Brad explains why iWealth created the **Private Client Group** and the **Plan On Purpose Office**: not because clients are “better,” but because higher net worth brings **different problems**. The goal is to inventory everything, identify blind spots, and then *connect clients to the right people*—quickly and intentionally.You’ll hear how the **For Days Coming Network** works: a curated circle of vetted specialists (healthcare advocates, estate attorneys, executive search firms, private aviation contacts, and more). Instead of spending months searching, clients are introduced to **three trusted options**, saving time and reducing stress—without revenue sharing or hidden incentives.Brad also shares why the financial advisor often becomes the **quarterback**—coordinating CPAs, attorneys, and insurance professionals—while helping families plan for generational impact, not just returns. From family meetings to healthcare decisions, this is about using resources wisely to move to the front of the line when it matters.If you’ve built significant wealth and want substance—not buzzwords—this episode explains what thoughtful, coordinated planning really looks like.private client group, high net worth planning, $10 million net worth, family office services, wealth gaps, estate planning coordination, healthcare advocacy, executive search, generational wealth, iWealth podcast, Brad Connors---**iWealth****SUBSCRIBE**Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you attain your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: [https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors](https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors)►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos](https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos)Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me](https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me)LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/)Podcast: [https://anchor.fm/iwealth](https://anchor.fm/iwealth)Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iWealth4me](https://twitter.com/iWealth4me)Book: [https://fishdontclap.com/#home](https://fishdontclap.com/#home)

In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt unpack a simple but powerful concept: iBuckets. What are iBuckets? In short, they’re a structured, goal-based system for organizing your money based on what matters most to you.Brad explains that iBuckets are all about intentionality. Rather than letting money sit in one big account or just "hoping it all works out," the iBuckets system gives every dollar a job. Whether it’s retirement, travel, college, or even a bucket for future vehicle purchases—each bucket represents a future goal and has an investment strategy that matches the timing and risk tolerance of that goal.Matt jumps in with his take, describing iBuckets as money earmarked for future intentions. Even if the money isn’t saved yet, naming the bucket sets a vision in motion. It’s a mindset shift—from vague savings to targeted financial progress.Brad shares a story that sparked the idea years ago: a couple had enough money for their 50th wedding anniversary trip, but since all their money was tied up in the market (and the market was down in 2009), the husband didn’t want to “lose” any by selling. The solution? Have designated accounts for specific goals that are not subject to market volatility—so you can spend confidently when the time comes.From there, Brad and Matt walk through common iBuckets people use:Retirement Bucket (like your 401(k))Wedding Bucket for kids or grandkidsCollege SavingsHealth Savings Account (HSA)Travel Bucket (even broken down by destination!)Long-Term Care or InsuranceVehicle BucketEven a Starbucks Bucket for everyday spending prioritiesThe key takeaway? Once you’ve identified what’s important to you, you can align your savings and investments to those specific goals. But more importantly, Brad emphasizes matching risk to timing. A bucket meant to be spent next year shouldn't be invested like a 30-year retirement account.Another great tip: name your buckets. When your statement arrives and you see “European Travel Fund” or “Grace’s College,” it keeps you connected to your goals. You’re no longer just saving—you’re actively tracking progress toward something meaningful.The iBuckets system makes financial planning feel less overwhelming and more empowering. It allows you to make progress toward multiple goals at once, without compromising your long-term vision. And when your goals shift or you reach them? You just reassign the funds or start a new bucket.Whether you’re just starting out or are decades into your financial journey, this episode will help you rethink how you save, invest, and plan with purpose.📲 Hashtags:#iWealthPodcast #FinancialGoals #GoalBasedPlanning #SmartSaving #MoneyMindset #InvestWithPurpose #FinancialClarity #iBuckets

