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. Recorded on September 11th, the conversation also honors the sacrifices of first responders and highlights the club’s commitment to local impact.

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Sam McGee & Laura Anderson

00:45 – Laura’s Law Enforcement Background

01:28 – The Risks and Sacrifices of First Responders

02:30 – Mental Health Challenges in Law Enforcement

03:00 – How Laura Got Involved with the 100 Club

03:40 – What the 100 Club of Kendall County Does

04:30 – "Tug the Truck" Event Overview

05:15 – Event Activities: Fire Truck Tug, Police Car Push, Awards

06:00 – Community Involvement & Sponsors

07:00 – Honoring 9/11 and Fallen First Responders

08:00 – Stories of Support: Mental Health & Financial Aid

09:00 – Scholarships and Training Grants

10:00 – The Importance of Mental Health Support

11:00 – Other Annual Events: Boots for the Badges Bash

12:00 – How Donations Are Used Locally

13:00 – How to Get Involved & Wishlist

14:00 – Closing Thoughts: Community, Patriotism, and Contact Info

15:44 – End of Episode

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

https://www.100clubkendallcounty.org/

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.

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 ensure a smooth, meaningful shift into this new chapter of life.

Timeline / Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction & About Crestmont Private Wealth

00:50 – The Emotional Side of Retirement

01:55 – Loss of Identity & Finding New Purpose

02:37 – Planning New Routines and Hobbies

03:18 – Maintaining Social Connections

04:52 – Lifestyle Changes in Retirement

05:37 – Financial Planning & Setting Expectations

06:43 – Managing Financial Anxiety

08:12 – The Importance of an Income Plan

09:02 – Ongoing Financial Maintenance

09:25 – Seeking Support: Therapy & Coaching

10:48 – Finding Purpose & Fulfillment

11:39 – The Impact of Losing Purpose

12:00 – The Value of a Retirement Coach

12:31 – Final Thoughts & Resources

Original Air Date: August 30, 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.

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, and the life-changing opportunities that vocational training provides for young people. Special guests and supporters, including local dignitaries and celebrities, are highlighted, along with ways listeners can get involved.

• Original Air Date: August 23, 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

00:00 – Introduction to the show and disclaimer

00:35 – About Crestmont Private Wealth and the Boerne, TX office

00:58 – Introducing Dorman Vic and the Champion High School welding program

01:38 – Dorman’s journey: inspiration, testimony, and the start of the program

02:47 – The impact of the program and community support

04:23 – Student stories: overcoming adversity and breaking barriers

05:45 – The value of vocational education in a white-collar community

07:00 – Bringing shop class and vocational training back to schools

08:30 – The importance of hands-on skills and learning new trades

10:00 – The role of taxpayers and the public in supporting education

11:30 – Advice for other school districts and the future of vocational education

13:00 – The need for industry involvement and urgency in skilled trades

14:30 – The decline of the middle class and the importance of manufacturing

15:45 – Famous people who started in skilled trades

17:00 – The broader impact of shop programs and role models

18:30 – The infrastructure and essential skills that keep society running

19:45 – The “Amazon culture” and the reality of production

20:30 – Success stories: student certifications and employability

22:00 – Building confidence and portfolios for students

23:00 – Projects for the government and celebrities

24:00 – Life skills and character development through the program

25:00 – How listeners can support the Welding Student Support Foundation

26:00 – Social media and ways to connect with the program

27:00 – The role of Governor Perry and other supporters

28:00 – Final thoughts: the movement for vocational education

29:00 – Call to action for listeners and closing remarks

30:00 – Outro and well wishes

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, the value of diversification, and practical advice for weathering market corrections. For more resources or to get a copy of the referenced deck, contact info@crestmontpw.com.

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Sam McGee and Crestmont Private Wealth
00:31 – Reference to the investment deck and how to get a copy
00:59 – Investing as a long-term game vs. speculation
01:49 – Risks of investing and the importance of perspective
02:16 – The impact of news headlines and market volatility
02:45 – Example: 2002 steel tariffs and market resilience
04:22 – 2018 US-China tariffs and market response
05:05 – Lessons from market history: bull and bear markets since 1950
06:47 – The value of staying invested through recessions and downturns
07:23 – The 2008 financial crisis: panic vs. patience
07:55 – The COVID-19 crash and V-shaped recovery
09:12 – Emotional decisions and the cost of panic selling
10:06 – Diversification and building a robust financial plan
10:32 – Market corrections: why they’re loud, and recoveries are quiet
11:21 – The importance of being prepared for the unexpected
12:31 – Recap: behavioral finance, history, and staying the course
13:03 – Final thoughts, how to contact Crestmont Private Wealth, and closing remarks

• Original Air Date: August 16, 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.

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 diversification in financial planning. If you’re looking to catch up on economic news and market trends as the school year begins, this episode is for you!

