In this episode of the Ideas by Mike podcast, host Mike Milligan, CFP shares the journey of his financial planning firm, Ideas by Mike, and its evolution into 1.oak Financial.

He discusses the tumultuous financial landscape over the past few years, the founding principles of his firm, and the importance of client-centered financial planning.

Mike emphasizes the need for a unique approach to financial services that prioritizes clients’ needs and goals, culminating in the introduction of the one-of-a-kind financial plan designed to help clients live their best lives.

Episode Takeaways:

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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.

Book your free complimentary portfolio analysis today: https://calendly.com/ideasbymike/linkedin-strategy-call?month=2025-07

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

About Our Guest: William P. Bengen

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.

If you want to dive deeper into Bengen’s research? Visit his website: https://www.bengenfs.com/

To explore free retirement planning charts, and grab his new book A Richer Retirement on Amazon to learn how to supercharge the 4% Rule, click this!

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Resources:

Tom Hegna’s Retirement Playbook: Proven Formula for Retirement Income, Wealth & Peace of Mind Episode 32

Stream all past episode of Ideas by Mike Podcast!

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Do you have any financial inquiries you need answered?

Intro and Outro Music: “Podcast Interview Background Music” by Ievgen Poltavskyi (HitsLab) via Pixabay

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Tom Hegna retirement income strategies are some of the most researched, proven methods to retire with security, peace of mind, and lasting wealth. In this episode of the Ideas by Mike Podcast, Mike Milligan, CFP®, sits down with Tom Hegna—renowned author of Paychecks and Playchecks and Don’t Worry, Retire Happy—to uncover his formula for creating guaranteed lifetime income, reducing taxes, and protecting family wealth. #TomHegna #RetirementIncomeStrategies #ideasbymike

Stream all past episode of Ideas by Mike Podcast for Expert Financial Planning Insights in our YouTube channel!

Book your complimentary Financial & Retirement Planning Analysis: https://calendly.com/ideasbymike/linkedin-strategy-call?month=2025-07

Subscribe for more expert financial planning insights, insider tax strategies, retirement income tips, and legacy planning ideas from the financial planning world.

About Our Guest: Tom Hegna

Tom Hegna is a world-renowned retirement income expert, economist, and author widely known as the “Retirement Income Guru.” With decades of experience as a financial industry executive, retirement strategist, and keynote speaker, Tom has helped thousands of individuals and advisors understand how to retire happy and secure.

Follow Tom Hegna:

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@UCZLVr1-144LsPDrWR1cyqWQ

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomhegna/

Website – https://tomhegna.com/

In this Episode 32, you’ll learn how to:

– Why annuities must play a foundational role in retirement income.

– The truth about fake fiduciaries—and how to spot them.

– Strategies for Roth conversions and cash value life insurance.

– How to build a wealth floor with life insurance for your family.

– Why guaranteed income leads to happier, longer retirements.

– How to prepare for the long-term care crisis with hybrid solutions.

– The balance between short-term liquidity and long-term stability.

This conversation with Tom Hegna is packed with insights that every retiree and pre-retiree should hear. This conversation is a masterclass in building a plan that actually works—covering income, taxes, legacy, investments, and healthcare.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Tom Hegna Retirement Income Strategies (Intro)

02:22 – Tom’s Journey into Financial Services

06:02 – From New York Life to Bestselling Author

07:19 – Golf Lessons & Financial Planning

09:49 – What Are Fake Fiduciaries?

11:28 – Hybrid Retirement: Redefining Work-Life Balance

14:10 – The Rising Tax Problem & Roth Conversions

16:19 – Life Insurance & Roth for Tax-Free Income

17:45 – The Coming Long-Term Care Crisis

19:21 – Annuities Myths vs. Reality

20:57 – How to Decide if Annuities Fit Your Plan

22:59 – Safe Withdrawal Rate vs. Lifetime Guarantees

24:14 – Building a Wealth Floor with Life Insurance

25:56 – Creating a Comprehensive Financial Plan

27:38 – Short-Term vs. Long-Term Balance in Retirement

28:53 – Which Tom Hegna Book to Start With

**We’d love to hear your thoughts! Subscribe for more Tom Hegna retirement income strategies, proven tax tips, and financial planning insights that help you build wealth and peace of mind.**

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Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Do you have any financial inquiries you need answered?

