In this episode of "The Ascent," Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth dives deep into the concept of compounding—both in finance and in life. Sam explains the formula for compound interest, why consistency and time matter more than just the rate of return, and how these principles apply to everything from investing to personal habits like working out or maintaining your car. He shares practical advice on making regular contributions, the importance of discipline, and why starting early can make a huge difference. Whether you're new to investing or looking to reinforce good habits, this episode offers valuable insights for building a brighter financial future.

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Sam McGee and the focus on compounding

00:30 – Why compounding matters for all ages

00:52 – The formula for compound interest: What it is and why it’s simple

01:24 – Components of compounding: Time, rate, frequency, and principle

01:54 – Compounding in life: Gym analogy and the power of consistency

02:38 – Negative compounding: Bad habits and their effects

03:22 – Consistency in daily habits: Car maintenance and dental care

04:28 – Back to compound interest: Breaking down the formula

05:01 – The importance of time and consistency over rate of return

05:55 – Real-life examples: Clients who built wealth through discipline

06:35 – The value of regular contributions vs. lump sums

07:29 – Making financial choices: Spend, save, give, and invest

09:13 – The power of compounding over long time horizons

10:04 – The risks of market timing and the value of staying invested

12:29 – Final thoughts: Applying compounding to fitness and life

12:47 – Thank yous and closing remarks

12:50 – Wishing everyone a prosperous new year

Original Air Date: January 3, 2026 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 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.

In this episode of The Ascent, Alec Walker from Crestmont Private Wealth discusses essential financial conversations every couple should have—whether you’re newlyweds or have been married for decades. Alec covers topics like understanding financial personalities, addressing money fears, combining finances, budgeting strategies, setting shared goals, and managing credit and debt. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, this episode is a must-watch for couples looking to strengthen their financial partnership.

00:00 – Introduction: Why couples need to talk about money

00:23 – Article insights: Financial topics for couples

00:44 – Money as a relationship challenge

01:08 – Personal experience: Spender vs. saver dynamics

02:07 – Financial personalities and relationship health

02:47 – Money fears and concerns: Laying cards on the table

03:29 – Childhood influences on financial habits

04:16 – Different family “playbooks” and holiday spending

05:15 – Combining finances: Joint, separate, or hybrid accounts

06:05 – Budgeting strategies: Essentials vs. lifestyle expenses

07:03 – Emergency savings and retirement budgeting

09:03 – Setting and tracking shared financial goals

10:24 – Evolving goals: Gifting, charity, and legacy

10:42 – The importance of credit scores and transparency

11:20 – Debt management strategies

12:00 – Final thoughts: Planning for financial health

12:25 – Personal note: Camping and family time

13:02 – How to contact Crestmont Private Wealth

13:20 – Outro and thanks

Original Air Date: December 6, 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" features Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth and guest Jeremy Farber from Home Instead. The discussion centers on planning for non-medical daily living care, especially for aging couples without nearby family and families with special needs children. Key topics include the importance of early planning, the types of daily living activities that require support, the flexibility of in-home care services, the growing demand for caregivers, and the financial aspects of long-term care. The conversation also touches on the lack of public awareness about in-home care and encourages listeners to start conversations and planning early.

Timeline & Key Moments

0:00 – Introduction & Recap

0:41 – Three Scenarios: Aging Couples, Special Needs, and Care Planning

1:36 – Special Needs Planning: Personal Experience

2:23 – Asset Protection & Caregiver Support

3:09 – Government Programs & Staying at Home

4:01 – Aging Gracefully: When to Seek Help

5:08 – The Importance of Early Planning

6:08 – Activities of Daily Living Explained

7:06 – Supporting Independence & Caregiver Burnout

8:08 – Types of In-Home Care Services

10:01 – The Growing Long-Term Care Industry

12:25 – Raising Awareness & How to Get Help

13:04 – Closing Thoughts & Contact Information

Original Air Date: November 29, 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

https://www.homeinstead.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "The Ascent" with Crestmont Private Wealth, host Sam McGee interviews Jeremy Farber from Home Instead. They discuss the importance of planning for long-term care, the challenges families face when unexpected health events occur, and practical steps to prepare for the future. Jeremy shares his personal journey, the mission behind Home Instead, and tips for helping loved ones age in place. The conversation covers financial planning, long-term care insurance, and the value of open family discussions about aging and care needs.

For more information, visit crestmontpw.com or homeinstead.com/boerne.

00:00 – Introduction: Host and guest introductions

00:37 – Jeremy’s background and how he got into home care

01:52 – Personal story: Helping a family friend after a stroke

02:45 – Jeremy’s “why” and career journey

03:48 – Transition to in-home care and serving clients

05:13 – Who needs in-home care? Not just seniors

06:00 – Planning ahead for long-term care

07:00 – Practical tips for preparing for the unexpected

08:00 – Importance of having documents and conversations in place

09:00 – Legal and medical preparations (wills, power of attorney, DNR)

10:00 – The goal: Helping people stay independent at home

11:00 – Types of care: Companionship to skilled care

12:00 – Financial planning for long-term care

13:00 – The importance of conversations with aging parents

14:00 – What happens when there’s no plan?

15:00 – Long-term care insurance: What it covers and common misconceptions

16:00 – Aging in place: Allowing clients to stay in their homes

17:00 – Final thoughts: The importance of planning and open conversations

18:00 – How to contact Crestmont Private Wealth and Home Instead

19:00 – Closing remarks and preview of Part B

Original Air Date: November 22, 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

https://www.homeinstead.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, and Alec Walker, CFP, as they dive into behavioral finance biases, risk tolerance, and the challenges of investing during a market high. They discuss common investor biases like loss aversion, anchoring, and the illusion of control, and share historical data on market performance after all-time highs. The conversation also covers strategies for managing risk, the importance of understanding your own risk tolerance, and how working with an advisor can help you stay on track during volatile times.

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Sam McGee & Alec Walker

00:32 – Are we in a bubble? AI, market highs, and current events

01:14 – Behavioral finance: Loss aversion explained

02:46 – Anchoring bias and market highs

03:45 – The illusion of control in investing

04:48 – Historical data: S&P 500 after all-time highs

06:09 – Comparing today’s market to the dot-com bubble

07:19 – The unpredictability of market cycles

08:25 – Advice for investors: Timing the market vs. staying invested

09:25 – Understanding risk tolerance and risk willingness

10:30 – How to calibrate your portfolio for volatility

11:30 – Real client stories: Managing emotions and sticking to the plan

12:30 – The value of an advisor in behavioral coaching

13:30 – Analogies: Baseball, mountain biking, and investing

14:30 – Closing thoughts & how to contact Alec

Original Air Date: November 15, 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.