Podcast
iWealth Podcast
Hosted by iWealth · EN
iWealth owner Brad Connors shares insights for financial planning, insurance, and investments.
36episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Fish Don’t Clap (Updated Edition): Why Brad Rewrote It + How to Put Purpose Into Action
2d ago00:07:00Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever read Fish Don’t Clap and wondered, “This is powerful… but how do I actually apply it?” — this episode is for you.In this conversation, Brad Connors shares why he refreshed and expanded Fish Don’t Clap — even though it was already working. The original parable helped thousands rethink retirement, purpose, and what it really means to “hit your number.” But readers kept asking the same question: How do I put this into practice?The updated edition adds a brand-new implementation chapter that walks through:The traits to look for in a financial advisorThe questions to ask before trusting someone with your life savingsHow to align your money with your purposeWhat real holistic planning actually looks likeBrad also shares the behind-the-scenes story of recording the audiobook, building workshops around the book, and adding a QR code that connects readers to a growing national network of advisors using the Four Days Coming “Plan on Purpose” framework.This episode is for:People approaching retirement who don’t want to lose purposeReaders who loved the book but need practical next stepsAnyone searching for a more holistic approach to financial planningIf you want your money decisions to reflect your values—and not just a retirement age—this episode explains why the updated Fish Don’t Clap matters right now.#FishDontClap #PurposeDrivenLife #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #FourDaysComing #PlanOnPurpose #iWealthiWealthSUBSCRIBEEducation is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/Podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwealthTwitter: https://twitter.com/iWealth4meBook: https://fishdontclap.com/#home.
Transcribe →Goal-Based Investing: The Fun Side of Smart Financial Planning
1w ago00:04:06Tap to summarizeInvesting doesn’t have to be just about percentages and performance charts. In this episode, Brad Connors explains why goal-based investing is one of the most practical—and enjoyable—ways to approach your financial life.Instead of obsessing over whether your portfolio returned 2% or 22%, goal-based investing asks a better question: Are you on track for what matters most to you? That could be retirement, yes—but it could also be a wedding fund, a reliable first car for your daughter, a European vacation, a pontoon boat, a 50th anniversary trip, or even a 30-day sabbatical.Brad shares how he started saving early for his daughter’s wedding after watching clients scramble for $20,000–$30,000 expenses. The lesson? If it’s important to you, fund it intentionally.The episode highlights:Why investing tied to specific goals changes your mindsetHow separating accounts (travel fund, car fund, wedding fund) creates clarityThe psychological power of having something meaningful on the horizonWhy retirement is just one goal—not the only oneWhen your money aligns with your values, investing becomes motivating instead of stressful. You’re not just building wealth—you’re building experiences, milestones, and freedom.If you want your financial plan to reflect what you actually care about—not just generic benchmarks—this conversation will help you think differently about how you invest.#iWealth #GoalBasedInvesting #FinancialPlanning #WealthBuilding #MoneyWithPurpose #InvestWithIntention #FinancialEducationiWealthSUBSCRIBEEducation is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/Podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwealthTwitter: https://twitter.com/iWealth4meBook: https://fishdontclap.com/#home.
Transcribe →Can a High School Freshman Become a Successful Entrepreneur?
2w ago00:09:23Tap to summarizeWhat would you say if a high school freshman told you they wanted to quit school to become a day trader?In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors shares a real conversation he had with a local student who’s already experimenting with trading, running small side hustles, and thinking far beyond his years.The student wasn’t just clicking buttons on a trading app. He had tested strategies with simulated money, invested his own $100, experienced losses, and shown clear entrepreneurial instincts—from selling cookies to flipping energy drinks at school. The question wasn’t whether he was motivated. The question was whether day trading was the right long-term path.Brad breaks down why only a tiny percentage of day traders actually succeed—and why chasing quick gains can distract from building something sustainable. Instead of shutting the student down, the conversation pivoted to something bigger: finding friction in the world and solving it.Entrepreneurship isn’t just about trading stocks. It’s about identifying problems, creating value, and thinking long term. The episode also highlights the importance of finishing school, exploring options thoughtfully, and surrounding young people with mentors who challenge them to think bigger.If you’re a parent, educator, or young entrepreneur, this episode will spark a meaningful conversation about ambition, risk, education, and building something that lasts.#iWealth #Entrepreneurship #DayTrading #YoungEntrepreneur #FinancialEducation #MoneyMindset #LeadershipiWealthSUBSCRIBEEducation is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/Podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwealthTwitter: https://twitter.com/iWealth4meBook: https://fishdontclap.com/#home.
