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 challenges in retirement that has little to do with numbers: having enough money to retire but still being afraid to stop working or spend what you've spent decades saving.

00:00 – Introduction

01:37 – Andy Panko Joins the Conversation

02:36 – Retiring Before 65: The Health Insurance Gap

09:00 – The Hidden Cost of Employer Health Insurance

13:26 – Social Security's Earnings Test Explained

18:17 – Medicare Advantage vs. Traditional Medicare

29:04 – Roth Conversions: Less Math, More Judgment

31:34 – Why Retirees Struggle to Stop Working and Spend Their Savings

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 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 also examine the economics of energy, the possibility of space-based data centers, and whether today's AI infrastructure boom resembles the fiber optic buildout of the late 1990s.

Despite concerns about elevated valuations and increasing concentration among technology mega-caps, Ivana remains optimistic. She points to powerful demand signals, including Anthropic's rapid revenue growth, as evidence that this cycle is being driven by real adoption rather than speculation alone.

(00:00) – The War on Data Centers: Why Cities Are Saying No

(03:21) – What Does "Compute Constrained" Actually Mean?

(06:25) – Who Pays for AI? The Hidden Energy Problem

(10:29) – Is This Another Dot-Com Bubble?

(15:29) – Are Big Tech Companies Becoming Too Powerful?

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, 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, emphasizing the need for better governance, greater standardization, and clearer rules across college athletics. At the heart of the discussion is a fundamental question: How do we build a sustainable system while ensuring athletes finally receive their fair share of the value they help create?

00:01:37 — The NIL Revolution in College Sports

00:04:26 — How College Athletes Actually Get Paid

00:08:12 — Is NIL Widening the Gap Between Schools?

00:10:43 — NIL, the Transfer Portal & College Free Agency

00:17:04 — Should the Government Regulate NIL?

00:27:07 — Will NIL Save or Destroy College Sports?

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

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 pressures, persistent inflation, and what it takes to navigate a male dominated financial media landscape.

Lindsay closes with cautious optimism on the economy, while making one thing clear… the speed of AI disruption, especially to the workforce, is what should have everyone paying attention.

Oil Markets Don’t Match Reality (00:04:22)

The Consumer Divide Is Getting Worse (00:08:50)

AI Is Driving This Economy (00:11:03)

Housing Is the Warning Sign (00:17:35)

The Real Risk: AI and the Workforce (00:26:46)

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, 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: Understanding the Difference

(04:39) – Trimmed Inflation Explained: Better Data or Statistical Smoke and Mirrors?

(12:16) – Corporate Profits, Market Concentration, and the Real Drivers of Post-COVID Inflation

(20:44) – The Fed's 2% Inflation Target: Is It Still Realistic?

(30:42) – The Future of the U.S. Dollar, National Debt, and America's Economic Outlook

(41:11) – Quick Fire Round: Inflation Myths, Interest Rates, and What's Next

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 — 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 Back: What Retail Investors Need to Know

(00:51) – Why SpaceX, Stripe, and Others Are Going Public Now

(03:21) – The New IPO Rules: Accelerated Lockups & Forced Index Buying

(05:49) – Great Company ≠ Great Investment: The Valuation Problem

(09:06) – Why Insiders Are Selling and What Retail Investors Should Watch

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

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 correctly, respond to appraisal district notices on time, and stay proactive. If you don’t, you risk losing one of the most valuable tax benefits available to Texas homeowners.

This is one of those areas where a small oversight can cost you thousands, so working with the right professionals matters.

Texas Two-Step and Homestead Exemption Changes (00:00:55)

Trust Transfers and Homestead Exemption Risks (00:02:13)

Importance of Trust Language Post-2024 Law (00:04:26)

Reapplication Notices and Legislative Background (00:06:54)

Fraud Prevention and Systemic Impact (00:08:21)

Texas Requirements for Homestead Exemption (00:10:44)

Conclusion and Final Advice (00:13:02)

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, 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 episode highlights where the real benefits are concentrated—primarily among seniors, business owners, and higher-income households—and reinforces a key takeaway: real tax savings usually come from proper tax planning, not just changes in legislation.

Introduction & Episode Overview (00:00:00)

Are the Tax Cuts Actually Saving Money? (00:01:00) .

Why Refunds Look Bigger (00:04:55)

Who Actually Benefits from the Bill (00:07:17)

Why Tax Planning Matters More Than the Law (00:11:24)

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