Michael M. Mikonis, CFP®, RICP®

Michael M. Mikonis, CFP® RICP®

Michael specializes in portfolio design and investment management strategies.

His expertise is in investment analysis (including fixed income and alternative investment vehicles) and estate, charitable, and business succession planning concepts. 

Michael is the PARAGON team member primarily responsible for accounts that PARAGON manages “held away” on other platforms - such as 401k, 403b, TSP, and other corporate retirement plans where it made sense for our client to keep the funds where they are instead of moving them to our platforms.

He smiles more frequently than his picture suggests… as you can see in his video!

Michael holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Management with a concentration in Finance from Stony Brook University of New York, where he co-founded the Business Leaders of Stony Brook. He graduated from the Certified Financial Planning program at Boston University in 2010. In 2007 Michael authored a research paper titled “The Fall of the U.S. Dollar,” which analyzes the continued increase of U.S. debt as well as the decline in value of the U.S. dollar and its position as a global reserve currency. 

A recent transplant to Jacksonville, from the cold and snow of New York, Michael enjoys kite-boarding, traveling, and is an avid fan of private aviation. Michael is very well traveled in Europe and is fluent in Lithuanian and conversational Russian.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Investment advisory services offered through PARAGON Wealth Strategies, LLC., a registered investment adviser.

Latest from Michael:
How Much Money Do I Need in My 401k When I Retire?
How Much Money Do I Need in My 401k When I Retire?

If you are the kind of person that must plan ahead to ensure your family will have enough money to live on, AND you are not blessed with the gift of foresight, you’ve likely spent a few sleepless nights wondering if you have saved enough for retirement. To go along with those restless nights are a multitude of “what-ifs” that begin to creep in. With all that in mind, this article will explore a few rules of thumb and techniques used to estimate how much a retiree will need to have saved so that their nest egg lasts their lifetime.

Important Dates in the World of Medicare
Important Dates in the World of Medicare

You will encounter many important dates and deadlines once you peer into the world of Medicare and you will want to attend to these matters earlier than later – each day 11,000 people turn 65 and “get in line” to sign up for benefits. We hope this article will help you stay on top of things and have a smooth experience signing up for Medicare.

Medigap - Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medigap - Medicare Supplement Insurance

We know that government programs – such as Medicare and all the parts that come with it, including Medigap plans – are as straight-forward as a ball of spaghetti. We hope that you find our insights helpful as you plan out your medical expenses during retirement.

Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

If you opt to go with Traditional Medicare, you will need to purchase a Part D plan to have coverage for prescription medications. You may not need a Part D plan if you choose to go with Medicare Advantage instead; as most advantage plans include Part D already, but make sure to consider the limitations of Advantage plans before making your choice.

How Employer's Retiree Group Coverage Can Help You Retire Before 65
How Employer's Retiree Group Coverage Can Help You Retire Before 65

On average a 65-year-old couple will spend about $300,000 on health care throughout their retirement, therefore it is one of the most common worries for those nearing retirement. This can be such a worrisome topic, that some affluent people may opt to delay retirement and continue working - just so they have medical coverage until reaching Medicare age.

How to Invest During A Recession
How to Invest During A Recession

During times of market or economic uncertainty – when we are not sure what will happen to our 401K balances or if we will still have a job at the end of the coming quarter. One thing that is for sure to happen, almost every “news” outlet gets covered by headlines: “Best 10 stocks to own during a recession” or “Best Recession Proof Stocks” or my favorite “How to make money during recession”.

How Can I Get My Pension Money Now?
How Can I Get My Pension Money Now?

You’ve worked and saved all your life and are nearing your retirement date - you likely have a lot of questions and many checkboxes to check before you can confidently wave goodbye to your colleagues. One of the most important decisions you have to make at this point in your life is HOW you want your pension benefits paid to you.

401K Hardship Withdrawals: What Qualifies & What It Means to You
401K Hardship Withdrawals: What Qualifies & What It Means to You

Many people have saved for their retirement years in 401K plans, which typically do not allow distributions until one is 59 ½, retires or changes employment. However, it can become a true lifeline if you can qualify for a “Hardship Withdrawal” if your plan allows for such a distribution.