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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In this 40th Episode of Ideas by Mike Podcast, Mike Milligan, CFP, sits down with financial experts Coach Pete D’Arruda & Gary Nolan to discuss the history of the US economy, the stock market, and personal finance strategies. Whether you are looking for retirement planning advice, trying to understand inflation, or just want a nostalgic look back at the “good old days,” this episode is packed with value.
Coach Pete D’Arruda – Known nationally as “Coach Pete,” Peter J. D’Arruda is the President of the Capital Financial Advisory Group and a fiduciary dedicated to helping clients navigate retirement with confidence.
With over 30 years in the financial arena, he is the host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Financial Safari, which airs weekly on over 50 stations across the country.
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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.
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.
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)
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.
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)
