Join Sam McGee of Crestmont Private Wealth as he interviews Brandy Kinds from the Texas A&M Foundation. Discover how endowed scholarships work, the impact they have on students, and how anyone—not just the ultra-wealthy—can create a lasting legacy at Texas A&M or other universities. Brandy shares her personal journey, the process of setting up scholarships, and the importance of philanthropic giving in wealth management. The episode also honors the memory of Brian K. Robertson through a special scholarship initiative.

0:00 – Introduction Host Sam McGee introduces the show and guest Brandy Kinds from the Texas A&M Foundation.

0:31 – Meeting Brandy & Endowed Scholarships How Sam met Brandy and learned about the possibility of creating endowed scholarships

1:09 – What is an Endowed Scholarship? Brandy explains the process and flexibility of setting up an endowed scholarship at Texas A&M.

2:31 – Customizing Scholarships Discussion on how donors can tailor scholarships to support specific students or fields.

3:47 – Scholarship Criteria & Administration Clarifying that donors don’t have to handle applicant selection; the university manages the process.

5:18 – Honoring Brian K. Robertson Sam shares the story behind the Brian K. Robertson Perseverance and Belief in Doubt Scholarship.

6:51 – Brandy’s Background Brandy talks about her upbringing, education, and career path leading to the Texas A&M Foundation.

8:20 – The Role of Philanthropy in Wealth Management Why charitable giving is a key part of wealth transfer and legacy planning.

10:30 – How to Get Involved Brandy shares her contact information and encourages listeners to consider creating scholarships.

11:13 – Closing Remarks Final thoughts, gratitude, and a nod to upcoming events.

Original Air Date: December 27, 2025 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact: www.crestmontpw.com

Alec Walker in Houston: 831-280-5288

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth as he interviews Dr. Nathan Harness, Director of the Financial Planning Program at Texas A&M University. They discuss Nathan’s journey into financial planning, the growth of the Texas A&M program, the evolving landscape of financial advice, the shortage of new advisors, and the importance of values and faith in shaping future leaders. Whether you’re interested in finance, education, or personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights into the next generation of financial professionals.

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Dr. Nathan Harness and the Texas A&M Financial Planning Program

00:45 – Nathan’s Background: Early interest in finance and career journey

01:40 – Evolution of the Financial Planning Industry

02:24 – Pursuing Advanced Degrees and Entering Academia

03:18 – Building the Texas A&M Financial Planning Program

04:00 – Core Values and Mission of the Program

05:17 – Program Growth: From 25 to 400+ students

06:00 – The Need for Financial Advice and Industry Impact

07:11 – Sending Graduates into the Industry

08:00 – The Importance of Values-Based Education

09:00 – The Shortage of Financial Advisors and Aging Workforce

10:00 – Opportunities for Young Adults and Career Changers

11:00 – Texas as a Hub for Financial Services Growth

12:00 – Charles Schwab’s Gift and New Facilities

12:30 – The Role of Faith and Values in Nathan’s Work

13:30 – Investing in the Next Generation: Brotherhood of Christian Aggies

14:30 – Final Thoughts: Living Out Convictions and Impacting the World

15:00 – Closing Remarks and Blessings

Original Air Date: December 20, 2025 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact: www.crestmontpw.com

Alec Walker in Houston: 831-280-5288

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of "The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth," hosted by Alec Walker, focuses on end-of-year financial planning—without the stress and panic that often accompanies it. Alec discusses the importance of intentional, proactive planning rather than last-minute, reactive decisions. Key topics include tax strategies (like tax loss harvesting), Roth conversions, charitable contributions, gifting, budget reviews, retirement plan contributions, insurance reviews, and portfolio rebalancing. The episode emphasizes gathering information, reflecting on the past year, and setting thoughtful goals for the upcoming year, all while encouraging listeners to enjoy the holiday season and spend quality time with loved ones.

Timeline

0:00 – Introduction: Alec Walker introduces the episode’s focus on stress-free year-end financial planning.

0:25 – Recap of last week’s episode and transition to deeper year-end topics.

0:45 – Clarification: This is not a call for urgent action, but for intentional planning.

1:08 – Annual review: Looking at account performance, income, and spending.

1:28 – The value of zooming out: Good planning is intentional, not urgent. Overview of topics: tax, retirement, giving, budgeting.

1:55 – Emphasis on gathering information and scheduling proactive conversations for the new year.

2:37 – Acknowledgement of urgent life events, but focus remains on proactive planning.

2:58 – Time-sensitive items: Actions to complete before December 31st.

3:25 – Tax loss harvesting explained: Offsetting capital gains with losses.

3:54 – Example scenario: Using losses to offset gains for tax purposes.

4:14 – When to harvest losses and common mistakes (e.g., wash sale rules).

4:28 – Roth conversions: Why timing matters and who should consider it.

4:48 – Charitable contributions and gifting: Deadlines and requirements for tax deductions.

5:30 – Donor-advised funds: Deadlines and how to get help.

5:46 – Gifting to family: College savings, annual gift limits, and tax implications.

6:24 – Broader wealth planning: Budget review and cashflow checkup.

6:52 – Setting goals for next year: Debt payoff, savings targets, and personal goals.

7:28 – Retirement plan contributions: 401(k) and IRA limits for the coming year.

7:53 – Deadlines for contributions and auto-increase features.

9:10 – Insurance review: Rising costs and the importance of policy checkups.

9:26 – Portfolio rebalancing: When and why it’s done.

10:11 – Closing thoughts: Financial planning is ongoing, not just for year-end.

10:48 – Best outcomes come from thoughtful collaboration, not rushed decisions.

11:31 – Enjoy the holidays: Focus on family, gather documents, and reflect on goals.

12:06 – Suggestions: Upload documents, link accounts, and review budgets.

12:41 – Looking ahead: New tax laws, investment themes (AI, interest rates), and topics for next year.

13:21 – Contact information and closing.

Original Air Date: December 13, 2025 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

Contact: www.crestmontpw.com

Alec Walker in Houston: 831-280-5288

Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.