Mike and Steve on Purpose-Driven Investment Planning (Ep. 13)

Is your portfolio working toward your dreams—or just chasing the market? This week on Ideas by Mike, Mike Milligan, CFP®, sits down with Steve Osterink, CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Advisory Alpha, to explore the art and science of investment planning. Drawing from his vast experience managing $3.8 billion in assets, Steve shares practical insights on aligning your investments with your financial goals, avoiding emotional pitfalls, and leveraging tools like Koyfin and FRED to optimize your strategy. Tune in and hear Steve’s powerful story of how his father’s mentorship shaped his client-first philosophy while learning how to create a personal “Investment Policy Statement” that serves as a financial roadmap.  (Whether you’re a DIY investor or work with an advisor, this episode leaves you equipped to make smarter, purpose-driven investment decisions!) Key Highlights: Investment as Architecture: Why a strong foundation—your plan—is more important than the materials (products) Risk and Return Mastery: Understanding your personal capacity for risk to achieve meaningful financial outcomes Behavioral Bias Busters: How to avoid emotional traps like recency and hindsight bias Essential Tools: Maximize your strategy with Koyfin’s analytics dashboard and FRED’s economic data Advisory Alpha’s Edge: Learn about fee-waived charitable solutions and other innovative approaches to client-focused investing Mentorship in Action: Steve reveals how his father’s wisdom continues to inspire his financial strategies And much more! Resources: Koyfin FRED Connect with Mike Milligan, CFP®: Ideas by Mike  LinkedIn: Mike Milligan, CFP® Facebook: Ideas by Mike  Instagram: @ideasbymike YouTube: Ideas by Mike  757-909-7151 [email protected] Connect with Steve Osterink: LinkedIn: Steve Osterink, Jr. CFA® CFP® AIF® Advisory Alpha About Our Guest: Steve Osterink, CFA and CFP, is the visionary CEO of Advisory Alpha, overseeing $3.8 billion in assets. With a passion for client education and innovation, Steve combines technical expertise with a commitment to personal growth, both for his clients and his family.