MILMO Show

This episode is for every military spouse and veteran who’s ever wondered how to earn income on your own terms around military life. My guest, Melissa Broughton, is the creator of The 1-Hour Bookkeeper and founder of Busy Bee Advisors. She’s on a mission to help military spouses launch bookkeeping businesses that fit their lives —flexible hours, work from anywhere, and with the potential for a six-figure income. Melissa shares her personal story of walking away from corporate burnout, why bookkeeping is a hidden gem of a business, and how anyone, even with zero experience, can learn the skills in just weeks. We’ll talk about freedom, flexibility, and building a business that works around your life, not the other way around. https://milmo.co/podcast/side-hustle-bookkeeping For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Welcome to this special episode of the MILMO Show! Today’s my birthday, and I’m celebrating by doing something I love—talking business, family, and protecting what you’ve worked hard to build. And I get to do it with my cousin, Mark Flanigan. Mark is an intellectual property lawyer with experience spanning startups to Fortune 500 companies. His work has spanned patents for medical devices, trademarks for global brands, and volunteer advocacy on behalf of veterans. He’s also an Army brat who now calls Switzerland home. In this episode, we dig into the world of trademarks—what they are, why military service members, veterans, and spouses should care, and how to avoid costly mistakes when naming or branding your business. Plus, we swap a few family stories, because it’s my birthday, and you know I’m going to have some fun. So if you’ve ever wondered whether your business name is truly protected, or what you can and can’t use when it comes to military terms and logos, you’re in for both practical wisdom and a good laugh in this episode. https://milmo.co/podcast/trademarks-for-small-business For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Budgeting is one of those words that makes a lot of people squirm but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, I sit down with Zach Whelchel, founder of My Budget Coach, to talk about the method that gave him (and so many others) true financial clarity, which is zero-based budgeting. Zach breaks down what it is, why it works for both steady and variable incomes, and how couples can actually turn it into a shared vision instead of a source of stress. https://milmo.co/podcast/zero-based-budgets For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

We’re diving into the world of geofencing with Navy veteran and entrepreneur Chris Seminatore. Chris is the founder of Get Geofencing, a company that helps businesses, from car dealerships to government contractors, use location data to put their ads in front of the right people. He shares how geofencing works, what it costs, and why it’s a tool that even small businesses and military spouses can use to grow their brand. We also talk about his own transition from military intelligence to marketing, how discipline helped him face imposter syndrome, and the lessons he’s learned from building multiple startups. https://milmo.co/podcast/geofencing For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

There’s something that's quietly stealing joy from the military community and millions of Americans every single day. It’s something that has completely warped our understanding of what financial success looks like. In this episode, I’m breaking down how social media is impacting people’s financial lives and sharing why getting back to basics isn't just smart, it's essential for our mental health and financial well-being. https://milmo.co/podcast/true-financial-success For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Starting a business is hard enough, but starting one with a mission bigger than turning a profit can feel like navigating a battlefield. The obstacles are real, like cash flow challenges or forces beyond your control, but so are the rewards when your work changes lives. In this episode, we’re talking about what it takes to build a business that stands for something. Matt “Griff” Griffin, West Point graduate, Army Ranger, and co-founder of Combat Flip Flops, shares how he transformed lessons from special operations into a global brand manufacturing products in conflict and post-conflict zones. You’ll hear the hard truths about bootstrapping, the difference between nonprofit and for-profit mission-driven models, and why “fail cheap, learn fast” might be your best strategy for impact. https://milmo.co/podcast/mission-driven-business For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

