The Asset Preservation Hour

Stewart Willis
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Join Stewart Willis, President of Asset Preservation Tax & Retirement Services, and co-host Spike Spengel as they explore strategies for protecting, growing, and maximizing your wealth. Designed for those in or near retirement, this podcast delivers expert insights on tax planning, investment advice, estate planning, and building a secure financial future—all tailored to help you make the most of your life’s work.

  1. 1d ago

    67 – Refinance Your Retirement Before It's Too Late

    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 cost you far more than you might expect. Stewart also makes the case for having a CPA and tax planning in house alongside your financial advisor, sharing why the right hand needs to know what the left hand is doing when it comes to your money. If your advisor is not coordinating your investments and your taxes under one roof, you may be leaving serious money on the table. The heart of the episode digs into annuities, including the fourth consecutive year of record breaking sales according to Limra, and what is really driving that trend. Stewart breaks down why so many people are stuck in underperforming annuities purchased during low interest rate environments, and why today's higher rate environment may be the ideal window to refinance into something better. He explains how insurance companies are offering bonuses and covering surrender fees to attract new business, and why now may be the perfect time to get a second opinion on what you own. Stewart closes with one of his most important distinctions: the difference between income and interest. Interest is what you make. Income is what you take. If your income is coming from your principal rather than your returns, that is a problem worth solving before it is too late. 📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary annuity review and portfolio consultation.

    22 min

  2. Jun 23

    66 – Rethinking Retirement: Old Rules, New Dangers

    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 many retirees simply don't. He walks through the dot-com crash, the 2008 financial crisis, and why the NASDAQ took 16 years to recover, making a compelling case for why protecting a portion of your portfolio matters more than chasing returns as you approach retirement. You'll also hear why 2022 proved that bonds are no longer the reliable hedge they once were, what an inverted yield curve signals about the economy, and why today's rising interest rate environment demands a completely different approach to fixed assets. Plus, Stewart and Spike Spengel explore the new reality of retirement itself — from half-retirement and second careers to why some people are choosing never to fully stop working at all. If you are within a few years of retirement or already there, this episode is a must-listen. The old playbook has changed, and Stewart Willis is here to help you write a new one. 📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio review.

    28 min

  3. Jun 16

    65 - Roth Conversions: Why Paying Taxes Now Saves You Later

    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 through exactly when and how his team executes Roth conversions, including their dollar cost averaging approach during market corrections, how to identify the right tax bracket targets, and why coordinating with a tax professional year round makes all the difference. You will also hear why Roth accounts are about more than just tax savings. They protect your Medicare from IRMA penalties, eliminate required minimum distributions, and allow your heirs to inherit tax free. Stewart and Spike also tackle the latest retirement confidence data showing that fewer than 35% of Americans feel highly confident about retirement, and what is really behind that anxiety. From inflation fears and Social Security concerns to the limits of spreadsheet planning, Stewart makes the case for cash flow analysis as the tool that gives retirees the visibility they need to actually enjoy their retirement. If you have been putting off your Roth strategy or wondering whether your retirement plan will hold up, this episode gives you the clarity and motivation to take action now. 📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary estate planning and portfolio review.

    25 min

  4. Jun 9

    64 - What's Secretly Eating Your 401(k) Returns

    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 the person managing your money may not actually be working for you and how to tell the difference. Stewart shares real stories from client meetings, explains the ERISA rules that shape your 401(k) options, and walks through exactly when it makes sense to move your retirement assets to professionally managed accounts outside your employer's plan. Plus, with markets hitting all-time highs again, Stewart revisits the Roth conversion window and why now may be the right time to take a serious look. And with retirement confidence at near all-time lows for the third year running, this episode is a timely reminder that knowing your numbers is the first step toward changing them. 📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary estate planning and portfolio review.

    22 min

  5. Jun 2

    63 - Tax Season's Over — Now the Real Planning Begins

    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 conversation also shifts into one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning—estate planning. Using a real-life example, Andrew and Spike break down the costly mistakes families make when wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations aren’t updated properly. You’ll learn the key differences between wills and trusts, how probate can delay access to family assets, and why reviewing your beneficiaries regularly could protect your loved ones from unnecessary stress and legal battles. If you want to reduce future taxes, avoid probate headaches, and make sure your retirement and legacy plans are fully aligned, this episode is packed with practical guidance and real-world examples you can use right away. 📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio and tax review.

    26 min

  6. May 26

    62 - What Keeps You Up at Night in Retirement

    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 why focusing too much on market headlines can lead to poor decisions, how inflation quietly erodes your purchasing power, and why healthcare costs and unexpected expenses can disrupt even the best laid plans. Stewart also explains the importance of having a flexible cash flow strategy that evolves with your life, rather than relying on outdated or static financial plans.  Plus, discover how to strike the right balance between enjoying your retirement and preserving your wealth, why some retirees overspend while others are too afraid to spend at all, and how proper risk management can help you sleep better at night. If you want a clearer picture of your financial future and a plan that gives you confidence in retirement, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you get there. 📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary estate planning and portfolio review.

    24 min

  7. May 19

    61 - Why Rushing Your Taxes Can Cost You More

    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 learn the ideal timeline for tax preparation, why extensions can actually improve accuracy, and how poor tax advice, especially from social media, can create serious problems with the IRS. Stewart also dives into smart strategies like Qualified Charitable Distributions, Roth conversions, and proactive tax planning to help reduce long term liabilities. Plus, the conversation expands into what is really keeping retirees up at night, from taxes to market volatility, and how having a clear financial and risk strategy can bring peace of mind. If you want to avoid costly tax mistakes and build a smarter retirement plan, this episode delivers practical insights you can use right away. 📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary estate planning and portfolio review.

    25 min

  8. May 12

    60 - What Most Investors Get Wrong About Their 401K

    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 importance of understanding what you own, how much risk you’re taking, and whether your portfolio actually aligns with your retirement goals. Plus, learn why the years leading up to retirement are a critical window for tax strategies like Roth conversions, how to take advantage of current market conditions, and why having a coordinated financial and tax plan can make all the difference.  If you want to avoid costly mistakes and make smarter decisions with your 401K before retirement, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss. 📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio and retirement review.

    23 min
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About

Join Stewart Willis, President of Asset Preservation Tax & Retirement Services, and co-host Spike Spengel as they explore strategies for protecting, growing, and maximizing your wealth. Designed for those in or near retirement, this podcast delivers expert insights on tax planning, investment advice, estate planning, and building a secure financial future—all tailored to help you make the most of your life’s work.

Information

  • Creator
    Stewart Willis
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Stewart Willis

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