The Asset Preservation Hour

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 to unnecessary risk.

He also dives into the growing conversation around adding private equity, private credit, and digital assets into 401Ks, and why he believes these options could introduce even greater volatility for everyday investors. Stewart highlights the...

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 concept of a retirement window, where today’s lower tax brackets and evolving market conditions create unique planning opportunities, especially when it comes to strategies like Roth conversions. Stewart also addresses market volatility, helping investors understand how...

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 Using the idea of “spring cleaning,” Stewart explains why outdated beneficiaries, missing legal documents, and improperly structured trusts can create serious problems for your family down the road.

From ensuring your IRAs and 401Ks go to the right people to selecting the right successor trustee, Stewart highlights the most common and costly estate planning mistakes people make. He also breaks down why powers of attorney matter, how to avoid...

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 rates to the power of Roth conversions, Stewart walks through strategies designed to reduce long-term tax burdens and create more tax-free income in retirement. He also highlights the hidden risks many inv...

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 chasing performance as retirement approaches.

The conversation explores how annuities can be effective tools when used correctly, and why they can also be harmful when sold without proper planning or transparency. Stewart explains the importance of matching annuity use to liquidity...

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 retirement.

Stewart explains why this anxiety is often emotional, not mathematical, and how a lack of clear cash flow planning leaves retirees disconnected from their true financial reality. You’ll hear real-world stories of 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-funded retirement plans.

The discussion explores how investor confidence is shaped by constant market monitoring and why treating the stock market like a daily scoreboard can lead to poor decisions. Stewart explains the importance of true diversification, not just owning more investments...

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 online advice can lead to costly mistakes.

The discussion covers how recent tax changes, including new senior deductions and income phaseouts, can quietly impact Roth conversions, Social Security taxation, Medicare IRMAA penalties, and overall retirement income. Stewart explains why...

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 preservation becomes more important as retirement approaches.

Josh explains why many investors in their 60s and early 70s can’t afford another major market downturn and how “taking your wins” can help reduce volatili...

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 strain.

The conversation dives into the realities of long-term care planning, including why so many families are unprepared for dementia, Alzheimer’s, and extended care situations. Stewart shares powerful real-world examples that highlight what can ha...

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 highlights how quickly life plans can change and why waiting too long to enjoy retirement can be just as risky as retiring too early. Stewart breaks down common misconceptions about “having enough,” why budget...

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 mistakes.

The discussion breaks down market trends during presidential cycles, including why first years tend to show optimism, second years often bring volatility, and how long-term investors can still benefit by staying properly positioned. Stewart also explains...

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’ll learn how trusts help business owners create smoother succession plans, why wills alone often lead straight into probate, and how blended families face unique estate planning risks if plans are not handled properly. Stewart also shar...

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 advisor, despite widespread fears of running out of money.

The discussion explores why many people try to manage retirement on their own, the risks of relying on flat spreadsheets, and how emotional bias and misinformation can lead...

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.

You will learn why simple rules of thumb and flat spreadsheets often fall short, and how detailed cash flow planning and Monte Carlo simulations help create a more realistic retirement roadmap. Stewart also shares real stories about...

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 loss for many retirees.

You will learn how provisional income really works, why Social Security becomes taxable for so many people, and how outdated income thresholds are pulling more retirees into higher tax exposure every year...

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 tax environment is still favorable.

You will hear real stories about layoffs, early Social Security decisions, severance packages, and how unplanned taxable income can trigger penalties that surprise retirees. Stewart also discusses why so ma...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel pick up their conversation on required minimum distributions and why the timing of your very first RMD can create a surprise tax problem. Stewart explains the special rule that lets you delay that first withdrawal until April of the following year, and why doing that can force you to take two RMDs in one tax year, potentially pushing you into higher brackets and triggering more tax on Social Security and Medicare surcharges. He also walks through how qualified charitable distributions work, how they...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel dig into why so many Americans are delaying retirement and what it really means to be ready. Stewart talks about clients who keep working long after they can afford to, the difference between financial readiness and emotional readiness, and why losing the community of coworkers can make retirement feel harder than the math suggests. He also shares stories from the office, from engineers with complicated spreadsheets to retirees who suddenly realize they actually made it.

