Tag: Personal Finance
The Massive Structural Differences When Evaluating Bitcoin vs Crypto | Ideas by Mike™ EP55

The Massive Structural Differences When Evaluating Bitcoin vs Crypto | Ideas by Mike™ EP55

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Is your financial advisor still stuck in the 1960s? In this episode of Ideas by Mike™, host Mike Milligan, CFP sits down with Eric Runge, a third-generation entrepreneur and founder of Veritas Wealth, to discuss the institutionalization of financial planning and why standard commoditized products like the 60/40 portfolio are failing modern investors.

 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

– The Problem with Big Banks: Why institutions like Merrill Lynch and Edward Jones have more incentive to sell what has always worked instead of staying on the cutting edge.

– The History of Money: How walking off the gold standard in 1971 accelerated government debt and consumer inflation.

– Bitcoin vs Crypto: Why Bitcoin is a completely separate structure from the thousands of other cryptocurrencies on the market.

– The Future of Digital Currency: How SEC regulations, institutional family offices, and payment rails are shifting the landscape for Bitcoin.

 

Watch it on YouTube!

Click this link: Watch Now!

 

About our Guest:

Eric Runge Eric Runge is a third-generation entrepreneur who transitioned from corporate America to establish his own path in independent wealth management. In 2017, he founded Veritas Wealth to escape corporate compliance constraints and better serve his clients with fully customized decisions. He has since specialized his practice into a highly specific niche, establishing himself as a registered investment adviser expert in Bitcoin.

Drawing from a rich family history of business ownership—ranging from his grandfather’s heavy equipment rental shop to his father’s real estate business—Runge brings a direct, transparent, and agile entrepreneurial mindset to his practice. He caters extensively to high-net-worth investors and family offices, translating complex economic shifts into clear, actionable financial strategies.

 

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

Visit our website at: www.1oakfinancial.com

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Financial Therapy 101: How Your "Money Scripts" Controls Your Future | Ideas by Mike™ EP54
Financial Therapy 101: How Your “Money Scripts” Controls Your Future | Ideas by Mike™ EP54

Financial Therapy 101: How Your “Money Scripts” Controls Your Future | Ideas by Mike™ EP54

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In this latest episode of Ideas by Mike™, our guest speaker, Erika Wasserman shares a deep-frame work and explains the history why retirement as an emotional and subconscious journey, drawing in listeners searching for deeper understanding. It then unpacks Erica’s key insights with concrete examples, tools, and frameworks—highlighting tangible benefits and outcomes.

Erica Wasserman, a renowned financial therapist, reveals how childhood stories, cultural beliefs, and subconscious patterns shape your money decisions today—and how recognizing these stories can transform your retirement journey. Erica guides us through how to identify and reframe these deep-rooted beliefs, so they serve your future—not sabotage it.

You’ll discover the surprising power of renaming your retirement accounts to boost motivation, learn simple exercises to connect with your retirement vision, and understand why emotional readiness is equally vital as financial planning.

With practical tools like conversation cards and a step-by-step framework, Erica shows how even the toughest talks—about money, aging parents, or transitioning roles—can be approached with confidence and clarity.

This episode breaks down the common money myths that keep couples silent, explores the critical conversations for harmony, and shares how to create a flexible, meaningful retirement—what Erica calls Phase Three—where passion, purpose, and financial security blend seamlessly.

If you or your clients are approaching retirement or questioning their money mindset, this is your essential guide to navigating it with emotional intelligence and purpose.

Perfect for financial advisors, couples preparing for retirement, or anyone ready to make their money story work for them—not against them.

Don’t let subconscious scripts define your future; learn to tell a new, empowering story today.

 

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About Our Guest:

Erika Wasserman is CEO of Your Financial Therapist, which she founded in 2019. As a Certified Financial Therapist CFT™, a sought-after certification held by only 100 people in the world, she combines her education in finance and international economics with her passion for helping others, empowering individuals, couples, and companies to reshape the way they think about money.

