Real Money Pros

The Real Money Pros
  • 5.0 (18)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED DAILY

Money: you make it, you want more of it, and you want to protect it. We are The Real Money Pros, a show hosted collaboratively by experts who specialize in investing, financial and estate planning, taxes, insurance, and any other way to grow wealth. Plus, we make it fun! We help you know good advice from bad – especially when everyone seems to want a piece of your money.

  1. I'd Retire Tomorrow… If It Weren't for Health Insurance

    2D AGO

    I'd Retire Tomorrow… If It Weren't for Health Insurance

    "I'd retire tomorrow… if it weren't for health insurance." It's one of the most common concerns we hear from people approaching retirement, especially those hoping to leave work before Medicare begins at age 65. In this podcast, Nic Daniels breaks down the real planning considerations behind retiring before Medicare eligibility. From COBRA and Affordable Care Act marketplace plans to spouse coverage, bridge employment, and self-funding healthcare costs, Nic walks through the high-level options people should be aware of. But this conversation goes beyond just healthcare, because depending on how retirement income is structured, healthcare costs may be impacted by ACA subsidies, tax strategy, and withdrawal planning decisions. Nic also shares a real planning example involving a household looking to retire early and how outside assets—not retirement accounts—helped create flexibility in bridging the gap to Medicare.   Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Hosts: Nic Daniels ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

    15 min
  2. Medicaid Myths, IRMAA, & Proper Long-Term Care Preparedness (5/9/2026)

    4D AGO

    Medicaid Myths, IRMAA, & Proper Long-Term Care Preparedness (5/9/2026)

    Jeremiah Bates and Alex Lundgren spent Mother's Day weekend tackling one of the biggest financial issues many families avoid until it's too late: long-term care and the cost of aging. The show opens with Brooke Baker and Jessica Young, Co-Founders of Legacy Navigation, breaking down how Medicaid actually works, what it really covers, and the biggest misconceptions families have around qualifying for benefits. The conversation covers in-home care, assisted living, memory care costs, spousal asset protection strategies, the five-year lookback rule, and why certain estate planning decisions can accidentally create Medicaid problems later on. Going into the second hour, Jeremiah and Alex pivot into another major planning blind spot: letting taxes dictate investment decisions. They discuss concentrated stock positions, large unrealized gains, rental property sales, 1031 exchanges, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, and why many investors hold onto assets longer than they should simply because they fear the tax consequences. Throughout the show, the bigger theme remains the same: most financial problems become significantly harder when planning is delayed. Whether it's long-term care, estate coordination, taxes, or investment decisions, this show focuses on why proactive planning matters before life forces the issue.   Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Hosts: Jeremiah Bates & Alex Lundgren Guests: Brooke Baker, RN & Jessica Young, MSW Co-Founders of Legacy Navigation https://legacynavigate.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

    2h 4m
  3. Micron's 600% Surge: Why Large Gains Don't Solve Cash Flow (5/2/2026)

    MAY 4

    Micron's 600% Surge: Why Large Gains Don't Solve Cash Flow (5/2/2026)

    What happens when your 401(k) suddenly surges and your lifestyle starts rising with it? This week, Brian and Jeremiah uses a real example of Micron stock climbing over 600% in about a year to show how quickly investor behavior can change. They break down how rising account balances lead to increased spending, more confidence, and a shift away from the original concern many had just a year ago: how to generate reliable income in retirement. The conversation centers on a key idea: Growth doesn't solve income. Without a plan, big gains can actually increase risk by creating dependency on account values rather than sustainable cash flow. A caller dealing with Boeing stock highlights another real-world issue: confusion around ownership, dividends, and managing investments held outside traditional custodians. Plus, when to reassess, how to convert gains into income, and why protecting what you've built matters just as much as growing it. The guys also introduces the concept of "insuring" investments and recognizing the cycle between fear, growth, and overconfidence.   Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Hosts Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

    1h 23m
  4. Taking Money Out of Retirement Isn't So Simple

    APR 30

    Taking Money Out of Retirement Isn't So Simple

    Taking money out of your accounts sounds simple… but it's usually not as simple as it seems. In this episode, Nic walks through why withdrawals are more than just getting cash. They're actually one of the biggest tax decisions you'll make, especially in retirement. From understanding the difference between pre-tax, Roth, and brokerage accounts to seeing how each one impacts your taxes over time, this conversation focuses on how small decisions today can create bigger consequences down the road. He also shares real examples, including helping a child with a down payment and a situation where a "0% interest" car purchase ended up costing a couple thousands in additional Medicare premiums—all because of how the money was taken out. The goal here isn't to avoid taxes completely. It's to think more intentionally about when you deal with them, and how those decisions fit into your overall plan. Because it's not just about getting money out—it's about getting it out the right way.   Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Nic Daniels ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

    17 min
  5. Self-Employment Tax Shock, Social Security Insolvency, & A Widow's Retirement Plan (4/25/2026)

    APR 27

    Self-Employment Tax Shock, Social Security Insolvency, & A Widow's Retirement Plan (4/25/2026)

    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 ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

    1h 23m
  6. Estate Planning Failures, HSA Tax Strategies, & When DIY Backfires (4/18/2026)

    APR 20

    Estate Planning Failures, HSA Tax Strategies, & When DIY Backfires (4/18/2026)

    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 & Brian Wiley ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

    1h 22m
  7. Certainty vs. Flexibility in Retirement Income Planning

    APR 16

    Certainty vs. Flexibility in Retirement Income Planning

    Guaranteed income is often seen as the goal in retirement, but it comes with trade-offs that many investors don't fully understand. This podcast breaks down what you're actually giving up when you exchange a lump sum for a fixed income stream. While guaranteed income can provide predictability and peace of mind, it often comes at the cost of flexibility, control, liquidity, and long-term planning opportunities. Nic walks through how these decisions impact your ability to adapt to life changes, manage taxes, respond to market opportunities, and leave assets to heirs. He also explains why focusing only on the income amount can lead to oversimplified decisions with long-term consequences. It isn't about whether guaranteed income is good or bad—it's about understanding the trade-offs and making sure the decision fits into a broader financial plan.   Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Host: Nic Daniels ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

    16 min
  8. Iran Market Reversal, Estate Planning Pitfalls, & Annuity Income Debate (4/11/2026)

    APR 13

    Iran Market Reversal, Estate Planning Pitfalls, & Annuity Income Debate (4/11/2026)

    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/ —————————————————————

    1h 23m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Money: you make it, you want more of it, and you want to protect it. We are The Real Money Pros, a show hosted collaboratively by experts who specialize in investing, financial and estate planning, taxes, insurance, and any other way to grow wealth. Plus, we make it fun! We help you know good advice from bad – especially when everyone seems to want a piece of your money.

Information

  • Creator
    The Real Money Pros
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Real Money Pros
  • Show Website
    Real Money Pros

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