When your military career ends, the mission doesn’t, but figuring out what’s next, or what truly lights you up, can be one of the hardest transitions. It’s not just about finding a new job. It’s about rediscovering what matters most and learning how to fund the life you want, not the one you think you’re supposed to have. In this episode, Omen Quelvog and I discuss values-first financial planning. Omen shares what it is, why it matters, and how it can help you and your family navigate life after service with intention. You’ll hear how to rethink your next chapter, what abundance really means, and why military retirees might be more financially ready than they realize. Omen is the founder of Formynder Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning firm helping military families build purpose-filled lives after service. A retired Marine Corps officer with 25 years of service, he holds the Military Qualified Financial Planner® designation and is a candidate for CFP® certification. https://milmo.co/podcast/values-first-financial-planning 02:15 – Why values first financial planning matters for military families 04:10 – Starting with your “why” before creating a financial plan 06:02 – Common money challenges during the transition to civilian life 08:15 – How defining your “North Star” shapes every financial decision 10:05 – The emotional side of money and why it’s often overlooked 12:20 – Real-life examples of aligning spending with values 14:05 – The role of intentional trade-offs in living your ideal life 16:12 – How to filter out distractions and stay focused on priorities 18:30 – First questions to ask if you’ve never done values-based planning 20:45 – Bridging the gap between short-term needs and long-term goals 23:00 – Why flexibility is key in military-to-civilian transitions 25:12 – Building resilience through purpose-driven financial choices 27:05 – How this approach strengthens family relationships 29:15 – Final advice for living with clarity and intention For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Too many people wait until they’re just a few years from retirement to start asking the big questions, like Can I afford to stop working? And what if my spouse isn’t retiring yet? The truth is, preparing for retirement isn’t just about portfolios and percentages. It’s about aligning your finances with your life. In this episode, Jeff Panik shares the common mistakes people make before retirement and offers advice on how to avoid them. He talks about why inventorying your financial life matters, what conversations couples should be having, and why testing your retirement lifestyle before you actually retire can be a game-changer. Jeff is the Founder of Balance Wealth Partners and a financial advisor with over 25 years of experience. A U.S. Army veteran and first-generation college graduate, Jeff combines disciplined insight with deep empathy to help pre-retirees navigate the complex landscape of Social Security, Medicare, income planning, and succession strategy. His firm was founded on a simple mission: to help people live well today while preparing wisely for tomorrow. Jeff’s approach is rooted in life experience, from paying off student loans through military service to building a career that demystifies money for others. He believes financial advice should be practical, transparent, and deeply human. He is the author of Your Future Is Now, a personal finance guide for young adults, and is set to release his upcoming book for pre-retirees. His work reflects a deep commitment to fostering financial literacy for all generations. When he’s not advising others, Jeff enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, and following sports— especially from his home base in Sandy Springs, Georgia. 06:05 – The #1 mistake people make 5–10 years before retirement 08:30 – Is the “perfect portfolio” really the goal? 10:35 – Why taking a “financial inventory” is a retirement game-changer 12:10 – What to do if you're not naturally organized with money or documents 13:30 – The surprising truth about hobbies and moving in retirement 14:45 – Couples and retirement: how to navigate different timelines 16:25 – Important financial conversations to have before marriage 18:00 – Perception vs. reality: social media and financial stress 19:57 – Why mentorship and storytelling matter in personal finance 23:15 – What retirees often overestimate—and what they underestimate 24:49 – The very first move to make if you haven’t started retirement planning 27:30 – Retirement and health: why you can’t afford to wait 29:22 – Jeff’s favorite tools, including how he uses AI for planning 31:36 – The book that shaped Jeff’s financial philosophy 33:15 – Game Time: “Is It Real?” – Jeff faces off with banana museums and reverse zoos https://milmo.co/podcast/retirement-mistakes-to-avoid For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Losing a spouse changes everything, emotionally, mentally, and financially. But while grief is often discussed, the money struggles that come with it are rarely part of the conversation, or just grief in general. From paperwork and decisions to pressure and overwhelm, surviving spouses are often expected to figure it all out. In this episode, Certified Financial Planner and Air Force veteran, Daniel Kopp, talks about the financial side of grief, what widows and widowers really face after loss, the emotional weight behind every decision, and how to find stability when your world feels upside down. He shares both his personal experience and professional insights on navigating life after loss. Daniel Kopp, MA, MS, CFP ®, is a fee-only financial planner, financial therapist, and founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning, where he helps young widows and widowers as well as military members organize their financial lives by aligning money with their deeply-held values. He leverages his experiences as a widower and Air Force veteran to offer a deeper level of engagement and connection with his clients. He is also an XYPN and NAPFA member, as well as being a founding board member of the Military Financial Advisors Association (MFAA). Daniel’s education includes his undergraduate with a BS in Economics from Purdue University with highest distinction, an MA from American Military University, a Graduate Certificate in Financial Therapy and an MS in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University (KSU). He has been published in the Journal of Financial Therapy for his research on working with widows dealing with money avoidance. https://milmo.co/podcast/life-after-loss For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Military life comes with lots of transitions and career decisions are a big one, especially for spouses navigating remote work, PCS moves, and family schedules. A big decision many milspouses face is whether to stick with the stability of a W-2 job or switch to the flexibility and income potential of 1099 contract work. In this episode, I’m answering a listener's question from Holly about whether she should leave her W-2 remote job and take on 1099 work instead. I’ll break down the pros and cons of each path, especially for military families, including taxes, benefits, portability, and peace of mind so you can weigh your own decision with more clarity and confidence. https://milmo.co/podcast/listener-question-1099-career-switch For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Veteran homelessness is a heartbreaking reality that still exists in communities across the country. While many of us want to help, it can be hard to know where to start, or feel like what we can give really makes a difference. In this episode, Tom McLean and I are talking about how small, everyday actions can add up to real change for veterans in need. We talk about the current crisis of veteran homelessness, what meaningful support looks like, and how anyone, military or civilian, can take action that matters. Tom serves as Senior Vice President and Military Retail Executive for Armed Forces Bank, having worked for the company for 17 years. He is responsible for sales, business development and financial outreach at military banking locations around the country. He spends time focused on Associate development, coaching, marketing, business development, financial education initiatives, supporting installation activities and community outreach. https://milmo.co/podcast/veteran-homelessness For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Taking the oath and raising your right hand is a big moment. For many of us, it’s one we never forget. But imagine if you could hand your younger enlisted or officer self a letter on that day. A letter full of the wisdom, hard work, and growth that military life and life itself were going to teach you. In this episode, I’m doing just that. This is a letter I would have given to my 19-year-old self on the day I swore into the U.S. Air Force. I hope it resonates with you or someone you love who’s just starting out. https://milmo.co/podcast/younger-enlisted-self For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

