The Asset Preservation Hour

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis dives into the hidden costs lurking inside your 401(k). While employer-sponsored retirement plans are great tools for building wealth, many investors are unknowingly overpaying in fees, or holding underperforming funds, simply because they don’t know what to look for.

Stewart breaks down what you need to know about in-plan fees, investment options, and why even solid 401(k)s may have better alternatives. He also explains how in-service rollovers work for those over 59½ and why proactive planning matters, even while you’re still working.

Plus, the episode explores:

• What NOT to include in your will 🛑
• How beneficiary designations override your estate documents
• The difference between a will and a living trust
• Why failing to plan your estate can tear your family apart

If you’re still working, approaching retirement, or managing an inheritance, this episode offers real, practical advice to protect your future.

📞 For your complimentary 401(k) and estate plan review, call 877-5-RETIRE (877-573-8473) or visit: AssetPreservationWealth.com

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down the most common retirement mistakes—and how to avoid them. From assuming you'll work forever to underestimating healthcare costs, Stewart explains why having a plan in place is more important than ever.

You’ll learn how early tax planning, Roth conversions, and smart Social Security decisions can dramatically improve your financial future. Plus, Stewart dives into estate planning tools like powers of attorney, life insurance, and trusts, and reveals how overlooking these essentials can create chaos for your loved ones.

If you're preparing for retirement or already in it, this episode delivers practical advice you can act on now.

📞 Call Stewart and his team for your complimentary portfolio review and Roth conversion 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 takes a deep dive into the evolving world of fixed income investing. With billions flowing into bond ETFs and fixed annuities, Stewart breaks down what these moves mean for retirement planning—and whether these tools are actually helping or hurting your long-term income goals.

You'll learn the real difference between bond funds and individual bonds, why relying on ETFs for income might not be as “safe” as it seems, and how rising and falling interest rates can drastically impact your portfolio. Stewart also explains the flawed assumptions behind the so-called “4% rule,” and why a custom income plan, based on your goals and your risk, is more important than ever.

Plus, discover the surprising truth behind how most people choose a financial advisor (spoiler: it's not ideal), and what to look for in a true fiduciary relationship.

If you're seeking clarity, confidence, and control over your retirement income strategy, this is a must-listen.

📞 For your complimentary portfolio review and income analysis, call 877-5-RETIRE (877-573-8473) or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and co-host Spike Spengel dive into two critical topics: making sure your estate plan actually works the way you intend, and preparing for the largest wealth transfer in history. Using the recent legal battle over Jimmy Buffett’s $275 million estate as a cautionary tale, Stewart explains why even long-married couples with trusts in place can face costly disputes, and how regular reviews of your trust, wills, and beneficiary designations can prevent heartbreak and probate.

The conversation then shifts to the $85–$100 trillion that will pass from baby boomers over the next 30 years, and why this transfer is about more than just money. Stewart reveals strategies for educating both spouses, involving adult children early, and building generational wealth that preserves not only assets but also family values. From avoiding common beneficiary mistakes to coordinating spousal and next-generation planning, this episode offers practical steps to protect your legacy for decades to come.

📞 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 returns from Greece with fresh insight and a tan—but the conversation quickly turns serious as he and co-host Spike Spengel discuss Denmark’s new plan to raise its state pension age to 70. Could a similar shift be coming for Social Security in the U.S.? Stewart breaks down what a higher retirement age could mean for different generations, especially those still in their peak earning years.

The discussion covers the challenges of extending work for physically demanding jobs, the need to plan for longer retirements, and why income planning is critical when lifespans are increasing. You’ll also learn how to coordinate Social Security timing with other income sources, avoid costly IRA rollover mistakes, and create a written financial plan that protects both spouses, now and after one passes.

Whether you’re five years from retirement or still in your 50s and building toward it, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you retire with confidence, even if the rules change.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary Social Security review and written financial plan.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and co-host Spike Spengel dive into smart summer strategies for those 50 and older who want to strengthen their retirement plans. From maximizing catch-up contributions to reassessing your 401(k) fund selections, Stewart explains how to align your portfolio with your current stage of life, whether you’re still in growth mode or shifting toward income and preservation.

