In this episode of The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth, EVP of Financial Planning Alec Walker shares timely insights on navigating market volatility, the importance of staying invested, Q1 earnings results, and key estate planning considerations for 2025.

Topics covered:

Why selling during a market decline can be a costly mistake

How missing just the top 10 trading days impacts long-term returns

Early Q1 2025 earnings results and what they signal for the market

The AI sector's strong performance and what to watch going forward

Estate planning: what the new $15M exemption means for you

How Crestmont can help you review your estate plan this summer

Original Air Date: May 2, 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

In this episode of The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth, EVP of Financial Planning Alec Walker shares timely insights on navigating market volatility, the importance of staying invested, Q1 earnings results, and key estate planning considerations for 2025.
Topics covered:
Why selling during a market decline can be a costly mistake
How missing just the top 10 trading days impacts long-term returns
Early Q1 2025 earnings results and what they signal for the market
The AI sector's strong performance and what to watch going forward
Estate planning: what the new $15M exemption means for you
How Crestmont can help you review your estate plan this summer
Original Air Date: May 2, 2026 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
Contact:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.crestmontpw.com">www.crestmontpw.com</a>&nbsp;
Alec Walker in Houston:&nbsp; 831-280-5288&nbsp;
Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

Host:  Sam McGee, MBA, CFA

Founder/Owner of Crestmont Private Wealth.
604 S. Main St. Boerne TX 78006
(830) 368-2898
www.crestmontpw.com

Host:  Sam McGee, MBA, CFA
Founder/Owner of Crestmont Private Wealth.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.google.com/maps?q=604%20S.%20Main%20St.,%20Boerne,%20TX,%2078006">604 S. Main St. Boerne TX 78006</a></li>
<li><a href="tel:8303682898">(830) 368-2898</a></li>
<li><a href="http://crestmontpw.com/">www.crestmontpw.com</a></li>
</ul>

The Ascent With Crestmont Private Wealth

The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth 

Host: Sam McGee

Houston Office: I Riverway, Suite 470 Houston, Texas 77056

(832) 280-5288

Boerne Office: 604 South Main Boerne, Texas 78006

Office (830) 368-2898

About Sam McGee

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER

Sam McGee is the founder and owner of Crestmont Private Wealth. As CEO, he believes that to lead well you must have a servant heart. His day-to-day role with Crestmont is to lead and learn from a group of talented professionals who have high character qualities and initiative. His vision is to steer a mission led company that changes lives through financial stewardship, engagement with clients, and fiduciary style education.

Sam has 26 years in the financial industry and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. The CFA Program is a rigorous three-part exam that tests the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, wealth planning, with an emphasis on ethics and quantitative analysis.

Sam is passionate about volunteering his time to the community. He founded the Texas Hill Country Mustang Club (501c7), is a board member for Hill Country Family Services, was appointed by the Texas Governor to the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, is a volunteer firefighter with the Boerne Fire Department, a trained SkyWarn Weather Spotter, and a Boerne Little League head coach, and involved with many charitable causes.

When asked what is most important to him, he said “Faith, Family, Community, & Friendships”

The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth 
Host: Sam McGee
Houston Office: I Riverway, Suite 470 Houston, Texas 77056
(832) 280-5288
Boerne Office: 604 South Main Boerne, Texas 78006
Office (830) 368-2898
About Sam McGee
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER &amp; CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Sam McGee is the founder and owner of Crestmont Private Wealth. As CEO, he believes that to lead well you must have a servant heart. His day-to-day role with Crestmont is to lead and learn from a group of talented professionals who have high character qualities and initiative. His vision is to steer a mission led company that changes lives through financial stewardship, engagement with clients, and fiduciary style education.
Sam has 26 years in the financial industry and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. The CFA Program is a rigorous three-part exam that tests the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, wealth planning, with an emphasis on ethics and quantitative analysis.
Sam is passionate about volunteering his time to the community. He founded the Texas Hill Country Mustang Club (501c7), is a board member for Hill Country Family Services, was appointed by the Texas Governor to the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists, is a volunteer firefighter with the Boerne Fire Department, a trained SkyWarn Weather Spotter, and a Boerne Little League head coach, and involved with many charitable causes.
When asked what is most important to him, he said “Faith, Family, Community, &amp; Friendships”

The Ascent - Alec Walker 5-2-26

The Ascent – When Estate Planning Goes Wrong

Hosted by Sam McGee, Crestmont Private Wealth | Guest: Scott Seidl, Attorney at Keen Miller LLP

In this episode, Sam sits down with estate litigation attorney Scott Seidl to discuss what happens when estate planning goes wrong — from contested wills to capacity disputes — and why having a solid, well-communicated plan in place is critical for families and business owners alike.

