Join Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, for a discussion on investing in yourself beyond just financial planning. This episode explores career reinvention, health, and overall well-being as essential components of wealth. Sam shares his personal journey from financing refrigerators to becoming a financial advisor, and explains why taking care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health is just as important as managing your portfolio. Whether you're considering a career change, struggling to maintain healthy habits, or looking to get financially organized, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement for living a fulfilling life.

Timeline

0:00 - Introduction & Topic Overview

Welcome to The Ascent podcast

Introducing the concept of investing in yourself

0:51 - Career Reinvention Story

Sam's personal journey from credit finance to financial advisory

The decision to pursue an MBA at University of Houston

2:29 - Finding Career Fulfillment

Why career satisfaction matters

The importance of doing work you love

3:10 - Book Recommendation

"What Color Is Your Parachute?" - finding your passion and path

3:32 - Mid-Career Changes

Going back to school for new skills

Why mid-career changers are often happier

4:38 - Health & Lifestyle

The importance of physical health for enjoying wealth

You can't help others if you don't take care of yourself first

5:51 - Maintaining Healthy Habits

Don't let busy seasons derail your health goals

Regular check-ups and preventive care matter

6:41 - It's Never Too Late

Every day is a new opportunity to invest in yourself

7:27 - Mental & Spiritual Health

The connection between mental/spiritual wellness and financial success

How healthy mindsets help during market volatility

8:44 - Financial Organization Tips

Create a good filing system for financial documents

Scan and digitally organize important papers

10:02 - Why This Matters in Wealth Management

Holistic approach to client relationships

Money alone doesn't create happiness

11:24 - Who Crestmont Serves

High earners and high net worth individuals

Contact information and closing thoughts

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, for a comprehensive overview of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and how they differ from traditional mutual funds.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ What ETFs are and how they work

✅ The evolution from mutual funds to ETFs

✅ Key differences: intraday trading vs. end-of-day pricing

✅ Tax efficiency advantages of ETFs

✅ Lower costs and broader access

✅ Important factors to consider when evaluating ETFs

Whether you're a beginner investor or looking to understand modern investment vehicles, this educational guide breaks down the complex world of ETFs into easy-to-understand concepts.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor and CPA for personalized guidance.

Timeline with Chapters

0:00 - Introduction & Welcome

Welcome to The Ascent podcast with Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth

0:31 - What Are ETFs?

Overview of Exchange Traded Funds and why this topic matters

0:57 - History of Investment Evolution

How the financial services industry evolved from the 1920s to today

2:01 - The Rise of Mutual Funds

How mutual funds provided access to diversification for average investors

3:43 - Tax Inefficiency of Mutual Funds

Understanding the pass-through taxation problem with mutual funds

5:02 - Birth of the ETF Industry

How the 1987 crash and tech bubble led to ETF development

5:41 - How ETFs Work

Exchange trading and intraday pricing explained

6:38 - ETFs vs Index Funds

How ETFs mimic indexes like the S&P 500

7:42 - Cost Advantages of ETFs

Lower costs and broader access compared to mutual funds

8:33 - Tax Efficiency of ETFs

How ETFs provide better tax treatment than mutual funds

9:04 - Free Trading & Lower Costs

How custodians now offer commission-free ETF trading

9:56 - Book Recommendation

CFA Institute's comprehensive guide to ETFs

11:23 - What to Consider When Choosing ETFs

Evaluating liquidity, market cap, track record, and costs

13:14 - Closing & Contact Information

How Crestmont evaluates ETFs for clients and final thoughts

Original Air Date: February 14, 2026 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:  www.crestmontpw.com 

Alec Walker in Houston:  831-280-5288 

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of "The Ascent" features Sam McGee and Alec Walker from Crestmont Private Wealth discussing the development of a "Survivor's Guide" - a comprehensive resource to help surviving spouses navigate financial matters after the death of a partner. They explain how this guide will document critical information like account locations, passwords, key contacts, and financial processes to ease the burden during a difficult time. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation and how their firm helps clients through these transitions.

