The Asset Preservation Hour

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel tackle the headlines around BlackRock, ESG investing and the booming world of private credit and private equity. Stewart explains why values based investing matters, how ESG funds have actually performed, and why your portfolio should never include investments that conflict with your personal beliefs without your knowledge. He also breaks down BlackRock’s Aladdin risk engine, the rise of private investments once reserved for the ultra wealthy and the tradeoffs between eye catching yields and real transparency. 

From Bitcoin ETFs and private credit yields to concerns about social media influencers pitching complex real estate deals, Stewart lays out the real risks of chasing what looks exclusive or trendy. Then the conversation shifts to 2025 retirement statistics, rising average retirement ages and why more people are choosing to work part time in retirement for purpose, community and mental sharpness rather than necessity alone.

Stewart shares stories from client meetings, including helping people figure out if they have enough “take this job and shove it” money, why some of his wealthiest clients drive modest cars and the importance of cash flow analysis to see if your money can last to age 90, 100 and beyond. He also talks about helping employers and workers better understand their 401k options and key opportunities for those age 59 and a half and older who may have more flexibility with their retirement plans than they realize.

If you have been wondering whether you are behind, taking too much risk or missing something in your retirement accounts, this episode offers practical insight, context and a clear invitation to get a real second opinion on your plan.

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

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel unpack the real differences between S&P 500 ETFs and traditional mutual funds, especially when it comes to taxes in your non retirement accounts. Stewart explains why mutual funds can generate phantom capital gains even when you do not sell, how ETF structures give you more control over when you recognize taxes, and when it may be time to stop adding to old legacy mutual funds and consider lower cost ETF options instead.

They also dig into the importance of risk management in a market that keeps climbing, the huge fee gap between ultra low cost index ETFs and outdated mutual funds, and why your portfolio should evolve as the world changes. From step up in basis for heirs to the danger of letting the tax tail wag the investment dog, Stewart shows how to modernize your investments while keeping an eye on both risk and taxes.

Later in the show, Stewart reacts to news about leadership changes at the IRS and Social Security, talks about government technology finally catching up to the age of artificial intelligence, and highlights the critical difference between tax preparation and true tax planning. He shares why tools like TurboTax and even AI can be helpful but are not a complete substitute for a coordinated retirement and tax strategy, and uses his jujitsu journey as an analogy for finding counters to financial and tax challenges. The episode wraps with a reminder that the fourth quarter is when smart Roth conversions and proactive tax moves can have the biggest impact on your long term retirement picture.

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

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis explains why most people think they have a financial plan when in reality they only have investments and a stack of statements. Stewart breaks down what a true written plan must include, from professional money management and diversification to year round tax strategy and proper estate planning. 

You’ll learn why relying on a single advisor’s stock picks can be risky, how improper titling can derail even a well written trust, and why fourth quarter reviews are essential for decisions like Roth conversions and Medicare IRMAA planning. Stewart also shares why market volatility shouldn’t push you into day trading gimmicks, how to reduce risk as you approach retirement, and when an in service rollover can help you get professional management before you stop working.

If you want confidence that your investments, taxes, and estate plans are working together not against each other this episode gives you practical steps you can apply right away.

📞 Call Stewart and his team for your complimentary portfolio review and fourth quarter tax strategy session at 877-5-RETIRE (877-573-8473) or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel unpack how government shutdown talk and political drama really affect retirees. From Social Security payments to the stock market’s reaction, Stewart explains why headlines can be scary, but your personal retirement plan matters far more than whatever is happening in Washington.

You will learn how to think about market volatility, why relying on the long bull market can create a false sense of security, and how to build a plan that aims to protect your income no matter what Congress does. Stewart also breaks down the realities of long term care planning, including what happens when a loved one suddenly needs more care, how quickly costs can escalate, and where tools like annuities and other planning strategies may fit in.

If you are concerned about the next shutdown, a market pullback, or how you will pay for future care needs for yourself or a family member, this conversation offers practical steps you can start using right away.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE (877-573-8473) or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary retirement and long term care focused portfolio review.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down what the latest Fed rate cuts really mean for retirees, from disappearing five percent money markets to why falling rates could spark a bond rally. He also explains why today’s strong annuity rates may not last and why now could be the ideal time to refinance your retirement before insurance companies adjust.

