As U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran dominate headlines, Brian Wiley and Jeremiah Bates break down what a Middle East escalation could mean for oil prices, inflation, and the stock market. They analyze the risk surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, discuss how markets have historically responded to geopolitical shocks, and explain why panic-driven decisions often do more damage than the events themselves. Most importantly, they outline how proper liquidity planning and structured allocation can protect investors from being forced into bad moves during volatile periods.

The episode also features CPA Stephanie Helms, who unpacks the real details behind the new federal tax changes. From the fine print on "no tax on tips" and overtime pay to the new senior deduction for Social Security recipients and the complex auto loan interest deduction tied to VIN rules, the conversation exposes what actually qualifies and what doesn't. They also discuss state tax conformity issues, refund delays, and why some taxpayers may need to amend returns.

Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!

https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Hosts

Brian Wiley & Jeremiah Bates

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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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Jeremiah and Nic start with a volatile week in the markets following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down President Trump's tariff authority and the market's surprisingly calm reaction. They explain why uncertainty, not bad news itself, drives volatility and how diversified portfolios, including small caps, value stocks, and international exposure, help investors stay resilient when headlines shift.

The conversation then turns to one of the most overlooked areas of financial planning: estate planning and account titling. They walk through the differences between wills and trusts, why wills do not avoid probate, and how simple steps like beneficiary audits, TOD and POD designations, and proper account ownership can prevent costly delays and family conflict. They also discuss whether trusts should be named as beneficiaries on IRAs, how inheritance rules differ for individuals versus trusts, and when simplicity is often the best strategy.

Rounding out the show, the duo covers tax-season pitfalls, including corrected 1099s, K-1 delays, Roth conversions, backdoor Roth mistakes, and why rushing to file taxes can create unnecessary problems.

Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask!

https://www.therealmoneypros.com

Hosts:

Jeremiah Bates & Nic Daniels

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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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This Saturday, Brian and Jeremiah dig into a timely and controversial topic: self-representation in real estate. Using a real client example, they explore why some buyers and sellers are bypassing traditional agents, how commission structures affect negotiations, and when professional representation truly adds value, especially in complex or high-stakes transactions. The conversation expands into the broader real estate industry, MLS practices, and whether technology and AI are beginning to disrupt long-standing models.

The show also tackles a critical investing issue: overconcentration risk. Through real-world stories, from individual stock success to catastrophic losses, the hosts explain how having too much money tied to a single company, property, or asset can quietly put long-term financial security at risk, even when things appear to be working.

Rounding out the episode, Brian and Jeremiah revisit the BetterBuckets™ strategy and explain how separating money into protection, income, and growth buckets helps investors stay disciplined during market volatility. They discuss income-producing options, dividend stocks versus bond funds, yield traps to avoid, and why focusing on purpose rather than headlines leads to better long-term 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/

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