Episodes

  • The relationship between money and marriage can be complex especially when you add military service to the mix. When you bring two different backgrounds to a relationship and if you’ve had marital problems, managing money together can be all the more challenging.

    In this episode, veteran and military spouse Tyron White and I discuss the financial challenges military couples face, the importance of seeking help for both marital and financial issues, the power of financial therapy, and the misconceptions about getting help.

    Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/rebuilding-financial-health /

  • Separating or retiring comes with changes in many areas of your life and money. One of those often overlooked big changes is your taxes.

    What you did or didn’t pay in taxes looks a lot different after military service.

    In this episode, Matt Stephens and I discuss what the tax differential wage equivalent is, why it matters, and how it can significantly impact your financial decisions as you move from military to civilian life.

    Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/tax-reality-every-veteran-needs/

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  • It’s my Birthday Week on the MILMO® Show. Every year for my birthday, I like to interview someone special in my life. In past years, I’ve interviewed my Mom, Dad, and my 97-year-old grandmother. This year is no different. I have a very special guest to help me celebrate my birthday on the show.

    In this episode, my brother, Brian Flanigan is in the hot seat answering all of my questions. He shares the biggest challenges he has faced retiring from the Air Force, the best thing he got out of the military and advice for people getting ready to separate or retire. He even shares his experience of being diagnosed and fighting cancer on active duty.

    Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/2024-birthday-week

  • It’s my 300th episode. When I started, I never imagined being where I’m at now. Having a podcast is like being on a roller-coaster. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, but it’s all exhilarating.

    In this special episode, I’m sharing a look back on podcasting 300 episodes of the MILMO Show, a behind-the-scenes look at what I do, lessons learned, and the questions and answers I’m asked about podcasting.

    Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/podcasting-look-back-300-episodes

  • I love that I get to talk to you every week about money and entrepreneurship. I’m getting real close to my 300th episode, which means a lot to me. While I love that I have the privilege to be one of the podcasts you listen to, I want to do more. I want to go beyond devices and connect with members of the MILMO® community in a more meaningful and impactful way. I’ve been planning something for a while—something that will bring the MILMO® community together.

    In this episode, I’m going to tell you what MILMO® Meet is, my vision for it and one teensy change I’ve made to the branding of MILMO®.

    Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/announcing-milmo-meet

  • A PCS or Permanent Change of Station impacts every part of your life, including your finances and jobs. Understanding the basics of PCSing can help you avoid costly mistakes and maybe make some money on it.

    In this episode, Kate Horrell breaks down the financial basics of a PCS, the allowances provided by the DoD for your move, and advice to make everything go smoother.

    Kate is an Accredited Financial Counselor®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, Military Qualified Financial Professional, and founder of Kings High Media. She creates personal finance content that helps our military and veteran community make the most of their pay and benefits. In addition to being a financial expert, Kate knows a thing or two about being a military spouse and PCSing. She’s been married to a now-retired sailor for 30 years, corralling four girls and two cats across four OCONUS tours and a handful of homes in the US.

    Show notes and resources: https://milmo.co/podcast/pcsing

  • Not everyone tracks the state of the economy, but when the news reports that it’s taking a nosedive, that usually gets people's attention. There is one thing at the heart of our economy that can help you have a better understanding of how it all works, and that’s the federal funds rate.

    In this episode, I’m going to break down what the federal funds rate is. Who sets it? And most importantly, why should you, as someone managing your or your family’s finances, care about it?

    The show notes can be found here:

    https://milmo.co/podcast/federal-funds-rate

  • Have you ever had an idea to make a product that other people might be willing to buy? Many of us have, but how do you take your idea and get it produced and packaged to sell? You also need to have the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit to get it done.

    In this episode, Air Force veteran, Haley McClain Hill shares her behind-the-scenes experience building TORCH Warriorwear, a company born from her military background and entrepreneurial spirit. We talk about how she turned an idea to be more comfortable in uniform into a global brand, secured partnerships with major organizations, and even landed a deal on ABC's Shark Tank.

    Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/creating-a-product-and-winning-pitch-competitions

  • You know that feeling when you bite off way more of a burrito than you can chew? It's overwhelming. Instead of enjoying the taste and appreciating the awesome sustenance, you’re panicky and scared you’ll choke to death. Well, that’s exactly what many of us do with our finances. We set massive goals, take it too much information, and try to tackle everything at once. Then we end up feeling overwhelmed, paralyzed, and defeated. But great news, there's a better way.

    In this episode, I’m going to break down why taking small, consistent bites out of your financial goals is the secret to lasting success. I’ll share practical strategies to make your money moves more manageable, celebrate small wins, and motivate you along the way.

    https://milmo.co/podcast/financial-bites

  • The world is packed full of information. With the Internet and a cell phone, we have all the knowledge in the world in the palm of our hand. No matter the situation, if you need information, it’s there. But how do you distinguish between key information you need to make decisions and unnecessary noise?