Timeline

[0:00 - 0:37] Introduction & Welcome

Sam McGee returns as host after Alec Walker filled in

Overview of recent content (year-end recaps, law changes, market updates)

[0:37 - 1:36] About Crestmont Private Wealth

Two offices: Houston and Boerne, Texas

Comprehensive wealth management for high net worth individuals

Website: crestmontpw.com

[1:36 - 3:52] Why Create a Survivor's Guide?

Inspired by client meetings and real experiences with bereaved spouses

Addresses both emotional and financial challenges after death

Covers basics like bill paying and account access

[3:52 - 4:48] The Challenge of Financial Transitions

Comparison to being handed keys to someone else's company

Family finances as an operating business with assets, liabilities, and cash flows

[4:48 - 6:39] What's Included in the Guide

Living document separate from estate plans

Key contacts (advisors, attorneys, CPAs, executors)

Account locations and access information

Documentation of all financial moving pieces

[6:39 - 8:11] Reducing Stress During Grief

 

Allows families to focus on grieving and funeral arrangements

Eases burden of managing bills and accounts during difficult times

Documents the "mental load" for both spouses

[8:11 - 9:27] E-Money Portal & Digital Vault

Centralized location for account information

Secure vault for private and shared documents

Storage location for the Survivor's Guide

[9:27 - 11:01] Digital Life Management

Importance of password access and device management

Social media and digital accounts

Password keeper setup with emergency access

[11:01 - 12:50] What Happens When a Client Dies

Notification process with custodian (Charles Schwab)

Coordination with family through required steps

Handling death certificates, trust documents, and account transitions

[12:50 - 13:22] Closing Thoughts

Emphasis on preparation: "not if, but when"

Encouragement to be well-prepared for family's sake

Original Air Date: February 7, 2026 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:  www.crestmontpw.com 

Alec Walker in Houston:  831-280-5288 

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Alec Walker, EVP of Financial Planning at Crestmont Private Wealth, as he breaks down everything you need to know about Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Learn the key differences between RSUs and stock options, understand the tax implications of vesting, and discover smart strategies for managing over-concentration risk. Whether you're receiving your first RSU grant or managing multiple vesting schedules, this episode provides actionable insights on tax planning, diversification strategies, and how to maximize the value of your equity compensation.

Key Topics Covered:

What are RSUs and how do they work?

RSUs vs. Stock Options: Understanding the difference

Tax implications: Ordinary income and capital gains

Strategic timing for selling vested shares

Diversification strategies to minimize risk

Tax planning techniques to avoid underpayment penalties

Timeline:

0:00 Introduction & Episode Overview

1:23 What Are Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)?

2:59 RSUs vs. Stock Options: Key Differences

3:46 Tax Implications: When Do Taxes Occur?

5:43 Capital Gains Tax on RSUs

6:54 Tax Planning Strategies & Withholding Analysis

9:15 Diversification & Risk Management

9:57 Why Sell RSUs Immediately Upon Vesting

12:04 Satellite Equity Strategies for Diversification

13:30 Closing & Contact Information

Contact Crestmont Private Wealth:

📧 [email protected]

🌐 [email protected]

📍 Houston & Burnet, Texas offices

Original Air Date: January 31, 2026 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:  www.crestmontpw.com 

Alec Walker in Houston:  831-280-5288 

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Alec Walker from Crestmont Private Wealth as he discusses investing at market all-time highs and key insights from their Q1 2025 investment committee meeting. Learn why high valuations don't predict future returns, what historical data reveals about investing at market peaks, and how to navigate volatility with confidence. Discover the "red dot chart" analysis, portfolio diversification strategies beyond the Magnificent Seven, and why consumer sentiment doesn't always align with market performance.