Visit her website at: https://yourfinancialtherapist.com/

 

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Also Get the Book “The One of a Kind Financial Plan” on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hAOPAgM

Stream all past episode of Ideas by Mike™ Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3KupZ4PKZW7NBOjRRQxRCSOSpS0G2ok

(Ep. 53): The Non-financial Side of Early Retirement – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luxc4m-mU2U&t=17s

Follow our Socials for more updates:
Mike Milligan, CFP® – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemilligancfp/
1.oak Financial Website – https://www.1oakfinancial.com/
LinkedIn Company Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/company/102585896/
Facebook: 1.Oak Financial – https://www.facebook.com/ideasbymike
Instagram: @1oakfinancial – https://www.instagram.com/1oakfinancial/
Ideas by Mike on Spotify Podcast – https://open.spotify.com/show/4Nxq9bIB3MRbetP3nXtQlk?si=dc4ee5e8ee564501
Ideas by Mike on Apple Podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-by-mike/id1750701949

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

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How to Never Miss a Moment in Your Next Chapter with Dr. Gary David | Ideas by Mike™ Ep. 53

How to Never Miss a Moment in Your Next Chapter with Dr. Gary David | Ideas by Mike™ Ep. 53

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Stop focusing only on the spreadsheet and start designing a life that matters. Join Mike Milligan, CFP® and design sociologist Dr. Gary David as they explore the human side of retirement, from navigating the “identity cliff” to the sociology of meaningful moments.

Learn how to transition from a job title to a purposeful new chapter, bridge the communication gap with your spouse about legacy and money, and create “storyable” experiences that last a lifetime. Whether you are a pre-retiree or already in your next phase, discover why retirement is a sociology project, not just a financial one.

Watch it on YouTube and don’t forget to subscribe for more!

About our Guest:

About our Guest: Dr. Gary David is a professor of sociology and experience design at Bentley University, where he has taught for over 25 years. He holds a PhD in sociology from Wayne State University and specializes in the intersection of how humans relate to one another and the art of designing meaningful experiences.

As a design sociologist, keynote speaker, and host of the Experience by Design podcast, Dr. David studies how individuals build connection, belonging, and meaning, particularly during major life transitions like retirement.

His professional background also includes judging international customer experience awards and applying his expertise in conversational analysis and linguistics to help people navigate the complex human elements of work, identity, and personal relationships.

Websites: https://www.garycdavid.com/ | https://garyconnects.com/

LinkedIn: Gary C. David

 

**We’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below!**

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Information is Cheap, Transformation is Rare | Ideas by Mike™ (EP. 51)

Information is Cheap, Transformation is Rare | Ideas by Mike™ (EP. 51)

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Are you endlessly consuming financial content but still feeling stuck?

In this special solo episode of the Ideas by Mike™ podcast, Mike Milligan, CFP® takes a step back to connect the dots. Over the last fifteen episodes, we’ve explored wealth, health, fear, and communication—but how do all these pieces actually fit together into a real, actionable plan for your future?

Join Mike as he bridges the gap between cheap information and rare transformation. You won’t hear any guests today, just a powerful look back so we can look forward to the next level of the show.

Discover why building a “one-of-a-kind life” is about much more than just a spreadsheet, and find out the single most important question you need to ask yourself to finally get unstuck. Stop doom-scrolling and start planning.

Subscribe to our YouTube and Tune in to find your starting line!

Also Get the Book “The One of a Kind Financial Plan” on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hAOPAgM

#moneymanagementpodcast #financialplanningpodcast #Finance #Inflation #RetirementPlanning #EconomicHistory #IdeasByMikePodcast

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3 Communication Mistakes Financial Advisors Make (And How To Fix Them) | Deirdre Van Nest
(Ep. 47) 3 Communication Mistakes Financial Advisors Make (And How To Fix Them) | Deirdre Van Nest

(Ep. 47) 3 Communication Mistakes Financial Advisors Make (And How To Fix Them) | Deirdre Van Nest

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Cut through the “sea of sameness” in financial advice by using communication as your competitive edge. In this episode of Ideas by Mike (Ep. 47), Mike Milligan, CFP, talks with communication expert Deirdre Van Ness about the three common mistakes advisors make, why effective speaking starts with strong content and emotional resonance, and how AI and gender dynamics are shaping the industry. 

Main points: three advisor mistakes, content-first speaking, emotional connection, AI’s role, fewer women in finance.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on financial communication and advisor growth.

Episode Summary: This episode of Ideas by Mike features Deirdre Van Ness discussing how financial advisors can escape the “sea of sameness” through powerful communication.

Main Topics:

  • The Power of Communication: Using communication as a “superpower” to build trust and influence.
  • Three Communication Mistakes: Avoiding common pitfalls by treating every conversation as a leadership audition.
  • Human-AI Collaboration: Leveraging AI for efficiency while using the human element to customize the Final Output.

To learn more about us, visit www.1oakfinancial.com   |  Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for latest updates!

