When the Paycheck Stops, Then What?

Business Owners Think Beyond Taxes: Structure, Exit Planning & Investment Decisions (7/11/2026)

Whether you're starting a business, growing one, or preparing to exit, the financial decisions you make today can have long-term tax and estate planning consequences. In Hour 1, Brian Wiley and Jeremiah Bates explain the differences between LLCs and S Corporations, when an S Corp election may make sense, how business structure affects taxes and liability, and why business owners should coordinate their entity planning with their estate plan. They also discuss cost basis, inherited assets, and avoiding costly mistakes before they happen. Hour 2 shifts to investing, covering concentrated stock positions, strategies for managing highly appreciated investments like Micron, investor psychology, and ways to think through market volatility, geopolitical events, and portfolio risk without letting headlines dictate your decisions. The final hour answers listener questions on business succession planning, selling a closely held business when family members don't want to take over, Qualified Opportunity Zones and the upcoming 2026 tax deadline, evaluating annuities within a comprehensive financial plan, and why fiduciary advice should focus on your entire financial picture—not just one investment account. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com [https://www.therealmoneypros.com] ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com [https://ataraxispeo.com] Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com [https://www.treecityadvisors.com/] Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ [https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/] —————————————————————

Direct Indexing: Managing Taxes as Your Wealth Grows

For many, index funds are one of the best ways to build long-term wealth. But as portfolios grow and taxable investments become a larger part of the picture, the conversation often shifts beyond investment returns. Today, Nic talks about how direct indexing fits into the next stage of financial planning. He explains why successful investors with large taxable brokerage accounts may begin looking for additional flexibility around taxes, portfolio customization, and managing highly appreciated assets. You'll learn how direct indexing differs from traditional index investing, why tax-loss harvesting is only part of the story, and how this strategy may fit into a broader financial plan. Nick also discusses who direct indexing is designed for—and just as importantly, who it probably isn't. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com [https://www.therealmoneypros.com/] ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com [https://ataraxispeo.com] Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com [https://www.treecityadvisors.com] Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ [https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/] —————————————————————

Think First: Better Financial Decisions, Roth Strategies & Long-Term Care Planning (6/27/2026)

Brian Wiley is joined by business coach and author Allison Dunn for a conversation about why critical thinking is one of the most valuable financial skills an investor, business owner, or retiree can develop. They discuss how better decision-making applies to retirement planning, leadership, investing, and navigating life's biggest financial choices. The show also answers listener questions on retirement planning, including how to coordinate 401(k)s, Traditional IRAs, HSAs, and Roth conversion strategies to improve tax efficiency. Brian explains why retirement accounts should be viewed both individually and as part of one comprehensive financial plan, while also discussing health insurance planning before Medicare eligibility. Later, the conversation turns to long-term care planning, estate planning, trusts, and the pros and cons of self-funding versus insurance-based solutions. They also explore fiduciary advice, family communication around money, Micron stock and concentrated positions, investor psychology, and why having a thoughtful process often leads to better financial outcomes than simply reacting to markets or emotions. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com [https://www.therealmoneypros.com] Guest: Allison Dunn, Author and Business Coach https://deliberatedirections.com/think-first-allison-dunn/ [https://deliberatedirections.com/think-first-allison-dunn/] ————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com [https://ataraxispeo.com] Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com [https://www.treecityadvisors.com/] Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ [https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/] —————————————————————

Navigating Medicaid: How Families Can Protect Assets and Pay for Care

Most families don't think about Medicaid planning until they're facing a health crisis—but by then, some of the best planning opportunities may already be gone. Nic and Jeremiah are joined by Brooke Baker and Jessica Young of Legacy Navigation for an in-depth conversation about the realities of long-term care, Medicaid eligibility, and protecting family assets. Together, they break down the differences between Medicare and Medicaid, the true cost of care, common misconceptions about qualifying for benefits, and why so many families find themselves overwhelmed when a loved one suddenly needs assistance. The discussion explores real-world planning considerations, including asset protection strategies, the five-year lookback period, spousal protections, estate recovery rules, and the challenges families face when trying to navigate the complicated system on their own. Guests: Brooke Baker & Jessica Young Legacy Navigation https://legacynavigate.com/ [https://legacynavigate.com/] Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com [https://www.therealmoneypros.com/] ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com [https://ataraxispeo.com] Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com [https://www.treecityadvisors.com] Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ [https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/] —————————————————————

Wealth Traps: Rental Properties, Concentrated Stock Positions & Retirement Income (6/20/2026)

Brian Wiley and Jeremiah Bates open the show with a discussion on concentrated stock positions, portfolio rebalancing, and the challenges investors face after large gains. Using examples ranging from Micron stock to broader market opportunities, they explore diversification, risk management, investor psychology, and the ongoing battle between fear and greed. The conversation also examines what it really means to be wealthy, how to think about financial independence, and why having a plan matters more than chasing the next investment opportunity. The second hour focuses on retirement income planning and highly appreciated assets, particularly rental properties. They discuss capital gains concerns, 1031 exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), step-up in basis rules, and strategies for investors who want to simplify their lives without creating unnecessary tax consequences. They also cover Treasury bills, retirement withdrawal planning, income-focused investing, and how to evaluate whether your assets are positioned to support your long-term goals. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com [https://www.therealmoneypros.com] Hosts: Jeremiah Bates & Brian Wiley ————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com [https://ataraxispeo.com] Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com [https://www.treecityadvisors.com/] Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ [https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/] —————————————————————