Real Money Pros

Is the S&P 500 Still Diversified? Plus, Inheritance Planning (10/17/2026)

Is the S&P 500 still as diversified as investors think? And what should families know before distributing an inheritance... Hour 1: Market Concentration and the Future of Investing With a growing share of the S&P 500 concentrated in a handful of major technology companies, Brian and Jeremiah discuss what diversification really means today. They explore AI-related market volatility, the competition between the U.S. and China, changing bond yields, and potential opportunities in energy and infrastructure. Hour 2: Inheritance, Estate Administration, and Tax Planning Receiving an inheritance can involve more than simply transferring money. They explain how different assets are handled after someone passes away, including cash, taxable investments, inherited IRAs, and trust accounts. The guys also discuss the 10-year inherited IRA rule, required minimum distributions, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, and how families can avoid common mistakes when settling an estate. Find an advisor that's best suited for you: https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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Building Value in Blue-Collar Businesses with William Yex (10/10/2026)

For owners of HVAC, plumbing, electrical and construction companies, building a profitable business is one thing. Building a business that someone else would actually want to buy is another. This week, Jeremiah Bates welcomes William Yex, CFP®, a Wealth Management Advisor with Apollon Wealth Management who specializes in working with blue-collar business owners. William discusses why he chose to focus his practice on the trades and how the financial challenges facing these entrepreneurs differ from those of traditional employees and other professionals. A major focus is what makes a trade business valuable. Could the company operate for three weeks without its owner? How much revenue depends on a handful of customers? Are recurring service contracts in place? William explains how owner dependency, customer concentration, predictable revenue and clean financial records can influence what a buyer is willing to pay. They also examine why private equity has shown interest in acquiring businesses in the trades. Beyond valuation, Jeremiah and William discuss building personal wealth outside the company, retirement and tax strategies for business owners, and protecting the business through insurance, succession planning and buy-sell agreements. Find an advisor that's best suited for you: https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ ————————————————————— Tax Clarification: An S-corporation example in the original October 10 broadcast overstated potential payroll tax savings. Self-employment tax is based on net earnings rather than gross revenue, and the Social Security portion is subject to an annual wage limit. S-corporation distributions generally are not subject to employment taxes, but reasonable owner compensation remains subject to payroll taxes. Actual savings vary by circumstance. A recorded clarification has been added to the archived episode. ————————————————————— The Real Money Pros is hosted by team members of Tree City Advisors of Apollon, a DBA of Apollon Wealth Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Advisory services are offered through Apollon Wealth Management, LLC. This program is for informational and educational purposes only, may not be suitable for you, and is not personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Apollon does not provide tax or legal advice; consult your tax or legal professional. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal, and no strategy can guarantee results. Examples and statistics are illustrative; tax and legal rules vary and are subject to change. Apollon and/or The Real Money Pros receive sponsorship or advertising compensation from certain guests and third parties, and Apollon and a sponsor may refer clients or prospective clients to one another. These arrangements create a conflict of interest. Views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the radio station. Nothing discussed should be construed as an endorsement or recommendation by Apollon or the station of any investment, product, service, or strategy. Additional information, including conflicts of interest, is in our Form ADV Part 2A. This is available on our website, www.apollonwealthmanagement.com.

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When Bond Prices Fall, What Should Investors Do? (10/10/2026)

Higher bond yields can look attractive to investors seeking income, but they also come with a tradeoff: when market yields rise, the prices of existing bonds generally fall. So what does that mean if you're already holding bonds, particularly as you approach or enter retirement? In the first hour of the show, Jeremiah runs solo to break down the relationship between bond prices and yields using a straightforward example of a $1,000 bond paying $50 annually. He explains why that same bond can trade at a premium or discount, how its effective yield changes with the purchase price, and why an investor holding an individual bond to maturity may view price fluctuations differently from someone planning to sell. Jeremiah also examines how changing interest-rate expectations affect fixed-income investments, why higher dividend yields aren't necessarily an invitation to buy a falling stock, and what happens when investors prioritize current income without accounting for inflation. Along the way, he discusses the financial adjustments business owners face after selling their companies and replacing business income with investment income. Ultimately, the conversation comes back to retirement planning: how much money needs to remain liquid, how much income the portfolio must produce, and how much growth is necessary to maintain purchasing power over time. Find an advisor that's best suited for you: https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ ————————————————————— The Real Money Pros is hosted by team members of Tree City Advisors of Apollon, a DBA of Apollon Wealth Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Advisory services are offered through Apollon Wealth Management, LLC. This program is for informational and educational purposes only, may not be suitable for you, and is not personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Apollon does not provide tax or legal advice; consult your tax or legal professional. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal, and no strategy can guarantee results. Examples and statistics are illustrative; tax and legal rules vary and are subject to change. Apollon and/or The Real Money Pros receive sponsorship or advertising compensation from certain guests and third parties, and Apollon and a sponsor may refer clients or prospective clients to one another. These arrangements create a conflict of interest. Views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the radio station. Nothing discussed should be construed as an endorsement or recommendation by Apollon or the station of any investment, product, service, or strategy. Additional information, including conflicts of interest, is in our Form ADV Part 2A. This is available on our website, www.apollonwealthmanagement.com.

