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

ON THIS WEEKS PODCAST: Kevin describes why he decided to open his own RIA, and what lead to his move. He also talks about what he discovered after the move was made, and talk some "Fact vs Fiction". Companies will often make you feel as if you cannot live without them, Kevin takes you on his journey and why that "may" not be true. Website: http://www.9icapitalgroup.com

On this episode of the 9Innings Podcast: Why does the stock market keep climbing while Main Street struggles with rising unemployment, sticky inflation, and frozen housing? In this episode, Kevin Thompson breaks down the disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street — and why investors and economists can look at the same economy but see two very different realities.

✅ Topics we cover:

• The Federal Reserve’s dilemma: cutting rates vs. fighting inflation
• The TINA Effect (There Is No Alternative) and why it keeps money flowing into stocks
• The housing market freeze and why sub-4% mortgages lock people in place
• Why you should never fully trust financial TV pundits
• The investor lens vs. the economist lens

The bottom line: Wall Street looks at tomorrow. Main Street lives in today. Understanding both is the key to navigating this market.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on markets, policy, and financial planning.

(01:03) – The Market Disconnect: Stocks soar while Main Street struggles

(02:28) – The Fed’s Dilemma: Inflation, unemployment, and rate cuts

(03:40) – TINA Effect: Why “There Is No Alternative” keeps money in stocks

(04:56) – Owning Assets: Staying ahead of inflation and stagnant wages

(06:15) – Housing Freeze: Sub-4% mortgages and a locked-up market

(07:54) – Unlocking Equity: Ways homeowners navigate today’s housing trap

(10:31) – GDP Math: Capex growth vs. consumer weakness

(12:03) – Two Lenses: Investor optimism vs. economist caution

(13:24) – Key Takeaways: Understanding the disconnect

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In this episode of the 9Innings Podcast, host Kevin Thompson tackles the top five financial questions people are asking right now. From staying on track for retirement, to balancing debt and investing, making smart tax moves, rethinking life insurance, and deciding whether to hold cash or invest — Kevin delivers practical, insider perspective shaped by years of planning experience.

You’ll get clear, actionable advice to cut through today’s uncertainty and build long-term security. The focus: personalized planning, disciplined investing, and knowing when to lean on professional guidance.

Am I Still on Track for Retirement? (00:00:53)

Should I Pay Off Debt or Keep Investing? (00:05:10)

What is the Smartest Tax Move Right Now? (00:07:19)

Do I Need Life Insurance or Am I Overpaying? (00:09:24)

Is Now a Good Time to Invest or Hold More Cash? (00:11:58)

Cash as a Safety Net and Peace of Mind (00:15:07)

Summary and Closing Remarks (00:17:13)

NEWSLETTER (WHAT NOW): https://substack.com/@9icapital?r=2eig6s&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

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facebook: / mlb2cfp

Buy MLB2CFP Here: https://www.amazon.com/MLB-CFP%C2%AE-90-Feet-Counting-ebook/dp/B0BLJPYNS4

Website: http://www.9icapitalgroup.com

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Corrections: Editing by http://SwoleNerdProductions.com

Disclosure: https://sites.google.com/view/9idisclosure/disclosure

In this episode of the 9Innings Podcast, Kevin Thompson, Founder & CEO of 9i Capital Group, breaks down the enhanced senior deduction introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act and what it means for retirement planning.

Kevin explains how this increased deduction for those 65 and older can meaningfully reduce taxable income and make Roth IRA conversions far more tax-efficient. Using real-world examples, he shows how retirees can capture significant tax savings—but only if they plan ahead.

This episode emphasizes the importance of timely strategy and working with a trusted financial advisor to take advantage of opportunities while they last.

👉 Don’t miss this breakdown of one of the most overlooked tax benefits for retirees.

Explanation of the Enhanced Senior Deduction (00:01:56)

Numerical Example: Pre- and Post-Enhanced Deduction (00:03:07)

Impact on Roth Conversions and Tax Savings (00:04:21)

Addressing Criticisms and 2024 vs. 2025 Numbers (00:08:10)

Temporary Nature and Planning Window (00:09:17)

Key Takeaways and Action Steps (00:10:23)

Closing Remarks and Contact Information (00:11:28)

NEWSLETTER (WHAT NOW): https://substack.com/@9icapital?r=2eig6s&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

Follow Us: youtube: / @9icap

Linkedin: / kevin-thompson-ricp%c2%ae-cfp%c2%ae-74964428

facebook: / mlb2cfp

Buy MLB2CFP Here: https://www.amazon.com/MLB-CFP%C2%AE-90-Feet-Counting-ebook/dp/B0BLJPYNS4

Website: http://www.9icapitalgroup.com

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Corrections: Editing by http://SwoleNerdProductions.com

Disclosure: https://sites.google.com/view/9idisclosure/disclosure

In this episode of the 9Innings Podcast, host Kevin Thompson sits down with Matt Jarvis to discuss what it really means to deliver massive value to clients.

Matt shares his journey of building a thriving practice and breaks down the strategies that helped him stand out, including the creation of “value ads,” intentional client engagement, and the power of transparent communication.

Together, Kevin and Matt explore:

• How to overcome “fake busyness” and focus on what matters
• The role of authenticity in building trust and content creation
• Why niche audiences drive deeper impact and growth
• The persistence and intentionality required for sustainable success

This conversation is packed with practical insights for advisors who want to scale with purpose, empathy, and consistent execution.

