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The Real Money Pros

The Real Money Pros
Author: The Real Money Pros
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© 2025 The Real Money Pros
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Money: you make it, you want more of it, and you want to protect it. We are The Real Money Pros, a show hosted collaboratively by experts who specialize in investing, financial and estate planning, taxes, insurance, and any other way to grow wealth. Plus, we make it fun! We help you know good advice from bad – especially when everyone seems to want a piece of your money.
230 Episodes
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This week on The Money Hour, Brian Wiley uses a clever metaphor — musical chairs — to describe today’s high-anxiety markets. With stocks soaring and Micron hitting near-record highs, investors are sliding around nervously, waiting for the music to stop. Brian digs into how emotions like greed and fear can dictate our financial behavior, from cashing out 401(k)s for new toys to missing chances for growth out of hesitation. He also tackles bigger themes: tariffs, nationalism, and how politics, trade wars, and human behavior all intertwine in this volatile financial climate. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley
This week, Brian and Jeremiah unpack one of the biggest forces shaping today’s markets—fear. They talk about how investor emotions can cloud judgment, why so many people are sitting in cash despite record market highs, and what “waiting for the right time” actually costs over years or even decades. They also dig into the Fed’s latest comments, interest rate expectations, and how inflation psychology keeps consumers—and investors—on edge. Plus, listener stories about retirement regret and post-pandemic investing lessons prove one thing: discipline beats drama every time. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates ————————————————————— SPONSORS: Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————
This week, Brian Wiley breaks down the skyrocketing cost of beef and grocery inflation—and what it means for your wallet. From $6+ per pound for ground beef to $9 steaks, Brian talks practical tips for saving money, like grinding your own meat or shopping store specials. He also dives into the bigger picture: how supply shortages, post-COVID herd recovery, and trade impact prices, and how your spending choices actually shape the market. Plus, listeners share their strategies for coping with rising costs. If you’ve been feeling the pinch at the grocery store, this episode is packed with real-world advice, economic insights, and a reminder that your wallet is your vote. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley
On this episode, we draw surprising parallels between woodworking mishaps and managing your 401(k)—showing how even tiny mistakes can turn into big problems over time. We dive into the hidden impact of investment fees, the importance of planning for risk versus reward, and how small tweaks in fund selection can make a massive difference for your retirement. The conversation goes into the evolving value of homeownership in today’s economy, exploring whether renting might make more sense for some families. A live caller joins to ask about leveraging equity in a fourplex, sparking a deep discussion about refinancing, HELOCs, self-directed IRAs, and building long-term rental income. In the second hour, we also tackle financial fraud and scams targeting everyday investors (and seniors) and share cautionary tales about self-directed IRAs, gold schemes, and annuity traps. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates ————————————————————— SPONSORS: Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————
Over the weekend, Jeremiah and Brian go into the realities of America’s rising debt and why politics alone won’t fix the problem. The hosts challenge common assumptions about government spending, inflation, and taxation—breaking down how these big-picture issues actually trickle down to everyday households. Instead of waiting on Washington, they focus on what individuals can do now: understanding the real impact of debt, how taxes may shift depending on policy changes, and why relying solely on campaign promises is a dangerous financial strategy. Plus, Their conversation also explores investing in uncertain times, from opportunities in technology and AI to evaluating where future growth could come if the U.S. reduces its reliance on foreign goods. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates ————————————————————— SPONSORS: Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————
457 plans may look like 401(k)s, but they come with powerful benefits—and costly pitfalls if misunderstood. Jeremiah Bates and Alex Lundgren explain how to maximize contributions, avoid penalties, and use 457s to unlock early retirement strategies. Plus, not all 457s are built the same... Work for a non-profit? These are the things you MUST know. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Hosts: Jeremiah Bates & Alex Lundgren
This week, Brian and Jeremiah tackle some of the toughest money choices listeners face. Should you use an inheritance to pay off a low-interest mortgage or invest for growth? Is gold really the “safe haven” people believe it to be or just another speculative bet? And how do you plan ahead for long-term care costs without draining your family’s savings? Real-world calls drive the conversation, with questions about paying down debt, structuring investments, and balancing family responsibilities. The guys break down the math and the mindset, showing why the “obvious” answer isn’t always the best financial move. Plus, they also zoom out to cover big-picture topics: the role of insurance in retirement, why cash alone isn’t a strategy, and how to think about risk when the markets feel uncertain. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates ————————————————————— SPONSORS: Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————
