In this back-to-school update, Sam McGee covers the current state of the U.S. economy and financial markets as of August 2025. He discusses the relationship between the economy and markets, recent trends in unemployment, inflation, real estate, and interest rates, and provides insights into what may be ahead for investors. The episode also touches on the Federal Reserve’s actions, market volatility, and the importance of diversification in financial planning. If you’re looking to catch up on economic news and market trends as the school year begins, this episode is for you!

00:00 – Introduction & Disclaimer

00:34 – Back to School: Timing and Parental Routines

01:02 – Economy vs. Financial Markets: Key Differences

01:29 – What is the Economy? (Lagging Indicator)

02:03 – Financial Markets as Leading Indicators

02:28 – Market Volatility and Irrationality in 2025

03:00 – S&P 500 Performance: Downturn and Rebound

03:28 – State of the Economy: Key Bullet Points

03:49 – U.S. Unemployment Data (July 2025)

04:09 – Comparing Unemployment: 2020 vs. 2025

04:36 – Government Stimulus and Unemployment Trends

05:07 – Current Unemployment Rate and Historical Context

05:28 – U.S. Consumer Price Index & Inflation Trends

05:50 – Fed Rate Hikes and Impact on Inflation

06:30 – CPI Drop and Current Inflation Rate

06:51 – Real Estate Market Overview

07:13 – Case Shiller Home Price Index Trends

07:25 – Home Prices, Interest Rates, and Inventory

07:44 – Effects of High Prices and Low Inventory

08:17 – Seller Behavior and Market Adjustments

08:37 – Mortgage Rates and Buyer/Seller Dynamics

08:51 – U.S. Company Earnings and Economic Resilience

09:27 – Fed Rate Cut Expectations and Inflation

09:55 – Inflation Uptick and Fed’s Dilemma

10:53 – The Fed’s Balancing Act: Inflation vs. Economy

11:12 – Rate Cut Predictions and Market Expectations

11:34 – Financial Markets: Year-to-Date Performance

12:01 – S&P 500 and ETF Performance

12:36 – Growth vs. Value: Russell 1000 Indices

13:03 – Market Resilience Amid Geopolitical Risks

13:29 – Recap: Economic and Market Update

13:54 – Crestmont Private Wealth’s Approach & Contact Info

14:22 – Outro and Closing Remarks


Original Air Date: August 9, 2025 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 back-to-school update, Sam McGee covers the current state of the U.S. economy and financial markets as of August 2025. He discusses the relationship between the economy and markets, recent trends in unemployment, inflation, real estate, and interest rates, and provides insights into what may be ahead for investors. The episode also touches on the Federal Reserve&rsquo;s actions, market volatility, and the importance of diversification in financial planning. If you&rsquo;re looking to catch up on economic news and market trends as the school year begins, this episode is for you!
00:00 &ndash; Introduction &amp; Disclaimer
00:34 &ndash; Back to School: Timing and Parental Routines
01:02 &ndash; Economy vs. Financial Markets: Key Differences
01:29 &ndash; What is the Economy? (Lagging Indicator)
02:03 &ndash; Financial Markets as Leading Indicators
02:28 &ndash; Market Volatility and Irrationality in 2025
03:00 &ndash; S&amp;P 500 Performance: Downturn and Rebound
03:28 &ndash; State of the Economy: Key Bullet Points
03:49 &ndash; U.S. Unemployment Data (July 2025)
04:09 &ndash; Comparing Unemployment: 2020 vs. 2025
04:36 &ndash; Government Stimulus and Unemployment Trends
05:07 &ndash; Current Unemployment Rate and Historical Context
05:28 &ndash; U.S. Consumer Price Index &amp; Inflation Trends
05:50 &ndash; Fed Rate Hikes and Impact on Inflation
06:30 &ndash; CPI Drop and Current Inflation Rate
06:51 &ndash; Real Estate Market Overview
07:13 &ndash; Case Shiller Home Price Index Trends
07:25 &ndash; Home Prices, Interest Rates, and Inventory
07:44 &ndash; Effects of High Prices and Low Inventory
08:17 &ndash; Seller Behavior and Market Adjustments
08:37 &ndash; Mortgage Rates and Buyer/Seller Dynamics
08:51 &ndash; U.S. Company Earnings and Economic Resilience
09:27 &ndash; Fed Rate Cut Expectations and Inflation
09:55 &ndash; Inflation Uptick and Fed&rsquo;s Dilemma
10:53 &ndash; The Fed&rsquo;s Balancing Act: Inflation vs. Economy
11:12 &ndash; Rate Cut Predictions and Market Expectations
11:34 &ndash; Financial Markets: Year-to-Date Performance
12:01 &ndash; S&amp;P 500 and ETF Performance
12:36 &ndash; Growth vs. Value: Russell 1000 Indices
13:03 &ndash; Market Resilience Amid Geopolitical Risks
13:29 &ndash; Recap: Economic and Market Update
13:54 &ndash; Crestmont Private Wealth&rsquo;s Approach &amp; Contact Info
14:22 &ndash; Outro and Closing Remarks
<ul>
<li>
Original Air Date: August 9, 2025 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM
Contact:&nbsp;&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
</li>
</ul>