There’s a quiet shift happening in the way we spend money and it’s costing us more than we realize. Small payments, auto-splits, and “buy now, pay later” options have become the new normal, and while they seem harmless, they’re creating habits that lead to quiet, creeping debt. Especially in the military community, where transitions and tight budgets are already part of the equation, these modern money habits can quickly get out of hand and lead to mounting debt. In this episode, I’m digging into the everyday spending behaviors that seem like smart choices but often backfire. I’ll talk about how things like Pay Later options, subscription overload, and loan stacking are affecting military families and what you can do instead to protect your finances and build real financial stability.

When it comes to money, our emotions often drive the decisions we make and that’s especially true in military life, where constant change, separation, and stress can shape how we spend, save, and communicate with those we love. But if we don’t understand our financial behaviors, we can find ourselves repeating the same mistakes over and over, leading us to feel stuck. In this episode, I discuss the world of behavioral finance with Cherie Stueve and how it applies to military households. We talk about why comparison is a financial trap, how our upbringing influences our money habits, and the surprising role of intensity in financial arguments. Cherie offers practical advice and small steps you can take today to make smarter money moves. Cherie Stueve, PhD, CFP®, AFC®, FFC®, FBS®, CAP®, is a lifelong learner and financial educator, counselor, coach, planner, and researcher. During her spouse’s 20-year Coast Guard career, Cherie navigated frequent relocations before portal, virtual career and education options. That experience drives her commitment to helping military spouses build flexible, resilient careers in personal finance. For the past three years, she and her spouse, Tim have supported scholarships for military spouses to attend conferences and pursue professional development, including MilMoneyCon. https://milmo.co/podcast/behavioral-finance-for-military-life For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Transitioning out of the military isn’t just about finding a new job. It’s about redefining who you are. For many service members, especially those in the Special Operations community, leaving the military can feel like losing a piece of your identity, your purpose, and sense of belonging. In this episode, Kelly McGraw shares how to navigate the emotional and mental side of transition with tools that go beyond resumes and LinkedIn profiles. She discusses how the Honor Foundation is assisting service members through both its elite program and the new Vector Accelerator, enabling veterans to reclaim their sense of identity, purpose, and community as they transition into civilian life. Kelly is the Chief Impact Officer at The Honor Foundation (THF), where she joined in 2020 to build a diversified funding stream and sustain the organization’s mission into the future. Prior to THF, she directed the development efforts at other notable nonprofits, including The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Horizons Hampton Roads, and the Navy SEAL Foundation. Kelly also has 9 years of corporate experience in sales, marketing, and consulting. https://milmo.co/podcast/missing-step-in-military-transition For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Planning for college is already overwhelming, but for military families, the maze of VA and DoD education benefits adds another layer of complexity. The good news? These resources can be a huge asset—if you know how to use them. In this episode, Kate Horrell shares smart, practical strategies from her new book College Finances for Military Families. You’ll learn how to maximize the GI Bill, avoid common pitfalls, and create a college funding plan that actually works for your family. Whether you’re a service member, spouse, or parent of future college students, this episode will help you turn confusion into confidence—and save real money in the process. Kate is an award-winning personal financial educator who helps the military community make the most of their pay and benefits. With over 10 years working with thousands of clients and readers, she understands the concerns of currently serving, retired, and veteran families. She shares the most up-to-date information in understandable terms, and highlights how rules, programs, and laws will directly impact our personal finances. https://milmo.co/podcast/college-money-moves-for-military-families For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Many people say they