Defining "Delivering Massive Value" (00:03:25))

Fake Busyness and "Playing Office" (00:06:20)

Balancing Growth and Client Service (00:11:59)

Time Blocking and Surge Meetings (00:13:17)

Content, Persona, and Building Authority (00:17:27)

Consistency and Social Media Comparison (00:20:10)

Chasing Numbers vs. Meaningful Growth (00:23:07)

Advice for Advisors: Walk the Talk (00:25:51)

NEWSLETTER (WHAT NOW): https://substack.com/@9icapital?r=2eig6s&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

Follow Us: youtube: / @9icap

Linkedin: / kevin-thompson-ricp%c2%ae-cfp%c2%ae-74964428

facebook: / mlb2cfp

Buy MLB2CFP Here: https://www.amazon.com/MLB-CFP%C2%AE-90-Feet-Counting-ebook/dp/B0BLJPYNS4

Website: http://www.9icapitalgroup.com

Hit the subscribe button to get new content notifications.

Corrections: Editing by http://SwoleNerdProductions.com

Disclosure: https://sites.google.com/view/9idisclosure/disclosure

In this episode of The 9innings Podcast, host Kevin Thompson, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, exposes the top five financial scams currently circulating. He explains how each scam works—including romance crypto fraud, fake investment opportunities, AI voice cloning, IRS tax settlement scams, and remote job check fraud—highlighting red flags and offering practical tips to avoid becoming a victim. Kevin emphasizes the importance of vigilance, independent verification, and reporting scams to authorities, empowering listeners to protect themselves from financial harm in today’s increasingly sophisticated scam landscape.

Pig Butchering Scam – Romance & Crypto Schemes (00:00:47)

Investment Fraud as Private Placements or IPOs (00:03:48)

AI-Powered Voice Cloning Scams (00:04:58)

IRS Tax Debt Settlement Scams (00:07:34)

Fake Job and Remote Work Check Fraud (00:10:01)

General Fraud Prevention Tips & Closing (00:12:06)

NEWSLETTER (WHAT NOW): https://substack.com/@9icapital?r=2eig6s&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

Follow Us: youtube: / @9icap

Linkedin: / kevin-thompson-ricp%c2%ae-cfp%c2%ae-74964428

facebook: / mlb2cfp

Buy MLB2CFP Here: https://www.amazon.com/MLB-CFP%C2%AE-90-Feet-Counting-ebook/dp/B0BLJPYNS4

Website: http://www.9icapitalgroup.com

Hit the subscribe button to get new content notifications.

Corrections: Editing by http://SwoleNerdProductions.com

Disclosure: https://sites.google.com/view/9idisclosure/disclosure

In this episode of the 9Innings Podcast, host Kevin Thompson, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, breaks down a brand-new executive order that could change the way Americans invest for retirement.

We’re talking private equity, private credit, and even cryptocurrency inside your 401(k). Kevin explains what these asset classes are, why big asset managers are eager to get them in your plan, and the potential benefits they claim to offer.

But he also pulls no punches on the risks—high fees, limited liquidity, and market volatility—and why, for most investors, the tried-and-true low-cost index fund may still be the smarter play.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your retirement journey, this episode will help you understand the opportunities, the pitfalls, and what to watch for as alternative investments enter the 401(k) game.

Defining Alternative Investments (00:00:54)

Why Alternatives Are Entering 401(k)s (00:02:02)

Considerations Before Investing (00:05:39)

Risks and Expected Returns (00:07:51)

Fee Comparison and Real Returns (00:10:06)

Crypto in Retirement Plans (00:11:14)

Final Thoughts and Caution (00:12:30)

NEWSLETTER (WHAT NOW): https://substack.com/@9icapital?r=2eig6s&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

Follow Us: youtube: / @9icap

Linkedin: / kevin-thompson-ricp%c2%ae-cfp%c2%ae-74964428

facebook: / mlb2cfp

Buy MLB2CFP Here: https://www.amazon.com/MLB-CFP%C2%AE-90-Feet-Counting-ebook/dp/B0BLJPYNS4

Website: http://www.9icapitalgroup.com

Hit the subscribe button to get new content notifications.

Corrections: Editing by http://SwoleNerdProductions.com

Disclosure: https://sites.google.com/view/9idisclosure/disclosure

In this episode of the 9Innings Podcast, host interviews Helen Stephens, founder of Aspen Wealth Management. Helen shares her journey of launching her RIA firm in 2011 with zero assets, overcoming regulatory and industry challenges, and building a diverse, client-focused practice. She discusses the importance of ethical business, defining an ideal client, and work-life integration. The conversation covers industry gender barriers, the distinction between advisor and business owner roles, scaling a firm, and succession planning. Helen’s insights highlight Aspen’s growth to over $500 million in assets and her commitment to a supportive, values-driven culture.

Helen’s Career Beginnings & Starting Aspen Wealth (00:01:06).

Starting with Zero Assets (00:03:46)

Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry (00:06:09)

Industry Changes & Firm Growth Recognition (00:09:17)

Mistakes & Ideal Client Definition (00:12:33)

Culture & Passion for Service (00:15:01)

Work-Life Integration & Time Ownership (00:16:02)

Burnout, Responsibility, and Market Stress (00:20:03)

Scaling, Hiring, and Succession Planning (00:22:17)

Headaches And Landmines to Avoid (27:20)

Value of Mentorship (29:00)

Business Reflection (31;05)

NEWSLETTER (WHAT NOW): https://substack.com/@9icapital?r=2eig6s&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

Follow Us: youtube: / @9icap

Linkedin: / kevin-thompson-ricp%c2%ae-cfp%c2%ae-74964428

facebook: / mlb2cfp

Buy MLB2CFP Here: https://www.amazon.com/MLB-CFP%C2%AE-90-Feet-Counting-ebook/dp/B0BLJPYNS4

Website: http://www.9icapitalgroup.com

Hit the subscribe button to get new content notifications.

Corrections: Editing by http://SwoleNerdProductions.com

Disclosure: https://sites.google.com/view/9idisclosure/disclosure