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 with Crestmont Private Wealth - Back To School Update 

Join Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth as he interviews Dr. Nathan Harness, Director of the Financial Planning Program at Texas A&M University. They discuss Nathan’s journey into financial planning, the growth of the Texas A&M program, the evolving landscape of financial advice, the shortage of new advisors, and the importance of values and faith in shaping future leaders. Whether you’re interested in finance, education, or personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights into the next generation of financial professionals.

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Dr. Nathan Harness and the Texas A&M Financial Planning Program

00:45 – Nathan’s Background: Early interest in finance and career journey

01:40 – Evolution of the Financial Planning Industry

02:24 – Pursuing Advanced Degrees and Entering Academia

03:18 – Building the Texas A&M Financial Planning Program

04:00 – Core Values and Mission of the Program

05:17 – Program Growth: From 25 to 400+ students

06:00 – The Need for Financial Advice and Industry Impact

07:11 – Sending Graduates into the Industry

08:00 – The Importance of Values-Based Education

09:00 – The Shortage of Financial Advisors and Aging Workforce

10:00 – Opportunities for Young Adults and Career Changers

11:00 – Texas as a Hub for Financial Services Growth

12:00 – Charles Schwab’s Gift and New Facilities

12:30 – The Role of Faith and Values in Nathan’s Work

13:30 – Investing in the Next Generation: Brotherhood of Christian Aggies

14:30 – Final Thoughts: Living Out Convictions and Impacting the World

15:00 – Closing Remarks and Blessings

 

Original Air Date: December 20, 2025 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

 

Join Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth as he interviews Dr. Nathan Harness, Director of the Financial Planning Program at Texas A&amp;M University. They discuss Nathan&rsquo;s journey into financial planning, the growth of the Texas A&amp;M program, the evolving landscape of financial advice, the shortage of new advisors, and the importance of values and faith in shaping future leaders. Whether you&rsquo;re interested in finance, education, or personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights into the next generation of financial professionals.
00:00 &ndash; Introduction: Meet Dr. Nathan Harness and the Texas A&amp;M Financial Planning Program
00:45 &ndash; Nathan&rsquo;s Background: Early interest in finance and career journey
01:40 &ndash; Evolution of the Financial Planning Industry
02:24 &ndash; Pursuing Advanced Degrees and Entering Academia
03:18 &ndash; Building the Texas A&amp;M Financial Planning Program
04:00 &ndash; Core Values and Mission of the Program
05:17 &ndash; Program Growth: From 25 to 400+ students
06:00 &ndash; The Need for Financial Advice and Industry Impact
07:11 &ndash; Sending Graduates into the Industry
08:00 &ndash; The Importance of Values-Based Education
09:00 &ndash; The Shortage of Financial Advisors and Aging Workforce
10:00 &ndash; Opportunities for Young Adults and Career Changers
11:00 &ndash; Texas as a Hub for Financial Services Growth
12:00 &ndash; Charles Schwab&rsquo;s Gift and New Facilities
12:30 &ndash; The Role of Faith and Values in Nathan&rsquo;s Work
13:30 &ndash; Investing in the Next Generation: Brotherhood of Christian Aggies
14:30 &ndash; Final Thoughts: Living Out Convictions and Impacting the World
15:00 &ndash; Closing Remarks and Blessings
&nbsp;
Original Air Date: December 20, 2025 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 - Nathan Harness

This episode of "The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth," hosted by Alec Walker, focuses on end-of-year financial planning—without the stress and panic that often accompanies it. Alec discusses the importance of intentional, proactive planning rather than last-minute, reactive decisions. Key topics include tax strategies (like tax loss harvesting), Roth conversions, charitable contributions, gifting, budget reviews, retirement plan contributions, insurance reviews, and portfolio rebalancing. The episode emphasizes gathering information, reflecting on the past year, and setting thoughtful goals for the upcoming year, all while encouraging listeners to enjoy the holiday season and spend quality time with loved ones.

