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 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

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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 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

In this episode, investigative journalist and bestselling author David Enrich joins the host to discuss the mounting legal threats facing journalists and the erosion of press freedom in the U.S. Drawing from his book Murder the Truth, Enrich explores how wealthy individuals weaponize lawsuits to silence critical reporting, referencing cases like the Peter Thiel-funded Gawker lawsuit. The conversation highlights the crucial role of the First Amendment, the vulnerability of independent journalists, and the importance of supporting local media to safeguard democracy. Enrich urges listeners to back independent journalism and stay vigilant about threats to free speech.

Legal Threats and Press Protections (00:00:34)

New York Times v. Sullivan and Its Impact (00:01:40)

First Amendment Under Attack? (00:04:19)

Weaponization of Legal System: Gawker and Peter Thiel (00:06:42)

Supreme Court Justices and Personal Bias (00:10:58)

Public Figures, Scrutiny, and Accountability (00:14:49)

Impact of Gawker Case and Legal Threats on Journalism (00:16:43)

Corporate Power and Legal Weaponization (00:19:06)

Supporting Local Journalism and Final Takeaway (00:24:26)

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 and guest Steven Jarvis, CPA, discuss the complexities and frustrations of current retirement tax rules, focusing on the Roth IRA five-year rule, Social Security taxation, and the “widow’s penalty.” They highlight how outdated IRS technology and convoluted regulations create unnecessary stress for retirees. The conversation blends personal stories, professional insights, and broader reflections on workforce development and education, ultimately calling for tax reform and modernization to make retirement planning simpler, fairer, and more effective for individuals navigating today’s financial landscape.

Stephen Jarvis’ Athletic Background (00:00:51)

The Roth IRA Five-Year Rule (00:06:41)

Record Keeping and Tax Complexity (00:09:19)

Social Security Taxation Formula (00:12:48)

Behavioral Incentives in Tax Law (00:16:30)

Higher Education and Workforce Development (00:20:31)

Economic Value of College Degrees (00:23:33)

Philosophy, Ethics, and Self-Presentation (00:26:19)

The Widow’s Tax Penalty (00:31:42)

National Debt and Tax Policy Complexity (00:33:02)

IRS Modernization and Administrative Complexity (00:36:31)

Challenges of Government System Updates (00:37:45)

Podcast Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks (00:39:00)

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

On The Podcast: In this episode, we sit down with Dr. John T. Harvey to unpack Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and the sustainability of the U.S. government’s $37 trillion debt. Dr. Harvey makes the bold claim that the U.S. cannot be forced to default—because it issues and controls its own currency.

The conversation goes beyond the headlines, exploring:

• The real implications of government spending
• How politics shapes economic narratives
• The role of wealth concentration in policy debates
• Why deficits may not be as dangerous as they sound

This episode challenges conventional wisdom about national debt, arguing that the true focus should be on resource allocation and economic priorities—not just big numbers.

Can the US Default on Its Debt? (00:01:38)

Demand for Currency and Taxation (00:08:30)

Debt Sustainability and Inflation Concerns (00:11:33).

US Debt Growth Over Decades (00:13:16)

Government Debt vs. Household Debt Analogy (00:14:34)

Role of Economic Ideology and Market System (00:19:01)

Public Perception of Inflation (00:25:14)

Government Data, Revisions, and Political Influence (00:31:10)

World Reserve Currency Status and Its Implications (00:36:04)

Cryptocurrency, Stablecoins, and US Dollar Dominance (00:41:08)

Value of Currency and Taxation Anchor (00:42:33)

Limits of MMT: Real Resources and Infrastructure (00:44:14)

Capitalism, Competition, and Billionaire Power (00:45:40)

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, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, breaks down the newly signed "Big Beautiful Bill" (BBB). He highlights five major changes: a $6,000 senior deduction, restored bonus depreciation for capital investments, a higher $40,000 SALT cap, expanded QBI deduction eligibility for high earners, and a new tax exemption for overtime and tip income. Kevin explains how these provisions impact seniors, business owners, and high-income earners, while urging listeners to seek professional advice to navigate the bill’s complexities and understand its long-term effects.

Bonus Depreciation Returns (00:03:59)

SALT Cap Raised to $40,000 (00:06:06)

Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction Expansion (00:08:09)

No Tax on Tips and Overtime (00:10:28)

Recap and Closing Thoughts (00:13:37)

Outro and Farewell (00:15:46)

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, I dive deep into the rise and enduring dominance of the U.S. dollar in the global economy.

I walk you through its journey—from Bretton Woods to the creation of the petrodollar system—and explain how the dollar became the backbone of international trade and a powerful tool for economic sanctions.

But things are shifting. Countries around the world are actively looking for alternatives to the dollar, and I explore what that means for the future of our financial influence.

Whether you’re new to global economics or just want a better understanding of how money moves the world, this episode breaks down the complexities of the “dollar empire” in a way that’s clear, thought-provoking, and timely.

Bretton Woods and the Blueprint for Dominance (00:02:35)

The Dollar as the World’s Reserve Currency (00:05:42)

Dollar Dominance and Economic Sanctions (00:08:22)

Global Pushback and Alternatives to the Dollar (00:09:27)

NEWSLETTER (WHAT NOW): https://substack.com/@9icapitalr=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