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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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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover how to leave a love letter to your family…
This week on Ideas by Mike™, Mike Milligan, CFP®, welcomes Scott Cary, Founder of Snug, to unveil how his groundbreaking platform is transforming estate planning.
From safe document storage to AI-powered updates, Snug offers a modern, affordable approach to creating a legacy that reflects your values. Whether preparing for retirement or crafting a heartfelt “final love letter” for your loved ones, this episode will equip you with the insights to take action today.
Key Highlights:
Snug’s Mission: Redefining estate planning with simplicity and accessibility
Legacy Made Personal: Incorporate meaningful messages for loved ones alongside essential documents
Technology Meets Planning: Real-time updates and safe storage for ease of use
Debunking Myths: Estate planning is for everyone, not just the wealthy
Future Trends: How tools like Snug are reshaping holistic financial services
Scott Cary is the Founder of Snug, a groundbreaking platform designed to simplify estate planning for everyone. With a passion for making legacy planning accessible, Scott has created a solution that combines cutting-edge technology with personalized financial services, helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of protecting their assets and safeguarding their future. Driven by a commitment to empower people with affordable, user-friendly tools, Scott is dedicated to redefining how we think about estate planning—ensuring it’s not just for the wealthy but for everyone.
Can your financial strategy unlock the secret to a longer, healthier life?
This week on Ideas by Mike™, Mike Milligan, CFP®, welcomes Heather Holmes, Founder and CEO of Lumiant, and Nicola Perry, VP of Sales at Lumiant, to explore the game-changing connection between health and wealth. Drawing from their expertise, Heather and Nicola unveil Halo, a revolutionary tool that personalizes long-term care and longevity planning by analyzing lifestyle, family history, and location.
Tune in to hear Heather’s powerful story of how her father’s struggles inspired her to develop Halo and learn how Nicola helps families make informed, confident decisions about their future.
Together, they share actionable strategies to integrate health insights into financial planning, empowering you to live well today while preparing for life’s later stages.
(Whether you’re planning for retirement, caregiving for loved ones, or seeking clarity on long-term care, this episode equips you to take proactive, life-changing steps!)
Key Highlights:
The Halo Mission and its Benefits: How Lumiant connects health and wealth to improve longevity and financial outcomes
Customized Planning: Insights on your active, slower, and extended care years with tailored cost projections
Health Meets Wealth: Learn how financial advisors integrate wellness coaching for a truly holistic approach
Plan Early: Discover why ages 40-70 are ideal for long-term care planning
Impactful Conversations: See how Halo’s tools foster client trust and shift the focus from transactions to solutions
Heather Holmes is the visionary Founder and CEO of Lumiant, where she leads the charge in connecting health and wealth to improve life outcomes. Inspired by her father’s health and financial challenges, Heather developed Halo, a revolutionary tool that empowers families to plan for longevity and long-term care with clarity and confidence. Her mission is to help clients live longer, healthier, and more financially fortified lives.
About Nicola Perry:
Nicola Perry serves as VP of Sales at Lumiant, combining her adaptability and deep empathy to guide families through life’s most pivotal financial decisions. Driven by a passion for making long-term care planning accessible and personalized, Nicola works to ensure clients feel supported and prepared for every stage of life. Her work with Halo exemplifies her dedication to integrating health insights with financial strategies.
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
