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.
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.
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
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.
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