 

Timeline

0:00 – Introduction: Alec Walker introduces the episode’s focus on stress-free year-end financial planning.

0:25 – Recap of last week’s episode and transition to deeper year-end topics.

0:45 – Clarification: This is not a call for urgent action, but for intentional planning.

1:08 – Annual review: Looking at account performance, income, and spending.

1:28 – The value of zooming out: Good planning is intentional, not urgent. Overview of topics: tax, retirement, giving, budgeting.

1:55 – Emphasis on gathering information and scheduling proactive conversations for the new year.

2:37 – Acknowledgement of urgent life events, but focus remains on proactive planning.

2:58 – Time-sensitive items: Actions to complete before December 31st.

3:25 – Tax loss harvesting explained: Offsetting capital gains with losses.

3:54 – Example scenario: Using losses to offset gains for tax purposes.

4:14 – When to harvest losses and common mistakes (e.g., wash sale rules).

4:28 – Roth conversions: Why timing matters and who should consider it.

4:48 – Charitable contributions and gifting: Deadlines and requirements for tax deductions.

5:30 – Donor-advised funds: Deadlines and how to get help.

5:46 – Gifting to family: College savings, annual gift limits, and tax implications.

6:24 – Broader wealth planning: Budget review and cashflow checkup.

6:52 – Setting goals for next year: Debt payoff, savings targets, and personal goals.

7:28 – Retirement plan contributions: 401(k) and IRA limits for the coming year.

7:53 – Deadlines for contributions and auto-increase features.

9:10 – Insurance review: Rising costs and the importance of policy checkups.

9:26 – Portfolio rebalancing: When and why it’s done.

10:11 – Closing thoughts: Financial planning is ongoing, not just for year-end.

10:48 – Best outcomes come from thoughtful collaboration, not rushed decisions.

11:31 – Enjoy the holidays: Focus on family, gather documents, and reflect on goals.

12:06 – Suggestions: Upload documents, link accounts, and review budgets.

12:41 – Looking ahead: New tax laws, investment themes (AI, interest rates), and topics for next year.

13:21 – Contact information and closing.

Original Air Date: December 13, 2025 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

This episode of "The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth," hosted by Alec Walker, focuses on end-of-year financial planning&mdash;without the stress and panic that often accompanies it. Alec discusses the importance of intentional, proactive planning rather than last-minute, reactive decisions. Key topics include tax strategies (like tax loss harvesting), Roth conversions, charitable contributions, gifting, budget reviews, retirement plan contributions, insurance reviews, and portfolio rebalancing. The episode emphasizes gathering information, reflecting on the past year, and setting thoughtful goals for the upcoming year, all while encouraging listeners to enjoy the holiday season and spend quality time with loved ones.
&nbsp;
Timeline
0:00 &ndash; Introduction: Alec Walker introduces the episode&rsquo;s focus on stress-free year-end financial planning.
0:25 &ndash; Recap of last week&rsquo;s episode and transition to deeper year-end topics.
0:45 &ndash; Clarification: This is not a call for urgent action, but for intentional planning.
1:08 &ndash; Annual review: Looking at account performance, income, and spending.
1:28 &ndash; The value of zooming out: Good planning is intentional, not urgent. Overview of topics: tax, retirement, giving, budgeting.
1:55 &ndash; Emphasis on gathering information and scheduling proactive conversations for the new year.
2:37 &ndash; Acknowledgement of urgent life events, but focus remains on proactive planning.
2:58 &ndash; Time-sensitive items: Actions to complete before December 31st.
3:25 &ndash; Tax loss harvesting explained: Offsetting capital gains with losses.
3:54 &ndash; Example scenario: Using losses to offset gains for tax purposes.
4:14 &ndash; When to harvest losses and common mistakes (e.g., wash sale rules).
4:28 &ndash; Roth conversions: Why timing matters and who should consider it.
4:48 &ndash; Charitable contributions and gifting: Deadlines and requirements for tax deductions.
5:30 &ndash; Donor-advised funds: Deadlines and how to get help.
5:46 &ndash; Gifting to family: College savings, annual gift limits, and tax implications.
6:24 &ndash; Broader wealth planning: Budget review and cashflow checkup.
6:52 &ndash; Setting goals for next year: Debt payoff, savings targets, and personal goals.
7:28 &ndash; Retirement plan contributions: 401(k) and IRA limits for the coming year.
7:53 &ndash; Deadlines for contributions and auto-increase features.
9:10 &ndash; Insurance review: Rising costs and the importance of policy checkups.
9:26 &ndash; Portfolio rebalancing: When and why it&rsquo;s done.
10:11 &ndash; Closing thoughts: Financial planning is ongoing, not just for year-end.
10:48 &ndash; Best outcomes come from thoughtful collaboration, not rushed decisions.
11:31 &ndash; Enjoy the holidays: Focus on family, gather documents, and reflect on goals.
12:06 &ndash; Suggestions: Upload documents, link accounts, and review budgets.
12:41 &ndash; Looking ahead: New tax laws, investment themes (AI, interest rates), and topics for next year.
13:21 &ndash; Contact information and closing.
Original Air Date: December 13, 2025 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 - End Of Year Financial Planning 

