iWealth Podcast

iWealth
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Investing

iWealth owner Brad Connors shares insights for financial planning, insurance, and investments.

  1. 15h ago

    Can You Really Afford a $400K House? What First-Time Buyers Need to Know

    If you’re looking at a $400,000 house—or even a $300,000 one—this episode is for you. Home prices across the Midwest have climbed steadily, and many first-time buyers are asking the same question: Is it better to keep renting, or is it finally time to buy? In this episode, Brad Connors breaks down the real numbers behind buying a home in today’s market. It’s not just the sticker price. Brad walks through what buyers often overlook: Why you need more than just a 10% down payment How closing costs add thousands to your upfront cash requirement What today’s interest rates actually mean for your monthly payment Why you shouldn’t borrow your down payment from a 401(k) How equity building compares to paying rent For example, on a $300,000 home, you may need $35,000–$36,000 saved before you even walk into the bank. And at current rates, your monthly payment could land around $2,100. Compare that to rent in many metro areas—and the math starts to get interesting. Brad also cautions against rushing in without a savings cushion or buying with a short-term mindset. If you sell six months later, the only guaranteed winners are the fee collectors. This conversation isn’t about timing the housing market. It’s about preparation, leverage, and making sure your decision aligns with your long-term plan. If you’re debating rent vs. buy, this episode will help you think through the numbers clearly—and avoid costly mistakes. #iWealth #HomeBuying #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #RealEstatePlanning #FinancialPlanning #MidwestHousing #WealthEducation iWealthSUBSCRIBE Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life. ►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors ►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/Podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwealthTwitter: https://twitter.com/iWealth4meBook: https://fishdontclap.com/#home.

    4 min

  2. May 29

    Are Airline Miles a Trap? The Truth About Credit Card Rewards

    This episode is for anyone who loves the idea of “free” airline miles, cash-back bonuses, and premium travel perks—but wonders if there’s more going on behind the scenes. Brad Connors and Mega Matt break down the psychology and math behind credit card reward programs—and why Brad instinctively cringes when someone says they “need” a specific card for the miles. On the surface, rewards cards can make sense. If you pay your balance off every single month and stay disciplined, there can be perks. But here’s the bigger question: Who really wins this game? Brad explains how major credit card companies like Visa and Mastercard understand behavioral data at a level most consumers never consider. Entire teams analyze spending habits, payment delays, and human psychology to design systems where a percentage of users inevitably carry balances—and pay high interest. The episode explores: Why most people overestimate their ability to “beat the system” How small payment delays can snowball into major debt The role of behavioral psychology in credit marketing When rewards might make sense—and when they don’t Why discipline matters more than perks The analogy? It’s like a casino. You can win—but the building tells you who usually does. If you’re using credit cards for miles, this conversation will challenge you to think deeper about risk, behavior, and whether the rewards are truly worth it. #iWealth #CreditCards #AirlineMiles #PersonalFinance #MoneyMindset #DebtAwareness #FinancialPlanning iWealthSUBSCRIBE Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life. ►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors ►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/Podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwealthTwitter: https://twitter.com/iWealth4meBook: https://fishdontclap.com/#home.

    2 min

  3. May 22

    A $10 Million Life Insurance Mistake What Kyle Busch’s Story Teaches Investors

    This episode is for anyone who owns life insurance—or is considering it—and wants to understand what they’re actually buying. After a client sent Kyle Busch’s viral TikTok video about a lawsuit involving a life insurance policy, Brad Connors and Mega Matt unpack what likely went wrong—and what everyday investors can learn from it. The conversation centers around a high-dollar policy reportedly issued by Pacific Life and why not all life insurance is created equal. Brad explains the critical difference between term insurance and permanent policies like whole life, universal life, indexed universal life, and variable universal life—and how death benefit size dramatically impacts commissions, cash value growth, and long-term performance. Here’s the key takeaway:Two policies from the same company can look similar on paper but function completely differently based on how they’re designed. Brad breaks down: How large death benefits can reduce cash value growth Why illustrations matter (and what assumptions to question) The importance of asking “What could go wrong?” Why blind trust—without understanding—can be costly How commissions can influence policy structure This isn’t about attacking companies or individuals. It’s about responsibility. Consumers must ask better questions, demand realistic projections, and understand how policies are structured before committing serious money. Whether you’re evaluating life insurance as protection, a cash-value tool, or part of a larger strategy, this episode will help you think more clearly and avoid common design pitfalls. #iWealth #LifeInsurance #FinancialPlanning #KyleBusch #WealthEducation #InsuranceDesign #MoneyDecisions iWealthSUBSCRIBE Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life. ►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors ►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/Podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwealthTwitter: https://twitter.com/iWealth4meBook: https://fishdontclap.com/#home

