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.
William Bengen retirement withdrawal strategies have shaped how millions plan for retirement. Known as the creator of the famous 4% Rule, Bengen now reveals new research that challenges the old standard. In this episode of the Ideas by Mike™ Podcast, Mike Milligan, CFP®, asks the key question: is 4% rule still safe in 2025?
Bengen explains why his updated research supports a 4.7% withdrawal rate, when retirees might take even 5.5%, and how diversification, inflation, and market conditions impact retirement success.
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William P. Bengen is the pioneering financial planner who first formulated the now-famous “4 % Rule” for retirement withdrawals and coined the term “SAFEMAX.” With over 30 years of research on maximizing sustainable income in retirement, he’s updated the rule to 4.7 % in his new book A Richer Retirement. Bengen holds a B.S. in Aeronautics & Astronautics from MIT and an advanced degree in financial planning, and runs a website where he shares his charts, tables, and ongoing research.
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.
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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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
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.
What’s the secret to navigating your financial future with confidence?
Join Mike Milligan as he sits down with Tom Haines from Annexus to demystify fixed index annuities and their strategic role in crafting one-of-a-kind financial plans tailored for your unique retirement journey. Tom shares insights from his distinguished career, highlighting how indexing strategies can safeguard your financial future without the risk of market volatility. Dive into the depth of experience, fuelled by partnerships with top-tier institutions and renowned academics like Robert Schiller and Jeremy Siegel, ensuring your retirement portfolio is as bulletproof as it is personalized.
Mike Milligan & Tom Haines discuss:
How indexing and smart beta strategies can benefit retirement portfolios (03:14)
The role of renowned academics and industry leaders like Robert Schiller and Jeremy Siegel in financial planning (07:07)
Understanding the historical performance of fixed index annuities, backed by the pioneering research of Roger Ibbotson (11:25)
Navigating the present and future trends in fixed index annuities and ensuring they contribute effectively to your financial plan (32:47)
Tom Haines, EVP Capital Markets & Index Solution at Annexus. Tom leads the index diligence and selection process for Annexus and coordinates the firm’s relationships with asset managers, academic professionals and investment banks in conjunction with Annexus’ carrier partners. Tom is also one of the lead architects of the Lifetime Income Builder TDFs at Annexus Retirement Solutions (ARS). In his role within ARS, Tom works closely with the insurers and asset managers that partner with ARS on implementing the Lifetime Income Builder within portfolios and funds. Prior to joining Annexus, Tom led Equities Solutions Structuring at UBS Investment Bank. He began his career in index and statistical arbitrage trading within BNP Paribas’ Cooper Neff Division (Paris office) before serving as vice president in the Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) Group at NYSE Group and head of ETPs and Derivative Product Solutions at RBS. Tom’s research on index products has been published in top financial journals. He formerly served as a member of FINRA’s Investment Management Committee. Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Finance from James Madison University in Virginia.
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
Ever faced a mountain and thought, “I can’t do this?” This episode serves as a way to combat this thought.
As the calendar turns to 2025, Mike Milligan recounts an incredible journey to Peru’s Rainbow Mountain and draws parallels to the journey of retirement planning. Learn how each individual step, supported by a trusted guide, can lead you to breathtaking highs in your financial life.
Mike shares the importance of personalized financial planning, exploring the value of having an experienced guide in crafting your unique financial path. With stories of breathtaking adventures and overcoming limits, he ties these experiences back to helping you achieve the retirement of your dreams.
Key discussion points include:
The significance of taking small, consistent steps in retirement planning (10:00)
Understanding how personalized plans can lead to unique financial experiences (14:59)
Get to know the team behind Ideas By Mike™ and how they contribute to crafting individualized plans (16:30)
The power of asking “What makes you one of a kind?” in developing a personal financial strategy (19:00)
