Ideas by Mike™
Welcome to Ideas by Mike™ — The Podcast with Mike Milligan, CFP®, where you will find one-of-a-kind financial planning advice for your one-of-a-kind life. With over 22 years of experience as a Certified Financial Planner®, Mike shares experiences and advice on crafting simple, easy-to-understand fin...
Recent Episodes
60
Oct. 9, 2026
IRMAA Explained: The Hidden Medicare Surcharge That Costs Retirees Thousands | Ideas by Mike™ EP60
Did you know crossing an income line by just $1 in retirement could cost you and your spouse thousands of dollars every year? In this episode 60 of the Ideas by Mike, Mike Milligan, CFP sits down with Mark Annese, IRMAACP, a technologist, data analyst, and creator of the IRMAA Certified Planner designation (now merged with the National Social Security Association). Mark Annese explains how the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) acts as a hidden tax surcharge on Medicare Part B an
59
Sept. 25, 2026
Customer-Centric vs. Customer-Driven: How to Grow Your Business| Ideas by Mike™ EP59
After listening to this episode, you'll consider thinking about these provocative thoughts and ask yourself, 'Does your business treat customers as mere transactions, or as the organizing principle for every decision you make?', 'If your market dipped by 25% tomorrow, would your team simply execute your orders, or would they proactively challenge you to stick to your long-term plan?', 'Are you using AI to build a more efficient machine, or to empower your team to provide a higher level of human
58
Sept. 11, 2026
How AI is Transforming Retirement, Business, and Wealth Building | Ideas by Mike™ EP58
Dan Chuparkoff is an international keynote speaker, technology strategist, and AI expert. Having previously worked as a team lead at Google, Dan left the tech giant to help individuals and businesses navigate the massive transformation brought on by Artificial Intelligence. With decades of experience at the forefront of major technological shifts (including cloud computing, web platforms, and mobile tech), Dan specializes in translating complex technical concepts into clear, practical strategie
57
Aug. 28, 2026
Curiosity, Clarity, and the Four Doors into Better Retirement | Ideas by Mike™ EP57
In this episode of the Ideas by Mike™ podcast, host Mike Milligan, CFP sits down with Cody Lutz, a coach who helps high-performing people think more clearly, act more courageously, and get better results with less wasted effort. Cody shares the path that took him from rural farm kid to event coordinator, SaaS leader, entrepreneur, and full-time executive coach.They also dig into practical tools for major life transitions, including retirement, business growth, and figuring out what you actually
56
Aug. 14, 2026
A Story of Faith, Portfolio Design & Hidden Reasons to Get Annuities Right | Ideas by Mike™ EP56
In this episode of the Ideas by Mike™ podcast, host Mike Milligan sits down with Tracy Lownsberry, an industry-leading financial professional, trusted trainer, and founder of The Annuity Giants. Tracy shares his unique journey from a small Michigan town to serving in the U.S. Army Special Operations and law enforcement, and how his faith and family values ultimately guided him into reshaping the financial services industry. The two dive deep into the nuances of portfolio construction, the real
41
July 31, 2026
Find Your One of a Kind: From Knowing the Problem to Fixing Your Retirement | Ideas by Mike™ EP41
In this prequel episode of Ideas by Mike™, Mike steps up to the mic alone to break down the 6 Moves to Stop Borrowing Desires and Start Living a One-of-a-Kind Life.