The Show

A simple tax question turns into a bigger realization: even if you don’t owe income tax, you can still owe thousands in self-employment tax. Brian and Alex break down why a new graduate’s tax bill didn’t disappear after the standard deduction—and how Social Security and Medicare taxes quietly hit 1099 income at ~15%, catching a lot of people off guard.

They shift into the real math behind Social Security—how a system that started at 1% contributions grew to over 15%, why it’s under pressure, and what would actually have to change to keep it functioning. They challenge common fears around “running out of money” while explaining why the system is more likely to be altered than disappear.

The duo also tackles concentrated stock risk, using a long-term Micron example to illustrate the tension between holding winners and having a plan to exit. A standout segment features a recent widow navigating retirement with limited assets, raising key questions around survivor benefits, Social Security timing, and turning $250K into sustainable income.


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

Hosts
Brian Wiley & Alex Lundgren
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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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Apollon Wealth Management, LLC (“Apollon”) provides advice and make recommendations based on the specific needs and circumstances of each client. The information contained herein is intended for information purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Please contact your financial advisor with questions about your specific needs and circumstances. Please visit our website http://apollonwealthmanagement.com for other important disclosures.

Apollon Wealth Management, LLC (“Apollon”) provides advice and make recommendations based on the specific needs and circumstances of each client. The information contained herein is intended for information purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Please contact your financial advisor with questions about your specific needs and circumstances. 
Apollon does not provide tax advice, individuals are strongly advised to consult with a tax professional before making any tax-related decisions. The information provided herein may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding taxes. The specific considerations for you may need expertise or review by a tax professional, licensed insurance provider, estate planning attorney or other professional to determine how it applies to you. Information provided is generic in nature, for educational purposes and not specific advice. Speak with your tax professional about your specific personal considerations before making any planning decisions. Please visit our website http://apollonwealthmanagement.com for other important disclosures.

Most people don’t have a money problem—they have a follow-through problem. Brian Wiley and Jeremiah Bates use real-life case studies, including a massive estate mess left behind by Brian’s own father, to show why DIY financial planning often leads to incomplete or broken outcomes—especially when trusts aren’t properly funded or plans aren’t kept up to date.

The conversation goes into estate planning mechanics, breaking down how wills vs. trusts actually work, why co-trustee structures can create logistical nightmares, and how poor coordination leads to delays, legal headaches, and family tension (even when intentions were good).

The guys also covers actionable planning topics, including when to pay off student debt versus investing, how to think through competing financial priorities, and a detailed listener question on using IRA funds to fund an HSA—highlighting rollover rules, contribution limits, and tax implications.

Plus, a key question for business owners: when it makes sense to move from a SIMPLE IRA to a 401(k), including higher contribution limits, added flexibility, and the real cost of compliance.


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

Hosts
Jeremiah Bates & Alex Lundgren
—————————————————————
Ataraxis PEO
https://ataraxispeo.com
 
Tree City Advisors of Apollon:
https://www.treecityadvisors.com
 
Apollon Wealth Management:
https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/
—————————————————————

Apollon Wealth Management, LLC (“Apollon”) provides advice and make recommendations based on the specific needs and circumstances of each client. The information contained herein is intended for information purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Please contact your financial advisor with questions about your specific needs and circumstances. Please visit our website http://apollonwealthmanagement.com for other important disclosures.

Apollon Wealth Management, LLC (“Apollon”) provides advice and make recommendations based on the specific needs and circumstances of each client. The information contained herein is intended for information purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Please contact your financial advisor with questions about your specific needs and circumstances. Please visit our website http://apollonwealthmanagement.com for other important disclosures.

Apollon Wealth Management, LLC (“Apollon”) provides advice and make recommendations based on the specific needs and circumstances of each client. The information contained herein is intended for information purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Please contact your financial advisor with questions about your specific needs and circumstances. Please visit our website http://apollonwealthmanagement.com for other important disclosures.

A volatile stretch tied to the Iran conflict quickly reversed last week, giving us a real-time example of how fast markets can swing and why reacting to short-term headlines can backfire.

Jeremiah and Alex tackle listener questions, starting with whether apps like Acorns are a legitimate way to build wealth and leave money behind for family. That conversation turns into a deeper look at estate planning basics, including when simple tools like transfer-on-death designations work—and when they fall short.

A standout segment features a real listener story about naming multiple co-trustees, which led to months of delays, bank complications, and family tension. The hosts break down why this happens and how to avoid it.

Finally, the episode dives into retirement income planning, specifically whether lifetime income annuities belong in the “income bucket,” and the trade-offs between guaranteed income and losing flexibility.


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

Hosts
Jeremiah Bates & Alex Lundgren
—————————————————————
Ataraxis PEO
https://ataraxispeo.com
 
Tree City Advisors of Apollon:
https://www.treecityadvisors.com
 
Apollon Wealth Management:
https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/
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