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

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

By |

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
The Impact We Make In Our Communities (Ep.20)

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

By |

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:

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Personal Stories of Impact with Grace Milligan (Ep.19)

Personal Stories of Impact with Grace Milligan (Ep.19)

By |

How can simple actions lead to meaningful change?

Mike Milligan sits down with his daughter Grace, to explore what it truly means to make an impact. Grace shares her inspiring journey from creating fly swatters out of thrift store finds to leading charitable efforts at Grace Klein Community’s food rescue mission. This discussion dives deep into personal stories, community-focused initiatives, and how Grace found her calling in Birmingham, Alabama—proving that effective change often begins with loving the Earth and living purposefully.

Mike discusses: 

  • The craft of finding purpose in unexpected places
  • The story of a worm that sparked a vision for impact
  • Her journey to Grace Klein Community
  • The miracle of community food rescue efforts
  • Building relationships beyond traditional financial planning
  • And more

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Grace Milligan:

About Our Guest:

Ever since she was a little girl, Grace Milligan had a deep passion for the earth. Whether spending endless summer days outside or picking up trash on the playground, she always sought to sustain the planet’s beauty. Today, she is fortunate to do just that as the Sustainability Liaison at Grace Klein Community.

Grace graduated from the University of Lynchburg with a double major in Business Administration and Environmental Sustainability, along with a minor in International Relations. She was a member of the Westover Honors College, served as captain of the women’s soccer team, and was a regional student leader with Campus Outreach.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
The Mission Behind Ideas by Mike™ (Ep. 17)

The Mission Behind Ideas by Mike™ (Ep. 17)

By |

Financial planning can truly change lives, not just through numbers but by making a real impact in our communities.

Mike, Kaitlan, and Katie shed light on how they’re redefining financial planning through community impact. They dive into how Ideas by Mike is not only crafting unique financial plans but also investing in meaningful change from local neighborhoods to global communities. 

Learn about their inspiring mission, heartwarming outreach stories, like “Stuff the Bus,” and how they motivate both clients and employees to make a difference. 

Key discussions include:

  • Impact Division Origins: Discover how Mike Milligan’s vision created a department focused on community change 
  • Local Involvement: Hear about the team’s hands-on activities like volunteering at Samaritan House and participating in the Polar Plunge 
  • National and Global Efforts: Learn how the team supports animal rescues and clean water projects worldwide 
  • Inspiring Client Stories: Gain insight into how clients are starting their foundations and making impactful retirements 
  • And more!

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Kaitlan Costner:

Connect with Katie Owen:

About our Guests:

Kaitlan Costner is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Ideas by Mike, LLC. In her role, Kaitlan oversees and manages our day-to-day operations, ensuring they align with our strategic goals. Kaitlan handles all business submissions and processing, nurture relationships with partners, and keep a close eye on their financial performance.  

Kaitlan comes equipped with licenses in life, annuity, and health insurance in Virginia, and to top it off, she holds a double major in criminal justice and sociology from the Old Dominion University. She recently bagged her education certification in Financial Planning.

Originally from charming Norfolk, Virginia, Kaitlan is a coastal soul through and through. She shares her cozy home with Benny, her adorable rescue dog, and when she’s not ruling the business world, you’ll find her soaking up the sun at the beach, dancing, or getting creative with craft projects, practicing her hand lettering, decorating her house and collecting house plants.

Prior to Ideas by Mike, Kaitlan worked for 13 years in the Judicial field, working as a courtroom clerk in Circuit Court, as a paralegal to a high-profile criminal defense attorney and as a judicial assistant to a U.S. District Court Federal Judge. The shift from the judicial system to the financial industry has been nothing short of liberating, and she couldn’t be happier in this dynamic leadership role!

–

Katie Owen is the Administrative & Impact Coordinator at Ideas by Mike, LLC, a role that perfectly aligns with her passion for creating positive change and fostering innovation.

For Katie, integrity, innovation, collaboration, and excellence are not just words; they are guiding principles that shape every decision she makes. She is dedicated to driving strategic and impactful initiatives for their organization, identifying opportunities for growth, and developing and implementing programs that address societal challenges head-on. Her goal is to create lasting, positive change in every project she undertakes.

Originally hailing from the sandy shores of Virginia Beach, Katie has found her little slice of paradise in Knotts Island, NC, where she lives with her wonderful significant other and their two amazing kids.

Katie is a firm believer that life is better with animals, and their home is a lively sanctuary filled with the playful antics of dogs, the clucks of chickens and hens, and yes, even the occasional gobble from their turkey, Mr. P!

In addition to her responsibilities in driving impactful initiatives, Katie serves as a personal assistant, working closely with their esteemed CEO/Owner, Mike Milligan. In this pivotal role, Katie ensures seamless communication, efficient time management, and streamlined processes. Her aim is to support Mike in scaling their business growth and development, ensuring that their vision becomes a reality.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Elevate Your Finances in 2025 with One-of-a-Kind Strategies (Ep.16)

Elevate Your Finances in 2025 with One-of-a-Kind Strategies (Ep.16)

By |

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
  • And more!