In this episode of The Ascent, Alec Walker from Crestmont Private Wealth discusses essential financial conversations every couple should have—whether you’re newlyweds or have been married for decades. Alec covers topics like understanding financial personalities, addressing money fears, combining finances, budgeting strategies, setting shared goals, and managing credit and debt. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, this episode is a must-watch for couples looking to strengthen their financial partnership.

00:00 – Introduction: Why couples need to talk about money

00:23 – Article insights: Financial topics for couples

00:44 – Money as a relationship challenge

01:08 – Personal experience: Spender vs. saver dynamics

02:07 – Financial personalities and relationship health

02:47 – Money fears and concerns: Laying cards on the table

03:29 – Childhood influences on financial habits

04:16 – Different family “playbooks” and holiday spending

05:15 – Combining finances: Joint, separate, or hybrid accounts

06:05 – Budgeting strategies: Essentials vs. lifestyle expenses

07:03 – Emergency savings and retirement budgeting

09:03 – Setting and tracking shared financial goals

10:24 – Evolving goals: Gifting, charity, and legacy

10:42 – The importance of credit scores and transparency

11:20 – Debt management strategies

12:00 – Final thoughts: Planning for financial health

12:25 – Personal note: Camping and family time

13:02 – How to contact Crestmont Private Wealth

13:20 – Outro and thanks

 

Original Air Date: December 6, 2025 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, Alec Walker from Crestmont Private Wealth discusses essential financial conversations every couple should have&mdash;whether you&rsquo;re newlyweds or have been married for decades. Alec covers topics like understanding financial personalities, addressing money fears, combining finances, budgeting strategies, setting shared goals, and managing credit and debt. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, this episode is a must-watch for couples looking to strengthen their financial partnership.
00:00 &ndash; Introduction: Why couples need to talk about money
00:23 &ndash; Article insights: Financial topics for couples
00:44 &ndash; Money as a relationship challenge
01:08 &ndash; Personal experience: Spender vs. saver dynamics
02:07 &ndash; Financial personalities and relationship health
02:47 &ndash; Money fears and concerns: Laying cards on the table
03:29 &ndash; Childhood influences on financial habits
04:16 &ndash; Different family &ldquo;playbooks&rdquo; and holiday spending
05:15 &ndash; Combining finances: Joint, separate, or hybrid accounts
06:05 &ndash; Budgeting strategies: Essentials vs. lifestyle expenses
07:03 &ndash; Emergency savings and retirement budgeting
09:03 &ndash; Setting and tracking shared financial goals
10:24 &ndash; Evolving goals: Gifting, charity, and legacy
10:42 &ndash; The importance of credit scores and transparency
11:20 &ndash; Debt management strategies
12:00 &ndash; Final thoughts: Planning for financial health
12:25 &ndash; Personal note: Camping and family time
13:02 &ndash; How to contact Crestmont Private Wealth
13:20 &ndash; Outro and thanks
&nbsp;
Original Air Date: December 6, 2025 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 - Back To School Update

In 1 playlist(s)

The Ascent With Crestmont Private Wealth

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips