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You will learn how provisional income really works, why Social Security becomes taxable for so many people, and how outdated income thresholds are pulling more retirees into higher tax exposure every year. Stewart also dives into inherited IRAs, the end of the stretch IRA, and how compressed distribution rules can turn retirement savings into a tax time bomb if not planned properly.

The conversation also covers Roth conversions, Roth 401k strategies later in life, and why tax planning must be coordinated with Social Security and RMD decisions. If you want to reduce unnecessary taxes, protect your income, and build a smarter retirement plan, this episode delivers clear explanations and actionable guidance.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio review and tax planning analysis.

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 many Americans are delaying retirement, how longer life expectancy and inflation are reshaping retirement timelines, and why having savings is not the same as having an income plan.

If you want to avoid unnecessary taxes, protect your Social Security, and build a retirement strategy that accounts for Medicare premiums, cash flow, and long term stability, this episode delivers practical guidance and clear next steps.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio review and retirement readiness report.

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 differ from just writing a check to your church, and why QCDs can be a powerful way for tithers and regular givers over age seventy and a half to support causes they love without increasing their taxable income.

From there, the focus shifts to Medicare open enrollment and the wave of commercials that hit every fall. Stewart explains why the plan and supplements you choose really matter, what Medicare does not cover such as long term nursing and custodial care, and the pros and cons of traditional long term care insurance versus self insurance strategies that are built into a broader financial plan. He shares personal stories about his own family, the realities of rising care costs, and why couples especially those with an age gap need to coordinate their Medicare and long term care decisions instead of simply copying each other’s elections.

Stewart also talks about how his team uses cash flow analysis and Monte Carlo simulations to test different life and health scenarios, so clients can see whether their portfolios can support better coverage, higher medical costs or an unexpected long stay in care without running out of money. The episode wraps with an invitation to review your Medicare choices, your risk level and your overall retirement readiness so you can feel confident about the path you are on.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio review, Medicare discussion and retirement readiness analysis.

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 connection and an active mind matter just as much as your account balance, along with ideas for working or volunteering by choice instead of necessity. Then Stewart shifts to the rising importance of required minimum distributions, what really happens when Uncle Sam comes for his share of your tax deferred accounts, and why waiting and only spending down bank cash can backfire later in retirement.

Stewart breaks down how RMDs work with multiple accounts, why spouses each have their own separate RMD rules, and how easy it can be to make costly mistakes if you try to manage it alone. He explains how a thoughtful tax plan, including strategic Roth conversions while taxes are still on sale, can help you use today’s brackets more efficiently and avoid surprise taxes and penalties in the future. If you are in or near retirement and feeling uncertain about when to stop working or how RMDs fit into your plan, this episode will give you clarity and a path forward.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary tax and RMD review and portfolio analysis.

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 private credit yields to concerns about social media influencers pitching complex real estate deals, Stewart lays out the real risks of chasing what looks exclusive or trendy. Then the conversation shifts to 2025 retirement statistics, rising average retirement ages and why more people are choosing to work part time in retirement for purpose, community and mental sharpness rather than necessity alone.

Stewart shares stories from client meetings, including helping people figure out if they have enough “take this job and shove it” money, why some of his wealthiest clients drive modest cars and the importance of cash flow analysis to see if your money can last to age 90, 100 and beyond. He also talks about helping employers and workers better understand their 401k options and key opportunities for those age 59 and a half and older who may have more flexibility with their retirement plans than they realize.

If you have been wondering whether you are behind, taking too much risk or missing something in your retirement accounts, this episode offers practical insight, context and a clear invitation to get a real second opinion on your plan.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio review and retirement cash flow analysis.

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 a market that keeps climbing, the huge fee gap between ultra low cost index ETFs and outdated mutual funds, and why your portfolio should evolve as the world changes. From step up in basis for heirs to the danger of letting the tax tail wag the investment dog, Stewart shows how to modernize your investments while keeping an eye on both risk and taxes.

Later in the show, Stewart reacts to news about leadership changes at the IRS and Social Security, talks about government technology finally catching up to the age of artificial intelligence, and highlights the critical difference between tax preparation and true tax planning. He shares why tools like TurboTax and even AI can be helpful but are not a complete substitute for a coordinated retirement and tax strategy, and uses his jujitsu journey as an analogy for finding counters to financial and tax challenges. The episode wraps with a reminder that the fourth quarter is when smart Roth conversions and proactive tax moves can have the biggest impact on your long term retirement picture.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary tax review and portfolio analysis.

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 Medicare IRMAA planning. Stewart also shares why market volatility shouldn’t push you into day trading gimmicks, how to reduce risk as you approach retirement, and when an in service rollover can help you get professional management before you stop working.

If you want confidence that your investments, taxes, and estate plans are working together not against each other this episode gives you practical steps you can apply right away.

📞 Call Stewart and his team for your complimentary portfolio review and fourth quarter tax strategy session at 877-5-RETIRE (877-573-8473) or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com

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 does. Stewart also breaks down the realities of long term care planning, including what happens when a loved one suddenly needs more care, how quickly costs can escalate, and where tools like annuities and other planning strategies may fit in.

If you are concerned about the next shutdown, a market pullback, or how you will pay for future care needs for yourself or a family member, this conversation offers practical steps you can start using right away.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE (877-573-8473) or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary retirement and long term care focused portfolio review.