00:00 – Introduction & Disclaimer

00:34 – Back to School: Timing and Parental Routines

01:02 – Economy vs. Financial Markets: Key Differences

01:29 – What is the Economy? (Lagging Indicator)

02:03 – Financial Markets as Leading Indicators

02:28 – Market Volatility and Irrationality in 2025

03:00 – S&P 500 Performance: Downturn and Rebound

03:28 – State of the Economy: Key Bullet Points

03:49 – U.S. Unemployment Data (July 2025)

04:09 – Comparing Unemployment: 2020 vs. 2025

04:36 – Government Stimulus and Unemployment Trends

05:07 – Current Unemployment Rate and Historical Context

05:28 – U.S. Consumer Price Index & Inflation Trends

05:50 – Fed Rate Hikes and Impact on Inflation

06:30 – CPI Drop and Current Inflation Rate

06:51 – Real Estate Market Overview

07:13 – Case Shiller Home Price Index Trends

07:25 – Home Prices, Interest Rates, and Inventory

07:44 – Effects of High Prices and Low Inventory

08:17 – Seller Behavior and Market Adjustments

08:37 – Mortgage Rates and Buyer/Seller Dynamics

08:51 – U.S. Company Earnings and Economic Resilience

09:27 – Fed Rate Cut Expectations and Inflation

09:55 – Inflation Uptick and Fed’s Dilemma

10:53 – The Fed’s Balancing Act: Inflation vs. Economy

11:12 – Rate Cut Predictions and Market Expectations

11:34 – Financial Markets: Year-to-Date Performance

12:01 – S&P 500 and ETF Performance

12:36 – Growth vs. Value: Russell 1000 Indices

13:03 – Market Resilience Amid Geopolitical Risks

13:29 – Recap: Economic and Market Update

13:54 – Crestmont Private Wealth’s Approach & Contact Info

14:22 – Outro and Closing Remarks

• Original Air Date: August 9, 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.

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 episode highlights the dedication of firefighters, the importance of mental health support, and the strength of the local community in times of crisis.

Timeline & Chapters

• 0:00 – Introduction
  • Host disclaimer, show intro, and guest introductions.
• 0:35 – Co-host Sam McGee checks in from Colorado
  • Reflections on remote work and recent events.
• 1:00 – Acknowledgment of Flooding in Hill Country
  • Expressing thoughts for those affected.
• 1:17 – Focus of the Episode: First Responders
  • Setting the stage for the discussion on emergency response.
• 1:42 – Introducing Assistant Fire Chief Walter Ball
  • Chief Ball joins the show, shares his background.
• 2:24 – July 4th Flood Response: Timeline
  • Chief Ball recounts the days leading up to and during the flood.
  • Early morning weather monitoring and mutual aid activation.
• 4:11 – Emergency Operations Center & Swift Water Rescue
  • Details on the EOC, boat teams, and rescue missions.
• 5:24 – Scope of the Response
  • 20 river miles covered, multiple agencies involved.
• 6:14 – Inter-agency Coordination
  • Collaboration between fire, EMS, police, and emergency management.
• 7:09 – Positive Stories from the Field
  • Community support: notes left on responders’ vehicles.
  • Mental health support offered to first responders.
• 10:47 – Firefighter Games & Community Events
  • Chief Ball discusses the Texas Firefighter Games and the possibility of hosting them locally.
  • Upcoming "Tug the Truck" and police car push event.
• 13:00 – Community Resilience & Appreciation
  • Reflections on the community’s response and gratitude for first responders.
• 15:00 – Closing Remarks
  • Information on Crestmont Private Wealth and how to get involved in community events.

• Original Air Date: August 2, 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.

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.

Timeline:

• 00:00 – Introduction & Host Welcome
• 00:30 – Back-to-School Season & College Savings Overview
• 00:52 – Analyzing College Funding Goals
• 01:12 – The True Cost of College Today & in the Future
• 02:09 – Inflation and Projected College Costs
• 02:32 – Why Start Saving Early?
• 02:59 – Ways to Save for College: Savings, Investments, 529 Plans
• 03:22 – 529 Plan Benefits & Drawbacks
• 04:04 – 529 Plan Flexibility & Financial Aid Impact
• 04:44 – Running College Savings Analyses for Clients
• 05:23 – Recent Legislative Changes: Expanded 529 Uses
• 06:03 – 529s for Trade Schools & Credentialing
• 06:19 – Rolling Over 529 Funds to Roth IRA
• 06:54 – Multi-Generational College Planning
• 08:28 – Gifting to 529s for Birthdays & Holidays
• 08:58 – Student Debt: Strategies for Repayment
• 09:31 – When to Pay Down Debt vs. Invest
• 10:11 – Importance of Working with an Advisor
• 10:57 – Personal Story: University of Houston & Family Tradition
• 12:00 – Closing Remarks & Contact Information

Original Air Date: July 26, 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.

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 personal cooking tip on making a flavorful Chicken Piccata. .

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers

00:28 The Value of an Advisor: An Overview

00:56 Vanguard Study on Advisor Value

02:18 Key Areas of Advisor Value

03:14 Top Three Investment Strategies

04:52 Behavioral Coaching: A Major Value Add

06:38 Tax Efficiency and Asset Location

08:15 Total Return vs. Income Investing

08:54 Tax Loss Harvesting

09:41 Conclusion and Contact Information

10:20 Cooking Tip: Lemony Chicken Piccata

Original Air Date: July 19, 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.