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 than chasing momentum. The conversation expands beyond crypto to examine broader market volatility, headline-driven fear, and the danger of reacting to short-term noise instead of sticking to a well-structured plan. Using real-world examples, the hosts explain how missing just a handful of the market’s best days can dramatically reduce long-term returns and why disciplined investors are often rewarded after periods of panic. The second hour shifts into practical planning topics, including how people actually buy and hold Bitcoin, ETFs versus direct ownership, and a candid discussion on annuities—when they may help, when they often don’t, and how fear-based selling can lead to high fees and poor outcomes. 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/ —————————————————————

THIS IS WHY WE PLAN! Taking distributions in retirement can really mess up your IRMAA 🤢

Pay taxes with a check or withhold taxes directly from the Roth conversion? It may not make a difference… 🔁 Apollon Wealth 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.

🎧 AUDIO GLITCH: Apologies for the tech issues on this one... Listen to the high-quality audio on your favorite streaming platform! 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, while cautioning against overconcentration and fear-based investing. The conversation also tackles political and economic anxiety, reinforcing that reacting to headlines or administrations rarely leads to better long-term results than sticking to a disciplined investment plan. The show delivers actionable retirement planning insight through a detailed discussion on Roth conversions. Brian and Alex break down whether to pay conversion taxes from outside savings or withhold from the IRA itself, the trade-offs involved, and how these decisions interact with future tax brackets, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and Medicare IRMAA thresholds. Additional listener questions cover college tax credits, 529 plan reporting, and foundational saving strategies. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Hosts: Brian Wiley & Alexandra Lundgren ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com   Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com   Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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