    In this episode, Bob Hayward, retired Vice Admiral and former Navy SEAL, discusses how you can enhance your decision-making process in any situation with ”good gouge,” especially financial and career decisions.

    We cover:

    The concept of "the gouge" and its military origins and importance in decision-making Creating a culture of sharing knowledge and supporting others in organizations Advice for service members transitioning out of the military The importance of critical thinking and asking questions
    Encouraging open communication

    Show notes: How to Be Smarter in Any Situation

  • You’ve heard me and every other financial person say it before: Spend less than you make and save. It’s a fundamental of personal finance, but then what? Once you've done the savings part, what are your next steps with the money?

    Today’s the fifth and final episode of my "Back to Basics" series about being brilliant at finance's basics or core principles. So far, I’ve covered the Thrift Savings Plan, cash flow, saving smarter, and insurance. Today, I’m diving into a topic that can make or break your financial future: investing fundamentals. Investing wisely is a centerpiece for building wealth and reaching financial goals.

    In this episode, I’ll cover:

    The basics of investing terminology Types of investments Understanding risk and return The power of diversification Compounding and its benefits Asset allocation strategies Key investment strategies

    Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/investing-fundamentals

  • Today’s the fourth episode of my "Back to Basics" series about being brilliant at the basics or core principles of finance. So far, I’ve covered the Thrift Savings Plan, cash flow, and saving smarter, and today, I’m going over another important topic that is often misunderstood: insurance.

    Understanding insurance is essential for managing risk and protecting your financial gains and well-being, but it can also help you recover if there’s an unexpected life event like an accident or illness.

    In this episode, I’m going over:

    Why insurance is important Types of insurance you need How to choose the right insurance Common mistakes to avoid Maximizing your insurance benefits

    https://milmo.co/podcast/insurance-basics

  • Today’s the third episode of my "Back to Basics" series that is about being brilliant at the basics or core principles of finance. Last time, I covered cash flow management. Before that the Thrift Savings Plan and today, I’m going over a critical topic: saving your money. People say, “Money can’t buy you happiness.” That one is crazy because renting a yacht for two weeks to eat, drink and be merry with the people I love would bring me absolute joy. There are a lot of sayings, but what they all come down to is that life is hard when you need money and don’t have it. It can be for simple things like needing a new suit for an interview, money to fly home to family for the holidays, a safe home, food, or medical treatments. Having money saved up gives you the freedom and peace to solve your needs, wants and problems quickly.

    Saving money is also key to achieving financial stability, reaching your goals, and reducing stress.

    In this episode, I’m going over:

    Why it’s important to save money Compound interest Strategies to save money Getting the time and your savings aligned Best accounts to save money Savings mistakes to avoid Maximizing your savings


    https://milmo.co/podcasting/save-money-smarter

  • A firm grasp of your current money situation is foundational to your peace of mind and financial success. One of the best ways to take control of your finances is with a cash flow statement.

    Today is the second episode of my "Back to the Basics" series, which is all about being brilliant at the basics or core principles of finance. Last time, I covered the basics of the Thrift Savings Plan, and today, I’m going to talk about something equally important: cash flow management.

    Understanding and managing your cash flow is a fundamental skill that will help you avoid debt, plan for emergencies, achieve financial goals, and reduce stress. You may have heard the term "cash flow" thrown around before, but what does it really mean? And how is it different from budgeting? If you're confused or just want to strengthen your financial foundation, this one’s for you.

    In this episode, I’m covering:

    What a cash flow statement is and how it works The differences between cash flow and budgeting, and why both are important Practical steps to create your own cash flow statement Tips for managing your cash flow effectively Common pitfalls to avoid and strategies to stay on track

    The show notes can be found here: https://milmo.co/podcast/managing-cash-flow

  • There will always be a new trend everyone is talking about. Money included. Go anywhere on social media, Instagram, or TikTok, and there is a money trend. All that noise can make it easy to get caught up in trying to keep up instead of being focused on what is core to your financial success. Instead of jumping on a bandwagon that can crash and burn, we should focus on the basics. Or, more importantly, getting brilliant at the basics so when a trend comes along, we’ll have a firm foundation and know if that trend is going to help us build wealth and reach our goals.

    That’s why I’m doing a back-to-basics series on the MILMO Show. I’m going to do different shows on topics we should all have a basic understanding of, like budgeting, the SGLI, insurance, and more. I have no idea how many shows yet, but I’m going to kick it off with the Thrift Savings Plan and take it from there.

    Right now, you’re saving money for two people: yourself and your 80-year-old self. That means your money needs to be working double duty. Lucky for service members, there’s a tool you can use to help your money work overtime. It’s called the Thrift Savings Plan, better known as the TSP.

    In this episode, I’m breaking down the basics you should know about the Thrift Savings Plan, like making smart investment choices, managing it while you’re in, and what to do with your TSP when you get out. Whether you're new to the military, just starting to give your TSP a little love, or just looking for a refresher, this episode’s for you.

