REAL MONEY PROS - (12-06-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (11-29-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (11-22-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (11-15-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (11-08-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (11-01-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (02/15/25) -

REAL MONEY PROS - (03/15/25) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - (06/14/25) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - (10-25-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (10-18-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (10-11-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (10-04-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (09-27-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (09-06-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (08-30-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (08-23-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (08-16-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (08-09-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (08-02-2025)

Real Money Pros - (07-26-2025)

REAL MONEY PROS - (07/19/25) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - (07/12/25) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - (07/05/25) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - (06/28/25) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - (06/21/25) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - (06/07/25) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - (05/31/25) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - 05-25-2025

REAL MONEY PROS - 05-17-2025

REAL MONEY PROS - (05/10/25) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - (05/03/25) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - (04/26/25) - Debt, Tariffs, & Market Turbulence Brian Wiley and Jeremiah Bates dig into how the latest tariff headlines, political pressure on the Fed, and fast-moving market swings—often triggered by fake news and social media rumors—are creating both chaos and opportunity for investors. Brian shares insights from a recent financial conference, pointing out a troubling generational gap in financial advisory leadership and highlighting how seasoned advisors are keeping clients steady through volatile times. The show also features real listener calls, including advice to a 26-year-old balancing debt repayment with future investing goals, and a deeper look at dealing with a financial scam tied to solar financing. The overarching message is clear: market volatility is nothing new, and emotional reactions are often the enemy of smart investing. Wiley and Bates emphasize strategy, education, and planning—urging you to position yourself for future opportunities rather than reacting to short-term fear.

REAL MONEY PROS - (04/19/25) - Rebalancing, Roth, & Rising Care Costs  In this solo-hosted episode, Jeremiah Bates explores the week’s financial news and practical planning strategies—anchored by real-world client conversations. While Wall Street processed more volatility, led by Nvidia’s $5.5B hit and Apple’s China-related struggles, Jeremiah explains how index weighting magnifies the market impact of tech giants and why understanding portfolio construction matters more than ever. But markets are only part of the story. Long-term care costs are skyrocketing—like a $12,000/month surprise bill for a client’s mother—and how families can prepare. He discusses tools like Miller Trusts, Medicaid planning rules, and how some families might self-fund care without sacrificing their financial stability. Plus, tax-efficient strategies like Roth conversions and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) for retirees facing RMDs they don’t need. It's important to understand your tax brackets, filing status, and charitable intent when making these decisions.

REAL MONEY PROS - (04/12/25) - Markets Are Predictable After the crazy week, Brian and Jeremiah dissect what they call the most emotionally driven and predictable market sell-off of their careers. Brian shares how, mid-flight, he scrambled to access Wi-Fi—not to panic, but to buy—spotting a clear opportunity as investors dumped assets out of fear. The hosts emphasize a critical truth: emotional decisions, not strategy, drive most investment mistakes. Missing just the top 10 days in the market over decades can cut your returns in half. Timing matters—but only if you're prepared. Jeremiah highlights how uncertainty around tariffs, treasury yields, and economic policy triggered fear-based behavior, not grounded planning. The message is clear: strategy beats headlines, and emotion is your portfolio’s worst enemy. For those still working, market drops are opportunities. For retirees, preparation—liquidity, proper asset allocation, and planning—prevents disaster.

REAL MONEY PROS - (04/05/25) - Markets on Edge: How to Play Defense After ending a rough trading week, Brian and Jeremiah dissect the pivotal week on Wall Street as economic uncertainty rattles investors. With major indices taking a hit and bond yields climbing, they spotlight the bond market's warning signs and the Fed’s ongoing inflation battle. They explore the collapse of commercial real estate giants like WeWork and why regional banks could be sitting on a ticking time bomb… The guys also examine cracks in consumer behavior—from falling credit card payments to signs of tightening wallets—and what that means for the broader economy. Are we heading toward a slow bleed or a sudden break? Their discussion covers real estate, inflationary pressures, and defensive strategies, urging listeners to reassess their risk exposure now. If you're wondering whether it's time to rebalance, shift into higher-quality assets, or prepare for market turbulence, this is your must-hear episode.

The latest market trends and what they mean for your portfolio and dive into smart tax strategies, helping you keep more of what you earn—especially if you’re facing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Are you making tax-efficient investment moves? We give some tips on how to maximize your returns while minimizing Uncle Sam’s cut. We also explore the hidden risks lurking in your investments. From over-concentration in tech stocks to overlooked fees in your retirement accounts, we uncover common pitfalls that could be dragging down your wealth. Plus, we tackle listener questions on the best ways to hedge against inflation and where today’s real opportunities lie.

REAL MONEY PROS - (03/22/25) - Brian and Jeremiah break down the current market volatility and why investors need to prepare for inevitable downturns—just like you would during flu season! They discuss how market corrections happen every 14–16 months and why having a three-year financial cushion can keep you from making panic-driven mistakes. The conversation also dives deep into Elon Musk’s long-term strategy—does he really care about Tesla, or is it just a stepping stone to Mars? They explore how AI, robotics, and quantum computing are shaping future investments and why understanding these trends could give investors an edge. They also highlight the importance of strategic tax planning, how business owners can avoid wasting money, and the smart way to structure investments for long-term success.

REAL MONEY PROS - (03/08/25) - Smart Moves Amid Market Jitters The markets have been all over the place, but should you be freaking out? In this episode of The Real Money Pros, we tackle recent volatility, why the NASDAQ hit correction territory, and how to keep your cool when things get rocky. The key takeaway? Stick to your plan—panic selling is your worst enemy. Plus, we break down how emotions can mess with your money—whether it's road rage on your commute or fear-driven investment decisions.

