Episodes

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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...

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.

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.

In this episode of Ideas by Mike™, financial therapist Erica Wasserman joins host Mike Milligan, CFP to explore the emotional side of retirement planning. Moving beyond just the spreadsheet, they discuss the concept of "Phase Three," how childhood "money scripts" unconsciously influence adult financial decisions, and the importance of aligning retirement visions as a couple. Erica provides practical frameworks—including her M.O.N.E.Y. communication method—for navigating tough conversations and s...

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 alre...

In this episode of Ideas by Mike™, Mike Milligan, CFP® sits down with Dr. Ives Machiz, PhD, CFP®, a fee-only pioneer, shares lessons from 4 careers on retiring into purpose. Learn how coaching and financial education build self-sufficiency & reduce anxiety.

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 pow...

Are your childhood memories secretly managing your money? We ALL have these stories. On this week’s episode of the Ideas by Mike podcast, I sat down with Dr. Megan McCoy, one of the top academic minds in financial therapy. We went deep into the psychology of how we handle money across every generation. Dr. McCoy even shared her own vulnerable money story about how wanting to “save the world” made her think she had to take a vow of poverty—and how she rewrote that narrative. It was absolute pod...

Is your wealth over-concentrated in company stock? In this episode of Ideas by Mike podcast, host Mike Milligan, CFP, sits down with Keshav Kolur—a former software engineer at Amazon and Meta who walked away from the cubicle to build Clive Capital. Keshav reveals how he applies a “tech brain” to evaluate real estate, oil, and gas deals to minimize downside risk. If you are a high-income earner who is “time poor but cash rich,” this episode is your blueprint for rewriting your financial story th...

In Episode 48 of Ideas by Mike podcast, Mike Milligan, CFP sat down with Ronnie Sadka, Chair of the Finance Department at Boston College and co-founder of MKT MediaStats. We dove deep into a fascinating concept he calls “Narrative Momentum.” We humans have bounded rationality—we simply cannot process the millions of articles, tweets, and news stories published every single day. Because of this, the market often underreacts to a narrative as it slowly gains traction. Ronnie’s research uses tech...

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 this 46th episode of the Ideas by Mike podcast, host Mike Milligan, CFP interviews KC Chohan, founder of Together CFO, who specializes in tax strategies for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs. KC shares his journey from working in a Fortune 500 company to becoming a fractional CFO, emphasizing the importance of understanding tax loopholes and structures to optimize financial outcomes. The conversation covers various topics, including the future of taxes, the differences between W-...

Unlock the secret to living a brave, fulfilling life—at any age. In this episode, Mike Milligan, CFP & Jill Schulman, a Marine turned corporate leader and bravery expert, reveals how embracing fear can propel you to your biggest dreams. Whether you’re nearing retirement, navigating career transitions, or seeking to elevate your personal growth, you’ll discover proven science-backed strategies to build courage, conquer doubts, and take bold steps forward. This episode is perfect for anyone feel...

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 app...

In this episode of Ideas by Mike podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of love and money with Financial Therapist and “Fractional Financial Behavior Officer,” Ashley Quamme. What You’ll Learn: Many couples struggle with financial arguments, not because the math doesn’t work, but because the psychology doesn’t align. Mike and Ashley discuss why financial planning often fails without a psychological component, how to identify your “money scripts,” and the secrets to building a “Wealthy Marr...

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!

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 ...

Dr. Axel Meierhoefer joins Mike Milligan, CFP®, to uncover his unique strategies for achieving financial freedom and navigating the future landscape of wealth. This Ideas by Mike Podcast episode dives deep into three core areas: building wealth through residential real estate investing, the imminent impact of AI and embodied robotics, and the tactical steps to successfully transitioning to expat life. Visit Dr. Axel’s website at: https://www.idealwealthgrower.com/ **We’d love to hear your thou...

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 financi...

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 th...