Real Money Pros

Long-term care is one of the biggest financial risks retirees face... yet it's rarely discussed until a crisis happens. In this podcast hosted by Nic Daniels, he explains what long-term care actually is, why it can be so expensive, and the common misconceptions surrounding who pays for it. Many retirees assume Medicare will cover these costs, but in reality most long-term care expenses must be pai...

A surge in oil prices following escalating tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran sent energy markets sharply higher, raising new questions about inflation, interest rates, and how investors should respond. Jeremiah Bates and Alex Lundgren break down what a 35% spike in oil could mean for gas prices, consumer spending, and Federal Reserve policy, while explaining why reacting emotionally to g...

Everyone thinks they're diversified... Until the market proves otherwise. In this podcast episode, Nic Daniels breaks down what diversification really means and why so many investors get it wrong. After years of strong market performance, it's easy to feel confident owning growth-heavy portfolios, tech ETFs, or even multiple S&P 500 funds. But are you truly diversified, or just concentrated in dis...

As U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran dominate headlines, Brian Wiley and Jeremiah Bates break down what a Middle East escalation could mean for oil prices, inflation, and the stock market. They analyze the risk surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, discuss how markets have historically responded to geopolitical shocks, and explain why panic-driven decisions often do more damage than the events themselv...

Jeremiah and Nic start with a volatile week in the markets following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down President Trump's tariff authority and the market's surprisingly calm reaction. They explain why uncertainty, not bad news itself, drives volatility and how diversified portfolios, including small caps, value stocks, and international exposure, help investors stay resilient when headlin...

This Saturday, Brian and Jeremiah dig into a timely and controversial topic: self-representation in real estate. Using a real client example, they explore why some buyers and sellers are bypassing traditional agents, how commission structures affect negotiations, and when professional representation truly adds value, especially in complex or high-stakes transactions. The conversation expands into...

Brian and Jeremiah talk about a volatile week in the markets with a deep dive into cryptocurrency, investor psychology, and why emotional reactions often lead to costly mistakes. The show breaks down Bitcoin's sharp pullback, putting it into historical context by explaining why 50%+ drawdowns have been a recurring part of its long-term behavior and why understanding your objective matters more tha...

This episode blends financial psychology with practical planning. Brian Alex open by discussing a core principle of advice: why seeking guidance only helps if you're willing to follow it, and how emotional decisions often lead to expensive outcomes. They answer listener questions about investing in silver, explaining how precious metals can fit into a diversified strategy when used appropriately,...

One stock can change your life — and then quietly become your biggest retirement risk. Nic Daniels breaks down the dangerous side of a "winning" portfolio: stock overconcentration . Using Micron's explosive run as a real-world example (currently over $390/share as of the recording date), he explains how employees, long-time investors, and families who inherit stock can wake up to life-changing wea...

Brian and Jeremiah tackle a fast-moving financial landscape—where market volatility, tariff headlines, and economic uncertainty can push investors into emotional decision-making. The show explores a proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates, debating whether it's consumer protection or government overreach, and how limiting risk can also limit opportunity. They connect today's headlines to lo...

Brian and Jeremiah dive one of the biggest questions investors should be asking: how do you know if your financial advisor is truly working in your best interest—or quietly profiting from hidden fees? This show starts by breaking down fiduciary vs commission-based advice, why transparency matters, and what listeners should ask to uncover all-in advisory costs—including mutual fund expense ratios,...

The first full trading week of 2026 kicks off with major headlines—and even bigger financial questions. In this episode of  Real Money Pros , Jeremiah Bates and Brian Wiley react to the surprise Venezuela takeover and what it could mean for energy prices, investor sentiment, and potential opportunities in oil producers, refiners, and oil service companies. They tie current events back to long-term...

As 2025 winds down with markets near all-time highs, we focus on how investors can stay disciplined, tax-efficient, and emotionally grounded heading into 2026. Jeremiah Bates and Nic Daniels unpack why market volatility—driven by headlines, politics, and forecasts—shouldn't dictate financial decisions, and how time-based "bucket" strategies help protect lifestyle spending regardless of market swin...

It's the season of giving—but does generosity come with a tax bill? Not exactly. In this solo episode, Nic Daniels breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in personal finance: the gift tax. From helping your kids with a down payment to giving cash to grandkids, he explains exactly how much you can give without involving the IRS. You'll learn how the annual gift limit works, what Form 709...

Today, we focus on building smarter financial strategies for business owners, retirees, and long-term investors navigating a changing market environment. Jeremiah Bates and Alex Lundgren break down retirement plan options for the self-employed, including SEP IRAs, Individual 401(k)s, and SIMPLE plans—highlighting contribution limits, employee requirements, vesting rules, and costly mistakes busine...

We're in December so you know what that means... Actionable planning as the year closes — from Required Minimum Distributions to Roth conversions, backdoor Roth execution, QCD mistakes, and avoiding IRS withholding penalties. Jeremiah and Nic unpack overlooked tax traps, including misreported charitable transfers, improper Roth documentation, Form 8606 errors, and how retirees get hit with avoidab...

This last weekend, Jeremiah and Nic walk through everything investors should be thinking about heading into year-end. They open with the uptick in market volatility and why short-term swings (especially after years of strong returns) should be expected rather than feared. From S&P 500 movement to speculation-driven selloffs and margin trading, the guys explain what's actually happening under the h...

This week's Money Hour dives into one of the most volatile stretches the market has seen in months — and why investors are reacting the way they are. Brian welcomes Richard Davila of Profitscore Capital Management to break down the real drivers behind the market sell-off: stalled Fed rate cuts, a crypto crash shaking retail investors, shaky labor data, and sky-high expectations for Nvidia's upcomi...

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...

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 impa...

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 wha...

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...

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...

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...

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...