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

In this episode, we interview Paul Morrison, an IRMAA-certified planner from Lincoln, Nebraska. They discuss the impact of IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) on retirees’ Medicare premiums and Social Security benefits, highlighting how rising taxable income can trigger higher costs. Paul explains the complexities of IRMAA, the importance of proactive tax planning, and strategies like Roth conversions to minimize surcharges. The conversation also covers Medicare Advantage, the “widow’s penalty,” and the need for better financial education. The episode blends personal stories with practical advice for navigating retirement’s hidden tax challenges.

(03:25) – From College Athletes to Retirees

(04:10) – What Is IRMAA?

(06:00) – The Tax Trigger

(10:20) – How the Brackets Are Set

(13:40) – Tax Planning & the SSA-44 Form

(19:45) – Medicare Advantage & IRMAA

(23:15) – Strategies to Reduce IRMAA

(25:55) – The Widow’s Penalty

(29:06) - Long-Term Care, RMDs, and IRMA

(31:21) - IRMA Certification Details

(34:57) - Roth Conversions and Standard Deduction

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

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Corrections: Editing by http://SwoleNerdProductions.com

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In this episode of the 9Innings Podcast, I break down the hidden tax traps inside your 401(k). Most people think pre-tax contributions are an automatic win—but the tax bill eventually comes due. We walk through how RMDs, rollover mistakes, and poor documentation can trigger unexpected taxes, higher Medicare premiums, and even push more of your Social Security into the taxable column.

I also share real-life examples of how a simple error—like a tax professional misreporting Form 8606 basis—can cost retirees thousands. This episode is all about avoiding land mines: understanding IRS rules, tracking your paperwork, and being proactive so you can keep more of what you’ve earned.

(00:00:00) Introduction & Why 401(k)s Create Hidden Tax Traps

(00:00:58) Pre-Tax Contributions & The Future Tax Bill

(00:03:46) RMD Shock: How Distributions Raise Taxes & Medicare Premiums

(00:06:16) The Rollover Minefield: After-Tax vs. Pre-Tax vs. Roth

(00:07:38) Real Case Study: The Form 8606 Basis Error

(00:12:39) The Widow’s Penalty & Timing Risks in Retirement

(00:14:54) How to Avoid 401(k) Tax Traps

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

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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, I sit down with Mark Hedderman of Hedderman Financial Solutions in Ireland. We talk about how we met at the Future Proof Festival and what stood out about the culture there—real collaboration, transparency, and advisors actually helping each other grow.

Mark shares the evolution of financial planning in Ireland and how the profession has shifted from product sales to real, client-centered advice. We discuss the importance of ongoing education, mentorship, and developing as both a professional and a person.

We also get into what it means to be an advisor today—showing up for clients not just with numbers, but with empathy, support, and clarity through life’s major transitions.

At the core of our conversation is the idea that success in this business isn’t about being the biggest or loudest—it’s about authenticity, meaningful relationships, and helping people live better lives.

(00:00) Future Proof & First Impressions

(02:00) Openness Over Competition

(04:00) Mentorship & Collective Growth

(06:00) Accessibility of Industry Leaders

(09:30) Founding Hedderman Financial Solutions

(12:45) CFP Standards & Raising the Bar in Ireland

(16:00) Regulation: Ireland/EU vs. United States

(20:30) Real-World Financial Planning

(28:15) Human Connection, Media Noise & Mental Health

(34:50) Legacy, Balance & Advice to Younger Advisors

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, host Kevin Thompson and Certified Financial Planner Practitioner Joy Slabaugh dive into a holistic approach to retirement planning—one that goes far beyond the numbers.

They explore the emotional, psychological, and social challenges many retirees face, including the loss of identity, isolation, and shifting purpose. Joy shares how nurturing relationships, staying engaged in the community, and creating purposeful routines can help individuals thrive in retirement.

Together, Kevin and Joy challenge the traditional definition of “retirement readiness,” reminding listeners that true fulfillment in retirement isn’t just about financial security—it’s about connection, meaning, and living intentionally.

Planning to Retirement vs. Planning for Retirement (00:02:09)

Challenges Beyond Money: Emotional and Family Concerns (00:06:01).

Warning Signs of Struggling with Retirement Transition (00:08:49)

Evolutionary Perspective on Work, Community, and Well-being (00:10:53)

Loss of Community & Impact on Well-being (00:12:34)

Intentional Community Building in Retirement (00:15:48)

Practical Advice: Relationship Inventory (00:21:31)

Conclusion & Final Thoughts (00:22:49)

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 "9innings Podcast," host Kevin Thompson, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, discusses the critical importance of emergency funds in today’s uncertain economy. He explains what an emergency fund is, why it matters, and recommends saving 9 to 12 months of expenses in liquid, low-risk accounts—challenging the traditional 3 to 6 months’ advice. Kevin emphasizes that a robust emergency fund provides financial stability, peace of mind, and flexibility during job loss or unexpected expenses, empowering listeners to make better decisions without fear or desperation.

Why Emergency Funds Matter in Today’s Economy (00:00:59)

The Emotional and Relationship Impact of Emergency Funds (00:03:26)

How Much Should You Save? (00:05:39)

Where to Keep Your Emergency Fund (00:06:58)

Adjusting Financial Priorities to Build Your Fund (00:08:01)

The Psychology of Financial Security (00:10:12)

Call to Action: Assess and Build Your Emergency Fund (00:12:32)

Closing Remarks and Final Advice (00:13:30)

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

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

acebook: / 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 sits down with Andy Panko of Tenon Financial to reflect on their experiences at the Future Proof Festival — an innovative outdoor conference designed for the next generation of financial advisors.

They dive into:

• The event’s unique format and open-air networking vibe
• The collaborative, rising-tide culture of the RIA community
• The power of specializing in client niches and knowing your lane
• Real-world strategies for adopting technology without getting overwhelmed
• The impact of mentorship, mastermind groups, and shared knowledge
• Why authenticity, intentional growth, and intentionality matter more than “hustle culture”

Conference Participation & Value (00:02:17)

Collaboration in the RIA Industry (00:04:09)

Niching Strategies in Advisory Firms (00:06:39)

Debate on the value of niching, how niches develop naturally, and different approaches to specialization.

Technology in Advisory Practices (00:08:39)

Tech Choices and Compliance (00:11:04)

Mentorship and Community Support (00:16:15)

Knowing Your Why & Defining Success (00:18:30)

Cyclical Nature of Advisory Business (00:23:41)

Intentionality and Running Your Own Race (00:29:10)

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, discusses six common mistakes people make with their 401(k) retirement plans. He covers misunderstandings about plan rules, improper rollover techniques, unnecessary fees, risk tolerance, financial advisor affiliations, and advisor compensation. Kevin offers practical tips to help listeners avoid costly errors and maximize their retirement savings.

Mistake 1: Not Knowing 401(k) Rules (00:00:53)

Mistake 2: Improper Rollover Techniques (00:04:18)

Mistake 3: Paying More for Less Value (00:06:26)

Mistake 4: Misunderstanding Risk Tolerance (00:07:27)

Mistake 5: Influence of Financial Advisor Affiliations (00:10:33)

Mistake 6: Understanding Advisor Compensation and Rollover Comparisons (00:13:33)

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