The Asset Preservation Hour

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis and Spike Spengel break down the financial power moves that matter most as you head into your 60s. The first one takes real effort: paying taxes sooner rather than later. Stewart explains why we are living through one of the lowest tax environments in modern American history, why taxes are essentially on sale, and wh...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis continues the financial jujitsu conversation, this time focusing on leverage and knowing when to tap out. Stewart explains how the same principles that apply on the mat apply to your portfolio: small, incremental improvements across every part of your financial plan can create real leverage, while waiting too long to...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis draws on an unexpected source of inspiration: his recent jujitsu training camp. Fresh off the mats (and nursing a few bumps and bruises to prove it), Stewart joins cohost Spike Spengel to explore what martial arts preparation can teach us about preparing for retirement. Stewart explains why the best retirement plans,...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , Stewart Willis and Spike Spengel dig into what they call the longevity revolution and what it means for how you plan your retirement. With more Americans turning 65 every day than at any point in history, a trend known as peak 65, Stewart explains why retiring at a set age like 62 or 65 may not make sense if your retirement could realistically last...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , Stewart Willis and Spike Spengel break down why social media has become one of the most dangerous places to get financial guidance and what to trust instead. After a wild week in the markets, with an 1100 point drop followed by a sharp rebound, Stewart explains why volatility is simply part of investing and why your ability to tolerate it matters ju...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis shares a story from his recent trip to Greece, where a local travel concierge stepped in to solve problems he and his group never even knew to plan for. Stewart uses the experience to make a case for why do it yourself retirement planning, while well intentioned, often leaves people exposed to risks they cannot see c...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis returns from an unforgettable trip to Greece with a simple but powerful observation: most people spend far more time planning their annual vacation than they do planning their retirement. Stewart and cohost Spike Spengel dig into why that mindset needs to change, and what it actually looks like to plan retirement the...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis takes listeners on a tour of some of the country's hottest retirement destinations, from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the fast growing upstate of South Carolina. Stewart breaks down why Nevada's tax free status is drawing high net worth retirees out of California, how the city's booming sports and entertainment...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel take a state by state look at retirement, starting with Arizona. Once considered the go to affordable destination for retirees leaving California, Arizona has changed. Stewart explains how rising home prices, higher HOA fees, and summer energy costs are reshaping what it actually costs to retir...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis and Spike Spengel tackle one of the biggest stories in retirement planning today: the looming Social Security funding shortfall projected to hit as early as 2032. Stewart breaks down why this rare moment of bipartisan agreement between lawmakers should not be dismissed, and what a potential benefit reduction could me...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down Morningstar's newly released 2026 retirement withdrawal rate report, which shows the recommended rate ticking up to 3.9 percent from 3.7 percent last year. But what does that number actually mean for you? Stewart explains the assumptions behind the famous 4 percent rule, why it was never meant to be a one...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour , financial advisor Stewart Willis and Spike Spengel dig into one of the most misunderstood parts of divorce planning: dividing retirement assets. Stewart explains why a house worth $500,000 and a 401k worth $500,000 are not actually equal once taxes and early withdrawal penalties are factored in, and why couples need a financial advisor who understan...

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...