Kyle Busch’s TikTok lawsuit story sparked a client question we hear all the time: “Do I own the same thing?” In this episode, Brad and Mega Matt break down *why life insurance policies can look similar on the surface—and work wildly differently in real life* based on how they’re designed and sold.We unpack the “term vs. permanent” debate (whole life, universal life, indexed UL, variable UL), and why most people lump everything into two buckets: **cheap coverage vs. cash value**. Then Brad explains the real lever that often gets missed: **death benefit size vs. cash value growth**—and how commission incentives can push a policy toward a bigger death benefit that may leave the cash value lagging early on.If you’re considering using life insurance as part of a larger plan (or you already have a policy), this is a practical conversation about being your own best advocate: asking for multiple illustrations, stress-testing assumptions, understanding what could go wrong, and getting a second opinion when your gut says something’s off. life insurance explained, term vs whole life, universal life, indexed universal life, policy illustration, cash value, death benefit, Pacific Life, commissions, financial planning questions.#iWealth #LifeInsurance #TermInsurance #WholeLife #UniversalLife #IndexedUniversalLife #CashValue #FinancialPlanning #InsurancePlanning #KyleBusch #ConsumerAwareness**iWealth****SUBSCRIBE**Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you attain your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: [https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors](https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors)►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos](https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos)Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me](https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me)LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/)Podcast: [https://anchor.fm/iwealth](https://anchor.fm/iwealth)Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iWealth4me](https://twitter.com/iWealth4me)Book: [https://fishdontclap.com/#home](https://fishdontclap.com/#home).

Families with parents age 70+ (or adult children helping them) who are considering **transferring a home to children** because of health concerns and potential long-term care costs.Avoids expensive mistakes when you “add the kids to the house” or gift assets without understanding **Medicaid rules, debt liability, and the 5-year lookback**.Nursing home costs can run as high as $10,000–$ 12,000 per month, and decisions made today can have major consequences later—especially if care is needed within the next five years.In this episode, Brad and Matt unpack a real-world question: a 70+ parent wants to transfer their house into the children’s names. Sounds simple—but it can create hidden issues: who carries the mortgage debt, who’s responsible for repairs and taxes, and what happens if long-term care becomes necessary.Brad explains why the first step is identifying the **true “why”** (often: “We don’t want the house consumed by care costs”). From there, he walks through the **Medicaid 5-year lookback** concept and why gifting assets (cash or property) can trigger a clawback-style problem later if parents need Medicaid and don’t have enough resources left “on paper.”Bottom line: this isn’t a DIY decision. Brad emphasizes working with a **trusted elder-law / Medicaid-planning attorney**, because the right strategy depends on the full picture—assets, debts, health timeline, and family dynamics.Medicaid 5 year lookback, transferring house to children, elder law attorney, Medicaid planning Minnesota, long-term care costs, nursing home cost, asset gifting rules, estate planning basics, house title transfer, iWealth, Brad Connors---**iWealth****SUBSCRIBE**Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you attain your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: [https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors](https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors)►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos](https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos)Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me](https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me)LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/)Podcast: [https://anchor.fm/iwealth](https://anchor.fm/iwealth)Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iWealth4me](https://twitter.com/iWealth4me)Book: [https://fishdontclap.com/#home](https://fishdontclap.com/#home)

In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors sits down with Matt to unpack one of the biggest (and often overlooked) financial questions for business owners: What is your business actually worth—and will that be enough to support your lifestyle when you exit?Brad kicks off the conversation by introducing two common valuation methods—EBITDA multiples and revenue-based valuation. For business owners nearing the end of their journey or even just starting to plan their exit, understanding these calculations can be crucial. EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) is the industry-standard way many businesses are valued, particularly when selling to outside buyers or private equity. But it’s not the only method. Some industries and companies may be valued using top-line revenue with a multiple—especially if EBITDA isn’t the clearest indicator of value in their business model.But as Brad and Matt point out, valuation alone isn’t the full picture. That’s where the wealth gap comes in.The wealth gap is the difference between what your business (and assets) are worth and what you actually need to maintain your lifestyle after you sell or retire. Brad shares how business owners often overestimate how far the proceeds from selling their company will go. He walks through a common example: if you need $100,000/year to support your post-business lifestyle and apply the 4% rule, you’ll need around $2.5 million saved. If your business is worth $2 million and you’ve got $250K saved elsewhere, you’re short—and that’s your wealth gap.Matt brings a more personal perspective. For him, it’s not just about EBITDA or revenue—it’s about how much his wife spends (a relatable benchmark for many couples!). Jokes aside, it illustrates how important it is to connect business valuation with real-world spending. Retirement isn’t just a number—it’s your lifestyle, your hobbies, your travel, and your future healthcare costs.Brad urges business owners to plan ahead, not wait until the sale is imminent. Whether you plan to sell your company to an outsider, pass it on to family, or just slowly exit over time, you’ll do yourself a favor by understanding the valuation process early—and more importantly, how it ties into your personal financial needs.They also touch on other common realities like “taking chips off the table” to reduce risk, the emotional attachment to your business, and the fact that whether you’re ready or not, every business owner exits someday—through sale, transition, or death.This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs who haven’t done the math—or are nervous about what they’ll find when they do. Brad and Matt make the complex feel more approachable, bringing insight, humor, and encouragement to a topic that’s often avoided.#iWealthPodcast #BusinessOwner #ExitPlanning #EBITDA #WealthGap #EntrepreneurFinance #RetirementPlanning #FinancialFreedom #BusinessValuation