0:00

Introduction & Podcast Overview.  Q1 Investment Committee Meeting Recap

1:20

Markets at All-Time Highs: Bull Run Since 2022 - Portfolio Rebalancing Considerations

2:13

Should You Invest at All-Time Highs?  Historical Returns After All-Time Highs vs. 20% Declines

3:49

Understanding Market Valuations - PE Ratios & Future Returns Correlation

5:20

The Coffee Analogy: Why Valuations Don't Predict Returns - Newsletter Sign-Up Information

6:30

The Red Dot Chart: Market Volatility Since 2024's 40% Swing: Why Staying Invested Matters

8:05

Expect 14% Average Annual Declines - Active Management During Volatility

8:42

The Magnificent Seven & AI Concerns - Diversification Strategy: Beyond the S&P 500

10:24

Portfolio Allocation: 23% vs. 35% in Mag Seven - Consumer Confidence in 2026

12:23

Low Confidence = 24% Average Returns - Separating Politics from Portfolio

13:10

Closing & Contact Information

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter: [email protected]

🌐 Visit: crestmontpw.com

Original Air Date: January 24, 2026 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:  www.crestmontpw.com 

Alec Walker in Houston:  831-280-5288 

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Alec Walker and Rebecca PItre from Crestmont Private Wealth as they break down the most important tax changes for 2026. In this episode, they cover critical updates including new IRA contribution limits, mandatory Roth catch-up contributions for high earners, charitable donation rule changes, expanded SALT deductions, and lesser-known tax benefits like the enhanced senior deduction and auto loan interest deduction. Whether you're planning for retirement or optimizing your tax strategy, this episode provides essential insights to help you navigate the new tax landscape.

Timeline:

0:00 - Introduction & Welcome
0:38 - Episode Overview: Tax Changes for 2026
1:57 - IRA Contribution Limits for 2026
2:42 - Roth IRA Income Limits & Phase-Outs
4:21 - 401(k) Contribution Limits & Special Catch-Up Rules
5:05 - High Earners & Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions
7:32 - New Charitable Donation Rules (0.5% AGI Threshold)
9:21 - Standard Deduction Filers & Charitable Giving
10:54 - Expanded SALT Deduction ($40,000 Cap)
12:09 - Other Tax Changes: 529 Plans, Senior Deduction & Auto Loan Interest
13:54 - Closing Remarks & Disclaimer

Original Air Date: January 17, 2026 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:  www.crestmontpw.com 

Alec Walker in Houston:  831-280-5288 

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth as he interviews Cole Gentry, a junior at Texas A&M and a budding entrepreneur. Cole shares his journey from high school in Bernie, Texas, to college life at Texas A&M, his involvement in the Brotherhood of Christian Aggies, and his experiences running family and personal businesses like Oak Hills Pest Control and a summer peach stand. The conversation covers lessons in leadership, the value of staying busy, and Cole's future ambitions in business and life. This episode is packed with inspiration for students, young professionals, and anyone interested in entrepreneurship and personal growth.

00:00 - Introduction: Meet Cole Gentry and show overview

00:24 - Cole’s background: High school experiences and leadership

01:29 - College applications and choosing Texas A&M

02:51 - The importance of community and faith at A&M

03:48 - Involvement in Brotherhood of Christian Aggies (BCA)

04:38 - Entrepreneurship: Oak Hills Pest Control and selling peaches

07:00 - Lessons from running small businesses

08:12 - Choosing a business major and getting into Mays Business School

09:30 - Future plans: Career ambitions and family business

11:00 - The value of staying busy and learning responsibility

12:00 - Mentorship and the role of Dr. Nathan Harness

13:00 - Reflections on growth, community, and future goals

13:50 - Closing thoughts and advice for young listeners

14:00 - Outro and thanks

Original Air Date: January 10, 2026 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:  www.crestmontpw.com 

Alec Walker in Houston:  831-280-5288 

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "The Ascent," Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth dives deep into the concept of compounding—both in finance and in life. Sam explains the formula for compound interest, why consistency and time matter more than just the rate of return, and how these principles apply to everything from investing to personal habits like working out or maintaining your car. He shares practical advice on making regular contributions, the importance of discipline, and why starting early can make a huge difference. Whether you're new to investing or looking to reinforce good habits, this episode offers valuable insights for building a brighter financial future.

