Join Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, for a discussion on investing in yourself beyond just financial planning. This episode explores career reinvention, health, and overall well-being as essential components of wealth. Sam shares his personal journey from financing refrigerators to becoming a financial advisor, and explains why taking care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health is just as important as managing your portfolio. Whether you're considering a career change, struggling to maintain healthy habits, or looking to get financially organized, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement for living a fulfilling life.

Timeline

0:00 - Introduction & Topic Overview

Welcome to The Ascent podcast

Introducing the concept of investing in yourself

0:51 - Career Reinvention Story

Sam's personal journey from credit finance to financial advisory

The decision to pursue an MBA at University of Houston

2:29 - Finding Career Fulfillment

Why career satisfaction matters

The importance of doing work you love

3:10 - Book Recommendation

"What Color Is Your Parachute?" - finding your passion and path

3:32 - Mid-Career Changes

Going back to school for new skills

Why mid-career changers are often happier

4:38 - Health & Lifestyle

The importance of physical health for enjoying wealth

You can't help others if you don't take care of yourself first

5:51 - Maintaining Healthy Habits

Don't let busy seasons derail your health goals

Regular check-ups and preventive care matter

6:41 - It's Never Too Late

Every day is a new opportunity to invest in yourself

7:27 - Mental & Spiritual Health

The connection between mental/spiritual wellness and financial success

How healthy mindsets help during market volatility

8:44 - Financial Organization Tips

Create a good filing system for financial documents

Scan and digitally organize important papers

10:02 - Why This Matters in Wealth Management

Holistic approach to client relationships

Money alone doesn't create happiness

11:24 - Who Crestmont Serves

High earners and high net worth individuals

Contact information and closing thoughts

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, for a comprehensive overview of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and how they differ from traditional mutual funds.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ What ETFs are and how they work

✅ The evolution from mutual funds to ETFs

✅ Key differences: intraday trading vs. end-of-day pricing

✅ Tax efficiency advantages of ETFs

✅ Lower costs and broader access

✅ Important factors to consider when evaluating ETFs

Whether you're a beginner investor or looking to understand modern investment vehicles, this educational guide breaks down the complex world of ETFs into easy-to-understand concepts.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor and CPA for personalized guidance.

Timeline with Chapters

0:00 - Introduction & Welcome

Welcome to The Ascent podcast with Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth

0:31 - What Are ETFs?

Overview of Exchange Traded Funds and why this topic matters

0:57 - History of Investment Evolution

How the financial services industry evolved from the 1920s to today

2:01 - The Rise of Mutual Funds

How mutual funds provided access to diversification for average investors

3:43 - Tax Inefficiency of Mutual Funds

Understanding the pass-through taxation problem with mutual funds

5:02 - Birth of the ETF Industry

How the 1987 crash and tech bubble led to ETF development

5:41 - How ETFs Work

Exchange trading and intraday pricing explained

6:38 - ETFs vs Index Funds

How ETFs mimic indexes like the S&P 500

7:42 - Cost Advantages of ETFs

Lower costs and broader access compared to mutual funds

8:33 - Tax Efficiency of ETFs

How ETFs provide better tax treatment than mutual funds

9:04 - Free Trading & Lower Costs

How custodians now offer commission-free ETF trading

9:56 - Book Recommendation

CFA Institute's comprehensive guide to ETFs

11:23 - What to Consider When Choosing ETFs

Evaluating liquidity, market cap, track record, and costs

13:14 - Closing & Contact Information

How Crestmont evaluates ETFs for clients and final thoughts

Original Air Date: February 14, 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.

This episode of "The Ascent" features Sam McGee and Alec Walker from Crestmont Private Wealth discussing the development of a "Survivor's Guide" - a comprehensive resource to help surviving spouses navigate financial matters after the death of a partner. They explain how this guide will document critical information like account locations, passwords, key contacts, and financial processes to ease the burden during a difficult time. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation and how their firm helps clients through these transitions.

Timeline

[0:00 - 0:37] Introduction & Welcome

Sam McGee returns as host after Alec Walker filled in

Overview of recent content (year-end recaps, law changes, market updates)

[0:37 - 1:36] About Crestmont Private Wealth

Two offices: Houston and Boerne, Texas

Comprehensive wealth management for high net worth individuals

Website: crestmontpw.com

[1:36 - 3:52] Why Create a Survivor's Guide?

Inspired by client meetings and real experiences with bereaved spouses

Addresses both emotional and financial challenges after death

Covers basics like bill paying and account access

[3:52 - 4:48] The Challenge of Financial Transitions

Comparison to being handed keys to someone else's company

Family finances as an operating business with assets, liabilities, and cash flows

[4:48 - 6:39] What's Included in the Guide

Living document separate from estate plans

Key contacts (advisors, attorneys, CPAs, executors)

Account locations and access information

Documentation of all financial moving pieces

[6:39 - 8:11] Reducing Stress During Grief

Allows families to focus on grieving and funeral arrangements

Eases burden of managing bills and accounts during difficult times

Documents the "mental load" for both spouses

[8:11 - 9:27] E-Money Portal & Digital Vault

Centralized location for account information

Secure vault for private and shared documents

Storage location for the Survivor's Guide

[9:27 - 11:01] Digital Life Management

Importance of password access and device management

Social media and digital accounts

Password keeper setup with emergency access

[11:01 - 12:50] What Happens When a Client Dies

Notification process with custodian (Charles Schwab)

Coordination with family through required steps

Handling death certificates, trust documents, and account transitions

[12:50 - 13:22] Closing Thoughts

Emphasis on preparation: "not if, but when"

Encouragement to be well-prepared for family's sake

Original Air Date: February 7, 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.