    12 min

  4. May 15

    5 Mistakes to Avoid in a Market Downturn

    If you’re feeling nervous about a potential market downturn, you’re not alone. After two strong years in the market, it’s natural to wonder what comes next—and how to protect what you’ve built.In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors shares five practical principles to help you think clearly when markets get volatile. This isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about controlling what you can.Brad walks through five common mistakes investors make during downturns:1. Panic selling when markets drop2. Trying to time the market3. Ignoring diversification4. Skipping portfolio rebalancing5. Overreacting to headlines and news cyclesHe explains why emotional decisions often do more damage than the downturn itself—and how disciplined behavior over time leads to better outcomes.If you’ve ever felt the urge to “do something” when markets fall, this conversation will help you pause, zoom out, and focus on long-term strategy instead of short-term fear. Market volatility is part of investing. The key is having a plan before emotions take over.Watch this episode to learn how to stay steady, stay diversified, and stay aligned with your long-term goals—no matter what the market does next.#iWealth #MarketDownturn #InvestingWisely #LongTermInvesting #FinancialPlanning #WealthEducation #MarketVolatility**iWealth****SUBSCRIBE**Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: [https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors](https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors)►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos](https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos)Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me](https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me)LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/)Podcast: [https://anchor.fm/iwealth](https://anchor.fm/iwealth)Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iWealth4me](https://twitter.com/iWealth4me)Book: [https://fishdontclap.com/#home](https://fishdontclap.com/#home).

    1 min

  5. May 8

    Should You Hire a Financial Advisor You Know?

    This episode is for anyone who’s been asked to work with a financial advisor simply because you know them—through church, a bowling league, your neighborhood, or mutual friends—and you’re wondering how much weight that relationship should really carry.Brad Connors and Mega Matt dig into a question that comes up more often than people admit: *Should familiarity automatically equal trust when it comes to your money?* And just as importantly—when should it not?Brad explains why knowing someone socially can be helpful, but only if their character, behavior, and values consistently line up with yours. Over time, how someone talks about others, handles conflict, carries themselves, and lives out their values becomes a powerful indicator of how they might treat your financial life. Familiarity doesn’t create trust—patterns do.The conversation also explores the difference between hiring someone you personally know versus working with an advisor recommended by a trusted friend. In both cases, Brad emphasizes slowing the process down, asking thoughtful questions, and treating the relationship like dating—not marriage. Your life savings deserve more than a quick decision made out of social pressure or convenience.They also address a common fear: *“What if the market goes down and I’m mad at someone I know?”* Brad challenges that thinking, arguing that when markets are volatile, the person who cares most about you may actually be the best guide—not a stranger.If you’ve ever felt awkward navigating money conversations with friends, family, or referrals, this episode will help you think clearly, trust wisely, and choose an advisor based on alignment—not proximity.#iWealth #FinancialAdvisor #ChoosingAnAdvisor #MoneyConversations #WealthPlanning #TrustAndMoney #FinancialEducation**iWealth****SUBSCRIBE**Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: [https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors](https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors)►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos](https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos)Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me](https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me)LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/)Podcast: [https://anchor.fm/iwealth](https://anchor.fm/iwealth)Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iWealth4me](https://twitter.com/iWealth4me)Book: [https://fishdontclap.com/#home](https://fishdontclap.com/#home)

