Podcast
Capitalist Investor
Hosted by Strategic Wealth Partners · EN
Check out the "Capitalist Investor" podcast where hosts Derek, Luke and Tony break down complex financial topics and recent market trends with a sharp eye. This podcast is all about getting into the nitty-gritty of things like stock buybacks, tax policies, meme stocks, and a whole lot more. The guys aren’t just brains; they keep things light with a great mix of deep dives and easy banter that keeps you hooked and learning. Whether they’re chatting about Warren Buffett’s latest strategies, how Biden’s tax plans might hit different income levels, or the buzz around a big golf tournament, you’ll come away with a solid grip on how these issues could shake up your financial world. Perfect for investors, retirees, or just anyone keen to keep up with the financial universe, "Capitalist Investor" makes the complex understandable and entertaining.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Should You Save More or Work 2 Extra Years Before Retirement?
1w ago00:17:41Tap to summarizeMost people assume the key to retirement is aggressively saving every extra dollar possible. But what if working just two more years could have an even bigger impact?In this episode of The Capitalist Investor, Tony and Derek break down the surprising math behind delaying retirement. They explain how two additional working years can potentially increase 401(k) contributions, allow more time for compound growth, reduce early withdrawals from retirement accounts, and boost Social Security income for the rest of your life.The conversation also explores the real-life side of retirement planning including burnout, health concerns, job satisfaction, part-time work, and the emotional pressure of trying to “save perfectly.” Whether you’re approaching retirement or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions today, this episode offers practical insights that many retirement advisors avoid discussing.Topics discussed include:• Working longer vs saving more • 401(k) contribution strategies • Social Security timing • Retirement income planning • Market risk during retirement • Part-time work in retirement • Financial planning mistakes • Retirement lifestyle decisionsIf you want a retirement plan built around real life instead of generic formulas, this episode is for you.
Transcribe →Retiring Before 65? Don’t Ignore Healthcare Costs
2w ago00:12:29Tap to summarizeMany Americans dream about retiring early, but few fully understand the healthcare costs that come before Medicare eligibility at age 65. In this episode of the Capitalist Investor, Mark Tepper and Tony Zabiegala break down the real financial impact of retiring early and why healthcare planning needs to be part of every retirement strategy.They discuss COBRA, Affordable Care Act options, HSA strategies, Roth conversions, tax efficient income planning, and how healthcare costs can dramatically affect long term retirement success. The conversation also highlights why retirement planning is not just about investments and asset levels, but about building the right income strategy before Medicare begins.If you are considering retiring before 65, this episode explains the hidden costs many retirees overlook and how proper planning years in advance can help reduce financial stress later in retirement.
Transcribe →Retirement Conversations Every Couple Needs to Have
3w ago00:13:41Tap to summarizeWhat happens when one spouse is ready to retire… and the other hasn’t even thought about what retirement actually looks like yet?In this episode of The Capitalist Investor, the team breaks down the retirement conversations couples often avoid until it’s too late. From retirement timelines and spending habits to travel plans, Social Security decisions, healthcare costs, and lifestyle expectations, this discussion highlights why planning together matters just as much as saving money.The conversation also covers common financial personality clashes between savers and spenders, why retirement can create unexpected stress inside relationships, and how building a shared vision early can help avoid major surprises later. Plus, Tony and Derek discuss the importance of having a financial roadmap in place years before retirement so couples can approach the next chapter with confidence instead of uncertainty.If you’re within 5 to 10 years of retirement, this episode is packed with practical insights that can help you start the right conversations now instead of reacting later.
Transcribe →Your $100K Safety Net Could Save Your Retirement
4w ago00:16:24Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the market drops right as you need your money most? In this episode, we break down one of the biggest retirement planning mistakes people make: being overexposed to the stock market without a true cash safety net. Using real-world market scenarios like the 2020 crash, we discuss sequence of returns risk, retirement income planning, and why liquidity matters more than most investors realize. We also explore how having accessible cash reserves can help retirees avoid selling investments during market downturns, reduce stress during volatile periods, and create more flexibility in a long-term financial strategy. If you’re approaching retirement, already retired, or simply trying to build a smarter financial plan, this conversation highlights the importance of balancing growth, protection, and income in uncertain markets.