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The Business Sale: From Valuation to Closing

Selling a business isn't one decision. It's a process that can begin years before the transaction actually closes. Jeremiah Bates and Nic Daniels are joined by Jeff Szczypinski of WR Valuations to walk through that process, from establishing what a business is worth and identifying what could improve its value to dealing with buyers, due diligence, deal structure, taxes, and the eventual closing. They also look at the sale from the owner's side of the table. How much do you actually need from the business to fund the next stage of your life? What happens when business income disappears? And how should the proceeds fit into your retirement, tax, investment, and estate planning? For business owners considering an exit, this episode is a look at both sides of the transaction: getting the business sold and making sure the sale actually works for you. Find an Advisor That's Best Suited For You https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ ————————————————————— This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or individualized investment advice; Apollon Wealth Management, LLC ("Apollon") does not provide tax or legal advice, so consult your CPA or attorney. WR Valuations and its representatives are not affiliated with Apollon; the guest's views are his own, and Apollon has not independently verified them. Neither party receives compensation for referrals. Examples are illustrative; individual results vary, and no strategy can guarantee results or protect against loss. Apollon and its affiliates may benefit financially if you become a client. See Apollon's Form ADV Client Disclosure Brochure for information about risks and considerations relating the services offered through Apollon. This is available on our website, www.apollonwealthmanagement.com.

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The Tax Domino Effect (10/3/2026)

A financial decision can make perfect sense on its own and still create an unexpected consequence somewhere else. This week, Jeremiah and Nic look at that tax domino effect through situations they're dealing with in actual planning. A rental property is sold for needed liquidity, but the capital gain could affect the owner's wife's ACA health insurance subsidy. A Roth conversion could improve the long-term tax picture while increasing income today. And a deduction that reduces taxable income may not necessarily reduce the MAGI number you're trying to manage. They also discuss Roth vs. pre-tax contributions, partial 1031 exchanges, SEP IRAs vs. individual 401(k)s, accelerating business expenses and building tax diversification before retirement. The question isn't simply whether any one strategy is a good idea. It's what else changes when you use it. With the fourth quarter underway, Jeremiah and Nic explain why now is the time to start putting those pieces together, especially for strategies that need to be completed before year-end. Listen, Watch, & Connect! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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Private Infrastructure, Private Equity, & Liquidity with Christian McCormick (9/26/2026)

Private markets have historically been dominated by pensions, endowments and other large institutional investors. But as access expands, individual investors are increasingly encountering private equity, private credit and other investments outside the traditional public markets. This week, Jeremiah Bates and Alex Lundgren are joined by Christian McCormick, CFA, Head of Client Portfolio Management at Meketa Capital, for a three-hour deep dive into how private markets actually work. Christian explains the differences between public and private investments, why companies are staying private longer, and how private equity firms invest in and work with businesses. They also break down venture capital, growth equity and buyouts, along with the due diligence involved in evaluating private investments. Then, the conversation turns to the investor's side of the equation: liquidity, long holding periods, drawdown funds, evergreen and interval funds, portfolio allocation and the tradeoffs that come with investing in assets that can't simply be sold with the click of a button. Finally, Christian takes a closer look at private infrastructure, including power generation, transportation, pipelines, digital infrastructure and data centers. They discuss why infrastructure has attracted more investor attention, how these projects can generate income and returns, and where inflation protection and diversification can fit into the picture. Listen, Watch, & Connect! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Christian McCormick & Meketa Capital https://meketacapital.com/profile-mccormick ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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When Higher Interest Rates Hit Your Retirement Plan

