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importance of risk management in a market that keeps climbing, the huge fee gap between ultra low cost index ETFs and outdated mutual funds, and why your portfolio should evolve as the world changes.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.