Financial Literacy – Ideas By Mike™ Podcast

(Ep. 40)How Inflation Reshaped America’s Cost of Living (1909 vs 2025 Historic Prices Changes)

By Ideas by Mike | December 19, 2025

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.

**We’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below!**

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Tom Hegna’s Book for Getting Your First $1M | Financial Mistakes Young Adults Should Avoid (Ep. 37)

By Ideas by Mike | November 14, 2025

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.

👉 Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKVYnUY-NoY
🌐 Visit our Website: https://1oakfinancial.com/

Because retirement isn’t the end of your story — it’s the start of your next one.

*We’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below!*

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Answering Why Taxes Could Derail Your Retirement | David McKnight’s New Insights (Ep. 36)

By Ideas by Mike | October 31, 2025

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.

👉 Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKVYnUY-NoY
🌐 Visit our Website: https://1oakfinancial.com/

Because retirement isn’t the end of your story — it’s the start of your next one.

*We’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below!*

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Understanding The 4 Phases of Retirement & How to Thrive in Each One w Dr. Riley Moynes (EP. 35)

By Ideas by Mike | October 20, 2025

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.

🎧 Listen to Episode 35: “The Four Phases of Retirement Explained”
👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1-8J8ebFLA
🌐 Website: https://1oakfinancial.com/

Because retirement isn’t the end of your story — it’s the start of your next one.

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1.OAK Financial’s True Meaning: Guiding People to Overcome Fear & Anxiety Around Finances (Ep. 34)

By Ideas by Mike | October 3, 2025

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.

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

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From Massage Therapy to Financial Empowerment: Liz Mundey’s Journey (Ep. 27)

By Ideas by Mike™ | June 27, 2025

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)
And more!

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Liz Mundey:

LinkedIn: Lizette Blumes Mundey

About our Guest:

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.

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Shifting the Care Plan: From Patients to Portfolios with Barb Gleason (Ep. 26)

By Ideas by Mike™ | May 21, 2025

Have you ever wondered how similar healthcare and financial planning can be?

It’s all about helping people get back on their feet, whether physically or financially.

In this episode, Mike Milligan chats with Barb Gleason, who transitioned from a career in healthcare to financial planning, about her experiences and insights. She shares her journey, the parallels between physical therapy and financial planning, and her passion for assisting healthcare workers with their financial futures. Additionally, Barb discusses the importance of clear communication and personalized plans.

Barb discusses:

Her transition from a long career in healthcare to financial planning after experiencing a financial setback (01:53)
The surprising similarities between being a physical therapist and a financial planner (06:00)
The emotional baggage that often comes with finances and how it can hinder people from achieving their goals (06:56)
The unique challenges healthcare workers face, including long hours, intense work environments, and the emotional toll of the job (12:55)
The importance of financial planning for healthcare workers and the need for simplified plans that address their specific concerns and questions (17:25)
And more!

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Barb Gleason:

LinkedIn: Barb Gleason

About our Guest:

Barbara Gleason has spent the last 25 years as a physical therapist, working in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and management. While physical therapy was incredibly rewarding, she felt it was time for a new path. Her interest in personal finance grew over the years as she enjoyed reading finance books and helping friends with their taxes, which led her to pursue a career in financial planning.

She completed the Executive Certificate in Financial Planning at Old Dominion University, where she met Mike—and the rest is history! She is now excited to be part of the team at Ideas by Mike™ and plans to take the CFP® exam in March 2025.

Barbara is passionate about helping people, especially those who may feel overwhelmed by financial concepts. She believes everyone deserves to feel confident about their financial future, and she strives to create a comfortable, judgment-free space for clients to ask questions and learn.

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The Discipline Dividend: How You Do One Thing Is How You Do Everything with Josef Mehall (Ep. 24)

By Ideas by Mike™ | April 23, 2025

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)

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Josef Mehall:

LinkedIn: Josef Mehall

About Our Guest:

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.

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Why Financial Literacy Should Start Young: January Liddell’s Mission (Ep. 22)

By Ideas by Mike™ | April 1, 2025

What do planning for the future and teaching financial literacy to the next generation have in common?

In this unique episode, Mike Milligan welcomes January Liddell to the show. Money isn’t just about numbers; it’s about narratives. Explore how January, a dynamic financial professional, balances roles as a mother, wife, and author, while fiercely advocating for financial literacy beginning in childhood. January’s insights into minimizing taxes and the challenges of traditional retirement savings plans will transform how you think about your financial future.

Mike and January discuss key topics including:

January Liddell’s journey (02:00)
Financial mistakes and learning opportunities (04:00)
Teaching financial literacy to children (05:23)
Strategies to tackle taxes and financial burdens (10:38)
The philosophy behind the Ideas by Mike™ approach (12:44)
Personal growth, motivation, and community engagement (13:51)
Tips to take control of your finances (20:43)

January shares her story and insights to inspire listeners to create personalized financial plans that resonate with their values.

References:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with January Liddell:

About Our Guest:

January Liddell has over three years of experience in the financial industry, dedicated to helping clients achieve tax-free gains and secure access to their finances. She focuses on the ERFT method, “Eliminating Risk, Fees, and Taxes.” With a focus on protecting money from market risk and volatility, January provides her clients with peace of mind, knowing that their hard-earned assets are safe.

Her extensive knowledge of financial products is matched by her unwavering commitment to client success. January radiates positive energy and is a pleasure to interact with. She understands that communication is essential, regularly keeping in touch with clients to ensure their financial goals are on track. Most importantly, January makes her clients’ success her top priority, giving them the confidence that she truly has their back every step of the way

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The Impact We Make In Our Communities (Ep.20)

By Ideas by Mike™ | March 7, 2025

What makes a team truly one of a kind?

Join host Mike Milligan, a Certified Financial Planner® with over two decades of experience, as he delves into the power of individuality with team members Kelsey Vollmer and Marcus Washington. Together, they explore how their personal experiences influence their communities.

Mike, Kelsey and Marcus discuss:

The power of a supportive community (04:03)
Unique journeys in the financial planning industry (13:21)
Bridging fundamental skills in both coaching and financial planning (19:02)
Individual and community impact through financial literacy (22:51)
And more

Resources:

Meet The Team

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

About Our Guests:

Marcus Washington is a Retirement Specialist at Ideas By Mike™. He graduated from Abilene Christian University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science. With extensive experience in the Financial Service Industry, Marcus has specialized in assisting Federal Employees in navigating their retirement plans, particularly focusing on the complexities of FERS and CSRS retirement plans.

Kelsey Vollmer is our Senior Relationships Manager at Ideas by Mike, LLC. She is dedicated to ensuring that everyone interested in Mike’s services feels heard and valued. She believes in the power of a personal touch, emphasizing a genuine and supportive approach to helping prospects feel understood and informed about their financial decisions.

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