The Asset Preservation Hour

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.