Transcribe →Can You Really Afford a $400K House? What First-Time Buyers Need to Know
3w ago00:04:13Tap to summarizeIf you’re looking at a $400,000 house—or even a $300,000 one—this episode is for you.Home prices across the Midwest have climbed steadily, and many first-time buyers are asking the same question: Is it better to keep renting, or is it finally time to buy? In this episode, Brad Connors breaks down the real numbers behind buying a home in today’s market.It’s not just the sticker price. Brad walks through what buyers often overlook:Why you need more than just a 10% down paymentHow closing costs add thousands to your upfront cash requirementWhat today’s interest rates actually mean for your monthly paymentWhy you shouldn’t borrow your down payment from a 401(k)How equity building compares to paying rentFor example, on a $300,000 home, you may need $35,000–$36,000 saved before you even walk into the bank. And at current rates, your monthly payment could land around $2,100. Compare that to rent in many metro areas—and the math starts to get interesting.Brad also cautions against rushing in without a savings cushion or buying with a short-term mindset. If you sell six months later, the only guaranteed winners are the fee collectors.This conversation isn’t about timing the housing market. It’s about preparation, leverage, and making sure your decision aligns with your long-term plan.If you’re debating rent vs. buy, this episode will help you think through the numbers clearly—and avoid costly mistakes.#iWealth #HomeBuying #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #RealEstatePlanning #FinancialPlanning #MidwestHousing #WealthEducationiWealthSUBSCRIBEEducation is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/Podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwealthTwitter: https://twitter.com/iWealth4meBook: https://fishdontclap.com/#home.
Transcribe →Are Airline Miles a Trap? The Truth About Credit Card Rewards
May 2900:02:26Tap to summarizeThis episode is for anyone who loves the idea of “free” airline miles, cash-back bonuses, and premium travel perks—but wonders if there’s more going on behind the scenes.Brad Connors and Mega Matt break down the psychology and math behind credit card reward programs—and why Brad instinctively cringes when someone says they “need” a specific card for the miles.On the surface, rewards cards can make sense. If you pay your balance off every single month and stay disciplined, there can be perks. But here’s the bigger question: Who really wins this game?Brad explains how major credit card companies like Visa and Mastercard understand behavioral data at a level most consumers never consider. Entire teams analyze spending habits, payment delays, and human psychology to design systems where a percentage of users inevitably carry balances—and pay high interest.The episode explores:Why most people overestimate their ability to “beat the system”How small payment delays can snowball into major debtThe role of behavioral psychology in credit marketingWhen rewards might make sense—and when they don’tWhy discipline matters more than perksThe analogy? It’s like a casino. You can win—but the building tells you who usually does.If you’re using credit cards for miles, this conversation will challenge you to think deeper about risk, behavior, and whether the rewards are truly worth it.#iWealth #CreditCards #AirlineMiles #PersonalFinance #MoneyMindset #DebtAwareness #FinancialPlanningiWealthSUBSCRIBEEducation is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/Podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwealthTwitter: https://twitter.com/iWealth4meBook: https://fishdontclap.com/#home.
