MILMO Show Lacey Langford

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/

People talk about Backdoor IRAs and getting one done, but do you know what they are, who they’re best for, and how to get it done the right way?
In this episode, Brian O’Neill shares the fundamentals of Backdoor Roth IRAs, including how they work, who is eligible, and the steps to set one up. Brian also covers the upsides and potential drawbacks of this approach, and how it fits into a broader retirement savings plan.
Brian is a Certified Financial Planner, a Military Qualified Financial Professional and an Enrolled Agent. He’s the founder of Winged Wealth Management and Financial Planning LLC, a fee-only fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor firm focusing on the military aviator community.
Brian served 23 years in the Air Force, commanding at the squadron and group levels, and flying both the F-16 and F-35. He launched his firm in 2021 and is an expert in focusing on a small niche to grow a practice rapidly.
The show notes can be found here: https://milmo.co/podcast/basics-of-backdoor-roth-IRAs/

Financial education and knowledge are important parts of financial success and reaching goals. Often, though, people aren’t taught or raised in an environment to learn about money in a way that builds confidence and helps you avoid financial mistakes.
In this episode, Andi Wrenn shares insights on the importance of financial literacy, how to assess your own level of knowledge, and actionable steps you can take to take ownership of improving your financial know how. 
Andi is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and a Military Qualified Financial Professional® with a passion for helping people make sound financial decisions for more than two decades. She has a bachelor's degree in math and education, a master’s in counseling, and is a mediation professional for North Carolina.
The show notes can be found here: https://milmo.co/podcast/owning-your-financial-literacy

It’s no secret that frequent moves impede the earning ability of many military spouses. This often leads spouses to the world of entrepreneurship, but often, people aren’t prepared for the challenges that come with being a business owner—yours truly included. 
In this episode, military spouse Laura Early shares her journey of starting a business, her agency's support to the military spouse entrepreneur community, the lessons she's learned building a successful business, and her advice for other military spouses looking to start their own businesses. 
Laura is the Chief Experience Officer and Founder of WISE Advise + Assist Team, a virtual assisting agency powered by military and veteran spouses. In her role at WISE, Laura helps business owners develop strategic and cultural priorities to grow their businesses and increase profit. Laura combines her background in project management and behavioral health to ensure all services, products, and initiatives are mission-driven and reinforce organizational culture. Laura is a proud Army spouse who currently resides in North Carolina.
The show notes can be found here: https://milmo.co/podcast/entrepreneurship-and-lessons-learned