About the author

Authority Press Wire

Mike Milligan, Founder of 1 Oak Financial, Interviewed on The Influential Entrepreneurs Podcast, Discussing The Sea of Sameness

Mike Milligan discusses the sea of sameness 
Listen to the interview on the Business Innovators Radio Network: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-mike-milligan-founder-of-1-oak-financial-discussing-the-sea-of-sameness/
In this episode of Influential Entrepreneurs, host Mike Saunders welcomes Mike Milligan, founder of 1 Oak Financial, to discuss the concept of the “sea of sameness” in the financial services industry. Mike Milligan shares his personal journey into finance, which began at a young age when he witnessed his grandmother’s resilience after the loss of his grandfather. She turned her passion for cooking into a source of income, demonstrating innovation in the face of adversity. Throughout the episode, the conversation delves into the frameworks and methodologies Mike has developed to help clients stand out in a crowded market.  
In the financial services industry, a significant concern is the tendency of many firms to prioritize efficiency over empathy. This approach often results in clients being treated as mere numbers rather than as individuals with unique stories, needs, and aspirations. 
Milligan explores the concept of the “sea of sameness,” where financial firms deliver cookie-cutter advice that fails to address the specific circumstances of each client. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent among large Wall Street firms and insurance companies, which are structured to scale and focus primarily on assets under management (AUM). Consequently, clients often receive generic solutions that do not reflect their personal financial situations or life goals. 
The industry’s standard practice is to treat clients like spreadsheets, emphasizing efficiency over empathy. Milligan points out that many advisors operate under a model that prioritizes gathering assets rather than understanding the stories behind those assets. This leads to a one-size-fits-all approach, where the advice given is often a formulaic response based on numerical data rather than a thoughtful consideration of the client’s unique life circumstances. 
When financial advisors focus solely on efficiency, they risk overlooking the deeper emotional and personal aspects of their clients’ lives. Milligan highlights that many clients feel like just another number in a long line, akin to waiting at the DMV. This lack of personal connection can lead to feelings of being undervalued and unheard, which is detrimental to building a trusting advisor-client relationship. 
To combat this trend, Milligan emphasizes the need for financial advisors to engage with their clients on a more personal level. He advocates for a process that begins with understanding the client’s story, family dynamics, health considerations, and long-term goals. By doing so, advisors can create customized financial plans that truly reflect the client’s unique situation, rather than relying on outdated rules of thumb or generic strategies. 
Mike encourages clients to be proactive in their search for financial advice that prioritizes their individual needs. He suggests asking specific questions during the advisor selection process, such as how the advisor customizes recommendations and what their process is for understanding the client’s goals. If an advisor’s focus is primarily on account size or specific products rather than the client’s personal story, it may be a sign that they are operating within the sea of sameness. 
Mike shared: “I believe everyone is One of a Kind; and You deserve a One of a Kind Financial Plan that is about You” 
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/SN-C9f38i8Q
About Mike Milligan 
Mike Milligan, a Certified Financial Planning Professional, author, podcast and radio show host, and university lecturer, brings 26 years of experience to the financial planning industry. After beginning his career in large banks and insurance companies, he founded his first firm 15 years ago with the belief that “everyone is One of a Kind; and they deserve a One of a Kind Financial Plan.” 
Challenging the “One Size Fits All” approach to financial advice, which he refers to as “Retirement Déjà Vu,” Mike developed The One of a Kind Financial Plan. This comprehensive plan addresses taxes, retirement income, investments, long-term care, and legacy, enabling clients to live a “One of a Kind Life.” Recognizing the need for a clear retirement vision, he then created Retirement CHI to supplement the plan. This innovative approach focuses on community, health, and impact, further reducing stress for his clients. Mike leads a team of over 20 professionals across the United States, including Hawaii. 
 
Learn more: http://www.1OakFinancial.com  
The information provided is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Information is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Neither Mike Milligan nor his guests are liable for the use of information discussed. Always consult with a qualified investment, tax, or legal professional before taking any action or schedule a meeting with Mike Milligan. Annuity guarantees are based solely on the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Individuals should thoroughly review the contract for specific product features and costs. Income payments and withdrawals from deferred annuities are generally taxable as ordinary income in the year they are taken. 

WBEC-West Announces New Dates for 22nd Annual Procurement & Awards Conference

Event Rescheduled to December 16–18, 2025 in Honor of WBENC President & CEO Pamela Prince-Eason

Phoenix, AZ – The Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West) today announced that its 22nd Annual Procurement & Awards Conference, originally scheduled for October 7–9, 2025, will now take place December 16–18, 2025.

The Wealth Ripple by Cassandra M. Thomas on Special Amazon Flash Sale — Limited Time Only

For anyone ready to break free from financial stress, create lasting wealth, and transform their family’s future, financial educator Cassandra M. Thomas has an announcement you won’t want to miss. Her powerful new book, The Wealth Ripple: Break the Cycle. Build Financial Freedom. Transform Your Family’s Future is available now for a special Amazon Flash Sale — for a limited time only.