Stewart and Spike Spengel then highlight the biggest gap in most financial plans: real, holistic planning beyond investments. They cover spending awareness, income sequencing, Social Security timing, ACA and Medicare traps, Roth conversions, and why true tax planning must work hand-in-hand with your portfolio.

If you want a clearer picture of how rates, taxes, income, and spending all connect, this episode lays out what a complete retirement plan should include.

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

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis joins Spike Spengel to tackle some of the toughest financial questions retirees face today. From deciding whether crypto belongs in your portfolio to understanding the real risks of investing in a friend’s business or buying that “dream” retirement property, Stewart breaks down what’s smart, what’s risky, and what’s just plain dangerous for your retirement savings.

You’ll also learn the truth about required minimum distributions (RMDs) and why moving IRA assets into a trust can trigger a massive tax bill. Stewart explains how Roth conversions, charitable giving strategies, and special needs trusts can all work together to make your retirement plan more tax-efficient and more effective.

If you want to protect your savings, minimize taxes, and make smarter decisions about your retirement investments, this episode is packed with insight you don’t want to miss.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE (877-573-8473) AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio and tax efficiency review.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel tackle some of the most common and costly mistakes retirees make with their investments. From leveraged ETFs and variable annuities to the emotional allure of gold, Stewart explains why some popular strategies can do more harm than good, especially for those nearing or in retirement.

Hear real stories, learn how hidden fees and excessive risk can erode your nest egg, and discover safer, smarter ways to grow and preserve your wealth. Stewart also breaks down why “playing the market” and chasing trading algorithms often backfires and what disciplined, fiduciary-based planning looks like instead.

If you’ve ever been pitched a “can’t miss” product or wondered whether gold really belongs in your portfolio, this episode will help you separate sound advice from sales hype.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE (877-573-8473)or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio review and second-opinion consultation.

On this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis tackles the massive transfer of wealth underway and what it really takes to protect your money and your relationships. From the importance of involving spouses and adult children to aligning your investments with your actual life goals, Stewart shares how true fiduciaries guide clients beyond products and into purpose.

You will hear real stories and insights, including:

• A sudden seven-figure inheritance, and how to avoid blowing it
• Why many advisors lose the family after the first spouse passes
• How to use trusts and powers of attorney to keep your estate efficient and out of probate
• Retirement communities vs. retirement homes: the big upfront fees, liquidity traps, and how to test before you commit
• The surprising pickleball lawsuit drama sweeping retirement communities
• Stewart’s jujitsu journey and lessons on staying active and engaged
• Practical lifestyle planning tips, like renting before you buy and never taking tax advice from a salesperson

If you want a plan that fits you and keeps your family on the same page, this conversation brings clarity and next steps.

Call 877-5-RETIRE (877-573-8473) 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 shares why a Beach Boy’s advice about retirement housing got his wife rethinking everything, and why that could matter for your retirement, too. Stewart and host Spike Spengel dive into key retirement decisions, from whether to downsize or upsize, to how the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions could reshape your income strategy.

You’ll learn how today’s high interest rate environment is creating limited-time opportunities for annuities and life insurance, and why Stewart says “refinancing your retirement” could triple your internal rate of return. Plus, they discuss the growing talk in Washington about allowing private equity in 401(k)s, what it means, and why Stewart sees it as both exciting and risky.

From target date funds to retirement red zones, this episode is packed with insights to help you build a retirement that’s secure, flexible, and built around your goals, not just Wall Street’s.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE (877-573-8473) or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio review and retirement plan.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down the truth about RILAs—Registered Index-Linked Annuities—and why they may not offer the protection you think. Learn the key differences between RILAs, fixed indexed annuities, and variable annuities, and why Stewart favors a barbell strategy for both growth and security in retirement.

You’ll also discover:

• Why taking too little risk in retirement can be just as dangerous as taking too much
• The hidden dangers of “buffered” annuities
• When it’s time to refinance your retirement and trade in underperforming annuities
• How to age gracefully—financially and physically
• The importance of healthcare planning, long-term care costs, and tax strategy in your later years
• Why your financial advisor should always be looking at your tax return

If you’re seeking a smarter, safer, and more holistic retirement plan, this episode is a must-listen.

For your complimentary portfolio review and tax strategy session, visit AssetPreservationWealth.com or call: 877-5-RETIRE (877-573-8473)