Wealth Management – Ideas By Mike™ Podcast

Real Estate Investing Tips & Franchise Growth Strategies with Rhyan Finch (Ep. 38)

By Ideas by Mike | November 28, 2025

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.

👉 Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKVYnUY-NoY
🌐 Visit our Website: https://1oakfinancial.com/

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

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

By Ideas by Mike™ | April 23, 2025

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:

LinkedIn: 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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

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

By Ideas by Mike™ | October 24, 2024

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)

By Ideas by Mike™ | October 10, 2024

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)

By Ideas by Mike™ | September 26, 2024

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