REAL MONEY PROS - (03/01/25) - European Politics & Federal Layoffs The guys break down the fiery Oval Office exchange between Trump, JD Vance, and Ukraine’s Zelensky. What led to the heated debate, and was Zelensky’s approach the right move? The hosts analyze the political and financial stakes—especially how Trump’s efforts to reshape foreign alliances could ripple through global markets. Then, it’s all about preparing for the unexpected—federal worker layoffs are making headlines, and job security is a growing concern. If layoffs are looming, what should you do first? The guys cover essential strategies: avoiding costly 401(k) loan mistakes, using credit lines wisely, and ensuring your health and life insurance aren’t at risk.

Jeremiah and Nic kick off the hour by tackling the wild market swings of 2025 and the latest tariff discussions. What do these potential tariffs mean for businesses, consumers, and your investment portfolio? The guys break down both sides of the debate, exploring the economic ripple effects and how investors can stay ahead of the curve. Will these be positive or negative for our country? Next, they shift to tax planning, covering key strategies to maximize deductions before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expires. Should you consider a Roth conversion now to hedge against potential tax hikes? They discuss why timing is everything when it comes to tax-efficient planning. Rounding out the hour, they dive into estate planning strategies—particularly for blended families—highlighting why prenuptial agreements and proper legal structures can protect your wealth for future generations.

With the triple-threat team, we break down key strategies for managing capital gains taxes, especially when selling property. A caller’s situation sparks a discussion on how to use exemptions and 1031 exchanges to keep more money in your pocket.  Next, we tackle the classic debate: should you pay off your mortgage before retirement? With interest rates locked in at historic lows for many homeowners, we explore why keeping a mortgage could actually work in your favor when it comes to liquidity and investment opportunities. Finally, we touch on retirement income planning—balancing safety with long-term growth to ensure financial security in your later years. Whether you’re strategizing for an upcoming property sale or thinking about your mortgage in retirement, this hour is packed with useful financial insights.

REAL MONEY PROS - (02-01-25) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - (01-25-25) - Jeremiah Bates and Nic Daniels dive into strategies for tackling the 2025 tax season, highlighting the importance of understanding 1099 forms and offering tips to reduce stress. They also explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the economy, analyzing its investment opportunities, energy demands, and legislative impact. Wrapping up, they emphasize the importance of partnering with a trusted financial advisor to align strategies with financial goals.

REAL MONEY PROS - (01-11-25) - Bond Yields, Rate Changes, & Starting a Business in 3 Days  

REAL MONEY PROS - (01-04-25) - Predictions and Strategies for 2025 Kicking off with a recap of surprising market trends from 2024, including cryptocurrency highs and bond market struggles, Matt and Jeremiah explore what lies ahead for the New Year. Can AI investments by major tech players live up to expectations? How might small and mid-cap stocks outpace the S&P 500? And what role will interest rates play in shaping financial opportunities?  The pros also dive into actionable planning strategies, including Roth conversions and navigating the complexities of qualified account rollovers. They share real-life scenarios, highlighting the costly mistakes that can arise without proper guidance—especially during life changes like spousal inheritances.

REAL MONEY PROS - (12-28-24) - 

REAL MONEY PROS - (12-21-24) - Social Security & Life Insurance in Retirement Ben Barzideh and Jeremiah Bates begin with an analysis of the Federal Reserve’s latest actions, discussing interest rate decisions and their impact on market volatility. What does this mean for 2025, and how can investors navigate uncertainty? The guys also tackle the perennial debate on Social Security timing. Should you take it early or delay until age 70? With examples of spousal strategies, break-even analysis, and personal anecdotes, the discussion highlights how personal circumstances and longevity considerations should drive decisions. Plus, they explore life insurance in retirement—when it’s necessary, when it’s not, and how tools like irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs) can aid estate planning.

REAL MONEY PROS (12-14-24) - Goldilocks Economy, Roth Strategies, & Quantum Computing   In this episode of Chicago’s Real Money Pros, we explore the current "Goldilocks" economic scenario, where inflation is moderating, growth is steady, and rate cuts are likely, creating a positive environment for investors. However, we also discuss potential risks, including rising Treasury yields and unforeseen market disruptions in 2025. Ben and Jeremiah highlight the benefits of Roth IRA conversions, particularly for retirees with low taxable income. Learn how to take advantage of unused deductions to perform tax-efficient conversions and set yourself up for tax-free growth in the years ahead. Finally, we examine the exciting developments in technology, including quantum computing breakthroughs like Google's "Willow" processor. With unprecedented computational power, quantum computing could redefine industries and create compelling investment opportunities. Can the tech rise be stopped?

Real Money Pros - (12/07/24) - The Economic Goldilocks Ben Barzideh and Jeremiah Bates begin the show with a discussion on recent “Goldilocks” economic data, highlighting stable growth and a positive outlook for Federal Reserve rate cuts, easing concerns about a hard landing. They explore the fascinating divide between investor pessimism and advisor optimism. While many investors remain cautious, advisors are bullish, signaling potential opportunities in the market. If you're wondering how to make the most of year-end planning, they also talk about key tax strategies, including donor-advised funds for charitable giving, QCDs for those taking RMDs, and tax loss and gain harvesting to maximize your tax efficiency. Finally, the guys break down current market trends, sector performance, and what potential policy shifts under the new administration could mean for your portfolio.