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.
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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
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)
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.
Mike Milligan explores how strategic partnerships are key to creating personalized, effective financial plans. Joined by Tiffany Saunders and Liz Mundey, they discuss how working together and embracing new ways of thinking are changing the financial planning landscape.
Find out how partnerships with innovative platforms like Halo and Asset Map are making financial planning more complete and accessible.
Episode highlights include:
Building unique value through partnerships
Impact of partnerships on client services
Creating personalized financial plans for unique lives
Steve Harlow’s partnership and extending client impact
Benefits of visual financial planning with Asset Map
Tiffany Saunders is the Director of Growth at Ideas by Mike™, LLC, where she plays a key role in driving the company’s expansion and ensuring its long-term success. Her responsibilities include developing strategic growth plans, identifying new market opportunities, and fostering strong relationships with both partners and clients. With an extensive background in growing start-ups, Tiffany brings a wealth of experience to the team, consistently seeking innovative ways to enhance processes and deliver exceptional value. She is passionate about helping partners and clients achieve their financial goals, making her work deeply rewarding.
Originally from a small town in the Northern Neck of Virginia, Tiffany has always been passionate about building and sustaining relationships. This passion led her to a career focused on making a tangible difference in people’s lives and impacting their financial well-being.
Prior to joining Ideas by Mike™, LLC, Tiffany helped grow three start-ups into successful small businesses. Her previous roles include Client Success and Sales Director at ChatterBoss Virtual Assistants, Director of Sales and Client Success at Real Leaders, and Chief Operating Officer at the Clinical Supervision Directory. In these positions, she honed her skills in strategic growth, leadership, team building, and relationship management, which she now leverages to drive innovation and growth at Ideas by Mike.
In her free time, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her two young daughters, Layla and Lily, or traveling with her husband, Michael. She is excited to be part of the dynamic team at Ideas by Mike™ and looks forward to contributing to the firm’s shared success.
Liz Mundey is the Senior Relationship Manager at Ideas by Mike™, LLC, where she plays a vital role in providing exceptional support to clients. Her responsibilities include keeping client accounts up to date, ensuring that information is easily accessible and understandable, and maintaining close connections with clients to ensure their financial plans remain aligned with their evolving lives.
Licensed in general life and insurance, Liz is committed to continuing her education in finance each year. She is particularly passionate about becoming financially literate and building strong relationships with clients, which she considers the most rewarding part of her job.
Originally from Arizona, Liz spent her twenties traveling the country before deciding to settle down, get married, and start a family in her thirties. Today, she has a growing family, including a new puppy named Little Miss Bandita and a second baby on the way—marking her own little piece of the American Dream.
Before joining Ideas by Mike™, Liz worked as a National Trainer for four years, a Licensed Massage Therapist for six years, and a Business Consultant for five years. In each of these roles, she was driven by a desire to make a direct impact on people’s lives.
Now, Liz is incredibly grateful to be part of the financial space, seeing it as a gift that has enriched her life. She is honored to contribute to the team and support clients in a meaningful way. Liz looks forward to connecting with others and continuing to make a positive impact in the financial world.
Are you ready to transform your financial approach and make 2025 the year you finally achieve your one-of-a-kind life goals?
Engage with captivating insights into tax planning, retirement income, and the paramount importance of having a genuinely personalized financial plan. Plus, look out for an engaging revelation of how 2025 can be your groundbreaking year.
Mike Milligan looks forward to helping you seize 2025 with fresh financial resolutions and personalized planning!
Key conversations include:
Implementing a “one-of-a-kind” financial plan that aligns with your personal goals and priorities from the outset of 2025
Learning from professionals about the importance of future tax scenario preparedness
Exploring innovative retirement income strategies to ensure financial security.
Embracing the art of human connection as a vital part of maintaining mental and financial well-being throughout the year
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.