The largest wealth transfer in history is happening right now, as baby boomers pass on trillions of dollars in retirement assets. But if you inherit an IRA, the rules aren’t as simple as many think, with recent legislation making them even more complex. The team explains the new landscape of inherited IRAs under the Secure Act 1.0 and 2.0. They cover the differences between spouse and non-spouse inheritance, how the 10-year withdrawal rule works, and the major tax consequences you need to prepare for. From required minimum distributions (RMDs) to special exceptions for minors, disabled individuals, and trusts, we show what beneficiaries must know to avoid costly mistakes. Plus, Jeremiah and Nic share planning strategies to reduce the tax hit, like coordinating withdrawals with your income or leveraging Roth accounts for long-term growth. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Hosts: Jeremiah Bates & Nic Daniels
This week on Newstalk KBOI, Brian takes a step back to look at how the way we shop, spend, and invest has completely transformed—from Sears catalogs to Amazon’s overnight delivery. But convenience comes with new challenges: tariffs on small packages, global supply chain shifts, and questions about whether “buying American” is realistic in today’s economy. Brian also digs into the big-picture investing takeaways. What industries will benefit from reshoring manufacturing? Will AI make some jobs (and workers) obsolete—and what does that mean for investors? And when it comes to gold, is it really a currency, a collectible, or just a heavily-taxed gamble? Plus, Brian wraps it all up with our team's approach to the “bucket strategy,” showing how a disciplined approach could even rescue Social Security—and why the hardest part is simply getting started. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley
This week, Brian and Jeremiah draw a line straight from the California Gold Rush to today’s Wall Street. Why? Because the way people chase wealth really hasn’t changed. From miners risking it all for a nugget of gold to investors jumping on the latest market trend, the patterns of greed, fear, and opportunity repeat over and over. The guys break down what history can teach us about investing today: why discipline outlasts hype, how to balance risk and reward, and how to avoid letting emotion wreck your financial plan. They also touch on the bigger picture—like what “wealth” really means and why legacy and values matter just as much as returns. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates ————————————————————— SPONSORS: Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————
If you’re self-employed or running a small business, saving for retirement doesn’t have to be complicated. One of the most powerful but often overlooked tools available is the SEP IRA—a plan designed to help business owners put away significantly more than a traditional IRA, while also providing tax benefits. Jeremiah and Nic walk through the ins and outs of SEP IRAs. You’ll learn how they work, who qualifies, and why flexibility makes them a great option for many entrepreneurs. From contribution rules (up to 25% of wages, capped at $69,000) to employee eligibility requirements, they break down what business owners need to know—whether you’re trying to reduce taxable income, reward loyal employees, or simply build your own retirement nest egg. You’ll also hear why SEP IRAs can be easier to manage than a 401(k) and how employees benefit from immediate vesting and full control over their investments. Is a SEP right for you? Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Hosts: Jeremiah Bates & Nic Daniels
Artificial intelligence is moving faster than most people realize, and it’s about to change everything from jobs to investing. Over Labor Day weekend, Brian Wiley and Jeremiah Bates open up the topic of the AI revolution and ask the big question: is this the next great wealth-building opportunity, or another dot-com style bubble? From massive data centers and trillion-dollar tech investments to the risk of widespread job disruption, the hosts break down what AI means for markets, the economy, and everyday investors. They highlight how companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Meta are positioning themselves, and how government policies could shape the outcome. Most importantly, they explain how the bucket strategy can help you stay protected if the hype collapses, while still giving you a chance to benefit if AI drives the next major boom. Do you want to be left behind? Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates ————————————————————— SPONSORS: Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————
Annuities are one of the most heavily marketed financial products—and often one of the most misunderstood. They promise growth without loss, guaranteed income, and peace of mind. But behind the sales pitch lies high commissions, long surrender periods, and frustrating caps on growth. In this podcast, Jeremiah and Nic pull back the curtain on annuities and introduce a compelling alternative: structured notes. These innovative investments offer downside protection, defined outcomes, and the potential for enhanced upside—all without the commission-heavy baggage that comes with most annuities. You’ll learn: The hidden costs and pitfalls of annuities. How structured notes provide flexibility and clarity. What “soft protection” really means for your portfolio. Why defined outcome investing may align better with your long-term goals. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Hosts: Jeremiah Bates & Nic Daniels
