iWealth Podcast

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

Who it’s for: Firm owners, advisors, and students exploring a career in financial planning.What pain it solves: How to prepare for ownership transitions, recruit Gen Z talent, and adapt your practice for an AI-accelerated future.Why watch now: Baby-boomer exits are accelerating, advisor demand is rising, and the best time to prepare your team and succession plan is before you need it.Brad welcomes Dan Hiebert, Director of the CFP® program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, to dig into three big topics: 1) how Gen Z is reshaping the talent pipeline (work ethic, online learning, privacy-minded culture); 2) what firms can do to recruit, train, and progress new planners from service roles to client-facing leadership; and 3) succession planning—including Dan’s book Succession Simplified: A Primer on Transitioning Planning to Your Family Business and why owners should start in the “missing middle” years, not at the exit.You’ll hear practical ideas on building competitive advantage: create a progression path (service → paraplanning → advice), teach soft skills like empathy and behavioral finance, and use tech/AI to raise quality and speed—without losing human connection. Brad and Dan also talk program partnerships, pass-rate mindset, and how independent firms can become magnets for purpose-driven graduates.If you’re planning your next decade—talent, leadership, or ownership transition—this conversation will help you move from intention to action.Succession planning, Dan Hiebert, MSU Mankato CFP program, Gen Z financial advisors, advisor careers, paraplanner path, practice management, AI in wealth management, family business transition, iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors, Succession Simplified, Minnesota State University MankatoiWealthSUBSCRIBEEducation 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►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

If you’re an investor, retiree, or business owner looking to stay informed on where the markets are heading, this Fall Market Update 2025 from Brad Connors of iWealth breaks down everything you need to know. In just a few minutes, Brad explains how the markets have performed through the third quarter — from the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 to the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index — and what current trends in inflation, interest rates, and consumer spending may signal for the months ahead.This episode is for anyone who wants to make smart, intentional financial decisions heading into the end of the year. Brad highlights the steady growth we’ve seen in stocks and bonds, explains what’s driving consumer resilience, and discusses how interest rates are showing early signs of leveling off. Inflation may have moderated, but it’s still a factor — which means now is the time to review your plan to ensure it’s built to handle both opportunity and uncertainty.Whether you’re approaching retirement, navigating a major life change, or simply wondering if your investments are positioned correctly, this update will help you stay grounded and informed. As Brad reminds viewers, “It’s not about predicting the market — it’s about planning with purpose.”Fall Market Update 2025, Q3 Market Recap, Dow Jones Update, S&P 500 Performance, Bond Market 2025, Inflation Trends, Interest Rates, Brad Connors, iWealth Podcast, Financial Planning, Investment Advice, Retirement Strategy, Economic OutlookiWealthSUBSCRIBEEducation 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►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

Gold always gets attention during uncertain times—but is it really a good long-term investment?In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors breaks down the facts about investing in gold. From physical bars to ETFs, he explains the two primary ways investors get exposure to gold and why it’s often misunderstood as a strategy.You’ll hear:The real historical performance of gold vs. the stock marketWhen gold tends to shine (and lag)What to know before buying physical goldWhy stocks still outperform long-termHow professional managers use gold (and how most don’t)Stats from 1990 to 2020:Gold: +360%Dow Jones: +990%S&P 500: ~10% annual return (avg.)Gold isn’t “bad”—but it’s not the magic hedge it’s often marketed as. Listen in as Brad shares how to think about gold as part of your overall wealth plan—and when it might make sense (or not) for your portfolio.Got questions? Reach out to the iWealth team—we’re here to help you invest with confidence and purpose.#GoldInvestment #BradConnors #iWealthPodcast #Investing2025 #PreciousMetals #StockMarketReturns #SmartMoneyMoves #FinancialEducation #AlternativeInvestments #ETFs

Can You Really Afford a $400K House? What Every Buyer Needs to KnowThe $400,000 house used to be the dream—now it’s the average.In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt break down what it really takes to buy a home in today’s market. From down payments and closing costs to monthly payments and long-term equity, they walk through real numbers and realistic expectations.🏡 Is buying still better than renting? 📈 Why the market likely won’t crash (especially in the Midwest) 💰 How much cash you actually need to buy a $300K+ house 📉 Why waiting for prices to drop might be a mistakeIf you’re thinking about your first home—or helping your kids buy theirs—this episode is a must.#HomeBuying #iWealthPodcast #BradConnors #RealEstateTips #MillennialMoney #RentVsBuy #MortgagePlanning

Everyone loves a free flight… but is it really free?In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt unpack the real cost of playing the credit card rewards game. If you've ever justified a new card “for the miles” or convinced yourself you'll pay it off each month, this conversation is for you.🧠 Credit card companies hire teams of psychologists whose job is to make sure you slip.🧾 A few small mistakes can lead to tens of thousands in debt—and years of financial strain.Topics include: Why Brad cringes when people say, “I need the miles.” How credit card companies profit off behavioral psychology The real winners of the cashback and rewards game What to consider before opening another cardBefore you swipe again, hit play.#iWealthPodcast #CreditCardTruth #BradConnors #MoneyTalk #AirlineMiles #CreditTrap #DebtFreedom

The Truth About Credit Card DebtIn this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt dig into a major financial pitfall that too many people face: credit card debt.🚫 The “swipe now, deal later” mindset has become dangerously common. 📈 Interest rates are sky-high—sometimes 23% or more. 💡 Brad shares stories from 25+ years of experience, and Matt reflects on the real cost of assuming “future me” will have it all figured out.This episode tackles:Why credit card debt is one of the most toxic forms of debtThe psychology behind “future spending”How social media fuels unrealistic spending expectationsA simple plan to build credit without falling into the trap📉 Don’t let short-term spending steal your long-term freedom. 🎧 Tune in, get honest, and take control.#CreditCardDebt #iWealthPodcast #BradConnors #DebtTrap #MoneyWisdom #FinancialFreedom #FutureFocused