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.

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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?

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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

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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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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

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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/

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

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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

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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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Your 529 plan just got a serious upgrade—and if you're a parent, grandparent, homeschooler, or working professional, you'll want to hear this.

Nic and Alex join forces again today to go through some new rules for 529 plans following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Starting as soon as July 2025, the list of what counts as a “qualified education expense” is expanding dramatically. That means more flexibility and better use of your tax-advantaged dollars!

Highlighted Changes to 529s:

• Expanded coverage for K–12 expenses beyond just tuition

• A new $20,000 annual withdrawal limit starting in 2026

• What this means for homeschoolers, dual enrollment, and standardized testing

• How professionals (yes, even CPAs and realtors) can now use 529 funds for career development

Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!

https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Hosts:

Nic Daniels & Alex Lundgren

Brian Wiley tackles the root causes of inflation (and no, it's not just tariffs) and discusses how stimulus programs, economic cycles, and behavioral investing shape our financial reality. He challenges conventional narratives, critiques misleading government data, and gives a fresh perspective on how inflation, interest rates, and political noise affect your bottom line. He explains how to read the markets, spot opportunity during chaos, and take control of your financial future—even when the numbers don’t make sense.

Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!

https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Host:

Brian Wiley