Transcribe →A $10 Million Life Insurance Mistake What Kyle Busch’s Story Teaches Investors
May 2200:11:51Tap to summarizeThis episode is for anyone who owns life insurance—or is considering it—and wants to understand what they’re actually buying.After a client sent Kyle Busch’s viral TikTok video about a lawsuit involving a life insurance policy, Brad Connors and Mega Matt unpack what likely went wrong—and what everyday investors can learn from it.The conversation centers around a high-dollar policy reportedly issued by Pacific Life and why not all life insurance is created equal. Brad explains the critical difference between term insurance and permanent policies like whole life, universal life, indexed universal life, and variable universal life—and how death benefit size dramatically impacts commissions, cash value growth, and long-term performance.Here’s the key takeaway:Two policies from the same company can look similar on paper but function completely differently based on how they’re designed.Brad breaks down:How large death benefits can reduce cash value growthWhy illustrations matter (and what assumptions to question)The importance of asking “What could go wrong?”Why blind trust—without understanding—can be costlyHow commissions can influence policy structureThis isn’t about attacking companies or individuals. It’s about responsibility. Consumers must ask better questions, demand realistic projections, and understand how policies are structured before committing serious money.Whether you’re evaluating life insurance as protection, a cash-value tool, or part of a larger strategy, this episode will help you think more clearly and avoid common design pitfalls.#iWealth #LifeInsurance #FinancialPlanning #KyleBusch #WealthEducation #InsuranceDesign #MoneyDecisionsiWealthSUBSCRIBEEducation is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4meLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/Podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwealthTwitter: https://twitter.com/iWealth4meBook: https://fishdontclap.com/#home
Transcribe →5 Mistakes to Avoid in a Market Downturn
May 1500:01:19Tap to summarizeIf you’re feeling nervous about a potential market downturn, you’re not alone. After two strong years in the market, it’s natural to wonder what comes next—and how to protect what you’ve built.In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors shares five practical principles to help you think clearly when markets get volatile. This isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about controlling what you can.Brad walks through five common mistakes investors make during downturns:1. Panic selling when markets drop2. Trying to time the market3. Ignoring diversification4. Skipping portfolio rebalancing5. Overreacting to headlines and news cyclesHe explains why emotional decisions often do more damage than the downturn itself—and how disciplined behavior over time leads to better outcomes.If you’ve ever felt the urge to “do something” when markets fall, this conversation will help you pause, zoom out, and focus on long-term strategy instead of short-term fear. Market volatility is part of investing. The key is having a plan before emotions take over.Watch this episode to learn how to stay steady, stay diversified, and stay aligned with your long-term goals—no matter what the market does next.#iWealth #MarketDownturn #InvestingWisely #LongTermInvesting #FinancialPlanning #WealthEducation #MarketVolatility**iWealth****SUBSCRIBE**Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: [https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors](https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors)►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos](https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos)Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me](https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me)LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/)Podcast: [https://anchor.fm/iwealth](https://anchor.fm/iwealth)Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iWealth4me](https://twitter.com/iWealth4me)Book: [https://fishdontclap.com/#home](https://fishdontclap.com/#home).
Transcribe →Should You Hire a Financial Advisor You Know?
May 800:04:22Tap to summarizeThis episode is for anyone who’s been asked to work with a financial advisor simply because you know them—through church, a bowling league, your neighborhood, or mutual friends—and you’re wondering how much weight that relationship should really carry.Brad Connors and Mega Matt dig into a question that comes up more often than people admit: *Should familiarity automatically equal trust when it comes to your money?* And just as importantly—when should it not?Brad explains why knowing someone socially can be helpful, but only if their character, behavior, and values consistently line up with yours. Over time, how someone talks about others, handles conflict, carries themselves, and lives out their values becomes a powerful indicator of how they might treat your financial life. Familiarity doesn’t create trust—patterns do.The conversation also explores the difference between hiring someone you personally know versus working with an advisor recommended by a trusted friend. In both cases, Brad emphasizes slowing the process down, asking thoughtful questions, and treating the relationship like dating—not marriage. Your life savings deserve more than a quick decision made out of social pressure or convenience.They also address a common fear: *“What if the market goes down and I’m mad at someone I know?”* Brad challenges that thinking, arguing that when markets are volatile, the person who cares most about you may actually be the best guide—not a stranger.If you’ve ever felt awkward navigating money conversations with friends, family, or referrals, this episode will help you think clearly, trust wisely, and choose an advisor based on alignment—not proximity.#iWealth #FinancialAdvisor #ChoosingAnAdvisor #MoneyConversations #WealthPlanning #TrustAndMoney #FinancialEducation**iWealth****SUBSCRIBE**Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: [https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors](https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors)►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos](https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos)Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me](https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me)LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/)Podcast: [https://anchor.fm/iwealth](https://anchor.fm/iwealth)Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iWealth4me](https://twitter.com/iWealth4me)Book: [https://fishdontclap.com/#home](https://fishdontclap.com/#home)
Transcribe →When the Worst Happens
May 100:05:11Tap to summarizeWhen the worst happens, clear thinking matters more than quick decisions. In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors and Mega Matt talk through one of the hardest conversations in financial planning: "what to do after the loss of a spouse".This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered what actually happens—financially—when life changes in an instant. Brad explains why the **first and most important rule is to slow down**. After a major loss, emotions are high, judgment is clouded, and pressure from well-meaning people (or the wrong advisors) can lead to decisions that don’t serve you long-term.Brad walks through what a thoughtful, people-first process looks like in a worst-case scenario:• Why major decisions should usually wait at least 12 months• What accounts need immediate attention—and which ones don’t• How beneficiaries, joint accounts, IRAs, and bank relationships are handled• Why “doing nothing” for a season can be the wisest move• Red flags to watch for if an advisor is pushing fast changes or account movesThis conversation isn’t about spreadsheets first—it’s about **grief, timing, and clarity**. Brad shares real-world experience from decades of helping families navigate loss, and why the best advisors prioritize the person before the portfolio.If you or someone you love has experienced loss—or if you simply want to understand how to plan wisely for life’s hardest moments—this episode offers grounded guidance, practical insight, and a steady voice when it matters most.#iWealth #FinancialPlanning #WidowSupport #LifeTransitions #MoneyDecisions #GriefAndPlanning #FamilyFirst #LongTermThinking**iWealth****SUBSCRIBE**Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: [https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors](https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors)►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos](https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos)Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me](https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me)LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/)Podcast: [https://anchor.fm/iwealth](https://anchor.fm/iwealth)Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iWealth4me](https://twitter.com/iWealth4me)Book: [https://fishdontclap.com/#home](https://fishdontclap.com/#home)
Transcribe →The Advisor “Smell Test"
Apr 2400:08:41Tap to summarizeThis episode is for anyone trying to choose a financial advisor—and feeling overwhelmed by credentials, promises, and opinions. If you’ve ever wondered who you can actually trust with your life savings, this conversation will help you cut through the noise.Brad Connors explains why picking a financial advisor has less to do with guarantees or flashy performance and more to do with character, connection, and asking the right questions early. Together with Mega Matt, he walks through how to evaluate advisors before money is ever discussed—and why your gut instinct matters more than most people realize.They unpack what it really means for an advisor to be a fiduciary, why “Can you make me money?” is the wrong opening question, and how to spot red flags in the very first meeting. Brad shares practical insights on what to look for in an advisor’s office, how they ask questions, and whether they’re focused on understanding *you* or simply talking about themselves.The conversation also covers why financial planning should be part of the first discussion—not just investments—and how topics like wills, beneficiaries, healthcare directives, and Social Security timing reveal whether an advisor thinks holistically.Brad compares choosing an advisor to dating: you should talk to two or three, pay attention to how you feel, and only move forward when the fit feels right. The goal isn’t to find the smartest person in the room—it’s to find someone you’d trust to take care of your family if you weren’t here.If you’re in the process of choosing a financial advisor, this episode will help you approach that decision with clarity, confidence, and intention.#iWealth #FinancialAdvisor #FinancialPlanning #WealthEducation #MoneyConversations #ChoosingAnAdvisor #Fiduciary**iWealth****SUBSCRIBE**Education is first! At iWealth we pride ourselves on helping people make smart decisions when it comes to money. You know how to make money, but do you know how to keep it? Invest it? Manage it so that it works for you? iWealth provides practical thinking tools and structures which will help you achieve your biggest goals and enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.►Please take a moment to comment and let us know what you thought of this video. Want to learn more about how iWealth can help you feel confident about your financial future? Schedule a complementary 30-minute discovery call to get clear on your financial goals, what might be standing in your way, and if iWealth is a good fit for you. Click here to book your call today: [https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors](https://go.oncehub.com/BradConnors)►For more educational tips and wisdom from iWealth:YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos](https://www.youtube.com/user/iWealthTV/videos)Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me](https://www.facebook.com/iWealth4me)LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradconnors/)Podcast: [https://anchor.fm/iwealth](https://anchor.fm/iwealth)Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iWealth4me](https://twitter.com/iWealth4me)Book: [https://fishdontclap.com/#home](https://fishdontclap.com/#home)
Transcribe →