In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Matt dive into an engaging conversation about one of Brad’s favorite financial tools: the speedometer. But we're not talking about your car—we're talking about a powerful visual tool that simplifies complex economic and market indicators into something anyone can understand.Brad explains how he uses these investment “speedometers,” provided by City National Rochdale, to guide both clients and advisors through ever-changing market conditions. These visuals use a color-coded system—red, yellow, and green—to indicate risk levels and economic trends in areas like consumer confidence, inflation, housing starts, unemployment, and even global geopolitical tensions. Red means caution, yellow is neutral, and green indicates favorable conditions.Why does this matter? Because investing and financial decision-making can feel overwhelming, especially when you're bombarded with conflicting headlines and market noise. These speedometers help cut through the chaos. In one simple screen, investors can view 20 or more key indicators and get a quick but meaningful understanding of where we are and where things might be headed.Matt shares his own takeaways from a recent meeting where Brad presented these visuals to a group of advisors. What stood out? Context. When you compare speedometer data across three years—seeing the shift from red to yellow to green—it creates a story. That story brings clarity. You’re no longer reacting to isolated data points. Instead, you're seeing how the full picture fits together.Brad emphasizes that while not all speedometers carry equal weight (for example, geopolitical risk might always show red but doesn’t necessarily derail a portfolio), the trend lines matter. Seeing improvement or decline in several areas over time can help guide financial decisions—especially when it comes to questions like, “Is now the right time to invest?”This is particularly helpful for clients who may inherit a large sum, experience a business windfall, or are simply wondering if they should stay the course or pivot. Brad reminds listeners that while the speedometers offer a valuable overview, the real strategy comes from working with an expert to turn that information into a smart, risk-managed investment portfolio tailored to your goals.Whether you're a financial pro or just trying to understand today’s economy in a way that actually makes sense, this episode is a masterclass in making the complex simple. Brad's system doesn’t just track what’s happening—it brings your entire financial picture into focus, allowing you to make more confident decisions with the help of your advisor. #iWealthPodcast #BradConnors #FinancialPlanning #InvestingMadeSimple #MarketIndicators #EconomicOutlook #Speedometers #SmartInvesting #FinancialTools #VisualFinance

Brad and Matt unpack what "purposeful retirement" actually looks like in real life. They contrast the classic picture—slow mornings, newspaper, coffee, “I’m done”—with a more fulfilling version: "desirement" (what you "desire" to do next), fueled by meaningful projects and relationships.Brad explains why he rewrote "Fish Don’t Clap": too many people loved the parable, but needed the “how.” The new chapter is the bridge between ideas and action—helping readers move from "retiring from" a job to "retiring to" a life they’re excited about.Matt shares a surprisingly specific vision: staying creative through tabletop video work while being surrounded by younger people with energy and momentum. Brad highlights the pattern: the healthiest retirees have something to look forward to—experiences, trips, events, learning, serving, building—because anticipation creates energy and resilience in everyday life.The takeaway is simple: if you don’t feel excited, **pick something anyway**. Momentum creates clarity. Start small, talk about it with family, and let your future come into focus.purposeful retirement, retire to something, Fish Don’t Clap, Brad Connors, iWealth podcast, desirement, retirement purpose, retirement planning mindset, life after retirement, meaning and work, experiences over stuff, what are you looking forward to---**iWealth****SUBSCRIBE**Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you attain your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: [https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors](https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors)►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos](https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos)Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me](https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me)LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/)Podcast: [https://anchor.fm/iwealth](https://anchor.fm/iwealth)Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iWealth4me](https://twitter.com/iWealth4me)Book: [https://fishdontclap.com/#home](https://fishdontclap.com/#home)

