approaches to client-focused investing
  • Mentorship in Action: Steve reveals how his father’s wisdom continues to inspire his financial strategies
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Steve Osterink:

About Our Guest:

Steve Osterink, CFA and CFP, is the visionary CEO of Advisory Alpha, overseeing $3.8 billion in assets. With a passion for client education and innovation, Steve combines technical expertise with a commitment to personal growth, both for his clients and his family.

This is Investment Planning (Ep. 7)

This is Investment Planning (Ep. 7)

Investing is an important piece of retirement planning, but there is much more to it than just picking “the right” stocks.

This week on Ideas by Mike™, Mike Milligan, CFP®, breaks down the third step in his one-of-a-kind financial planning processes, investment management. Mike explains the importance of setting specific goals and developing strategies to achieve those goals through investments. 

But that’s not everything! He also emphasizes the need for diversification and risk assessment in investment portfolios while highlighting common mistakes people make in investment planning.

Mike covers: 

  • Why tax planning is crucial for your financial health
  • How to create a sustainable retirement income plan
  • The importance of diversification when it comes to crafting an investment plan
  • Common investment mistakes and how to avoid them
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®: