The 9Innings Podcast

On this weeks Facts Over Feelings Episode on the 9innings Podcast Station...

A couple earning $150,000 may be living on closer to $102,500, not the full amount a retirement calculator might tell them to replace. This episode breaks down where the rest goes, from taxes and retirement savings to health benefits, and shows why two households with the same income can have very different retirement needs. It also examines expenses that may disappear, how Medicare can change healthcare costs, and why retirement spending often rises, falls, then climbs again later in life. The takeaway: plan around your...

A business owner may be financially ready to retire, but what happens when their spouse is a decade younger and still needs health insurance?

In this episode, I'm joined by Andy Panko of Tenon Financial to discuss the costly and often complicated road to Medicare. We explore how employer-sponsored health insurance can mask the true cost of coverage, the challenges of retiring before 65, and the decisions retirees face when choosing between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare.

We also dive into Social Security's earnings test, the uncertainty surrounding Roth conversion projections, and one of the biggest...

In this episode of the 9innings Podcast: GDP is growing, yet September added just 29,000 jobs, and households are spending more even as real disposable income stays roughly flat.

In this Econ 101 episode, Kevin looks beneath the headline numbers to trace how lower savings and rising consumer credit may be helping sustain spending, and why that could become a strain if incomes don’t catch up. He also considers the brighter explanation: businesses may be producing more with the same workforce as technology boosts productivity.

The takeaway isn’t a recession call, but a closer look at t...

In this episode of Facts of Our Feelings, Kevin Thompson expands on five topics he was recently quoted on in major publications. He explores why loosening credit standards won't solve housing affordability, how declining insurer competition is reshaping Medicare Advantage plans, and why Social Security COLA increases aren't necessarily good news given rising retiree costs. He also explains how ultra-wealthy families use private placement life insurance for tax-efficient investing, and why financial advisors need solid succession plans to protect clients. His key takeaway: always look beyond the headlines for the real story.

Housing Affordability Challenges (00:01:10)<...

In this episode of Econ 101, I break down the Federal Reserve’s latest 25-basis-point rate hike, bringing the federal funds target range to 3.75%–4.00%, and what higher interest rates actually mean for you.

From credit cards and car loans to mortgages and business investment, higher rates are designed to slow spending and cool the economy. But there’s another side to the story: massive investment in AI and technology continues to help drive economic growth.

What happens if the Fed keeps hitting the brakes while the sector helping keep the economy moving starts to slow?

Let’...

In this episode of Facts Over Feelings, I tackle an overlooked retirement challenge: dying with too much money.

After spending 30 or 40 years saving and investing, flipping the switch from saver to spender can be harder than it sounds. I explore the psychology behind that transition and ask a simple question: What was all that money actually for?

Whether your goal is enjoying retirement, maintaining financial security, leaving a legacy, or some combination of all three, defining that purpose matters. I discuss why retirees should quantify their inheritance goals, give themselves permission to spend, and consider...

In this episode, host Kevin Thompson sits down with Ryan Luckey, an adjunct professor at TCU specializing in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in college sports. They discuss how NIL has transformed college athletics, giving athletes the ability to profit from their personal brands while also opening the door to direct compensation from schools.

The conversation explores the growing financial divide between large and small programs, the disruptive impact of the transfer portal, the potential role of government regulation, and the evolving definition of the “student-athlete.”

Ryan offers a cautiously optimistic view of NIL’s future...

In this episode of the 9Innings Podcast’s Econ 101 segment, the host explores the subscription economy and why businesses and investors increasingly favor recurring revenue over one-time purchases.

The episode examines the shift from ownership to access across software, music, entertainment, apps, and other services and why predictable recurring revenue has become such an attractive business model.

But what’s good for businesses can become costly for consumers. The host breaks down “subscription creep,” challenges the idea that many services are truly “free,” and explains how companies ultimately find ways to monetize our participation.

Listeners...

In this Econ 101 segment on the 9innings Podcast, we explore America’s growing “payment economy,” where consumers increasingly focus on the monthly payment rather than the total price.

From longer-term financing and Buy Now, Pay Later services to the ever-growing subscription economy, we examine how breaking purchases into smaller payments can create the illusion of affordability without actually reducing the cost.

We also look at how credit-driven consumption can mask vulnerabilities in the economy, keep demand, and potentially prices elevated, while putting additional pressure on household finances.

The takeaway is simple: Stop asking whethe...

Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage.

In this episode of Facts of Our Feelings, tKevin breaks down key differences between tax professionals-CPAs, Enrolled Agents (EAs), and PTIN holders.

We clarify that not all CPAs specialize in taxes, while EAs are federally authorized specifically for taxation and IRS representation. PTIN holders can prepare returns but lack equivalent credentials or representation rights.

The episode also distinguishes tax preparation (backward-looking) from tax planning (forward-looking), emphasizing that many preparers don't offer proactive planning. Listeners are encouraged to ask the right questions when...

In this episode of Econ 101, we explore the “Gen X Sandwich”—the financial and emotional squeeze many Gen Xers face while simultaneously supporting their children and caring for aging parents.

Drawing from personal experience, we discuss why simply having a trust or power of attorney may not be enough. We cover the importance of understanding your parents’ financial accounts, establishing the proper authority and access, organizing passwords and digital assets, and having difficult conversations about healthcare, funeral arrangements, and end-of-life wishes before a crisis occurs.

The biggest takeaway: don’t wait until something happens to start plan...

Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage.

ON THIS WEEKS PODCAST: In this episode of "Facts of Our Feelings" Kevin explores the economics of convenience in modern consumer culture. He explains how technology has shifted labor costs from businesses to consumers, with examples like self-checkout, food delivery apps, and online banking.

While companies reduce expenses and boost profits, consumers pay premium prices while performing tasks previously handled by employees.

Kevin also highlights the hidden cost of lost human interaction, noting that efficiency-driven business models often sacrifice personal connection. Ultimately...

In this episode of 9Innings, host Kevin Thompson sits down with Spear Invest founder Ivana Delevska to discuss one of the hottest investment themes in the market today: AI infrastructure and the explosion in data center demand.

The conversation explores the growing political pushback against new data center developments in cities like Fort Worth and New York, while highlighting why many rural communities are embracing these projects. Ivana explains the concept of compute constraints, why both AI model training and inference are driving unprecedented demand, and what it all means for investors.

Kevin and Ivana...

Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage.

Facts Over Feelings

In this episode, we separate the headlines from reality and examine whether Social Security benefit cuts are becoming more likely. With the trust fund projected to be depleted around 2032–2034, beneficiaries could face automatic benefit reductions of roughly 20–25% if Congress fails to act.

We'll discuss why every proposed solution—raising payroll taxes, increasing the retirement age, reducing benefits, or lifting the payroll tax cap—faces significant political resistance, making bipartisan reform increasingly difficult. We'll also look at how demographic trends are putt...

Who really pays for your 2% cash back?

Every time you swipe your credit card, money changes hands long before your rewards hit your account. In this episode of Econ 101, Kevin Thompson breaks down where merchant fees go, how banks and payment processors make billions, and why your airline miles and cash back aren't actually free.

Topics covered:

How credit card transactions work

What interchange fees really are

Why merchants accept credit cards

Who ultimately pays for rewards

Why carrying a balance can erase any benefit...

Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage.

ON THIS WEEKS PODCAST: Trump Accounts have been pitched as a new way to help children build wealth, but what are they actually, and who benefits the most?

In this episode of Facts Over Feelings, Kevin Thompson breaks down what Trump Accounts are, what they aren't, and three major ways they differ from other IRAs. We discuss the $1,000 government contribution, taxes, investment restrictions, and why parents may want to compare these accounts to a 529 plan if education is the goal.

Are Trump...

In this episode, host Kevin interviews Dr. John T. Harvey, the "cowboy economist," about inflation and economic policy. Dr. Harvey distinguishes between demand-pull and cost-push inflation, criticizing the Federal Reserve's focus on core CPI while excluding food and energy prices. He challenges conventional thinking about government debt, supports paying living wages despite inflationary effects, and warns about America's short-term economic thinking compared to China's long-term planning. Dr. Harvey argues the Fed has limited ability to control inflation and that misallocation of resources, rather than debt itself, is America's primary economic concern.

(01:47) – Demand-Pull vs. Cost-Push Inflation: Un...

On This Week's Econ 101...

Data centers are becoming one of the fastest-growing industries in America, fueled by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and our increasingly digital lives. Communities across the country are competing to attract these facilities with promises of economic growth, new investment, and job creation.

But are the benefits matching the promises?

In this episode, Kevin Thompson breaks down what data centers are, why they are being built at such an unprecedented pace, and how they impact the communities where they operate. From electricity demand and water consumption...

In this episode, we break down the realities of Social Security's financial future, separating fact from emotion. He clarifies that the Social Security trust fund and the overall system are not the same — even if the trust fund is depleted, benefits continue, though potentially reduced by 20-25%. We explore contributing pressures including aging demographics, declining birth rates, immigration shifts, and automation replacing payroll-tax-generating workers. We emphasize that benefit cuts would devastate millions of retirees who rely solely on Social Security, while also harming the broader economy through reduced consumer spending and tax revenues.

(00:00) – Social Security Isn't Going Brok...

In this episode of the 9innings Podcast, host Kevin Thompson — CEO of 9i Capital Group — breaks down the current IPO boom featuring companies like SpaceX, OpenAI, and Stripe. Kevin cautions retail investors against getting swept up in the hype, noting that IPOs primarily serve as exit opportunities for early investors and venture capitalists. He highlights concerning trends including shortened lockup periods and faster index inclusions, while reminding listeners that great companies don't always make great investments. His key takeaway: valuations and fundamentals matter, and the easy money has likely already been made.

(00:00) – The IPO Boom Is Bac...

Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage.

ON THIS WEEKS PODCAST: In this episode of Facts Over Feelings on the 9Innings Podcast, Kevin Thompson explores how inflation has fundamentally changed what it means to be a millionaire in America. Using historical inflation data, he breaks down why $1 million today doesn't carry the same buying power it did in 1980, 2000, or even just a few years ago.

Kevin introduces the concept of the "Middle-Class Millionaire," arguing that a net worth of $1-3 million is increasingly becoming the baseline for maintaining a middle-class lifestyle...

In this episode of Econ 101 on the 9 Innings Podcast, Kevin Thompson, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, explores how artificial intelligence, privatization, and cost containment are quietly reshaping Medicare. He discusses growing concerns around AI driven systems like the WiSer platform and how increased prior authorizations, delays, and denials could impact seniors seeking care.

Kevin also examines the broader shift toward profit driven healthcare models, declining physician participation due to reimbursement pressures, data privacy concerns, and the growing complexity of Medicare Advantage plans. He encourages retirees and caregivers to understand their rights, protect their personal medical...

In this episode of the 9innings Podcast: Econ 101, Kevin Thompson breaks down one of the biggest questions in today’s economy: Why are stock markets hitting all-time highs while consumers feel financially strained?

Kevin explains how markets measure earnings, cash flow, liquidity, and future expectations — not consumer emotion. He walks through how inflation can temporarily boost corporate profits, why higher prices can offset weaker consumption, and how components of GDP like AI investment, government spending, and energy exports continue supporting economic growth.

The episode also explores the growing disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street, the...

ON THIS WEEKS PODCAST: In this episode of Facts Over Feelings, Kevin Thompson of 9i Capital Group breaks down the growing scam epidemic targeting everyday Americans. From fake package delivery texts and fraudulent bank calls to romance scams and deceptive investment schemes, Kevin explains how scammers weaponize urgency, fear, and emotion to manipulate victims.

This episode is about more than money. It is about protecting your identity, your peace of mind, and your life savings.

Kevin also delivers an important reminder: intelligent people get scammed every single day. The key is slowing down, verifying everything...

In this episode of Facts Over Feelings on the 9Innings Podcast, the conversation reframes estate planning as preparation for life’s unexpected moments not just death.

The focus shifts to the documents that actually matter when things go wrong such as durable and medical power of attorney, highlighting that 60 to 70 percent of Americans still don’t have proper planning in place.

The episode also addresses the growing criticism from attorneys around the use of technology platforms, making it clear that these tools are not replacing legal professionals but expanding access for those who have been pric...

Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage.

ON THIS WEEKS PODCAST: In this episode of the 9innings Podcast, Kevin sits down with Lindsay Bell, founder of 248 Ventures, for a wide ranging conversation on markets and the economy.

Lindsay walks through her path from working alongside Jim Cramer to becoming a CNBC contributor and independent strategist.

They dig into the disconnect between physical oil and futures markets, the growing divide between AI driven growth and traditional industries, and the continued bifurcation in consumer spending. The conversation also touches on housing...

In this episode of Facts Over Feelings, Kevin Thompson, Enrolled Agent, breaks down the real differences between tax preparers—CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and PTIN holders—and why it matters who’s handling your return.

He draws a clear line between tax preparation and tax planning, calling out the risk of cheap services that offer no real strategy. Kevin shares what he’s seeing firsthand—basis errors, unsubstantiated credits, and poorly structured “businesses” that can trigger IRS issues.

The message is simple: ask better questions, understand who you’re working with, and make sure your preparer can stand with y...

In this episode of Facts Over Feelings, we break down the reality of 1099 income versus traditional W-2 employment.

From quarterly tax payments and self-employment tax to the loss of employer benefits, this isn’t just a change in how you get paid, it’s a shift into running a business. That requires structure, discipline, and a real understanding of cash flow and documentation.

The flexibility and income potential are there, but only if you are prepared. Success as a 1099 isn’t accidental. It comes from intentional planning and surrounding yourself with the right team.

In this Econ 101 session, Kevin Thompson, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, explains how rising oil prices act as a hidden tax on retirees. Oil impacts far more than gas prices. It flows through transportation, food, utilities, and everyday goods through a passthrough effect that raises the overall cost of living.

Retirees are especially vulnerable because their income is largely fixed. Social Security, pensions, and portfolio withdrawals do not adjust as quickly as rising expenses, creating a gap that erodes purchasing power over time.

Kevin also highlights common portfolio mistakes, including holding too much...

Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage.

ON THIS WEEKS PODCAST: In this episode, Kevin Thompson, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, breaks down the recent changes to Texas property tax laws, with a focus on the 2024 homestead exemption updates and what I call the “Texas Two Step.”

We walk through how stricter enforcement is impacting homeowners—especially those who have placed their homes into trusts—and I use my parents’ situation as a real-world example.

The key takeaway: you need to make sure your trust documents are structured...

In this episode of Facts Over Feelings, on the 9innings Podcast Channel, Kevin Thompson breaks down the chaos of tax season—what he calls “1099 Madness.”

He dives into how the Social Security Fairness Act is impacting retirees, and why many are facing unexpected tax bills due to unadjusted withholdings. He also clears up a major misconception around larger refunds, explaining that most are simply the result of over-withholding—not new tax breaks.

Lastly, Kevin highlights a time-sensitive opportunity to reclaim late filing penalties and interest from 2019–2024.

The message is simple: tax season isn’t just about...

In this episode of the 9innings Podcast, Kevin Thompson, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, breaksdown the recent “O3B” tax bill and what it actually means for taxpayers. He explains that much of the legislation simply extends provisions from the 2017 tax cuts, rather than creating entirely new ones, meaning most Americans shouldn’t expect dramatic changes to their tax bill.

Kevin also addresses the larger refunds some taxpayers are seeing, explaining that many of them are the result of over-withholding earlier in the year after the law was passed mid-2025, not necessarily new tax savings. The ep...

Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage.

ON THIS WEEKS PODCAST: In this episode of the "9innings Podcast" host Kevin Thompson welcomes Dr. John T. Harvey for an in-depth discussion on the U.S. national debt, inflation, and economic policy. They examine the implications of America’s $39 trillion debt, compare it to Japan’s situation, and discuss the roles of demographics, immigration, and government spending. The conversation explores the effectiveness of monetary policy, the importance of education and social safety nets, and the challenges of economic inequality, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on the...

Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage.

ON THIS WEEKS ECON 101: the host analyzes the U.S. housing affordability crisis, focusing on the government’s directive for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities. The discussion explains why this move is unlikely to meaningfully lower mortgage rates or improve affordability, emphasizing that rates are driven by broader market forces. The episode also highlights the limited impact of compressing mortgage spreads, the offsetting effect of the Federal Reserve’s actions, and the need to address deeper issues like housing supply and...

In this podcast episode, Altruists' Jason Wenk discusses the launch and impact of Hazel, their AI-driven tax planning and wealth management software. The conversation explores Hazel’s development, strategic release timing, and advanced features—such as real-time data integration, automated tax analysis, and personalized financial planning. Hazel streamlines advisor workflows, reduces reliance on multiple tools, and democratizes sophisticated planning for clients. The episode also covers Hazel’s role in boosting firm efficiency and valuation, its transparent AI-driven recommendations, and the competitive edge Altruist offers over traditional custodians, highlighting Hazel’s transformative potential in the wealth management industry.

Alt...

On this episode of the 9Innings Podcast, Kevin Thompson sits down with Derrick Kinney — former financial advisor, successful practice owner, and now coach and speaker to entrepreneurs nationwide.

Derrick walks through his journey from grinding it out early in his career to building — and ultimately selling — a thriving advisory firm. He breaks down how authentic community engagement attracted million-dollar clients, why specialization beats commoditization, and how integrity builds long-term enterprise value.

The conversation also dives into the emotional side of selling a business, overcoming revenue plateaus, avoiding shiny object syndrome, and why comparison can quietly kill g...

Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage.

ON THIS WEEKS PODCAST: In this episode of the 9innings Podcast," host Kevin Thompson and guest Tyrone Ross Jr. analyze the recent turmoil in Bitcoin and the broader crypto market. They discuss causes of the downturn, institutional involvement, regulatory uncertainty, and the shift toward permissioned blockchains. Tyrone critiques the dilution of crypto’s original vision, warns of speculative risks, and calls for a market “washout” to eliminate weak projects. The conversation covers blockchain transparency, misconceptions about Bitcoin ownership, and the future of digital assets, emphasizing the need f...

Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage.

ON THIS WEEKS PODCAST: In this episode of 9innings Podcast, host Kevin Thompson, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, explores the rising costs of homeowner’s insurance, focusing on Texas but noting nationwide trends. He explains why premiums and deductibles—especially for wind and hail—are increasing, often based on inflated home replacement values. Kevin shares personal policy details, highlights the financial strain on homeowners, and discusses the lack of true competition in the insurance market. He urges listeners to shop around, be proactive, and unders...

Can you really use your 401(k) to buy a house — and would that actually make housing more affordable?

There’s growing discussion around a proposal tied to Donald Trump that would allow Americans to tap their 401(k) retirement savings for a home purchase, potentially without early withdrawal penalties. On the surface, it sounds helpful. But Econ 101 tells us the second-order effects matter.

In this show Kevin Thompson, CFP®, EA, RICP®, founder of 9i Capital Group explains how this would actually work from a tax perspective, how it compares to first-time homebuyer IRA rules, and why increa...

In this episode of the 9innings Podcast, Kevin Thompson, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, breaks down how to properly interview a financial advisor before entering a long-term relationship.

Kevin highlights the most common mistake he sees, clients not knowing what questions to ask, and walks through a practical framework covering tax advice, compensation, onboarding, specialties, and overall client fit.

The conversation focuses on transparency, alignment, and how to recognize red flags early, so investors can avoid costly mistakes and make confident, informed decisions.

The goal is simple: empower listeners to choose...