Many people believe that if they lose their job later in life, it’s game over. At 60+, finding new work feels impossible, savings feel fragile, and retirement suddenly looks like a financial cliff instead of a finish line.
That fear keeps people stuck in panic, poor financial decisions, and “hope-based” investing. Some take reckless risks trying to catch up, while others become so conservative they quietly fall behind inflation—draining their future month by month. Without clarity, even hard work can turn into decades of running in financial circles.
In this powerful episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with David Nassief, author and creator of the One Page Wealth Compass, who was fired at 63 after 18 years with the same company. Facing the very real possibility of being broke by 65, David reinvented himself, rebuilt his income, and—within six years—created a seven-figure portfolio using a simple, disciplined, “set-it-and-forget-it” investing approach. David shares how understanding incentives, avoiding expensive traps, and following clear principles helped him turn a late-life crisis into true financial freedom—and why it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Key Takeaways:
What it feels like to be fired at 63 and face running out of money by 65
Why David chose commission-only sales as a last-ditch reinvention—and how it paid off
The danger of working hard while still “walking in financial circles”
How the One Page Wealth Compass was inspired by a real scientific experiment
Why understanding how advisors get paid can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars
How David avoided a costly life-insurance retirement plan by following incentives
Why boring, disciplined investing often beats exciting strategies
How volatility can be used for you, not against you
Why saving rate, behavior, and consistency matter more than chasing returns
The difference between retirement and FIGNA: Financial Independence, Graduate to the Next Adventure
Why freedom means choosing work you love—not being forced to work
About the Guest:
David Nassief, whose real life financial turnaround experience is as much of a Rocky type story as it is a personal finance discussion. He was fired at 63 from an 18 year corporate position with virtually no retirement savings, no job prospects, and the chilling realization that his career was effectively over. Out of desperation he charted a completely new direction in both his career and personal finances. His unique and simple “one page wealth compass” guided him to seven figure financial freedom in under six years.
Now, in his book, One-Page Wealth Compass, he shares that exact compass along with the hope and practical steps he wished he had known decades earlier. He's here to show us how it's never too late to navigate safely to financial freedom.
If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would play to my strengths. I’ve learned that I’m good at selling intangible products I truly believe in—with integrity. The first thing I’d do is find a product I believe in deeply and sell it honestly. I know I’d get back on my feet quickly that way.”
What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Keeping my first business alive far longer than I should have. I knew in my heart it wasn’t working, but I didn’t want to face it. Waiting too long when you’re in the wrong thing can do serious damage.”
What is a book that you would recommend? “The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt. It sounds like an engineering book, but it’s really about principles—how to break through bottlenecks and impossible problems. I’ve read it five times.”
What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Virtual assistants. I use Upwork for long-term help and Fiverr for short projects. It’s like having a full virtual team working in the background.”
What is your definition of freedom? “Understanding correct principles and living by them. Whether it’s money, health, or faith—if you live by the wrong principles, life is hard. When you live by the right ones and keep things simple, freedom follows.”
About Jeff:
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