Who it’s for: Investors who feel uneasy about “top-heavy” markets, advisors looking for diversification, and anyone curious whether value investing is poised for a comeback.What pain it solves: Cuts through headlines to explain what a value discipline actually is, why concentration risk matters, and where underowned opportunities may be hiding.Why watch now: With a handful of mega-cap stocks driving a huge share of index returns and AI spending dominating the narrative, understanding rotation risk and margin of safety matters more than it has in years.In this episode, Brad Connors sits down with Mark Meulenberg, Chief Investment Officer at Masonry Capital (Charlottesville, VA), a fundamental, bottoms-up value shop that also lets “macro inform the micro.” Mark explains value in plain language: buying businesses for less than they’re worth, and building a margin of safety so you’re not relying on perfect timing or optimistic forecasts.They discuss how investor psychology often ignores the “buy it like you’d buy a business” mindset, why Buffett’s discipline gets misunderstood, and what happens when markets become overly concentrated in a small number of tech names. Mark shares why some unloved areas can trade at extreme discounts—and how inflationary regimes can bring higher volatility and create space for value, small caps, international markets, energy, and real assets to play a bigger role over time.Brad also highlights the practical reality: iWealth can blend different manager “lenses” and methods, outsourcing money management while focusing on planning—so your portfolio isn’t dependent on one story working forever.value investing, market outlook 2026, Mark Meulenberg, Masonry Capital, Brad Connors, iWealth podcast, S&P 500 concentration, equal-weight S&P 500, AI spending, inflation and volatility, small cap value, international investing, margin of safety, fundamental research

In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt dive deep into what really matters to high-net-worth families when it comes to financial planning.💰 What do successful business owners worry about most?It’s not just taxes or estate planning—it’s family.From dividing the farm fairly to managing the family cabin at Gull Lake, Brad shares how clear communication and intentional planning can preserve relationships and wealth.Why avoiding the hard conversations creates chaosWhy “equal” isn’t always “fair”The role of a financial advisor as refereeHow to help mom and dad articulate their intentionsWhy behavioral finance matters more than account balancesThis episode isn’t about spreadsheets—it’s about legacy, trust, and peace around the Thanksgiving table.If you're a business owner, part of a farm family, or planning for multi-generational wealth—this one is for you.Chapters:0:00 Welcome0:33 What is a high-net-worth individual?1:15 #1 concern: taxes & complexity2:50 #2 concern: family and fairness3:40 Dividing the family farm and cabin5:00 Why families avoid the hard conversations6:10 The importance of a family meeting7:00 Bottom-up vs. top-down planning9:00 Brad’s role as “referee”11:00 Behavioral finance greater than bank balances12:00 Equal vs. equitable: the life insurance example13:10 Final thoughts: communicate before it's too lateiWealthSUBSCRIBEEducation is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors

Who it’s for: People who want a meaningful, well-run life in (and beyond) retirement—and advisors guiding them.What pain it solves: “Great idea…now what?” Brad explains how to move from inspiration to implementation so you don’t drift into a purpose-empty retirement.Why watch now: The updated edition of Fish Don’t Clap is out—with a brand-new implementation chapter, an audiobook, workshops, and a national advisor network you can actually contact.Brad shares why he refreshed a book that was already helping readers: too many folks loved the parable but asked, “How do I put this into practice?” The new final chapter spells it out: how to evaluate an advisor/firm, what traits and questions to look for, and practical moves (beneficiaries, titling, equal vs. equitable for kids, cash-flow guardrails, and more).You’ll also hear about the Plan on Purpose™ software (born from “Four Days Coming”) that lets clients track planning topics in one place—plus a QR code inside the book that points to a directory of like-minded advisors using the same concepts. Prefer to listen? Brad recorded the Audible edition and is rolling out talks and workshops so you can apply the ideas with real structure and accountability.If you want your money to support a life you actually want—rather than just hitting a number—this conversation shows you the next steps.Fish Don’t Clap updated edition, Brad Connors, Plan on Purpose, purposeful retirement, how to choose a financial advisor, equal vs equitable inheritance, beneficiary checklist, retirement purpose, audiobook launch, iWealth Podcast, values-based planningiWealthSUBSCRIBEEducation is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you attain your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/Podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwealthTwitter: https://twitter.com/iWealth4meBook: https://fishdontclap.com/#home