Treasury yields are rising, but what does that actually mean for your money? Nic dives even deeper into what a Treasury yield is, why bond prices and yields move in opposite directions, and why higher yields can affect more than just the bond market. From stock valuations and cash yields to mortgage rates and retirement income, changes in interest rates can work their way into several parts of a financial plan. The bigger question isn't whether Treasury yields are up. It's whether the change actually matters to your plan. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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Selling a Business & Investing Beyond Wall Street (9/19/2026)

Selling a business can be one of the biggest financial events of an owner's life, but getting a good deal takes more than simply finding a buyer. This week, Jeremiah Bates is joined by Rob Wolfe, Managing Director at Apollon Wealth Management, to discuss what makes a business attractive to potential buyers and how owners can prepare years before an exit. They cover the difference between owning a practice, a business and an enterprise, along with owner dependency, recurring revenue, customer concentration, clean financials, due diligence and the factors that can ultimately influence what someone is willing to pay. They also answer real questions from business owners approaching a sale, including how to determine what a company is actually worth, who should be involved before responding to an offer, taxes after a sale and how to turn the proceeds from a business into long-term financial independence. Then, the conversation shifts to investing beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Jeremiah and Rob break down private equity, private credit and other private-market investments, how access to these investments has expanded, where they may fit within a portfolio and one of their biggest tradeoffs: liquidity. Listen, Watch, & Connect! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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Rising Treasury Yields, Social Security & Year-End Tax Moves (9/12/2026)

What do rising Treasury yields actually mean for your portfolio, and should market volatility change the way you're investing? This week, Nic Daniels and Alex Lundgren start with September market volatility, rising Treasury yields and the relationship between bond prices and yields, while explaining why investors should be careful about making long-term portfolio decisions based on elections, geopolitical events or short-term market swings. A listener preparing to retire after 37 years with the Postal Service asks about using a Social Security survivor benefit while delaying her own benefit, along with coordinating her pension and inherited IRA. Later, Nic and Alex cover year-end tax surprises from bonuses, vested RSUs, property sales and other windfalls, including estimated-tax penalties and why Form 2210 and Schedule AI can matter when income arrives unevenly during the year. They also share a real retirement-planning case involving a federal employee deciding how to sequence her pension, TSP and Social Security, before wrapping up with open enrollment and life insurance considerations. Listen, Watch, & Connect! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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Your Retirement Plan Works. But Will It Hold Up?

Your retirement projection is green. The Monte Carlo analysis shows a 95% probability of success. Everything looks good. So what could still go wrong? A retirement plan is only as good as the assumptions behind it—and real life rarely follows those assumptions perfectly. In this episode, we look beyond investment returns at some of the risks that can change an otherwise strong retirement plan: long-term care, the early death of a spouse, living longer than expected, helping family, lifestyle creep, liquidity problems, market declines early in retirement, and changing tax laws. More importantly, we discuss how these risks can actually be incorporated into the planning process through stress testing, liquidity planning, appropriate investment risk, and regularly updating the assumptions behind the plan. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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What Does a Great Financial Plan Actually Look Like? with Bob Ruelle (8/29/2026)

What does financial planning actually mean beyond managing an investment portfolio? Jeremiah Bates and Nic Daniels are joined by Bob Ruelle, Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at Apollon Wealth Management, to walk through how an experienced planner approaches a client's entire financial picture. Bob explains why good planning starts with understanding a person's goals, lifestyle, concerns and priorities before recommending anything—and why the financial plan itself should ultimately be the benchmark for whether a strategy is working. The guys cover tax planning, Roth conversions, retirement withdrawal strategies, RMDs, Social Security, Medicare IRMAA, insurance, risk management and estate planning—and, more importantly, how those decisions affect one another. Bob explains why a good financial plan organizes your finances, while a great one connects them, prioritizes the biggest opportunities and continues evolving as life changes. Later, they discuss common estate-planning mistakes, including outdated trusts and assets that were never properly titled. A caller whose husband is incapacitated after a bicycle accident brings the importance of powers of attorney and incapacity planning into real life. And to wrap it up, whether it can make sense to give children part of their inheritance while you're still alive, including annual gift exclusions, gift-tax reporting, appreciated property, cost basis and the tradeoffs between gifting assets now versus leaving them at death. Listen, Watch, & Connect! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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No Obvious Heirs? Your Estate Plan May Look Very Different

