In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down one of the most powerful and misunderstood strategies in retirement planning: the Roth conversion. With taxes currently at historic lows thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, Stewart explains why now may be the best window to act and why waiting could cost you far more in the long run.

Stewart walks through exactly when and how his team executes Roth conversions, including their dollar cost averaging approach during market corrections, how to identify the right tax bracket targets, and why coordinating with a tax professional year round makes all the difference. You will also hear why Roth accounts are about more than just tax savings. They protect your Medicare from IRMA penalties, eliminate required minimum distributions, and allow your heirs to inherit tax free.

Stewart and Spike also tackle the latest retirement confidence data showing that fewer than 35% of Americans feel highly confident about retirement, and what is really behind that anxiety. From inflation fears and Social Security concerns to the limits of spreadsheet planning, Stewart makes the case for cash flow analysis as the tool that gives retirees the visibility they need to actually enjoy their retirement.

If you have been putting off your Roth strategy or wondering whether your retirement plan will hold up, this episode gives you the clarity and motivation to take action now.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary estate planning and portfolio review.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis pulls back the curtain on the hidden costs lurking inside your 401(k) and why most people have no idea what they're actually paying. From fund fees and expense ratios to the quiet underperformance of target date funds, Stewart breaks down what you need to know before retirement sneaks up on you.

You'll also hear why the person managing your money may not actually be working for you and how to tell the difference. Stewart shares real stories from client meetings, explains the ERISA rules that shape your 401(k) options, and walks through exactly when it makes sense to move your retirement assets to professionally managed accounts outside your employer's plan.

Plus, with markets hitting all-time highs again, Stewart revisits the Roth conversion window and why now may be the right time to take a serious look. And with retirement confidence at near all-time lows for the third year running, this episode is a timely reminder that knowing your numbers is the first step toward changing them.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary estate planning and portfolio review.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Andrew Perry joins Spike Spengel to discuss why tax planning should continue long after tax season ends. From Roth conversions and effective tax rates to retirement income planning and Roth 401(k) opportunities, Andrew explains why now may be one of the best times to prepare for future taxes before rates potentially rise again.

The conversation also shifts into one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning—estate planning. Using a real-life example, Andrew and Spike break down the costly mistakes families make when wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations aren’t updated properly. You’ll learn the key differences between wills and trusts, how probate can delay access to family assets, and why reviewing your beneficiaries regularly could protect your loved ones from unnecessary stress and legal battles.

If you want to reduce future taxes, avoid probate headaches, and make sure your retirement and legacy plans are fully aligned, this episode is packed with practical guidance and real-world examples you can use right away.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio and tax review.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis tackles one of the most important questions retirees face: what is really keeping you up at night when it comes to your money. From market volatility to rising inflation and the fear of running out of money, Stewart breaks down the real risks that can impact your retirement and how to plan for them. 

You will learn why focusing too much on market headlines can lead to poor decisions, how inflation quietly erodes your purchasing power, and why healthcare costs and unexpected expenses can disrupt even the best laid plans. Stewart also explains the importance of having a flexible cash flow strategy that evolves with your life, rather than relying on outdated or static financial plans. 

Plus, discover how to strike the right balance between enjoying your retirement and preserving your wealth, why some retirees overspend while others are too afraid to spend at all, and how proper risk management can help you sleep better at night.

If you want a clearer picture of your financial future and a plan that gives you confidence in retirement, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you get there.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary estate planning and portfolio review.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down why rushing your taxes, especially complex returns, can lead to costly mistakes, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress. From overloaded CPAs during peak season to the risks of filing before all documents are in, Stewart explains why patience and proper planning can make all the difference.

You will learn the ideal timeline for tax preparation, why extensions can actually improve accuracy, and how poor tax advice, especially from social media, can create serious problems with the IRS. Stewart also dives into smart strategies like Qualified Charitable Distributions, Roth conversions, and proactive tax planning to help reduce long term liabilities.

Plus, the conversation expands into what is really keeping retirees up at night, from taxes to market volatility, and how having a clear financial and risk strategy can bring peace of mind.

If you want to avoid costly tax mistakes and build a smarter retirement plan, this episode delivers practical insights you can use right away.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary estate planning and portfolio review.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down the common mistakes investors make inside their 401Ks and why those missteps can have major consequences as you approach retirement. From overreliance on target date funds to misunderstanding true diversification, Stewart explains why what seems simple in your retirement plan may actually be exposing you to unnecessary risk.