Intro and Outro Music: “Podcast Interview Background Music” by Ievgen Poltavskyi (HitsLab) via Pixabay

#ideasbymike #moneymanagementpodcast #wealthbuilding #retirementplanning #financialplanningpodcast #careerjourneypodcast #clientservices #worklifebalance #impactfulcareers #personalizedfinance #communityengagement #financialliteracypodcast #podcast #podcastforfinancialliteracy #financialmanagementpodcast #financialplanningguide #financialliteracymatters #financialtips #financialhelp #financialstrategies #socialsecuritytips #federalbenefitsconsultant #cfp #TomHegna #RetirementIncomeStrategies #ideasbymike

In this episode, Mike Milligan discusses innovative tax planning strategies that can help individuals and businesses maximize their financial potential. He explores various tax incentives, including the Augusta Rule, advanced strategies like ‘buy, borrow, and die’, and the benefits of Donor Advised Funds and Charitable Trusts.

Additionally, he delves into estate planning tools and the advantages of real estate investments. The conversation culminates in an in-depth look at Puerto Rico’s Act 60, which offers significant tax benefits for residents and businesses. Mike emphasizes the importance of designing a unique financial plan tailored to individual needs and goals.

You’ll discover how to:

Design a financial plan that leverages tax incentives—are you missing hidden opportunities?

Use the Augusta Rule to generate tax-free rental income—have you considered renting your home to your business?

Preserve wealth using the buy, borrow, and die strategy—could borrowing against your assets reduce your taxes?

Optimize charitable giving with Donor Advised Funds—are you maximizing your deductions in high-income years?

Protect family wealth across generations using dynasty trusts—what steps safeguard your legacy?

Offset taxable income through real estate depreciation—are your investments working as hard as you are?

Unlock tax-free growth with the mega backdoor Roth IRA—are you fully using your retirement opportunities?

Save tens of thousands in taxes through Puerto Rico Act 60—might relocating reshape your financial future?

Understand the tax code to create significant savings—how well are you negotiating with the IRS?

Build a unique financial plan for long-term success—how customized is your current strategy?

Resources: How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market using Vision, AI & Personal Connection | Ideas by Mike (Ep. 30)

Do you have any financial inquiries you need answered?

#ideasbymike #moneymanagementpodcast #wealthbuilding #retirementplanning #financialplanningpodcast #careerjourneypodcast #clientservices #worklifebalance #impactfulcareers #personalizedfinance #communityengagement #financialliteracypodcast #podcast #podcastforfinancialliteracy #financialmanagementpodcast #financialplanningguide #financialliteracy #financialtips #financialhelp #financialstrategies #socialsecuritytips #federalbenefitsconsultant #cfp

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:

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.

Connect with Jeremy Houser:

Resources: Daven Michaels Talks About The #1 Mistake Business Owners Make When Growing (Ep. 29) 

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Do you have any financial inquiries wanting to get answered?

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#ideasbymike #moneymanagementpodcast #wealthbuilding #retirementplanning #financialplanningpodcast #careerjourneypodcast #clientservices #worklifebalance #impactfulcareers #personalizedfinance #communityengagement #financialliteracypodcast #podcast #podcastforfinancialliteracy #financialmanagementpodcast #financialplanningguide #financialliteracy #financialtips #financialhelp #financialstrategies #socialsecuritytips #federalbenefitsconsultant #cfp

In this episode of Ideas by Mike, host Mike Milligan interviews Davin Michaels, a New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur known for his innovative approach to business and life.

The conversation explores Davin’s journey from the fashion industry to the music business and his successful ventures in outsourcing.

They discuss the importance of living intentionally, the benefits of relocating to Puerto Rico, and the creation of the San Juan Social Club, which fosters community and networking among expats and locals.

Davin shares insights on tax advantages in Puerto Rico, the significance of building meaningful relationships, and the life lessons he’s learned along the way. The episode concludes with a look at Davin’s future aspirations and philanthropic efforts.

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to a One-of-a-Kind Life

Resources: Meet Christina Hill: The Calm Voice Behind Market-Sensitive Financial Planning (Ep. 28)

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

About Our Guest: Daven Michaels

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:

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

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:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Liz Mundey:

About our Guest:

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:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect with Barb Gleason:

About our Guest:

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:

Resources:

Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®:

Connect With Tom Haines:

About Tom Haines:

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.