The Ascent With Crestmont Private Wealth

In this episode of The Ascent, Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth shares his personal experiences and professional advice on college visits and preparing your child for college. From the evolving college application process to practical tips on campus tours, housing, financial planning, and essential legal documents, Sam provides valuable insights for parents and students navigating the journey to higher education.

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In this episode of "The Ascent," Sam McGee (CEO, Crestmont Private Wealth) and Alec Walker (EVP of Financial Planning) discuss the impact of layoffs in the energy sector, financial planning strategies during uncertain times, and the importance of diversification and adaptability. They share practical advice for individuals facing layoffs, including emergency savings, investment strategies, and maintaining a strong professional netw...

In this episode of "The Ascent," host Sam McGee interviews Marshall Fisher, Director of Distillate Trading at Valero. They discuss Marshall’s background, his journey into the energy and aviation fuel industry, the intricacies of jet fuel production and distribution, and the impact of global events like COVID-19 on the fuel market. Marshall shares industry stories, including a humorous anecdote about commodity trading, and off...

In this episode of The Ascent, Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth discusses essential considerations for aging parents and their families. Covering topics like legal documentation, income planning, healthcare, family communication, and fraud protection, Sam shares practical advice and real-world experiences to help families navigate the complexities of aging and wealth management. Whether you’re planning for your own fut...

In this episode of The Ascent, Alec Walker from Crestmont Private Wealth explains everything you need to know about Roth conversions. He covers what a Roth conversion is, when and why it makes sense, key rules and deadlines, tax implications, and how to determine if a Roth conversion is right for you. Alec also discusses the impact on Medicare premiums, estate planning, and strategies for optimizing your conversions. If you’r...

Join Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth as he interviews Laura Anderson, president of the 100 Club of Kendall County. Laura shares her background as a law enforcement officer, the mission of the 100 Club, and the importance of supporting first responders and their families. The episode covers the annual "Tug the Truck" event, mental health challenges for first responders, stories of community support, and ways to get involved....

Welcome to The Ascent! In this episode, Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth discusses the often-overlooked mental and emotional aspects of preparing for retirement. While financial planning is crucial, Sam emphasizes the importance of addressing identity, purpose, routines, social connections, and mental health as you transition into retirement. Learn practical strategies to maintain fulfillment, manage financial anxiety, and e...

In this episode of "The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth," host Sam McGee interviews Dorman Vic, the leader of the renowned welding program at Champion High School in Boerne, Texas. They discuss the origins and impact of the program, the importance of vocational education, inspiring student stories, and the broader movement to bring skilled trades back into the spotlight. The conversation covers faith, grit, community support, ...

In this episode of The Ascent, Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, discusses the importance of long-term investing and maintaining perspective during market volatility. Drawing on historical examples like tariffs, bear and bull markets, the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 downturn, Sam explains why staying invested and managing emotions is crucial for financial success. The episode also covers behavioral finance, th...

In this back-to-school update, Sam McGee covers the current state of the U.S. economy and financial markets as of August 2025. He discusses the relationship between the economy and markets, recent trends in unemployment, inflation, real estate, and interest rates, and provides insights into what may be ahead for investors. The episode also touches on the Federal Reserve’s actions, market volatility, and the importance of dive...

In this episode of "The Ascent," host Sam McGee is joined by Assistant Fire Chief Walter Ball to discuss the recent flooding in Hill Country, Texas, and the heroic response of local first responders. The conversation covers the timeline of the emergency, inter-agency cooperation, personal stories of resilience and community support, and upcoming community events like the Firefighter Games and the "Tug the Truck" fundraiser. The epi...

Alec Walker, EVP of Financial Planning at Crestmont Private Wealth discusses strategies for college savings during the back-to-school season. Alec covers the rising costs of college, the benefits and drawbacks of 529 plans, recent legislative changes, multi-generational planning, and tips for managing student debt. He also shares personal stories and practical advice for families planning for education expenses.

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In this episode of 'The Ascent', Alec Walker of Crestmont Private Wealth discusses the tangible benefits of working with a financial advisor. Alec reviews a landmark study by Vanguard, which quantifies how advisors can add up to 3% or more in net returns for clients. The episode breaks down key areas like asset allocation, investment selection, rebalancing, behavioral coaching, tax-efficient strategies, and more. Alec also shares a...

Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth and his son, Samuel, discuss financial literacy, the importance of work ethic, and the value of giving time, talent, and treasure. Samuel shares insights from his experiences with Early Act, a service-oriented group he joined in fifth grade, and delves into his summer training for football, the educational value of doing chores, and thoughts on AI technology. This heartwarming and informative...

This podcast episode features an engaging conversation between Sam McGee, CEO and owner of Crestmont Private Wealth, and Hannah Perry, the firm's Chief Operating Officer.

Sam and Hannah discuss her journey with the company, starting with her days at LSU and her initial roles in Houston, through her move to Lakeway, working remotely during the pandemic, and ultimately relocating to Boerne.

Hannah shares how her responsibilities evol...

This episode of The Ascent, hosted by Sam McGee, the CEO and owner of Crestmont Private Wealth. features a guest, Rebecca Petri, who recently graduated from Texas A&M's Financial Planning School. The host and guest discuss a range of topics including Rebecca's background, the value of internships, and the experience of transitioning from academia to a career in financial planning. They also touch on the importance of certificat...

The Ascent: Balancing Family, Business, and Teen Life with Izzy McGee!

In this special episode of The Ascent, host Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth invites his daughter, Isabella McGee, to share her unique perspective on growing up as the child of a business owner. From the pros and cons of having entrepreneurial parents to navigating the pressures of teenage life in 2025, she opens up about her experiences. Izzy also discus...

Sam McGee and Alec Walker speak about Financial Literacy Gaps Between Spouses and Across Generations.

They explore common scenarios where one spouse may be less financially literate and the potential issues that can arise when one partner is solely responsible for managing finances. Alec shares insights and experiences on engaging both spouses in financial planning, emphasizing the benefits of regular discussions about finances and...

The Ascent: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2.0 Explained

Join Sam McGee and Alec Walker from Crestmont Private Wealth in this informative episode of 'The Ascent' on Boerne Radio. They delve into the key provisions and implications of the newly proposed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2.0, including income tax bracket changes, enhanced standard deductions, and adjustments to the state and local tax deduction cap. This episode also provides insights in...