He also dives into the growing conversation around adding private equity, private credit, and digital assets into 401Ks, and why he believes these options could introduce even greater volatility for everyday investors. Stewart highlights the importance of understanding what you own, how much risk you’re taking, and whether your portfolio actually aligns with your retirement goals.

Plus, learn why the years leading up to retirement are a critical window for tax strategies like Roth conversions, how to take advantage of current market conditions, and why having a coordinated financial and tax plan can make all the difference. 

If you want to avoid costly mistakes and make smarter decisions with your 401K before retirement, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio and retirement review.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis explains why today’s financial landscape has created a rare and time-sensitive opportunity for retirement planning. As tax season wraps up, Stewart highlights the ongoing importance of tax strategy and why coordinating your CPA and financial advisor can make a major difference in long-term results.

He breaks down the concept of a retirement window, where today’s lower tax brackets and evolving market conditions create unique planning opportunities, especially when it comes to strategies like Roth conversions. Stewart also addresses market volatility, helping investors understand how to properly measure risk and avoid emotional decision-making during uncertain times.

Later in the episode, Stewart dives into the impact of rising interest rates and what it means for retirees holding older annuities or low-yield investments. You’ll learn why some financial products may no longer be serving you and how a second opinion could uncover better opportunities in today’s environment. 

If you want to take advantage of current conditions, avoid costly mistakes, and build a smarter, more coordinated retirement plan, this episode delivers the insights you need.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio and tax review.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis dives into the critical importance of reviewing and updating your estate plan—especially during life’s busiest seasons. Using the idea of “spring cleaning,” Stewart explains why outdated beneficiaries, missing legal documents, and improperly structured trusts can create serious problems for your family down the road.

From ensuring your IRAs and 401Ks go to the right people to selecting the right successor trustee, Stewart highlights the most common and costly estate planning mistakes people make. He also breaks down why powers of attorney matter, how to avoid probate, and what happens when your plan doesn’t reflect your current life circumstances.

You’ll also hear insights on managing separate assets in blended families, why funding your trust is just as important as creating one, and how overlooked details can derail even the best intentions.

If you want to protect your family, avoid unnecessary legal headaches, and make sure your wishes are carried out exactly as planned, this episode is a must-listen.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio and estate planning review.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down why tax season is one of the most critical opportunities to shape your retirement future. With markets fluctuating and new tax laws taking effect, Stewart explains how smart tax planning—not just tax preparation—can help you keep more of what you’ve earned.

From the impact of today’s historically low tax rates to the power of Roth conversions, Stewart walks through strategies designed to reduce long-term tax burdens and create more tax-free income in retirement. He also highlights the hidden risks many investors overlook, including overexposure to market volatility, lack of diversification, and relying on a single financial perspective.

You’ll learn why waiting until the last minute can cost you, how to take advantage of current tax windows, and why coordinating your tax, investment, and retirement strategies under one roof can make all the difference.

If you want to reduce risk, minimize taxes, and build a more efficient retirement plan, this episode delivers practical insights you can act on today.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio and tax review.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel break down the real role annuities play in retirement planning and separate facts from fear-based marketing. With an independent study showing that 95% of retirees and pre-retirees prioritize asset protection, Stewart explains why protection, income stability, and liquidity matter more than chasing performance as retirement approaches.

The conversation explores how annuities can be effective tools when used correctly, and why they can also be harmful when sold without proper planning or transparency. Stewart explains the importance of matching annuity use to liquidity needs, income timing, and risk tolerance, emphasizing that annuities are not investments, but tools that must fit within a broader retirement strategy.

You’ll also learn why some retirees spend money faster than expected, how structure and discipline can protect people from their own worst financial habits, and why having guaranteed income sources can reduce emotional decision-making during volatile markets. Stewart addresses common annuity myths, misleading “guaranteed income” language, and the critical difference between income you take and interest you earn.

The episode also highlights why many retirees feel more confident working with a financial advisor, how proper planning helps avoid costly RMD mistakes, and why asset protection does not mean sacrificing growth when portfolios are built correctly. If you’ve been pitched an annuity, already own one, or simply want a second opinion to make sure your plan truly protects your retirement, this episode provides clear, practical guidance.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio review and annuity second opinion.