Transcribe →Why Your Social Security Raise Feels Like a Pay Cut
Apr 3000:15:45Tap to summarizeAre Social Security increases actually helping retirees or quietly falling behind?In this episode of The Capitalist Investor, we break down why a recent 2.8% cost of living adjustment may feel more like a loss than a gain. When rising costs for healthcare, groceries, and energy outpace government adjustments, retirees are left asking a simple question: is this really enough?We also explain how COLA is calculated and why it may not reflect the real expenses people face every day. From inflation to Medicare increases, this conversation highlights the growing gap between perception and reality in retirement income.More importantly, we walk through what you can actually do about it. From building additional income streams to understanding the role of the stock market as an inflation hedge, this episode focuses on practical steps to prepare for retirement beyond relying on Social Security alone.If you’re planning for retirement or already living it, this is a conversation you need to hear.
Transcribe →Retirement Savings Getting Crushed? Here's Why
Apr 2300:16:48Tap to summarizeMost people think they understand retirement planning… but the reality is, small decisions today can completely change your future. Whether you’re contributing to a 401k, exploring a Roth IRA, or just starting to think about saving for retirement, this conversation breaks down what actually matters.We cover how everyday spending habits impact your ability to save, build retirement income, and reach true financial freedom. From understanding what is a 401k to comparing 401k vs Roth IRA, this is about simplifying financial planning so you can make better long-term decisions.You’ll also hear how strategies like roth 401k, roth ira investing, and long-term investing play into a real retirement strategy, along with how tax planning, retirement accounts, and wealth building all connect. This isn’t theory… it’s practical personal finance that helps you build real savings over time.We also touch on how distractions like lifestyle creep, the housing market, and even real estate investing can either support or hurt your plan if you’re not intentional. Because at the end of the day, retirement investing isn’t just about the market… it’s about behavior.If you’re trying to improve your financial literacy, understand how to make money, and build a smarter approach to finance, this is a must-watch.Whether you’re a beginner looking into a roth ira for beginners or someone refining your current strategy, the goal is simple… build a plan that actually works.
Transcribe →Uncle Sam's Cut: Why the Government Takes Your IRA
Apr 1600:24:37Tap to summarizeBuilding your nest egg is great, but remember that "Uncle Sam" is a silent partner in your retirement planning. The government collects taxes on individual retirement account funds through required minimum distributions (RMDs).This ensures that funds are taxed before your death, making proper tax planning and understanding taxes in retirement crucial for your financial future. 💰
Transcribe →The Consequences of Delayed Retirement Planning and Lack of Structure
Apr 900:30:13Tap to summarizeFor those nearing retirement, the absence of a clearly defined financial plan can create significant risk, regardless of accumulated assets. This episode examines the consequences of delayed planning and the challenges that arise when key factors such as longevity, healthcare costs, inflation, and spending are not properly accounted for.The discussion explores why individuals often avoid planning, the importance of understanding personal financial behavior, and how structured planning can reveal gaps and provide direction. Through practical examples, including a late-stage retirement scenario, the episode illustrates how early decisions and consistent planning can materially affect long-term outcomes.This conversation is intended to offer a measured perspective on the role of planning in supporting sustainable retirement strategies.
Transcribe →What Passing the CFP Really Means for Investors
Apr 200:24:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Capitalist Investor, Tony Zabiegala speaks with Sam Petitjean about earning the Certified Financial Planner designation and what that process reveals about the depth of financial advice.They discuss the discipline required to complete the CFP, the difference between basic investment management and true financial planning, and why coordination across tax, legal, and investment strategy matters for long-term outcomes.For investors with significant assets, understanding how advisors are trained and how they think can play a major role in the quality of guidance they receive.
Transcribe →Managing Portfolio Risk Before and During Retirement
Mar 2600:18:48Tap to summarizeAs retirement approaches, the margin for error narrows. What helped build wealth may no longer be appropriate once income replaces accumulation, and poorly managed risk at this stage can have lasting consequences. In this episode, the discussion centers on how portfolio structure should evolve before and after retirement. The conversation explores the impact of market downturns at the wrong time, the importance of rebalancing, the risks of concentrated positions, and why relying on past performance can create blind spots. It also highlights practical frameworks like gradual allocation shifts and the use of structured investment buckets to support income needs. This episode is intended as a perspective on how thoughtful planning, disciplined adjustments, and risk awareness can shape a more stable retirement strategy.
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