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/ —————————————————————Made with Restream. Livestream on 30+ platforms at once via https://restream.io

Today, we focus on building smarter financial strategies for business owners, retirees, and long-term investors navigating a changing market environment. Jeremiah Bates and Alex Lundgren break down retirement plan options for the self-employed, including SEP IRAs, Individual 401(k)s, and SIMPLE plans—highlighting contribution limits, employee requirements, vesting rules, and costly mistakes business owners often overlook. The conversation expands into the BetterBuckets® System, explaining how aligning cash, income, and growth assets can reduce emotional decision-making and create clarity during market volatility. The hosts discuss why understanding why you own certain investments matters just as much as what you own—especially when markets fluctuate. They also examine recent market movement, interest-rate cuts, rotation between growth and value stocks, and what volatility really means for long-term planning. Rather than reacting to headlines, the episode emphasizes disciplined strategy, time horizon alignment, and using market pullbacks as planning opportunities—not panic moments. 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/ —————————————————————