Estate planning is often built around a familiar structure: your spouse makes decisions for you, your children eventually inherit your assets, and a responsible family member serves as executor or trustee. But what happens when you don't have children—or an obvious person to fill those roles? In this episode, we discuss how estate planning changes when there aren't default answers. Who should make financial or healthcare decisions if you're incapacitated? Who should administer your estate? And if leaving a traditional inheritance isn't part of the plan, what do you actually want your wealth to accomplish? The conversation also explores how professional fiduciaries may fit into the picture, different ways to think about legacy beyond children, and why having no major inheritance goal can create a very different retirement-spending conversation. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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Where Investors Go From Here with Eric Sterner - AI, Healthcare, Private Markets & Portfolio Strategy (8/22/2026)

Brian Wiley and Alexandra Lundgren are joined by Eric Sterner, Chief Investment Officer at Apollon Wealth Management, for an extended conversation on portfolio strategy and where he sees opportunities developing across the investment landscape. Eric discusses why the AI investment story extends well beyond technology stocks, with potential beneficiaries across healthcare, utilities, industrials, materials and the infrastructure needed to support continued AI growth. The conversation also explores healthcare and biotech, portfolio diversification, private equity and private credit, and the tradeoffs investors should understand before allocating money to alternative investments. A listener considering SpaceX and XRP brings the discussion back to fundamentals: building emergency savings, using diversified investments as a foundation, and keeping speculative investments in perspective. The final hour shifts to insurance and risk management, including term versus permanent life insurance, IULs, annuities, long-term care and disability coverage, and what an insurance company's "guarantee" actually means. Listen, Watch, & Connect! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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Should You Pay the Tax or Take on Debt?

You need cash for a major purchase or investment opportunity. You could sell appreciated investments and potentially trigger capital gains taxes—or borrow the money and leave your investments alone. Borrowing can sound like the obvious choice. After all, loan proceeds generally aren't taxable income. But what happens when it's time to pay the loan back? In this episode, Nic breaks down the planning behind selling investments versus borrowing, including when debt can be an effective short-term tool, when paying the tax may actually leave you better off, and why avoiding taxes today shouldn't be the only goal. The takeaway: Don't just compare taxes today. Consider interest, risk, time frame, repayment, and how the decision fits into your overall financial plan. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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Is the American Dream Changing? Homeownership, AI, Crypto & the New Workplace (8/15/2026)

The financial world looks very different than it did just a few years ago. Brian Wiley is joined by Steve Cilley of Ataraxis PEO for a wide-ranging conversation about how changes in technology, the workplace, housing, and the economy are reshaping the way people build and protect wealth. The show begins by looking back at the economic fallout from COVID, including stimulus, inflation, changes in employee expectations, and the lasting impact on businesses. A listener with gains in XRP brings the conversation into cryptocurrency, tax-loss harvesting, cost-basis tracking, cold wallets, and the challenges of proving and protecting ownership of digital assets. Brian and Steve then look ahead to AI and robotics, discussing which jobs may be disrupted and why owning capital could become increasingly important as technology changes the labor market. The discussion shifts to whether homeownership still makes financial sense, especially for younger generations facing higher prices and interest rates. They compare buying versus renting, home equity versus investing, the changing age of first-time buyers, and the financial and lifestyle tradeoffs behind the American dream of owning a home. The final hour focuses on business owners and the modern workplace: employee classification, remote workers across state lines, payroll and employment-law risks, compensation agreements, managing employees, and why growing businesses eventually need their systems and advisors to grow with them. Listen, Watch, & Connect! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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Tax-Smart Retirement: Where to Invest & Which Accounts to Spend First (8/8/2026)

Where you invest your money is only part of the equation. Which accounts hold those investments, how they're taxed, and where you eventually take income from can have just as much impact on your financial plan. Brian Wiley and Jeremiah Bates begin with a listener looking for conservative retirement income, breaking down Treasury bills, notes and bonds, buying at auction versus the secondary market, bond ladders, CDs, annuities, interest-rate risk, and why avoiding state income tax shouldn't be the only consideration when choosing an investment. The conversation then turns to asset location and retirement income—how taxable accounts, traditional IRAs, 401(k)s and Roth IRAs should work together, and how taxes can influence which accounts you spend from in retirement. The hosts also discuss staying disciplined through market volatility, investing for younger generations, and compare Trump Accounts with 529 plans and custodial accounts. The show closes with listener questions on Backdoor Roth IRAs, the pro-rata rule, consolidating old retirement accounts, and how to fund large retirement expenses without creating unnecessary taxes. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