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(Ep. 44) Building Personalized Financial Plans That Speak to Your Values with Adam Dell
(Ep. 44) Building Personalized Financial Plans That Speak to Your Values with Adam Dell

(Ep. 44) Building Personalized Financial Plans That Speak to Your Values with Adam Dell

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Most high earners are leaving money on the table—failing to leverage tax strategies, automation, and personalized financial planning that can skyrocket their wealth. Today’s guest, Adam Dell, reveals how innovative technology and tailored advice are transforming the landscape for affluent individuals and advisors alike.

Discover how Domain Money is rewriting the rules of wealth management for the mass affluent, offering flat-fee models, sophisticated tax strategies, and a relationship-driven approach that keeps clients engaged and on track. Adam shares insider insights on building a truly personalized financial plan—focusing on values, goals, and behavioral economics—to prevent costly mistakes like underinvesting during market dips or neglecting estate transfer complexities. You’ll break down:

  • The future of wealth management beyond AUM fees, emphasizing transparency and choice.
  • How high-yield savings accounts (like Marcus by Goldman Sachs) are critical in building robust emergency funds.
  • The real power of behavioral economics in helping clients stay disciplined, especially amid market volatility.
  • The role of advanced tax planning—HSAs, Roth conversions, and long-term care strategies—that most advisors overlook.
  • The innovative partnership between Domain and 1.oak, designed to serve clients with smaller assets and nurture their growth toward more complex needs.

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(Ep. 42) LOSING 80 POUNDS AT AGE 64: How to RECLAIM Your HEALTH for an active Retirement

(Ep. 42) LOSING 80 POUNDS AT AGE 64: How to RECLAIM Your HEALTH for an active Retirement

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What if retirement isn’t about money at All?

In this episode of the Ideas by Mike Podcast, we explore retirement without fear through a powerful real-life transformation. From losing 80 pounds to redefining freedom, purpose, and identity after work, this conversation challenges everything most people believe about retirement.

 

**We’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below!**

Stream all past episode of Ideas by Mike™ Podcast on YouTube! 

 

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(Ep. 40)How Inflation Reshaped America’s Cost of Living (1909 vs 2025 Historic Prices Changes)

(Ep. 40)How Inflation Reshaped America’s Cost of Living (1909 vs 2025 Historic Prices Changes)

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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.

 

**We’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment below!**

Stream all past episode of Ideas by Mike™ Podcast on YouTube! 

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The Discipline Dividend: How You Do One Thing Is How You Do Everything with Josef Mehall (Ep. 24)

The Discipline Dividend: How You Do One Thing Is How You Do Everything with Josef Mehall (Ep. 24)

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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)

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Josef Mehall:

About Our Guest:

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.

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This is WHY Money is Important: IBM Employee Edition (Ep. 4)

This is WHY Money is Important: IBM Employee Edition (Ep. 4)

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Your financial journey is as unique as you are. So, in order to plan for a bright future you first need to ask yourself one simple question:

Why is money important to you?

This week on Ideas by Mike™, Mike Milligan, CFP® brings on a few members of his dynamic team, including Kaitlan Costner, Marcus Washington, Nicole Stam, and Liz Mundey, to dive into this fundamental question they ask all their clients.

Tune in and explore the team’s unique roles and hear different perspectives on financial priorities, the role of money in achieving life goals, and how understanding client relationships can lead to impactful, one-of-a-kind financial plans.

Episode highlights include: 

  • An introduction to the team and their unique roles at Ideas by Mike™
  • Marcus discusses varying client responses and the universal fear of running out of money
  • Nicole shares her journey to financial literacy and the importance of budgeting and autonomy
  • Liz highlights the need for security, legacy, and the personal touch in financial planning
  • Kaitlan emphasizes the value of transparency and expectations in managing client trust and money
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

About Our Guests:

Kaitlan Costner is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Ideas by Mike™. She oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the company, ensuring they align with its strategic goals. She is responsible for handling all business submissions and processing, nurturing relationships with partners, and closely monitoring the company’s financial performance.

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.

Nicole Stam serves as the Marketing & Lead Generation Strategist for Ideas By Mike™. With a background in digital marketing and cybersecurity, she has cultivated a keen interest in staying abreast of technological trends. Nicole leverages this expertise to transform innovative methodologies into successful marketing and lead-generation strategies. With a proven track record of success, she remains committed to making significant strides in the marketing industry through pioneering campaigns.

Liz Mundey is the Senior Relationship Manager at Ideas by Mike™ tasked with providing enhanced client support. Her responsibilities include maintaining up-to-date accounts, ensuring accessible and comprehensible information, and maintaining close communication with clients to ensure their financial plans evolve in alignment with their lives.

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