Real Money Pros

This episode tackles some of the biggest financial decisions listeners are facing right now. Brian starts with a breakdown of upcoming ACA subsidy changes—why many families may see higher health insurance premiums next year and what planning steps to consider before open enrollment closes. We also cover challenges around financing a CBD/hemp-related business, why traditional banks often won't lend, and what alternative paths may still be available.

From there, we dive into real listener questions. One caller wants to know whether a Roth conversion makes sense alongside pension income and future retirement withdrawals. Brian walks through how conversions really work, the tax traps people overlook, and how withholding decisions impact your final bill. Plus, a question about pulling equity from a four-plex to refinance or reinvest. Brian explains the pros and cons of HELOCs, traditional refinances, and VA loan options in the current interest-rate environment.

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https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Hosts:

Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates

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SPONSORS:

Ataraxis PEO

https://ataraxispeo.com

Tree City Advisors of Apollon:

https://www.treecityadvisors.com

Apollon Wealth Management:

https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/

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You've heard the controversial new idea making headlines — the 50-year mortgage. What started as a proposal from national homebuilders sparks a bigger conversation: Are we solving housing affordability, or just stretching debt for another generation?

Brian breaks down how amortization works, why stretching payments can look appealing but cost hundreds of thousands more in interest, and how it impacts the broader economy. He also shares personal stories about real estate mistakes, mortgage decisions, and how inflation and rising rates are reshaping homeownership for Millennials and Gen Z.

Listeners call in with their own real-life experiences — from first-time homebuyers juggling tight budgets to the emotional payoff of finally owning a place you can call your own. Along the way, Brian explains the math behind mortgage length, how income growth changes affordability over time, and why some debts may not be as "bad" as you think.

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https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Host:

Brian Wiley

This week, Jeremiah and Alex tackle the questions that real retirees are actually asking. From how to file for Social Security the smart way to how to unlock forgotten retirement money hiding in old accounts.

They dig into Social Security myths and strategies, including how to decide when to file, the difference between spousal and survivor benefits, how income limits affect your payments, and what happens when SSDI converts to regular benefits.

Callers share real-world dilemmas: a 64-year-old in cybersecurity weighing when to claim; a woman in California discovering a secret credit card in a community property state; and a couple debating whether to sell or rent a second home and how to avoid capital gains taxes using the Section 121 exclusion.

The unstoppable duo wrap with tips on finding unclaimed 401(k)s, old accounts, and missing funds, plus why year-end is the perfect time to revisit tax strategies and portfolio moves.

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https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Hosts:

Jeremiah Bates & Alex Lundgren

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SPONSORS:

Ataraxis PEO

https://ataraxispeo.com

Tree City Advisors of Apollon:

https://www.treecityadvisors.com

Apollon Wealth Management:

https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/

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Pay taxes now or later? It's one of the biggest decisions in retirement planning and the Roth conversion strategy sits at the center of it.

We break down how Roth conversions work, why timing is critical, and how they can transform your retirement strategy. They explain how to move pre-tax dollars into a Roth account, what the short-term tax hit really means, and how to avoid common pitfalls such as triggering Medicare surcharges or penalties under the five-year rule.

We also touch on how to use Roth conversions strategically for long-term tax savings, including how they help protect surviving spouses from higher tax brackets and reduce required minimum distributions later in life. Understand how Roth conversions can turn your biggest liability—taxes—into your greatest long-term advantage!

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https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Hosts:

Jeremiah Bates & Nic Daniels

Brian Wiley takes on one of the most frustrating issues facing Americans today — the ongoing government shutdown — and what it reveals about our collective financial vulnerability.

With nearly two-thirds of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, Brian explores how even a short-term disruption in income can send households into crisis mode. Through candid listener calls, including a 29-year-old air traffic controller working without pay and a retired veteran frustrated with misuse of social benefits, the show dives into the human side of financial resilience.

Brian connects it all back to planning, explaining the BetterBuckets™ strategy for building liquidity, stability, and long-term growth. He also explains why having at least three years of cash reserves can turn chaos into confidence! Plus, Brian discussed more on the rise of AI and job security risks, offering practical steps to stay financially adaptable no matter what comes next.

Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!

https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Host:

Brian Wiley

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SPONSORS:

Ataraxis PEO

https://ataraxispeo.com

Tree City Advisors of Apollon:

https://www.treecityadvisors.com

Apollon Wealth Management:

https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/

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Alternative investments have become a buzzword—but are they really the secret weapon of the ultra-wealthy, or just another tool in a diversified portfolio?

In this podcast, Jeremiah and Nic unpack what "alternatives" actually mean—from private equity and private credit to other non-public market opportunities. They explain who qualifies as an accredited investor under Regulation D, what the income and net worth thresholds are, and why not everyone needs to chase these investments right away.

They break down the trade-offs: potential for higher returns and less daily market volatility—but also illiquidity, limited transparency, and the need for careful due diligence.

Learn how alternative investments work, who they're for, and how they can (or can't) fit into your financial plan!

Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!

https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Hosts:

Jeremiah Bates & Nic Daniels

Jeremiah Bates and Alex Lundgren team up with Steve Marsh from Medical Plans of Idaho to unpack a huge issue looming over millions of Americans — the potential expiration of enhanced premium tax credits under the American Rescue Act. With these provisions set to sunset after 2025, many could see premiums spike by 75–80% going into 2026!

They explain what the "400% federal poverty level" threshold means for your wallet, who's most at risk, and what you can do now to prepare. The discussion dives into both individual health plans and Medicare, including the major changes to Advantage plans in Idaho — from disappearing zero-premium options to how retirees can use this year's guaranteed issue window to upgrade coverage.

The hosts also share proactive tax and income planning strategies — from HSA contributions and 401(k) deductions to managing self-employment income — that could make or break your eligibility for crucial tax credits.

Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!

https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Hosts:

Jeremiah Bates & Alexandra Lundgren

Brian and Jeremiah pull back the curtain on what's really driving the markets—and investors themselves. From the emotional highs of stock speculation to the discipline required for sound planning, they explore why behavior often matters more than economic headlines.

The guys unpack how market optimism and consumer frustration can coexist, what it means when valuations outpace fundamentals, and why following "the herd" can lead to regret. They also dive into practical, real-world planning topics: a listener's question about COBRA vs. ACA health insurance, LLC deductions, and tax-smart strategies for the self-employed.

Finally, they tackle risk from a new angle—how to see it not as something to fear, but as something to understand and manage. It's a blend of market analysis, financial insight, and straight talk about the psychology behind money decisions.

Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!

https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Hosts:

Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates

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SPONSORS:

Ataraxis PEO

https://ataraxispeo.com

Tree City Advisors of Apollon:

https://www.treecityadvisors.com

Apollon Wealth Management:

https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/

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The economy might feel uncertain, but according to JPMorgan's Chief Global Strategist Dr. David Kelly, there's more stability and opportunity than the headlines suggest.

In this exclusive, uncut interview with The Real Money Pros, Dr. David Kelly joins Brian Wiley and Jeremiah Bates to unpack the big picture: from AI's real economic impact to the sustainability of market highs, Federal Reserve independence, and what investors should be watching next. He discusses the growing gap between perception and reality, the rise of bubbles in U.S. equities, and why international diversification might be the smartest move going forward.

The conversation spans the future of technology, cryptocurrency skepticism, gold's misunderstood value, and how robotics and biotech could transform productivity. But it's not all numbers—Dr. Kelly also tackles how media polarization and political volatility shape investor psychology more than data ever could.

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https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Guest:

Dr. David Kelly

Chief Global Strategist, J.P. Morgan Asset Management

Hosts:

Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates

Hosts, Wealth Management Advisors

Brian dives into an unexpected connection between global trade, the cattle industry, and personal finance. With news of the U.S. considering deals to import Argentinian beef, Brian explores how capitalism, protectionism, and politics shape the prices we pay at the grocery store, and ultimately what that means for American ranchers and consumers alike.

Also, how economic shifts ripple through your household budget, why government shutdowns and furloughs are wake-up calls for financial preparedness, and how to build resilience through smart, behavior-based money decisions. Drawing from 25 years of experience helping clients weather every market cycle, he shares timeless lessons on staying disciplined through uncertainty, keeping emotion out of investing, and protecting your financial "herd" when times get lean.

Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!

https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Host:

Brian Wiley