want to start a business, build wealth, or make an impact, but the truth is, they often stop short when things get tough. Whether it’s fear, self-doubt, or a lack of direction, those roadblocks can keep people stuck. In this episode, T. Shane Johnson shares how he pushed past rock bottom and used his military experience, mental toughness, and belief in sales to build a life on his own terms. You’ll learn how he bounced back from homelessness, what it really takes to succeed in business, and why believing in yourself is the foundation of any good business. T.Shane is a veteran, and with his daughter, they’re building America’s first indoor hydroponic coffee farm. With a patent-pending system and nationwide retail traction, they’re on a mission to grow sustainable, U.S.-made coffee—year-round, farm-to-cup, and family-owned. https://milmo.co/podcast/sales-and-self-belief-make-or-break-your-business For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Today is Memorial Day, a day of honor, reflection, and gratitude. Our community knows better than anyone that it's not just a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer. It's a time to remember the brave men and women who took an oath and gave everything in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reason we have the freedom to chase our goals and live with purpose. In honor of those who took bold, selfless action for us, I wanted to release this episode. It’s a reminder that the best way to honor their legacy is not just with words, but with our actions. We have the privilege to build, grow, and live freely. Let’s not waste it. In this episode, I’m putting a spotlight on the gap between your intention and your action. If you've been all talk and little follow-through, this is your kick in the pants to step it up. https://milmo.co/podcast/is-what-you-say-and-do-in-alignment For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Woodworking can be a deeply fulfilling hobby, a practical skill, or even a powerful form of therapy but turning it into a business? That’s a whole different challenge. Many aspiring makers struggle to bridge the gap between creativity and profitability, especially when faced with the realities of tools, pricing, and risk. In this episode, Stoane Loudenslager shares how to turn woodworking into a profitable venture from pricing and risk to finding your niche and building a business that lasts. Whether you're just getting started or ready to take your skills to the next level, Stoane shares practical ways to make money from woodworking, even when you PCS. Stoane has been around construction all of his life. He has over 20 years of experience as a professional woodworker, mostly in multimillion-dollar shops. After taking those lessons from large shops to a couple of small shops where he was employed, they saw success. He then started his own successful company using the same ideas. Now he’s sharing them in his book, online course and consulting. https://milmo.co/podcast/make-money-woodworking For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook

Life insurance might be uncomfortable to talk about, but avoiding the conversation could leave your loved ones without support when they need it most. Whether you're on active duty or transitioning to civilian life, it's essential to understand the protections you have and the ones you don’t. In this episode, Heather Walrath covers everything from traumatic injury benefits and accelerated death payouts to how to avoid losing life insurance coverage after separation or retirement. You’ll learn what makes SGLI and FSGLI unique, when and how to update your beneficiaries, and why planning ahead is one of the most powerful things you can do for your family. Heather is an accredited financial educator who has enjoyed working with military members and families for the last 14 years while empowering them with financial education. She is a 2009 FINRA Military Spouse Fellow and holds a BA in economics from the University of Georgia and a paralegal certificate from the Denver Paralegal Institute. She is also an accredited Veterans’ Service representative. Heather has worked as a Personal Financial Counselor (PFC) with all branches of the military, including the Guard and Reserve components, as part of both the non-profit education sector and the Department of Defense PFC network. Her passion is providing members with correct, unbiased information about the DoD Survivor Benefit Program and other survivor entitlement programs. https://milmo.co/podcast/what-you-might-be-missing-with-sgli-and-fsgli For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO.co ItsMILMO on YouTube @itsmilmo on X @itsmilmo Instagram @itsmilmo LinkedIn @itsmilmo Facebook