iWealth Podcast

Are index funds the easy button for investing—or is there a deeper reason to work with a financial advisor? Brad Connors and Mega Matt break it down on today’s iWealth Podcast.

Learn how managed accounts add value beyond simple returns by helping you ask the right questions, plan for your full financial picture, and make smarter long-term decisions.

🎯 When indexing alone works—and when it falls short 🎯 Why life planning matters just as much as portfolio management 🎯 The real value an advisor brings beyond investment selection 🎯 How to know if you're truly getting what you pay for

It’s not just about the lowest cost—it’s about building a smarter, more durable financial future.

#iWealthPodcast #InvestingWisely #FinancialPlanning #LongTermInvesting #FinancialFreedom #ManagedAccounts #IndexFunds #BradConnors #MegaMatt

In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt tackle a growing question: Can AI fully replace financial advisors?

They dig into why AI often delivers the "average" answer—and why being above average in your financial life requires real-world expertise, customized questions, and personal guidance.

💡 Why AI is great for the first 80%—but not the final 20% 💡 The hidden value of asking the right questions 💡 How human advisors, CPAs, and attorneys deliver value beyond basic tasks 💡 Why average isn’t the goal—and never should be

If you want more than just "good enough," this episode is for you.

#iWealthPodcast #FinancialPlanning #AIandFinance #AboveAverage #FinancialFreedom #ThinkBigger #BradConnors #MegaMatt

In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt talk about those critical pivot moments—when life suddenly feels too much to manage alone.

Whether it’s losing a loved one, going through a divorce, inheriting assets, or realizing retirement is closer than you thought, these events create financial and emotional complexity that can be overwhelming without the right guidance.

💬 Why crisis points are when advisors are needed most 💬 The 4 major life events that often trigger a financial pivot 💬 How a good advisor helps you make smart decisions when emotions run high 💬 Why managing complexity, not just investments, is true value

Life throws challenges. You don't have to face them alone.

#iWealthPodcast #FinancialPlanning #PivotMoments #LifeTransitions #InvestSmart #BradConnors #MegaMatt #FinancialFreedom #ManagingComplexity

In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt explore the real numbers behind long-term investing: gold, real estate, and stocks.

They break down the historical returns, the myths about gold’s “steady value,” and why diversification is good—but discipline matters even more.

💬 How gold, real estate, and stocks have performed since 1990 💬 Why the stock market continues to outpace other assets long-term 💬 How to think about diversification—and when it makes sense 💬 Why perspective (not panic) leads to better financial decisions

Spoiler alert: hiding money under your mattress isn’t the winning strategy!

#iWealthPodcast #InvestingWisely #LongTermInvesting #FinancialFreedom #GoldVsStocks #InvestmentStrategy #BradConnors #MegaMatt

Are you chasing quick wins—or building something that lasts?

In today’s iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt have a fun (but deep) conversation about the difference between focusing on short-term flash and long-term substance—both in life and in investing.

💬 Why long-term goals beat short-term gains 💬 The danger of chasing “pretty” investments without real fundamentals 💬 How sacrifice today can fuel the future you really want 💬 Why lipstick on a pig is still…well, a pig

If you’re serious about creating lasting financial freedom, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger.

#iWealthPodcast #LongTermInvesting #FinancialFreedom #ThinkLongTerm #InvestSmart #BradConnors #MegaMatt

In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt dive into iWealth’s signature client journey—the iPath. Designed to simplify the complex world of financial planning, the iPath is an eight-step process that helps individuals and families align their money with their most important goals.

Brad explains that the iPath was created out of necessity. Clients often ask, “What do you actually do?” or “How are you different from other advisors?” The iPath answers those questions with clarity, structure, and purpose. Instead of offering vague promises or focusing only on investment returns, iWealth walks clients through a repeatable framework that uncovers goals, identifies opportunities, and builds a tailored plan.

1. iDiscussion – The journey starts with a meaningful conversation around your hopes, dreams, fears, and goals. It’s not about the size of your account—it’s about what matters most in your life.
   

2. iInventory – Using a Life Planning Guide, Brad and the team help you take stock of everything—accounts, policies, income streams, legal documents, and more—so you know where you stand.
   

3. iGaps – This stage identifies the blind spots. Whether it's beneficiary designations that don’t match your will, missed Roth conversion opportunities, or tax inefficiencies, iWealth surfaces the issues before they become problems.
   

4. iSolutions – For every gap identified, there's a potential solution. This step is about clearly outlining the recommended fixes and strategies that move your plan forward.
   

