Derek and Dave take over this week and break down five retirement truths most people never hear from their advisor. They start with the difference between average returns and real returns, and why volatility matters more than the headline number on your statement. They unpack sequence-of-returns risk, explain how taxes quietly drain retirement savings, and walk through why a tax-diversified portfolio can make your money last much longer. Derek and Dave also hit inflation, over-lapping mutual funds, and the mindset shift every retiree needs to enjoy their next chapter. This is one of the clearest, most practical retirement conversations we’ve released all year.

Your brain can make or break your wealth. In this episode of The Capitalist Investor, Derek and Tony explore the battle between dopamine and discipline — why we chase quick wins, how emotional investing can sabotage your portfolio, and what it takes to build lasting wealth with patience and a plan. From meme stocks and NFTs to panic selling and loss aversion, they unpack the psychological traps that derail smart investors and how to train your brain to stay the course. Learn how to set goals, reward yourself the right way, and rewire your mindset for long-term success.

Keywords: investing, wealth, dopamine, discipline, financial planning, retirement, mindset, meme stocks, emotional investing, money habits

If you’re in your 50s and wondering how to retire within the next decade, this episode is for you. Tony and Derek pick up where last week’s discussion left off, revealing the final five tips to strengthen your financial plan and protect your retirement dreams.

They dive deep into practical strategies—protecting against inflation, managing healthcare costs, optimizing insurance, stress-testing your plan, and building a retirement lifestyle that’s both realistic and rewarding.

You’ll learn how to:
 ✅ Hedge your nest egg against inflation’s hidden impact
 ✅ Maximize HSA and health-care planning strategies
 ✅ Reevaluate insurance coverage and eliminate unnecessary costs
 ✅ Stress-test your plan for market downturns and tax changes
 ✅ Build a bucket-list lifestyle without breaking your budget

It’s not just about retiring—it’s about retiring right.

📧 Questions or want a personalized plan? Contact the team at [email protected]
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Imagine you’re in your mid-50s — the kids are grown, the mortgage is nearly gone, and you’re wondering if retirement within the next decade is possible. Tony Zabiegala and Derek Gabrielsen from Strategic Wealth Partners break down five practical steps to prepare for retirement without panic, drastic lifestyle changes, or confusion.

From tightening your budget to eliminating bad debt, maximizing tax-advantaged accounts, adjusting your investment mix, and building a second income stream — this episode gives you real-world strategies you can act on today.

👉 Part 2 drops next week, covering the next five tips to help you retire confidently and stress-free.

📩 Questions or topic ideas? Email [email protected]

This week on The Capitalist Investor, Derek Gabrielsen and Dave Abate break down why even the most disciplined do-it-yourself investors are realizing that professional financial guidance isn’t a weakness—it’s wisdom.

They explore the psychological and practical pitfalls of managing money alone, from behavioral biases to tax inefficiencies. Derek and Dave discuss how proper retirement income planning, tax strategy, and risk diversification can extend the life of your portfolio by up to 20%.

Plus, they share stories from real-world client experiences—highlighting how “doing it yourself” can sometimes mean missing opportunities for smarter, long-term gains.

Whether you’re nearing retirement or already there, this episode will help you rethink what true financial independence really means.

#TheCapitalistInvestor #RetirementPlanning #WealthManagement #FinancialAdvice #DIYInvesting #TaxStrategy #FinancialPlanning #BehavioralFinance

For decades, retirement has been marketed as the finish line—a time to coast and relax. But what if that’s the wrong way to think about it? In this episode, Tony and Derek challenge the old idea of “retirement” and unpack how today’s retirees can turn uncertainty into opportunity.

They discuss the fears many people face—like outliving your money, losing purpose, or feeling unsure what’s next—and share how smart financial planning can replace anxiety with confidence. From dynamic planning strategies that adapt to market volatility, to redefining wealth as time, freedom, and experience, this conversation is packed with real-world insights from advisors who see it every day.

Whether you’re approaching retirement or already there, you’ll learn how to build a plan that works for your lifestyle—and your peace of mind.

YouTube and Google are full of self-proclaimed “financial experts” predicting the next market crash — but should you really listen to them?

In this episode, Tony Zabiegala and Derek Gabrielsen from Strategic Wealth Partners break down the YouTube investing trap and explain why fear, FOMO, and flashy predictions can lead investors astray.

They cover:

• Why fear-driven content gets more clicks than facts
• How COVID fueled the rise of fake online “experts”
• The red flags to look for when watching YouTube financial content
• How to separate education from entertainment
• Why “get rich slow” still beats “get rich quick” every time

From AI-generated content to vague crash predictions, Tony and Derek explain how to stay grounded, focus on your real goals, and avoid falling for bad financial advice online.

🎙️ The Capitalist Investor delivers candid conversations about money, markets, and mindset — cutting through the noise to help you think like a real investor.

Big changes are coming to retirement planning—and they may hit you sooner than you think. In this week’s episode of The Capitalist Investor, Tony and Derek break down new rules that eliminate a key 401(k) tax break for employees over age 50 making more than $150,000

Congress is now forcing these catch-up contributions into Roth accounts, removing the upfront tax deduction many workers rely on. While this may sound like bad news, Tony and Derek explain why having a Roth “bucket” might actually strengthen your long-term tax strategy.

You’ll learn:

• Why losing this deduction isn’t as catastrophic as it sounds
• How building three “buckets” (cash, tax-deferred, and tax-free) gives you flexibility in retirement
• What the new rules mean for Medicare surcharges and health care costs
• Why the government is really making this change—and how it could affect your future

They also share frustrations with the complexity of the Secure Act 2.0, including catch-up age rules, savers’ matches, and automatic enrollment requirements. Is it smart policy—or just another mess for workers and employers?

👉 If you’re over 50 and planning for retirement, this episode is a must-listen.

With all the market noise and new policy changes in 2025, many experts are calling this the smartest year to retire. In this week’s episode of The Capitalist Investor, Tony and Derek break down why this moment could represent the perfect storm for retirement planning.

From locking in market gains after a massive run-up, to taking advantage of favorable tax brackets, to new rules for contributions and deductions—this episode uncovers the key opportunities retirees shouldn’t overlook. The guys also discuss healthcare and Medicare alignment, Social Security timing, and how lifestyle trends are reshaping what “retirement” looks like.

Whether you’re one year away or still in the planning phase, this conversation will help you think strategically about your retirement timing.

Stay tuned until the end for a quick bonus chat on the Ryder Cup and why the U.S. vs. Europe matchup is about more than just golf.

👉 Questions or topic suggestions? Reach out to the show—we love hearing from listeners who want to take control of their financial future.

Are you underspending in retirement? Many retirees save diligently for decades but struggle to flip the switch from saving to spending. In this episode of The Capitalist Investor, Tony and Derek reveal why so many people spend less than they could — and how to enjoy retirement without fear of running out of money.

We’ll cover:

• Why retirees underspend even with strong financial plans
• How a Monte Carlo simulation shows what you can safely spend
• The difference between saving for legacy vs. enjoying life today
• Why the first 10 years of retirement are the most important
• Practical financial planning strategies to spend confidently while protecting your future

If you’ve ever wondered “How much can I safely spend in retirement?” or worried about outliving your savings, this episode will give you clarity and confidence. You worked hard for your wealth — now it’s time to enjoy it.