They discuss the pros and cons of paying off your mortgage early, the risks and realities of annuities, and why interest rate changes should influence, but not dominate, your investment decisions. You’ll also hear about opportunity cost, “FU money,” and why retiring too early can backfire if you’re not mentally and socially prepared.

If you want to spend your summer with family and travel plans while still moving your retirement strategy forward, this episode offers practical advice and a free way to check if your portfolio is on track.

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

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and co-host Spike Spengel explore the staggering demographic shift ahead. By 2040, over 80 million Americans will be age 65 or older. Stewart unpacks how this “retirement wave” could reshape the stock market, strain state infrastructures, and change the way we think about investing, healthcare, and long-term care planning.

From the potential market impact of millions shifting from contributing to withdrawing from retirement accounts, to why Gen Xers should be balancing tax-deferred and tax-free savings, Stewart shares actionable strategies for protecting your portfolio and your future lifestyle. The conversation also dives into state-by-state growth trends, the realities of Medicare coverage, and why planning now, whether for healthcare needs, living arrangements, or income strategies, is critical for the decades ahead.

If you want to retire with confidence and be ready for the challenges an aging America will bring, this episode delivers essential insights and practical steps to start taking today.

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

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, Stewart Willis and Spike Spengel break down the essential steps and tough decisions facing anyone looking to retire in the next 6–12 months. From creating a real budget (even if you’ve never tracked your spending before) to navigating market volatility, taxes, Social Security, and healthcare, Stewart offers straightforward advice for building a retirement plan you can actually trust.

You’ll hear real stories from the front lines—including why even multi-millionaires still worry about running out of money, what “provisional income” really means for your Social Security taxes, and how municipal bonds might not be as tax-friendly as you think. Plus, Stewart tackles a heartfelt listener question: what should you do if you’re laid off at 56 after decades with the same company? Is it too early to retire, or time for a new beginning? The answer may surprise you.

This episode is packed with practical strategies—like why you need a tax plan and estate plan before you retire, how to make the most of today’s “tax window,” and why taking the least amount of risk needed to win the game is crucial as you approach retirement. If you want real confidence (and a personalized review of your retirement plan), this one’s for you.

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

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis is joined by fellow advisor Scott Preble and host Spike Spengel for a practical, behind-the-scenes look at the most pressing issues facing retirees and business owners right now. The team opens up about the realities of business succession—sharing stories of business partners lost, family businesses no one wants to inherit, and how the right operating agreement or trust can protect your life’s work (and your loved ones) when the unexpected happens.

The episode also breaks down the latest in tax law—including the new bill passing through the House that could extend the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, eliminate taxes on tips (up to $25,000), boost the SALT deduction, and change rules around overtime and Medicaid eligibility. Stewart explains what actually matters for your retirement plan: why you should take advantage of this “tax sale” window, how to make your Social Security more tax efficient, and why waiting until next year could cost you.

Whether you own a business, manage rental properties, or just want to make sure your family and income are protected for the next generation, this show offers actionable advice, a dose of real-life humor, and a clear path to reviewing your business, portfolio, and retirement income plan.

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

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis broadcasts from the Pacific Northwest and gets straight to the point about today’s market turbulence, interest rate swings, and the sometimes-confusing world of retirement income tools. Stewart and Spike Spengel break down what’s really happening in the markets, why comparing your portfolio or annuity to past “highs” can mislead you, and the best action steps to reduce financial stress right now.

Stewart explains why it’s time to reassess your portfolio risk, the right way to secure your retirement income, and when it makes sense to consider a Roth conversion or even refinance old annuities. You’ll learn the truth about annuity “bonus” offers, the hidden costs of piling on extra features, and why there’s a limited window to take advantage of higher interest rates. The team also demystifies what really happens during a portfolio review, from tax efficiency checks to income stream analysis and personalized advice.

If you’re wondering whether to make changes now—or just want clarity about your retirement plan—don’t miss Stewart’s practical, easy-to-follow advice and a step-by-step checklist to protect your future.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary 90-minute portfolio, tax, and annuity review.