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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Host:

Brian Wiley

In this very special episode, we have a powerful conversation with Dr. David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management, to unpack some of the biggest forces shaping today's markets. From artificial intelligence and robotics to interest rates, government debt, and investor behavior, Dr. Kelly explains where he sees opportunity—and where caution is warranted!

The discussion covers how rapid technological advances could drive productivity growth and transform the workforce, why Federal Reserve independence remains crucial, and how rising U.S. debt and political volatility affect investor confidence. All of them take on portfolio diversification, international markets, and how long-term strategy can keep investors steady through cycles of fear and excitement.

Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!

https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Host:

Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates

Guest:

Dr. David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist

J.P. Morgan Asset Management

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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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This week on The Money Hour, Brian Wiley uses a clever metaphor — musical chairs — to describe today's high-anxiety markets. With stocks soaring and Micron hitting near-record highs, investors are sliding around nervously, waiting for the music to stop. Brian digs into how emotions like greed and fear can dictate our financial behavior, from cashing out 401(k)s for new toys to missing chances for growth out of hesitation. He also tackles bigger themes: tariffs, nationalism, and how politics, trade wars, and human behavior all intertwine in this volatile financial climate.

Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!

https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Host:

Brian Wiley

This week, Brian and Jeremiah unpack one of the biggest forces shaping today's markets—fear. They talk about how investor emotions can cloud judgment, why so many people are sitting in cash despite record market highs, and what "waiting for the right time" actually costs over years or even decades.

They also dig into the Fed's latest comments, interest rate expectations, and how inflation psychology keeps consumers—and investors—on edge. Plus, listener stories about retirement regret and post-pandemic investing lessons prove one thing: discipline beats drama every time.

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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This week, Brian Wiley breaks down the skyrocketing cost of beef and grocery inflation—and what it means for your wallet. From $6+ per pound for ground beef to $9 steaks, Brian talks practical tips for saving money, like grinding your own meat or shopping store specials.

He also dives into the bigger picture: how supply shortages, post-COVID herd recovery, and trade impact prices, and how your spending choices actually shape the market. Plus, listeners share their strategies for coping with rising costs. If you've been feeling the pinch at the grocery store, this episode is packed with real-world advice, economic insights, and a reminder that your wallet is your vote.

Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!

https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Host:

Brian Wiley