Is Your Business Ready to Sell? Business Valuations with WR Valuation (8/1/2026)

For many entrepreneurs, their business is their largest financial asset, but very few know what it's actually worth or what it takes to maximize its value before an exit. This week, our team is joined by Jeff Szczypinski of WR Valuation for an in-depth discussion on business valuations and why they're about much more than determining a sale price. They explain how valuations support retirement planning, succession planning, estate planning, buy-sell agreements, gifting strategies, and ownership transitions. The conversation also covers the biggest drivers of business value, including management teams, key-person risk, customer concentration, financial records, and buyer due diligence, along with practical ways business owners can increase the value of their company before going to market. The discussion continues with retirement and tax planning for self-employed business owners, covering SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, contribution strategies, employee considerations, and how choosing the right retirement plan can help reduce taxes while building long-term wealth. Throughout the show, the hosts emphasize that a business valuation isn't just about selling your company—it's one of the most valuable planning tools a business owner can have when preparing for retirement and protecting their family's financial future. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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Business Exit Planning, Capital Gains Taxes, & Donor-Advised Funds (7/25/2026)

Selling a business is one of the largest financial events many entrepreneurs will ever experience... But most owners spend years building their company without spending nearly enough time planning how they'll eventually leave it. Jeremiah and Nic discuss why successful business exits begin long before a purchase offer arrives. They explain why business owners should start planning two to three years before selling, the importance of obtaining a professional business valuation, preparing financial records for buyer due diligence, building enterprise value instead of simply generating income, and coordinating your CPA, attorney, valuation specialist, and financial advisor throughout the process. They also share real client examples that illustrate the dramatic difference between proactive planning and trying to figure everything out after the sale has already occurred. The guys also explore why nearly 92% of small businesses never actually sell, common succession planning mistakes, and why many owners underestimate the value they've spent decades creating. Listeners will hear practical discussions about treating a business as an investment asset, creating retirement income after a liquidity event, and avoiding costly tax mistakes once a large lump sum is received. Jeremiah and Nic cover advanced tax planning strategies, including donor-advised funds, managing large capital gains, charitable giving, and the distinction between ordinary income and capital gains taxation. For business owners and self-employed professionals, the hosts review tax-saving opportunities available through SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, Cash Balance Plans, Mega Backdoor Roth strategies, S-Corp elections, bonus depreciation, and other planning ideas that can help reduce taxes while building long-term wealth. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

Before You Surrender Your Annuity...

Owning an annuity you no longer like does not automatically mean surrendering it is the right decision. Nic has the discussion of how to evaluate an annuity that no longer seems to fit your retirement plan. He walks through the reasons investors become dissatisfied with their contracts, the questions to ask before making a change, and the different options that may be available. Depending on the contract and your circumstances, the answer could be to keep the annuity, wait for surrender charges to expire, take partial withdrawals, complete a 1035 exchange, begin using its income features, or surrender it entirely. Nic also explains why frustration alone is not enough to make the decision. Taxes, surrender penalties, income riders, guarantees, opportunity cost, age, and retirement goals all need to be considered together. Sometimes remaining in an annuity can be costly. In other cases, leaving it may create even more damage. The right answer depends on what you own, why you bought it, and whether it still serves a purpose in your financial plan. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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Retirement Tax Traps: Social Security, IRA Withdrawals & Smarter Tax Planning (7/18/2026)

Retirement taxes are rarely as simple as people expect, and making the wrong withdrawal at the wrong time can have consequences far beyond your tax bill. In our first hour, Jeremiah Bates and Alex Lundgren explain how IRA withdrawals, pensions, Social Security, brokerage accounts, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, and capital gains work together to shape your lifetime tax picture. They discuss why major purchases, home remodels, and other large withdrawals deserve careful planning to avoid unnecessary taxes and higher Medicare costs. The conversation later shifts to Social Security planning. The hosts cover when to claim benefits, how working before full retirement age can affect payments, filing strategies for married couples, survivor benefits, and why Social Security should be coordinated with the rest of your retirement income plan instead of viewed in isolation. Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————

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