    The show notes can be found here: https://milmo.co/podcast/thrift-savings-plan-basics/

  • Many people dream of becoming writers one day. The possibility of making money selling books filled with their creative writing, stories, or solutions is exciting. However, many don’t know what it takes to get their books traditionally or self-published or how much money they can make as writers.

    In this episode, long-time MILMO Show listener Randy Surles gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to write, edit, and publish a book that will have commercial success, whether traditionally or self-published.

    SGM Randall Surles (Ret.) served for nearly 32 years in the Army as an infantryman in the 75th Ranger Regiment, where he parachuted into Panama during Operation Just Cause. He then served over 20 years as a Green Beret in various positions, specializing in medicine, weapons, tactics, and intelligence.

    While still serving on active duty, Randy completed his BA in U.S. History from Campbell University and his MFA in Creative Writing from The University of Texas at El Paso. After retiring, Randall Surles trained under editor Shawn Coyne to become one of a handful of Story Grid Certified Editors. He currently works as a Podcaster, Developmental Editor, Book Coach, Ghost Writer, and Author. He specializes in editing military fiction and non-fiction books, but also enjoys editing/ writing Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Thrillers.

    The show notes can be found here: https://milmo.co/podcast/earning-a-living-as-a-writer

  • Build it and they will come is wishful thinking in business. Having a product or service that is needed or wanted by people is only half of the battle. How will they buy your service or product if they don’t even know you exist? That’s where marketing comes in.

    In this episode, Matt Halloran shares advice and tips for proudly spreading the word about your business, why you should market your business and mistakes to avoid.


    Matt is a co-founder and chief relationship officer at ProudMouth, the world’s leading influence accelerator for financial advisors. An in-demand speaker, Matt has appeared on over 1,000 podcasts and is the host of ProudMouth’s Top Advisor Marketing Podcast, where he and industry leaders empower advisors to become trusted recognized authorities. Matt is the author of The Social Media Handbook for Financial Advisors, the first social media book for financial services. His upcoming book, “Shut the F Up and Listen,” is set to be released this summer.

    The show notes can be found here: https://milmo.co/podcast/marketing-your-brand-and-business

  • It’s Memorial Day, a solemn day to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving. Our community knows well that this isn’t a day to celebrate those serving or who have served in the military. Unfortunately, many people mistake Memorial Day as another Veteran’s Day. No. Today is a sacred day to honor those who not only laid down their lives to preserve our freedoms, liberties, and way of life but, in many cases, gave their life to protect those serving beside them. Their sacrifice is a debt we will never be able to repay, but “we, the people,” should still try.

    In this episode, I’m going to talk about the significance of Memorial Day and ways we can attempt to repay the debt together.

    The show notes can be found here: https://milmo.co/podcast/repaying-the-debt-to-the-fallen

  • A lot of blood, sweat, and tears go into building a business. As a founder, you’ll wear many hats to get things done. It can be challenging to find time and energy to be strategic about growing or innovating in your business.

    In this episode, Gary Kusin shares his decades of wisdom on successfully scaling businesses, managing pivotal moments with teams, building a valuable brand that could be acquired, and evaluating growth opportunities.

    Gary is a mentor, investor, entrepreneur, business advisor, and author of Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling Up from GameStop to Laura Mercier and Beyond. He is the co-founder of GameStop, and Laura Mercier Cosmetics, both of which are well-known global brands. Today, he advises an array of public and private companies, large and small, on strategy, management and growth issues. In addition, Kusin continues his full schedule of mentoring and has mentored well over 1000 individuals during the course of his career.

    The show notes can be found here: https://milmo.co/podcast/strategies-for-business-growth

  • Life can be difficult sometimes. Challenges and traumas are not something the military community has a monopoly on, but still, many in our community face challenges and traumas that can leave a person feeling shattered and low on hope, which can start a cycle of poor decision-making, including financial mistakes.

    In this episode, Jeremy Stalnecker covers the common ways PTSD manifests, the challenges of military and post-military life, coping with isolating and hopeless situations, and advice for overcoming trauma. Jeremy also addresses how PTSD can impact decision-making, how spouses can navigate supporting a partner with PTSD, and what he wishes more people understood about this invisible wound.

    Jeremy, Co-Founder of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, aids America’s military and families battling combat-related wounds like PTSD. A Marine Corps veteran, he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, acquiring leadership skills. As a USMC Infantry Officer, Jeremy received a Veteran Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for Combat Valor. Transitioning to ministry after the military, he counseled at Coastline Baptist, then served as Senior Pastor at Bay Area Baptist Church. Feeling the calling, Jeremy merged his ministry and military background, leading Mighty Oaks Foundation full-time where today he focuses on veterans and helping them adjust back to civilian life and deal with PTSD from a biblical perspective. Additionally, Jeremy is often a speaker on the topic of leadership and discipleship.

    The show notes can be found here: https://milmo.co/podcast/challenges-and-trauma/