In part two of this two-part series, Tony and Derek break down the remaining five retirement surprises that catch most people completely off guard. From boredom-driven overspending and down markets early in retirement to required minimum distributions, caring for aging parents, and why your money still needs to grow, this episode focuses on the real-life challenges retirees actually face.

This conversation goes beyond market returns and dives into planning realities that can derail even the best-looking retirement accounts. Whether retirement is around the corner or still years away, this episode highlights why having a real plan matters more than chasing performance.

Today on The Capitalist Investor, Tony is back in the saddle as we kick off a special two-part series on the biggest surprises people face in retirement. We break down the first five unexpected challenges retirees run into, including rising taxes, health insurance gaps, sequence-of-returns risk, inflation shocks, and longevity risk. These are the issues most people never plan for, but absolutely should. Tony and the team share real examples, practical perspectives, and the “cheat codes” you need to retire with confidence.

Join us next week for part two, where we cover the remaining five surprises no one warns you about.

Having $5 million or more saved for retirement doesn’t mean you’re financially secure. In this episode, Dave and Derek break down the hidden risks wealthy retirees face — from tax drag and Medicare surcharges to concentration risk in tech, bond exposure mistakes, and long-term-care costs. They explain why planning ahead matters more at higher net-worth levels and share practical ways to reduce portfolio stress while maintaining growth. If you want to protect your retirement lifestyle, avoid over-hedging, and understand income strategies designed for big portfolios, this episode is for you.

👉 Schedule a conversation with the team at Strategic Wealth Partners to strengthen your retirement strategy: swpconnect.com

In this episode of The Capitalist Investor, Derek and Dave break down what smart philanthropy really looks like inside a long–term wealth plan. Giving isn’t just something you do at the end of the year. When you build giving into your plan with intention, it can lower taxes, support causes you believe in, and shape the legacy you want your family to carry on.

They walk through donor advised funds, qualified charitable distributions, the warm hands vs cold hands conversation, and the timing mistakes that cost families impact and control. If you’re nearing retirement or already in it, and you’ve ever wondered how giving fits into the big picture, this episode is a great place to start.

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 info@swpconnect.com
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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 info@swpconnect.com