The Asset Preservation Hour

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis explains why so many retirees sit on money they will never spend, and how a smarter tax strategy can change that. Stewart breaks down why many financial advisors are reluctant to recommend Roth conversions, since converting client assets can shrink the very book of business they manage. He walks through why that conf...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis and Spike Spengel open with a look at how retirement planning shifts dramatically once you stop saving and start distributing. Stewart explains why turning a portfolio into a reliable income plan is one of the most overlooked challenges in retirement, and why getting the tax strategy wrong during distribution can cos...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , wealth strategist Stewart Willis tackles some of the most persistent money myths in retirement planning and asks a question that every near-retiree should be asking: are the rules you've been following still relevant in today's financial landscape? Stewart breaks down why "the market always comes back" is only true if you have the time to wait — and...

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 throu...

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...

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...

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 wh...

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...

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 t...

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...

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....

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 r...

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 cha...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel explore a surprising reality revealed by a national retirement confidence study: nearly half of retirees feel anxious about spending the money they worked their entire lives to save. Even in a strong market environment, many retirees fear running out of money more than they fear not enjoying re...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel break down why proper diversification and proactive tax planning are more critical than ever for retirees and pre-retirees. With global uncertainty, political headlines, and ongoing market volatility, Stewart explains why reacting emotionally to short-term market moves can derail even well-fund...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel explain why personalized, human guidance is still essential in retirement planning, especially as investors face new tax laws, shifting deductions, and increasingly complex financial decisions. As the new year begins, Stewart breaks down why relying solely on AI tools, robo-advisors, or generic...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis is joined by Colorado-based advisor Josh Park to discuss how retirees and pre-retirees can protect what they’ve built after years of strong market performance. With markets near all-time highs and uncertainty about what comes next, the conversation focuses on when it makes sense to take risk off the table and how pre...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel take on one of the most overlooked challenges facing retirees today: longevity. With Americans living longer than ever, Stewart explains why the real risk in retirement is not dying too soon, but living long enough to face rising healthcare costs, long-term care needs, and increased financial s...

In this powerful episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel explore why having money alone does not guarantee a fulfilling or secure retirement. Stewart explains how retirement readiness is less about net worth and more about cash flow, purpose, timing, and the people you want to enjoy life with. You’ll hear a deeply personal story that highlig...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel explore how political cycles influence market performance and what that means for your retirement plan. With emotions running high around elections and leadership changes, Stewart explains why investors often react more to headlines than historical data and how that behavior can lead to costly...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down the estate planning strategies every family should understand to avoid probate, protect privacy, and reduce conflict after you’re gone. Joined by host Spike Spengel, Stewart explains why revocable living trusts are the foundation of most solid estate plans and when irrevocable trusts may make sense. You’l...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis examines why so many retirees and pre retirees hesitate to seek professional financial advice, even as uncertainty and financial anxiety continue to rise. Stewart and Spike Spengel break down recent findings from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies that reveal just how few Americans over 50 work with an adv...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis explains how to determine whether you are truly ready to retire and why retirement readiness goes far beyond hitting a savings number. Stewart and Spike Spengel discuss the emotional and behavioral challenges retirees face, including the fear of spending money, anxiety over taxes, and concerns about Medicare penalties...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis explains how Social Security cost of living adjustments, rising Medicare premiums, and required minimum distributions can quietly reduce your retirement income. Stewart breaks down why a Social Security raise does not always mean more money in your pocket and how Medicare increases and IRMA penalties can create a net...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down the most common tax and retirement planning mistakes he sees during the busiest season of the year. From understanding why tax preparation and tax planning are two very different things to knowing when a Roth conversion actually makes sense, Stewart explains why proactive planning is critical while today’s...