5. iDiscover – Here’s where the journey becomes personal and practical. Using the FDC “Plan on Purpose” tool, iWealth calculates a Lifetime Plan Score—a measurable number that grows over time as you address key planning areas.
   

6. iTrack (iTRA) – Clients get access to iTRA, a secure digital dashboard that functions as a living balance sheet. Log in anytime to see your assets, liabilities, and progress—all in one place.
   

7. iValue – This step centers on investments, but through a fiduciary lens. With no commissions and a long-term relationship mindset, the iWealth team works to align your investment strategy with your plan—not the other way around.
   

8. iFirst – Inspired by the Golden Rule, this final step is about client service and ongoing stewardship. Treat others how they want to be treated—and always put the client first.
   

Brad emphasizes that the iPath is about consistency, not perfection. It’s not about having the best mutual funds or claiming to be the smartest person in the room. Instead, it’s about delivering value through clarity, organization, and a long-term commitment to helping clients live out their dreams—intentionally.

Whether you’re approaching retirement, building wealth, or just trying to get financially organized, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at how iWealth guides clients through the process—step by step.

Here’s a breakdown of the 8 iPath steps:📲 Hashtags: #iWealthPodcast #iPath #FinancialPlanning #FiduciaryAdvisor #RetirementPlanning #WealthManagement #PlanOnPurpose #MoneyMindset

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 grandkids
  

• College Savings
  

• Health Savings Account (HSA)
  

• Travel Bucket (even broken down by destination!)
  

• Long-Term Care or Insurance
  

• Vehicle Bucket
  

• Even a Starbucks Bucket for everyday spending priorities
  

The 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

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.

📲 Hashtags: #iWealthPodcast #BusinessOwner #ExitPlanning #EBITDA #WealthGap #EntrepreneurFinance #RetirementPlanning #FinancialFreedom #BusinessValuation

In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Matt dig into one of the most common financial questions people face: “I have some extra cash—what should I do with it?” Whether it’s an inheritance, a recent business sale, or savings you’ve built up, knowing when and how to invest that money can feel overwhelming.

Brad shares insights from years of working with individuals in this exact position and explains the mindset shift required to move from hesitation to action. Most people, he says, are more risk-averse than they think. Even if they want their money to grow, they’re often hesitant to act—especially when the fear of loss looms large.

Using a simple example—someone receiving a $100,000 inheritance—Brad walks through the real concerns people have. “What if the market drops right after I invest?” is the fear he hears most often. Matt jokes that his gut reaction would be to go to the casino, play roulette, and hope for red or black to double the money—highlighting just how uncertain investing can feel when you're not sure where to start.

But here’s the key insight: statistically, you’re better off getting your money into the market as soon as possible, especially if your timeline is long-term (10+ years). Brad discusses the difference between “timing the market” and “time in the market,” a crucial concept for anyone considering when to invest. Studies consistently show that trying to perfectly time the market is nearly impossible—and missing just a few of the best days can significantly reduce your overall returns.

However, Brad also acknowledges that emotional readiness matters. If a 10% dip in the market would cause panic or lead someone to pull their money out prematurely, then a dollar cost averaging strategy—investing gradually over time—might be the better choice. He emphasizes the importance of asking yourself, “If my account goes down $10,000 tomorrow, can I still sleep at night?” That answer can help determine whether you should go all in or ease in more cautiously.

He also revisits the concept of using economic indicators like the investment “speedometers” discussed in previous episodes to get a visual on current market trends. These tools can help gauge whether the current environment is favorable or risky and guide your investment timing strategy.

The takeaway? Don’t let fear paralyze you. Talk to an advisor, understand your risk tolerance, and make a plan. In most cases, getting your money working sooner is better than waiting for the “perfect” time—because the perfect time rarely announces itself.

Whether you're sitting on extra cash from a major life event or just wondering what to do with savings that are growing stale, this episode gives you a grounded, practical way to think it through.

Hashtags: #iWealthPodcast #BradConnors #InvestingBasics #ExtraCash #FinancialDecisions #TimeInTheMarket #WealthPlanning #DollarCostAveraging #RiskTolerance #SmartInvesting

In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors shares a fascinating analogy between trees and investments. Just as trees grow stronger with wind, your portfolio becomes more resilient through market volatility. Learn how to embrace the ups and downs of the market, leverage an "opportunity bucket," and use dollar-cost averaging to take advantage of lower prices during downturns. Discover how market challenges can become opportunities for long-term growth.

#InvestingTips #MarketVolatility #FinancialGrowth #iWealthPodcast #DollarCostAveraging #LongTermInvesting #WealthManagement #OpportunityBucket #FinancialResilience