The Show

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 long-term strategy, using the BetterBuckets® strategy to explain how separating money into stability, income, and growth “buckets” helps investors stay disciplined when markets fluctuate. Through practical examples, they show why reacting to short-term fear can derail long-term financial success.

The show also features in-depth retirement planning guidance, including Roth conversion strategy, required minimum distribution (RMD) planning, Medicare IRMAA impacts, and the decision of when to claim Social Security. Listeners learn how tax efficiency, cash-flow planning, and understanding the ripple effects of financial decisions can create flexibility and reduce surprises in retirement.


Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!
https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Hosts:
Jeremiah Bates & Brian Wiley
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Ataraxis PEO
https://ataraxispeo.com
 
Tree City Advisors of Apollon:
https://www.treecityadvisors.com
 
Apollon Wealth Management:
https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/
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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, 12b-1 fees, and confusing share class structures like A, B, and C shares.

Plus, practical call-in planning: a homeowner selling property after decades in California learns how the $500,000 home-sale capital gains exclusion works for married couples, how improvements affect cost basis, and why moving states or turning a home into a rental can change tax outcomes. Finally, the hosts cover gig-economy tax basics—how DoorDash/1099 income gets taxed, the role of Schedule C, and why tracking deductions and mileage is essential.


Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!
https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Hosts:
Jeremiah Bates & Brian Wiley
—————————————————————
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 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 discipline using the BetterBuckets® system, explaining how investors can stay strategic instead of emotional when news cycles accelerate.

Listeners also get clarity on a major Social Security rumor—whether Social Security will be “tax-free.” The hosts explain how Social Security taxation actually works, what “combined income” means, and why filing strategies can dramatically impact married couples.

Hour two shifts into actionable tax planning with CPA Stephanie Holmes and enrolled agent Patrick Brinzo, covering Big Beautiful Bill changes, senior deduction impacts, estimated tax payments and safe harbor rules, and the truth behind “no tax on tips” and “no tax on overtime.”


Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!
https://www.therealmoneypros.com
Hosts:
Jeremiah Bates & Brian Wiley
—————————————————————
Ataraxis PEO
https://ataraxispeo.com
 
Tree City Advisors of Apollon:
https://www.treecityadvisors.com
 
Apollon Wealth Management:
https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/
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