You will hear how purpose, social...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel tackle the headlines around BlackRock, ESG investing and the booming world of private credit and private equity. Stewart explains why values based investing matters, how ESG funds have actually performed, and why your portfolio should never include investments that conflict with your personal beliefs without your knowledge. He also breaks down BlackRock’s Aladdin risk engine, the rise of private investments once reserved for the ultra wealthy and the tradeoffs between eye catching yields and real transparency. 

From Bitcoin ETFs and pri...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel unpack the real differences between S&P 500 ETFs and traditional mutual funds, especially when it comes to taxes in your non retirement accounts. Stewart explains why mutual funds can generate phantom capital gains even when you do not sell, how ETF structures give you more control over when you recognize taxes, and when it may be time to stop adding to old legacy mutual funds and consider lower cost ETF options instead.

They also dig into the importance of risk management...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis explains why most people think they have a financial plan when in reality they only have investments and a stack of statements. Stewart breaks down what a true written plan must include, from professional money management and diversification to year round tax strategy and proper estate planning. 

You’ll learn why relying on a single advisor’s stock picks can be risky, how improper titling can derail even a well written trust, and why fourth quarter reviews are essential for decisions like Roth conversions and Medic...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel unpack how government shutdown talk and political drama really affect retirees. From Social Security payments to the stock market’s reaction, Stewart explains why headlines can be scary, but your personal retirement plan matters far more than whatever is happening in Washington.

You will learn how to think about market volatility, why relying on the long bull market can create a false sense of security, and how to build a plan that aims to protect your income no matter what Congress do...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down what the latest Fed rate cuts really mean for retirees, from disappearing five percent money markets to why falling rates could spark a bond rally. He also explains why today’s strong annuity rates may not last and why now could be the ideal time to refinance your retirement before insurance companies adjust.

Stewart and Spike Spengel then highlight the biggest gap in most financial plans: real, holistic planning beyond investments. They cover spending awareness, income sequencing, Social Security timing, ACA and Medicare tr...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis joins Spike Spengel to tackle some of the toughest financial questions retirees face today. From deciding whether crypto belongs in your portfolio to understanding the real risks of investing in a friend’s business or buying that “dream” retirement property, Stewart breaks down what’s smart, what’s risky, and what’s just plain dangerous for your retirement savings.

You’ll also learn the truth about required minimum distributions (RMDs) and why moving IRA assets into a trust can trigger a massive tax bill. Stewart explains how R...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel tackle some of the most common and costly mistakes retirees make with their investments. From leveraged ETFs and variable annuities to the emotional allure of gold, Stewart explains why some popular strategies can do more harm than good, especially for those nearing or in retirement.

Hear real stories, learn how hidden fees and excessive risk can erode your nest egg, and discover safer, smarter ways to grow and preserve your wealth. Stewart also breaks down why “playing the market” and chasing trad...

On this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis tackles the massive transfer of wealth underway and what it really takes to protect your money and your relationships. From the importance of involving spouses and adult children to aligning your investments with your actual life goals, Stewart shares how true fiduciaries guide clients beyond products and into purpose.

You will hear real stories and insights, including:

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis shares why a Beach Boy’s advice about retirement housing got his wife rethinking everything, and why that could matter for your retirement, too. Stewart and host Spike Spengel dive into key retirement decisions, from whether to downsize or upsize, to how the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions could reshape your income strategy.

You’ll learn how today’s high interest rate environment is creating limited-time opportunities for annuities and life insurance, and why Stewart says “refinancing your retirement” could triple your internal rate of return. P...

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down the truth about RILAs—Registered Index-Linked Annuities—and why they may not offer the protection you think. Learn the key differences between RILAs, fixed indexed annuities, and variable annuities, and why Stewart favors a barbell strategy for both growth and security in retirement.

You’ll also discover:

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.

Plu...

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...

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...

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...

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 reti...

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 in...

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 conv...

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 municipa...

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 bi...

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 sens...

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...