Tag: Financial Planning

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How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market using Vision, AI & Personal Connection (Ep. 30)

How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market using Vision, AI & Personal Connection (Ep. 30)

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Discover how to stand out in a crowded market and attract clients even in today’s competitive business landscape. Learn proven strategies to sharpen your business vision, use AI tools for clear and powerful messaging, and build trust through video, so you become the go-to choice in your industry. Whether you’re a financial advisor, entrepreneur, or small business owner, these insights will help you rise above the noise and grow with purpose.

In this episode of Ideas by Mike™, Mike Milligan sits down with Jeremy Houser, VP and Senior Advisor Development Consultant at Simplicity InsurMark, to explore how clarity of vision, belief in yourself, and purposeful communication can set you apart.

Jeremy shares how writing your vision down (“vapor to paper”), using video to build trust when you’re not in the room, and embracing the mindset shift of “Why not me?” can fundamentally reshape your business and your life.

You’ll discover:

  • How video builds trust and credibility, even when you’re not there
  • Why documenting your vision matters more than perfecting it
  • How AI tools can help bring clarity to your message and mission
  • The concept of “Retirement Chi” and creating a vision built around health, impact, and community
  • How small mindset shifts and consistent habits lead to big growth
  • Why personal connection is still the greatest differentiator in a crowded market

If you’re ready to move from ideas to action, and stop blending in, this episode is for you.

About our Guest:

As a trusted consultant and advisor to the financial professionals he serves, Jeremy is committed to helping you professionalize all aspects of your practice and unlock your full potential.

In early 2018, he identified a clear gap in service and support for advisors across the nation and built the Advisor Mentorship Program to address and close it. One of his passions within AMP is to help advisors refine their own process and attract clients instead of chasing them.

Today, this pro­gram continues to help a select group of advisors stay focused on achieving consistent growth, while adding value to their practice and developing Business Alpha through the resources available through InsurMark.

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

Resources: Daven Michaels Talks About The #1 Mistake Business Owners Make When Growing (Ep. 29) 

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Do you have any financial inquiries wanting to get answered?
Leave us an email – mike@mikemilligancfp.com
Or Call/Text Mike Milligan to help you out – 757-909-7151

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Building Financial Confidence and Authentic Connections with Christina Hill (Ep. 28)

Building Financial Confidence and Authentic Connections with Christina Hill (Ep. 28)

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Financial planning isn’t just about numbers; it’s about trust, connection, and understanding life’s goals.

How do you create meaningful client relationships? What does it take to navigate the ups and downs of the market while remaining grounded?

In this episode, Mike Milligan sits down with Christina Hill, Client Service Specialist at Ideas by Mike™, to discuss her approach to making financial planning accessible and personal. From balancing a bustling household of six daughters to helping clients stay calm during market fluctuations, Christina brings empathy and insight to every conversation.

Join us as Christina unravels:

  • (02:00) The art of personalized client service and navigating market sensitivity
  • (03:00) Her personal life, from raising six incredible daughters to managing household chaos
  • (11:00) Insights on client empowerment and financial education
  • (12:07) The philosophy behind nurturing her home garden with her husband, Frank
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

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

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

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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:

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

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

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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)

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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)

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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®:

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

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

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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®:

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This is Ideas by Mike™ (Ep. 10)

This is Ideas by Mike™ (Ep. 10)

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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®:

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