The Asset Preservation Hour

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis tackles the growing concerns around pension plan security and what it means for today’s retirees and future generations. Broadcasting from the Pacific Northwest, Stewart shares timely stories about pension reductions, underfunded state plans, and the difficult decisions faced by both public and private sector employees—including the recent Blue Cross Blue Shield lump sum buyouts.

Stewart dives into practical strategies for evaluating your own pension options, the rising popularity of annuities as DIY pensions, and why now is the time to reassess your portfolio’s risk. The conversation expands to current economic events—from “tariff tantrums” and inflation to the long-term risks of a service economy and supply chain vulnerabilities. Plus, Stewart opens up about the real cost of college, the value of different degrees, and why student loan forgiveness can’t always be counted on.

Whether you’re managing a pension, considering big purchases, or wondering if you should change your 401k contributions during market volatility, Stewart delivers actionable advice, smart tax strategies, and relatable stories to help you stay on track for a secure retirement.

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

On this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel dive into the most common concerns facing retirees and business owners today. Stewart shares real stories from clients and live events, including how business owners can build succession plans that preserve value (even if your kids don’t want the business) and how to set up a secure income stream for your own retirement.

You’ll also learn why meeting with a financial advisor isn’t as stressful, or expensive, as you might think, and what being a “fiduciary” really means for your peace of mind. Stewart explains the importance of honest, transparent advice, especially when it comes to risk assessment and making sure your portfolio matches your goals. Plus, the team tackles big retirement fears like running out of money, navigating inflation, and structuring withdrawals for a long, confident retirement.

From the “shoebox of statements” to do-it-yourself investors, Stewart covers why getting a second opinion can make all the difference. This episode is packed with practical advice for business owners, engineers, and anyone looking to protect what they’ve built and enjoy the retirement they deserve.

Ready for your own complimentary portfolio review or business succession conversation? Stewart’s team is here to help.

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

This week on The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel tackle the rollercoaster of market volatility, tariffs, and changing interest rates. From navigating emotional reactions to market swings to understanding why “timing the market is a fool’s errand,” Stewart explains how long-term investing and smart strategy are key to retirement success, even when the headlines are scary.

Discover how rising and falling interest rates impact your retirement tools, when it might be time to “refinance your retirement,” and what to do if you bought annuities or CDs during the lowest rate environment in history. Stewart also unpacks practical strategies like tax-loss harvesting, Roth conversions (with critical warnings for those under 59 and a half), and why your risk level should change as you approach retirement.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, whether you’re 50 and still saving, or you’re on the brink of retirement. Plus, Stewart explains why listening to financial advice from TikTok or the breakroom can lead you astray, and why a second opinion from an independent advisor could make all the difference.

Ready for your own no-cost portfolio review or annuity analysis? Stewart’s team is offering complimentary reviews!

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

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis wraps up the tax season and shifts the focus to proactive tax planning and retirement saving strategies. Stewart discusses the future of tax brackets, sharing insights on potential changes and their implications for high earners.

Discover why raiding your 401(k) could be a costly mistake, learn the risks involved, from penalties and taxes to lost compound growth. Stewart sheds light on common pitfalls, including taking loans and early distributions from your retirement savings, and why your 401(k) should never serve as an emergency fund.

Stewart and host Spike Spengel also explore critical retirement decisions you must make, including what to do with your 401(k) when changing jobs, how to manage investment risk as you approach retirement, and the best timing for claiming Social Security benefits.

Packed with practical advice and eye-opening real-life examples, from the costly mistakes people make funding lifestyle choices, like vacations, with retirement savings, to understanding sequence-of-return risks, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about securing their financial future.

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

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis delivers a crucial checklist for anyone approaching retirement in the next six months to two years. From budgeting and protecting against market downturns to avoiding sequence of returns risk, Stewart outlines exactly what you should be doing right now to safeguard your retirement.

He also breaks down one of the most overlooked parts of financial planning: how the timing of your Social Security withdrawals could mean the difference between a $1.5 million and $2.5 million lifetime benefit, and how poor tax planning could make much of that taxable. Plus, Stewart and host Spike Spengel dive into real-world estate planning dilemmas, like whether equal is always fair when leaving assets to your children, and how to avoid destroying family relationships in the process.

This episode also features vital insights into the role of powers of attorney, how business owners can prepare for incapacity, and why your estate plan isn’t just about what happens after death, it’s about protecting your interests while you're alive.

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

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis unpacks the recent market volatility and reveals why it’s not time to panic, it’s time to plan. From smart Roth conversions during market dips to in-service rollovers and the difference between Roth IRAs and life insurance for legacy planning, Stewart lays out actionable strategies to turn market downturns into long-term advantages.

You’ll also hear the story of a young couple who thought they were making all the right tax moves, until their surprise IRS bill showed otherwise, and what Stewart did to help them course-correct. Plus, learn how even high-net-worth individuals miss out on key opportunities, and why your financial advisor should always be reviewing your tax return.

Whether you’re early in your career or just a few years from retirement, this episode is filled with tips to help you build wealth, minimize taxes, and take control of your financial future.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio risk review and forward-looking tax strategy session.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis dives deep into the world of estate planning—and the surprising complications that come with it. From deciding between “equal” and “fair” inheritance splits to using life insurance to balance out gifts between children, Stewart reveals the often-overlooked strategies that can protect your legacy and your relationships.

You’ll also hear stories of sudden windfalls, poorly handled inheritances, and why Stewart says your estate plan should be about more than just money—it’s about keeping your family together. Plus, learn why powers of attorney, trust ownership of assets, and clear goals for your estate are essential if you're a business owner or just want to avoid probate.

If you want to ensure your family stays intact long after you're gone, this episode is packed with practical advice, real stories, and proven strategies to do just that.

📞 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 shares a powerful reminder: life doesn’t always go as planned. Whether it's an unexpected health scare, job loss, market downturn, or family financial pressure, your retirement plan needs to be ready to adapt.

Stewart explains how a true retirement strategy goes beyond investing—it includes tax planning, risk management, lifestyle flexibility, and even preparing your family. You’ll hear real stories about supporting adult children, making Roth conversions before age 59½, how income and risk should be aligned, and what to do if your financial advisor isn't including your spouse in the planning process.

Plus, Stewart breaks down how compounding works (and how it can work against you), what to do with inherited 401(k)s, and how technology and coaching help his clients—and his advisory team—stay focused, clear, and confident.

If life feels uncertain right now, this episode brings steady, practical advice for staying on track.

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

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis tackles one of the most personal—and stressful—questions in planning: “Can I actually retire?” From unexpected job loss to emotional decisions fueled by political headlines, Stewart walks you through how to make a data-driven, personalized retirement decision.

You’ll hear real client stories, including a 67-year-old who retired two years earlier than planned, and how tools like dynamic income modeling and tax planning helped him stay on track. Stewart also covers what higher-income earners often overlook, why some early retirees struggle, and how smart planning can adapt to your changing life—whether you’re facing a volatile market, shifting goals, or big life purchases.

If you want to stop guessing and start planning with confidence, this episode is for you.

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

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down one of the biggest questions pre-retirees face: "Can I actually stop working?" From creating a tax-smart withdrawal strategy to analyzing longevity risk, Stewart explains the real numbers that matter when evaluating your retirement readiness.

You’ll learn how taxes, income gaps, and spousal planning all factor into your ability to retire with confidence—and stay retired. Stewart also shares stories from real client cases, including overlooked risks with pensions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and how failing to plan for a surviving spouse can create financial disaster.

If you're within five years of retirement or already there, this episode will help you see where you stand—and what steps can protect your future.

For your complimentary income and tax review, call 📞 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com.