This Money Monday, Brian goes into one of the biggest economic and controversial question today: Should the U.S. government invest billions into Intel to keep semiconductor innovation and manufacturing on American soil? Drawing parallels to the auto bailouts of 2009 and other government rescues, Brian unpacks the risks of “socializing” industries, the potential dilution of Intel shares, and the broader implications for investors, taxpayers, and global competition. From China’s aggressive tech strategies to the exploding demand for AI and quantum computing, the conversation asks whether a government stake in Intel is a smart safeguard—or a dangerous precedent. Is this a necessary move to secure America’s technological edge, or another slippery slope where taxpayers foot the bill for failing companies? Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley
This week on The Real Money Pros, Brian and Jeremiah take on some of the hottest )and trickiest) money questions hitting households today. They unpack the pros and cons of investing in gold, the reality of inflation’s impact on retirement, and why “gig work” is changing how people save for the future. Listener questions bring the conversation to life, covering everything from the risk of holding too much cash, to how small business owners can build wealth without losing tax efficiency. The guys also highlight common traps investors fall into when chasing safety, and why long-term planning still beats short-term reactions—even in unpredictable markets. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates ————————————————————— SPONSORS: Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s driving market highs, reshaping industries, and sparking debate about whether it’s a bubble or a lasting revolution. In this week's Money Hour, Jeremiah and Nic talk about how AI could impact investments, jobs, and even wages. They explore where AI already outperforms humans and why emotional intelligence may be the skill that keeps you relevant in the workplace. The guys also unpack the latest updates on Social Security, clarifies common misconceptions about spousal and survivor benefits, and explains why relying on the SSA for advice could cost you. Plus, they highlight big changes coming out of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” including new opportunities with 529s, the rollout of “Trump Accounts” for kids, and tax code updates that could save retirees thousands. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Jeremiah Bates & Nic Daniels
This week, Brian and Jeremiah break down three issues that are hitting Americans the hardest right now: inflation, housing, and the future of money. They talk through why prices keep climbing, how higher rates are shaping the housing market, and what it all means for families trying to balance today’s costs with long-term planning. The conversation then shifts to stablecoins and new legislation in Congress that could bring digital dollar-backed assets into the mainstream—changing how we bank, invest, and even make everyday payments. Plus, listener questions spark discussions on retirement withdrawals, whether holding too much cash is really a smart move, and how to sidestep the emotional traps that can derail a portfolio. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates ————————————————————— SPONSORS: Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/
Starting in 2026, a brand-new type of tax-free savings account nicknamed the “Trump Account” will be available for minors. If you’re a parent, grandparent, or even a business owner looking to give the next generation a serious head start, you'll want to take advantage of it. Jeremiah and Nic explain how these accounts work, who qualifies, and the unique benefits that set them apart from existing savings tools. From a $1,000 government-funded seed contribution for certain newborns, to employer match opportunities, to decades of tax-deferred growth, these accounts could become a cornerstone of a child’s long-term wealth plan. What's Inside: Who can open a Trump Account and when Annual contribution limits and tax perks What investments are allowed and why simplicity is key The rules for withdrawals and qualified uses How these accounts fit alongside 529s and Roth IRAs Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Hosts: Jeremiah Bates & Nic Daniels
Inflation is hitting hard, prices are climbing, and yet many workers haven’t seen a pay raise in years... Brian digs into why pay increases aren’t keeping up – and what you can do about it. From union vs. non-union wages to the art of asking for a raise (with proof you deserve it), he explores the trade-offs between job security and higher pay. Plus, real stories, including one caller’s take on union negotiations and Brian’s personal leap from employee to entrepreneur after being denied a raise. The conversation goes deeper, connecting workplace value to larger economic forces like tariffs, automation, and the rise of AI and robotics – and why staying relevant is your best defense against being replaced Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley
This week, we break down what the Fed’s latest rate pause really means and why the market’s reaction isn’t always the full story. They dig into the ripple effects on mortgages, credit card rates, and borrowing costs, and talk about how “higher for longer” might stick around when it comes to interest rates. The guys also tackle listener questions on everything from annuity pros and cons to the best time to start Social Security. Plus, they share why cash can be a dangerous long-term strategy, how to use volatility to your advantage, and why market pullbacks aren’t always bad news. Whether you’re worried about inflation eating your savings, wondering how to invest in a weird market, or just trying to make sense of mixed economic signals, this episode is one to tune into. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates ————————————————————— SPONSORS: Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————