Bestselling Author Todd Thomas Featured in the Debut Episode of Tech Leaders Spotlight on The NOW Network

Tech Leaders Spotlight debuted August 5 at 10:30 PM EST on The NOW Network, featuring bestselling author Todd Thomas. The nationally syndicated episode marked the official launch of the show, highlighting Thomas’s journey as an entrepreneur and innovation strategist. With a focus on purpose-driven leadership, the show airs on a network reaching over 180 million homes via cable, satellite, and streaming platforms

Priscila Cosentino Senior E.A.S.E. Advisor at Xexis Private Wealth – 2025 Social Security Changes: How to Navigate New Rules to Protect & Maximize Retirement Income

Priscila Cosentino announces 2025 Social Security Changes: How Executives Can Navigate New Rules to Protect & Maximize Retirement Income 
Focus on the significant updates to Social Security that took effect in 2025, including COLA adjustments, increases to the full retirement age, earnings thresholds, and the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision. These changes can meaningfully affect how executives and entrepreneurs plan their retirement income and tax strategy. 
Major changes to Social Security regulations will take effect in 2025, creating new challenges and opportunities for executives and high-income earners aiming to protect and maximize their retirement income. The updated rules bring significant implications for those nearing retirement, particularly those planning to work beyond age 65 or earn above the Social Security taxable wage base. 
“These changes make it more urgent than ever for executives to reassess their retirement strategies,” emphasized Priscila Consentino. “Professionals who understand the new rules can better position themselves to safeguard their hard-earned savings and avoid costly missteps.” 
The 2025 updates include adjustments to the earnings limit for individuals receiving benefits while working. For executives over 65 who plan to continue working, this could result in temporary reductions to their monthly Social Security benefits, depending on annual income levels. Furthermore, updates to the taxation thresholds mean that higher earners could see a larger percentage of their Social Security benefits subject to federal taxes.   
 
Key Considerations for High-Income Earners   

Understanding the Earnings Test – Under 2025 rules, individuals who have not reached the Social Security full retirement age may see benefit reductions if their income exceeds the updated annual earnings limit. However, these withheld amounts could be credited back once full retirement age is reached, potentially leading to larger payments later. 

Tax Implications – Executive earners could see an increase in taxes applied to their Social Security benefits due to higher thresholds in the calculation formula. Professionals should evaluate their income mix to mitigate these impacts, balancing wages, withdrawals, and other sources. 

Strategic Claiming Decisions – For those nearing Social Security eligibility, the 2025 changes emphasize the importance of timing. Delaying benefits can still result in an annual 8% increase in payouts up to age 70, offering a strong incentive for professionals to optimize when they claim benefits.   

 
Working Beyond Age 65   
For executives planning to remain in the workforce, careful coordination of Social Security benefits with earned income is vital. High earners must weigh the impact of working on their benefit amounts while factoring in taxation. A proactive approach—such as adjusting investment portfolios, leveraging income deferral strategies, or maximizing employer-sponsored retirement plans—can help mitigate risks and maximize cash flow during this transition period.  
  
Priscila also shared: “What happens so often with Social Security is that people don’t really know when or how to make the best decision — and that uncertainty can have long-term consequences. The truth is, Social Security isn’t just a standalone decision. It’s one piece of a much bigger retirement puzzle. What truly hurts people is thinking about it in isolation, rather than seeing how it fits into their overall strategy. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping clients bring clarity to this part of their financial journey. At Xexis Private Wealth, we focus on education-first, personalized planning that helps clients make confident, well-aligned decisions for their future.” 
As people move into an era of evolving retirement policies, a thoughtful and informed approach is paramount, executives can help ensure financial stability without leaving money on the table by working with financial advisors to align their strategies with these new rules.  
About Priscila Cosentino 
Priscila “Pri” Cosentino is a dynamic Senior E.A.S.E. Advisor at Xexis Private Wealth, bringing over two decades of diverse experience in financial management, business leadership, and strategic development across Brazil and the United States. Her background spans industries such as advertising, events, and retail — equipping her with a multidimensional understanding of entrepreneurship and executive-level planning. 
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Pri also holds an MBA in Neuroscience and Human Behavior from UniF, blending financial expertise with behavioral insight to deliver holistic, human-centric strategies. For more than a decade, she has been personally mentored by Dan Brooks, President and Founder of Xexis, refining her mastery of wealth-building strategies, business growth, and personalized financial frameworks through the proprietary E.A.S.E. Planning methodology. 
As a published author and multilingual advisor fluent in English, Portuguese, German, and Spanish, Pri serves a diverse and global clientele with integrity, emotional intelligence, and strategic foresight. Her work empowers executives, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals to align their financial decisions with purpose, values, and long-term impact. 
 
Learn more: http://pricosentino.com/  
Xexis Private Wealth and Pri Cosentino are not affiliated with the Social Security Administration. This content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as individualized investment advice. Any decisions related to Social Security should be made in the context of a broader financial plan and in consultation with a qualified advisor. Investment strategies involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
We are an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of investment and insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives. Investment advisory services offered through Virtue Capital Management, LLC (VCM), a registered investment advisor. VCM and Xexis Private Wealth, LLC. are independent of each other Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. None of the information contained on this website shall constitute an offer to sell or solicit any offer to buy a security or any insurance product. Any references to protection benefits or steady and reliable income streams on this website refer only to fixed insurance products. They do not refer, in any way, to securities or investment advisory products. Annuity guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Annuities are insurance products that may be subject to fees, surrender charges and holding periods which vary by insurance company. Annuities are not FDIC insured. The information and opinions provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any products mentioned. Third party recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. Third party ratings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation. 

1 … 16 17 18 19 20 … 445
Page 18 of 445