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Mike and Ben on Tax Planning with Holistiplan (Ep. 11)

Mike and Ben on Tax Planning with Holistiplan (Ep. 11)

By |

Taxes may be inevitable, but they don’t have to drain your wealth. Here’s how to turn them into a powerful tool for financial growth 💡

Mike Milligan, CFP® teams up with Ben Birkin from Holistiplan to reveal how this powerful software is transforming tax planning from a headache into a strategic advantage. It’s not just about lowering tax bills—it’s about turning tax strategies into a key driver of long-term wealth.

Holistiplan cuts through the complexity, giving financial advisors the tools to deliver clear, actionable tax insights that put more money back in clients’ pockets. And since taxes are often one of life’s biggest expenses, smart planning can make all the difference.

The real takeaway?

Advisors who integrate Holistiplan aren’t just checking a box. They’re offering clients a customized roadmap to financial well-being, turning tax planning into an opportunity for real growth.

Key Highlights:

  • How a midlife career shift inspired the creation of Holistiplan, now trusted by over 5,000 firms
  • The key benefits of Holistiplan: simplifying tax reviews while providing actionable insights
  • How Holistiplan’s solutions align with the latest trends in tax planning technology
  • The tangible benefits: How proactive tax planning empowers clients to optimize their lifetime income
  • How Holistiplan fosters stronger client relationships through transparency and trust
  • The collaboration between Ideas by Mike™ and Holistiplan (delivering a unique, client-centric service)
  • And much more

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
This is Ideas by Mike™ (Ep. 10)

This is Ideas by Mike™ (Ep. 10)

By |

Imagine a financial plan that not only builds your wealth but also enriches your life.

This week, Mike reflects on the values he learned from his grandmother’s sandwich shop — values that now shape his approach to financial planning. 

For Mike, wealth is more than money. It’s about aligning your finances with what matters most, like a secure retirement, supporting loved ones, or giving back.

So, his takeaway? 

Start early, focus on what’s important, and partner with someone who understands that true wealth serves your life, not the other way around.

Key Highlights:

  • Lessons from Mike’s entrepreneurial grandmother and their lasting impact
  • Why aligning your money with your values is essential for financial success
  • How integrating health and wealth creates a balanced, fulfilling life
  • The key areas of financial planning (taxes, retirement income, investments, long-term care)
  • Ways tools like HolistaPlan, Halo, and Snug simplify and enhance financial planning
  • A real-life case study: How Mike helped a high-earning family reduce stress through smart planning
  • Practical advice for beginners
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
This is Legacy Planning (Ep. 9)

This is Legacy Planning (Ep. 9)

By |

Legacy planning is more than just dividing up financial assets; it’s about preserving the values, traditions, and harmony within a family.

This week on Ideas by Mike™, Mike Milligan, CFP®, highlights the importance of this often-overlooked step in his unique financial planning approach. 

By incorporating SNUG — a powerful platform designed to streamline the organization of essential documents, final wishes, and family legacies — Mike empowers families to face the emotional and practical challenges that come with losing a loved one with greater ease and confidence.

Key Highlights:

  • How legacy planning is the final piece of a comprehensive financial strategy, working alongside tax planning, retirement income, investment, and long-term care
  • The importance of preserving more than just financial assets — ensuring family stories, values, and traditions live on
  • SNUG and its unique benefits in simplifying the organization of critical documents, wills, and final wishes to avoid disorganization after death
  • Real-life stories that highlight the emotional and practical burdens families face without a proper legacy plan
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
This is Long Term Care Planning (Ep. 8)

This is Long Term Care Planning (Ep. 8)

By |

Did you know that over 70% of people aged 65 and older will need some form of long-term care services in their lifetime? 

This week, Mike Milligan, CFP®, dives into the world of long-term care planning, highlighting the difference it can make in our lives. 

Follow along to explore HALO, an innovative tool designed to simplify and enhance the planning process. Learn about its features, benefits, and practical applications so that you are empowered with the knowledge you need to secure a better future for yourself and your loved ones (all this from a financial planner and professor’s point of view!)

Mike discusses: 

  • Mike’s motivation and approach to long-term care planning
  • How long-term care planning fits into his one-of-a-kind financial plan model
  • HALO and its unique benefits, such as combining research to provide a personalized life and health expectancy analysis
  • Real-life implications of planning for long-term care and health expectancy
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Tips for Strengthening Your Retirement Income Strategy (Ep. 6)

Tips for Strengthening Your Retirement Income Strategy (Ep. 6)

By |

Paychecks do not need to stop in retirement…

With the right financial plan, it’s entirely possible to keep those “paychecks” coming, even after you stop working.

This week on Ideas by Mike™, Mike Milligan, CFP®, dives into the second critical element of the Ideas by Mike™ one-of-a-kind financial planning process, retirement income. Highlighting personal experiences and historical insights, Mike unveils actionable steps to help secure your financial future without fear of running out of money. 

Mike discusses: 

  • The first step of his one-page financial plans, tax planning, and how retirement income planning builds off of that
  • Different methods to help you obtain consistent retirement income
  • Historical insights into the evolution of pensions and retirement systems
  • Innovative tools such as income forecasters that the Ideas by Mike™ team uses to alleviate financial fears for retirees
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More