About this episode

Kevin Thompson discusses how rising oil prices serve as a hidden tax on retirees and the implications for their financial planning.

In this Econ 101 session, Kevin Thompson, founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, explains how rising oil prices act as a hidden tax on retirees. Oil impacts far more than gas prices. It flows through transportation, food, utilities, and everyday goods through a passthrough effect that raises the overall cost of living. Retirees are especially vulnerable because their income is largely fixed. Social Security, pensions, and portfolio withdrawals do not adjust as quickly as rising expenses, creating a gap that erodes purchasing power over time. Kevin also highlights common portfolio mistakes, including holding too much cash or relying heavily on long-term bonds, which may not keep pace in this type of environment. Instead, he discusses the importance of proper diversification and incorporating assets that can help hedge against inflation, such as commodities and precious metals. As geopolitical tensions and supply constraints continue to place pressure on energy markets, this is not a short-term issue. It is something retirees must plan for to protect their income and long-term financial stability. Oil’s Broad Economic Impact (00:01:18) Purchasing Power Loss vs. Inflation (00:03:31)…

People in this episode

Host: Kevin Thompson

Topics covered

• oil prices
• retirement planning
• inflation
• portfolio management
• cost of living
• financial stability

Keywords

• oil prices
• retirees
• hidden tax
• inflation hedges
• portfolio mistakes
• financial planning

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: 9i Capital Group, Social Security, pensions, commodities, precious metals

More episodes of The 9Innings Podcast

• 🎙️ FoF: Your Tax Return Was Accepted… Not Verified · April 21, 2026 · 14 min
• 🎙️ FoF: The 1099 Reality Check: What They Don’t Tell You · April 14, 2026 · 13 min
• 🔥 Texas Two-Step: Don't Lose your Homestead Exemption · March 31, 2026 · 14 min
• 🔥FoF 1099 Madness: The Tax Season Surprises No One Is Talking About · March 24, 2026 · 8 min
• 🔥 Why A Bigger Tax Refund Isn’t Really a Tax Cut · March 17, 2026 · 14 min
• 📊 $39 Trillion and Counting: Debt, Inflation, and the MMT Debate · March 10, 2026 · 49 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The 9Innings Podcast podcast page.