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Sam McGee and the focus on compounding

00:30 – Why compounding matters for all ages

00:52 – The formula for compound interest: What it is and why it’s simple

01:24 – Components of compounding: Time, rate, frequency, and principle

01:54 – Compounding in life: Gym analogy and the power of consistency

02:38 – Negative compounding: Bad habits and their effects

03:22 – Consistency in daily habits: Car maintenance and dental care

04:28 – Back to compound interest: Breaking down the formula

05:01 – The importance of time and consistency over rate of return

05:55 – Real-life examples: Clients who built wealth through discipline

06:35 – The value of regular contributions vs. lump sums

07:29 – Making financial choices: Spend, save, give, and invest

09:13 – The power of compounding over long time horizons

10:04 – The risks of market timing and the value of staying invested

12:29 – Final thoughts: Applying compounding to fitness and life

12:47 – Thank yous and closing remarks

12:50 – Wishing everyone a prosperous new year

Original Air Date: January 3, 2026 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:  www.crestmontpw.com 

Alec Walker in Houston:  831-280-5288 

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Sam McGee of Crestmont Private Wealth as he interviews Brandy Kinds from the Texas A&M Foundation. Discover how endowed scholarships work, the impact they have on students, and how anyone—not just the ultra-wealthy—can create a lasting legacy at Texas A&M or other universities. Brandy shares her personal journey, the process of setting up scholarships, and the importance of philanthropic giving in wealth management. The episode also honors the memory of Brian K. Robertson through a special scholarship initiative.

0:00 – Introduction Host Sam McGee introduces the show and guest Brandy Kinds from the Texas A&M Foundation.

0:31 – Meeting Brandy & Endowed Scholarships How Sam met Brandy and learned about the possibility of creating endowed scholarships

1:09 – What is an Endowed Scholarship? Brandy explains the process and flexibility of setting up an endowed scholarship at Texas A&M.

2:31 – Customizing Scholarships Discussion on how donors can tailor scholarships to support specific students or fields.

3:47 – Scholarship Criteria & Administration Clarifying that donors don’t have to handle applicant selection; the university manages the process.

5:18 – Honoring Brian K. Robertson Sam shares the story behind the Brian K. Robertson Perseverance and Belief in Doubt Scholarship.

6:51 – Brandy’s Background Brandy talks about her upbringing, education, and career path leading to the Texas A&M Foundation.

8:20 – The Role of Philanthropy in Wealth Management Why charitable giving is a key part of wealth transfer and legacy planning.

10:30 – How to Get Involved Brandy shares her contact information and encourages listeners to consider creating scholarships.

11:13 – Closing Remarks Final thoughts, gratitude, and a nod to upcoming events.

 

Original Air Date: December 27, 2025 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:  www.crestmontpw.com 

Alec Walker in Houston:  831-280-5288 

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth as he interviews Dr. Nathan Harness, Director of the Financial Planning Program at Texas A&M University. They discuss Nathan’s journey into financial planning, the growth of the Texas A&M program, the evolving landscape of financial advice, the shortage of new advisors, and the importance of values and faith in shaping future leaders. Whether you’re interested in finance, education, or personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights into the next generation of financial professionals.

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Dr. Nathan Harness and the Texas A&M Financial Planning Program

00:45 – Nathan’s Background: Early interest in finance and career journey

01:40 – Evolution of the Financial Planning Industry

02:24 – Pursuing Advanced Degrees and Entering Academia

03:18 – Building the Texas A&M Financial Planning Program

04:00 – Core Values and Mission of the Program

05:17 – Program Growth: From 25 to 400+ students

06:00 – The Need for Financial Advice and Industry Impact

07:11 – Sending Graduates into the Industry

08:00 – The Importance of Values-Based Education

09:00 – The Shortage of Financial Advisors and Aging Workforce

10:00 – Opportunities for Young Adults and Career Changers

11:00 – Texas as a Hub for Financial Services Growth

12:00 – Charles Schwab’s Gift and New Facilities

12:30 – The Role of Faith and Values in Nathan’s Work

13:30 – Investing in the Next Generation: Brotherhood of Christian Aggies

14:30 – Final Thoughts: Living Out Convictions and Impacting the World

15:00 – Closing Remarks and Blessings

 

Original Air Date: December 20, 2025 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact:  www.crestmontpw.com 

Alec Walker in Houston:  831-280-5288 

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.