Key Takeaways:

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — contested wills are costly, nasty, and rarely end with anyone truly "winning"

Blended families and divorce are major drivers of estate disputes today

Lack of communication — not just lack of planning — is a root cause of litigation

Capacity challenges are among the most expensive and difficult cases to litigate; don't wait too long to get your plan in order

Wealth level is NOT the biggest predictor of whether a dispute will arise — family dynamics and personality are

0:00 – Introduction: Sam McGee welcomes estate litigation attorney Scott Sidle of Keen Miller LLP

0:37 – Disclaimer: Scott clarifies this is general information only, not legal advice

0:58 – Why estate planning matters: Beyond "you need a will" — discussing real consequences of being unprepared

2:22 – Scott's day-to-day: The pitfalls he sees in contested estates and trusts at Harris County Courthouse

2:45 – Scott's practice area: Litigation (the cure), not planning (the prevention) — and why comprehensive planning makes his job easier

3:41 – The cost of disputes: Court costs, thousands in fees, and no one really wins

5:00 – How common are contested estates? The role of personality, family dynamics, and wealth

5:51 – Blended families: A major driver of estate disputes — step-children, step-parents, and second marriages

6:58 – The real culprit: Lack of communication, not just lack of planning — secrecy creates surprise and litigation

7:31 – Simon Sinek story: Sam shares a study on communication gaps and why even "clear" messages aren't always received

9:10 – Step one vs. step two: Getting the plan in place first, then communicating it to heirs

10:36 – "The sins of the father" conversation: What Scott tells unhappy heirs about their parents' rights to their own assets

11:24 – Capacity challenges: How mental capacity questions drive 75–80% of contested will cases

12:27 – Why capacity fights are so costly: Rarely resolved by summary judgment, almost always go to trial

12:52 – Key takeaway: "That is not wealth creation or preservation. That is wealth destruction."

13:14 – Call to action: Reach Crestmont Private Wealth at crestmontpw.com; reach Scott Sidle at keenmiller.com or LinkedIn

14:20 – Outro: Sam wraps up and invites listeners to connect

Original Air Date: April 25, 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

The Ascent &ndash; When Estate Planning Goes Wrong
Hosted by Sam McGee, Crestmont Private Wealth | Guest: Scott Seidl, Attorney at Keen Miller LLP
In this episode, Sam sits down with estate litigation attorney Scott Seidl to discuss what happens when estate planning goes wrong &mdash; from contested wills to capacity disputes &mdash; and why having a solid, well-communicated plan in place is critical for families and business owners alike.
Key Takeaways:
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure &mdash; contested wills are costly, nasty, and rarely end with anyone truly "winning"
Blended families and divorce are major drivers of estate disputes today
Lack of communication &mdash; not just lack of planning &mdash; is a root cause of litigation
Capacity challenges are among the most expensive and difficult cases to litigate; don't wait too long to get your plan in order
Wealth level is NOT the biggest predictor of whether a dispute will arise &mdash; family dynamics and personality are
0:00 &ndash; Introduction: Sam McGee welcomes estate litigation attorney Scott Sidle of Keen Miller LLP
0:37 &ndash; Disclaimer: Scott clarifies this is general information only, not legal advice
0:58 &ndash; Why estate planning matters: Beyond "you need a will" &mdash; discussing real consequences of being unprepared
2:22 &ndash; Scott's day-to-day: The pitfalls he sees in contested estates and trusts at Harris County Courthouse
2:45 &ndash; Scott's practice area: Litigation (the cure), not planning (the prevention) &mdash; and why comprehensive planning makes his job easier
3:41 &ndash; The cost of disputes: Court costs, thousands in fees, and no one really wins
5:00 &ndash; How common are contested estates? The role of personality, family dynamics, and wealth
5:51 &ndash; Blended families: A major driver of estate disputes &mdash; step-children, step-parents, and second marriages
6:58 &ndash; The real culprit: Lack of communication, not just lack of planning &mdash; secrecy creates surprise and litigation
7:31 &ndash; Simon Sinek story: Sam shares a study on communication gaps and why even "clear" messages aren't always received
9:10 &ndash; Step one vs. step two: Getting the plan in place first, then communicating it to heirs
10:36 &ndash; "The sins of the father" conversation: What Scott tells unhappy heirs about their parents' rights to their own assets
11:24 &ndash; Capacity challenges: How mental capacity questions drive 75&ndash;80% of contested will cases
12:27 &ndash; Why capacity fights are so costly: Rarely resolved by summary judgment, almost always go to trial
12:52 &ndash; Key takeaway: "That is not wealth creation or preservation. That is wealth destruction."
13:14 &ndash; Call to action: Reach Crestmont Private Wealth at crestmontpw.com; reach Scott Sidle at keenmiller.com or LinkedIn
14:20 &ndash; Outro: Sam wraps up and invites listeners to connect
Original Air Date: April 25, 2026 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
Contact:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.crestmontpw.com">www.crestmontpw.com</a>&nbsp;
Alec Walker in Houston:&nbsp; 831-280-5288&nbsp;
Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth - When Estate Planning Goes Wrong  4-25-26

Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, interviews Dr. Justin Lockhart, a licensed therapist and PhD counselor, on the topic of executive and business owner burnout. Dr. Lockhart explains that burnout — defined by disengagement, cynicism, and lack of personal efficacy — affects ~95% of his clients in some capacity. The conversation covers how COVID amplified burnout, warning signs for managers to watch for, and how personal resources like resilience and self-efficacy can be built. Sam shares how Crestmont uses a 1–5 wellbeing check-in system in team meetings to normalize vulnerability. Dr. Lockhart also shares his vision for bringing structured wellness programs into organizations. The episode closes with a reflection on community, employee culture, and the quote: "In the joy of others lies our own."

0:00 — Introduction: Sam introduces the show, the April 9th recording date, and the Bernie office beautification project

0:42 — Guest intro: Dr. Justin Lockhart, PhD, LPC — therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, and men's issues

1:35 — Topic intro: Executive burnout, Type A personalities, and why wellness matters for high earners

2:01 — How prevalent is burnout? Dr. Lockhart says ~95% of his clients experience it in some form

3:00 — COVID's impact: External stressors compound internal pressure, increasing burnout risk

4:00 — Defining burnout: Three components — disengagement, cynicism, and lack of personal efficacy

5:04 — Organizational impact: Burnout "knee-caps" a company's potential; high performers are most at risk

5:48 — What managers can do: Periodic check-ins, balancing job demands with resources

6:19 — Building personal resources: Hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism

6:45 — Sam shares Crestmont's 1–5 wellbeing and capacity check-in system used in weekly staff meetings

7:37 — Is this common? Dr. Lockhart praises the approach but notes it's rare and often done as lip service

9:16 — Org size vs. wellness: Connection at the team/manager level matters more than company size

9:51 — Engagement and self-care: The "oxygen mask" analogy — leaders must care for themselves first

10:44 — Dr. Lockhart's vision: Corporate wellness packages, contracted sessions, culture audits

11:36 — Closing thoughts: Burnout awareness for owners and executives; people drive organizations

12:31 — Contact info: drjlockhart@lockhartmentalhealth.com

13:02 — Closing quote: "In the joy of others lies our own" — on community, culture, and providing a path for others

Original Air Date: April 18, 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

Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, interviews Dr. Justin Lockhart, a licensed therapist and PhD counselor, on the topic of executive and business owner burnout. Dr. Lockhart explains that burnout &mdash; defined by disengagement, cynicism, and lack of personal efficacy &mdash; affects ~95% of his clients in some capacity. The conversation covers how COVID amplified burnout, warning signs for managers to watch for, and how personal resources like resilience and self-efficacy can be built. Sam shares how Crestmont uses a 1&ndash;5 wellbeing check-in system in team meetings to normalize vulnerability. Dr. Lockhart also shares his vision for bringing structured wellness programs into organizations. The episode closes with a reflection on community, employee culture, and the quote: "In the joy of others lies our own."
0:00 &mdash; Introduction: Sam introduces the show, the April 9th recording date, and the Bernie office beautification project
0:42 &mdash; Guest intro: Dr. Justin Lockhart, PhD, LPC &mdash; therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, and men's issues
1:35 &mdash; Topic intro: Executive burnout, Type A personalities, and why wellness matters for high earners
2:01 &mdash; How prevalent is burnout? Dr. Lockhart says ~95% of his clients experience it in some form
3:00 &mdash; COVID's impact: External stressors compound internal pressure, increasing burnout risk
4:00 &mdash; Defining burnout: Three components &mdash; disengagement, cynicism, and lack of personal efficacy
5:04 &mdash; Organizational impact: Burnout "knee-caps" a company's potential; high performers are most at risk
5:48 &mdash; What managers can do: Periodic check-ins, balancing job demands with resources
6:19 &mdash; Building personal resources: Hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism
6:45 &mdash; Sam shares Crestmont's 1&ndash;5 wellbeing and capacity check-in system used in weekly staff meetings
7:37 &mdash; Is this common? Dr. Lockhart praises the approach but notes it's rare and often done as lip service
9:16 &mdash; Org size vs. wellness: Connection at the team/manager level matters more than company size
9:51 &mdash; Engagement and self-care: The "oxygen mask" analogy &mdash; leaders must care for themselves first
10:44 &mdash; Dr. Lockhart's vision: Corporate wellness packages, contracted sessions, culture audits
11:36 &mdash; Closing thoughts: Burnout awareness for owners and executives; people drive organizations
12:31 &mdash; Contact info: drjlockhart@lockhartmentalhealth.com
13:02 &mdash; Closing quote: "In the joy of others lies our own" &mdash; on community, culture, and providing a path for others
Original Air Date: April 18, 2026 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
Contact:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.crestmontpw.com">www.crestmontpw.com</a>&nbsp;
Alec Walker in Houston:&nbsp; 831-280-5288&nbsp;
Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898

The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth - Dr Justin Lockhart  4-18-26

Alec Walker, EVP of Financial Planning at Crestmont Private Wealth, delivers a Q1 market recap, looks ahead to Q2, and draws a fun parallel between baseball and financial planning lifecycle stages.

Timeline:

0:00 – Introduction & recent episode topics

0:54 – Middle East conflict & oil prices overview

2:21 – Fed rate cut expectations & inflation impact

3:11 – Q1 equity markets: diversification benefited investors

4:13 – Small cap, international & emerging market outperformance

4:56 – Bond market & 10-year treasury yield recap

6:12 – Big picture: why markets are only down ~4%

7:18 – Q2 outlook: what to watch

7:59 – S&P 500 earnings correlation & why earnings matter

9:14 – Baseball & financial planning lifecycle analogy

10:12 – Early innings: getting started, avoiding big mistakes

11:12 – Middle innings: career changes, windfalls, college planning

12:14 – Late innings: pre-retirement, sequence of returns risk

12:58 – Ninth inning & extra innings: estate planning & longevity

13:46 – Wrap-up

Original Air Date: April 11, 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

 

Alec Walker, EVP of Financial Planning at Crestmont Private Wealth, delivers a Q1 market recap, looks ahead to Q2, and draws a fun parallel between baseball and financial planning lifecycle stages.
Timeline:
0:00 &ndash; Introduction &amp; recent episode topics
0:54 &ndash; Middle East conflict &amp; oil prices overview
2:21 &ndash; Fed rate cut expectations &amp; inflation impact
3:11 &ndash; Q1 equity markets: diversification benefited investors
4:13 &ndash; Small cap, international &amp; emerging market outperformance
4:56 &ndash; Bond market &amp; 10-year treasury yield recap
6:12 &ndash; Big picture: why markets are only down ~4%
7:18 &ndash; Q2 outlook: what to watch
7:59 &ndash; S&amp;P 500 earnings correlation &amp; why earnings matter
9:14 &ndash; Baseball &amp; financial planning lifecycle analogy
10:12 &ndash; Early innings: getting started, avoiding big mistakes
11:12 &ndash; Middle innings: career changes, windfalls, college planning
12:14 &ndash; Late innings: pre-retirement, sequence of returns risk
12:58 &ndash; Ninth inning &amp; extra innings: estate planning &amp; longevity
13:46 &ndash; Wrap-up
Original Air Date: April 11, 2026 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
Contact:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.crestmontpw.com">www.crestmontpw.com</a>&nbsp;
Alec Walker in Houston:&nbsp; 831-280-5288&nbsp;
Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898
&nbsp;

The Ascent - Alec Walker 5-2-26

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