    4 min

  6. May 1

    When the Worst Happens

    When the worst happens, clear thinking matters more than quick decisions. In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt talk through one of the hardest conversations in financial planning: "what to do after the loss of a spouse".This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered what actually happens—financially—when life changes in an instant. Brad explains why the **first and most important rule is to slow down**. After a major loss, emotions are high, judgment is clouded, and pressure from well-meaning people (or the wrong advisors) can lead to decisions that don’t serve you long-term.Brad walks through what a thoughtful, people-first process looks like in a worst-case scenario:• Why major decisions should usually wait at least 12 months• What accounts need immediate attention—and which ones don’t• How beneficiaries, joint accounts, IRAs, and bank relationships are handled• Why “doing nothing” for a season can be the wisest move• Red flags to watch for if an advisor is pushing fast changes or account movesThis conversation isn’t about spreadsheets first—it’s about **grief, timing, and clarity**. Brad shares real-world experience from decades of helping families navigate loss, and why the best advisors prioritize the person before the portfolio.If you or someone you love has experienced loss—or if you simply want to understand how to plan wisely for life’s hardest moments—this episode offers grounded guidance, practical insight, and a steady voice when it matters most.#iWealth #FinancialPlanning #WidowSupport #LifeTransitions #MoneyDecisions #GriefAndPlanning #FamilyFirst #LongTermThinking**iWealth****SUBSCRIBE**Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: [https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors](https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors)►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos](https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos)Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me](https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me)LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/)Podcast: [https://anchor.fm/iwealth](https://anchor.fm/iwealth)Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iWealth4me](https://twitter.com/iWealth4me)Book: [https://fishdontclap.com/#home](https://fishdontclap.com/#home)

    5 min

  7. Apr 24

    The Advisor “Smell Test"

    This episode is for anyone trying to choose a financial advisor—and feeling overwhelmed by credentials, promises, and opinions. If you’ve ever wondered who you can actually trust with your life savings, this conversation will help you cut through the noise.Brad Connors explains why picking a financial advisor has less to do with guarantees or flashy performance and more to do with character, connection, and asking the right questions early. Together with Mega Matt, he walks through how to evaluate advisors before money is ever discussed—and why your gut instinct matters more than most people realize.They unpack what it really means for an advisor to be a fiduciary, why “Can you make me money?” is the wrong opening question, and how to spot red flags in the very first meeting. Brad shares practical insights on what to look for in an advisor’s office, how they ask questions, and whether they’re focused on understanding *you* or simply talking about themselves.The conversation also covers why financial planning should be part of the first discussion—not just investments—and how topics like wills, beneficiaries, healthcare directives, and Social Security timing reveal whether an advisor thinks holistically.Brad compares choosing an advisor to dating: you should talk to two or three, pay attention to how you feel, and only move forward when the fit feels right. The goal isn’t to find the smartest person in the room—it’s to find someone you’d trust to take care of your family if you weren’t here.If you’re in the process of choosing a financial advisor, this episode will help you approach that decision with clarity, confidence, and intention.#iWealth #FinancialAdvisor #FinancialPlanning #WealthEducation #MoneyConversations #ChoosingAnAdvisor #Fiduciary**iWealth****SUBSCRIBE**Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: [https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors](https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors)►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos](https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos)Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me](https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me)LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/)Podcast: [https://anchor.fm/iwealth](https://anchor.fm/iwealth)Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iWealth4me](https://twitter.com/iWealth4me)Book: [https://fishdontclap.com/#home](https://fishdontclap.com/#home)

    9 min

  8. Apr 17

    How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor

    Choosing a financial advisor can feel overwhelming. Everyone seems to “have a guy,” everyone promises results, and everyone sounds confident. So how do you actually know who to trust?In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt break down what really matters when selecting a financial advisor—and it has far less to do with guarantees or credentials than most people think.Brad explains why the first filter should always be character and connection, not just performance claims. From understanding what a fiduciary really is, to recognizing red flags in the first meeting, this conversation walks through the questions people should be asking—but often don’t.They talk about:Why “Can you make me money?” is the wrong first questionThe importance of empathy, intuition, and what Brad calls the “smell test”How to tell if an advisor is listening to you—or just talking about themselvesWhy planning conversations matter just as much as investmentsWhen referrals help—and when you should still shop aroundThis episode reframes the advisor-client relationship as something closer to dating than hiring a vendor. You’re not just choosing someone to manage numbers—you’re choosing someone who may one day guide your family through major life events.If you’ve ever wondered how to evaluate financial advisors beyond titles, performance charts, and buzzwords, this conversation offers a grounded, real-world framework to help you choose with clarity and confidence.#iWealth #FinancialAdvisor #FinancialPlanning #WealthEducation #ChoosingAnAdvisor #MoneyDecisions

    9 min
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Ratings & Reviews

About

iWealth owner Brad Connors shares insights for financial planning, insurance, and investments.

Information

  • Creator
    iWealth
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    312
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © iWealth
  • Show Website
    iWealth Podcast

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