In this episode of The Ascent, Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth shares his personal experiences and professional advice on college visits and preparing your child for college. From the evolving college application process to practical tips on campus tours, housing, financial planning, and essential legal documents, Sam provides valuable insights for parents and students navigating the journey to higher education.

00:00 – Introduction & About Crestmont Private Wealth
00:49 – The Changing College Application Process
01:43 – The Fun and Importance of College Visits
02:29 – Housing Deadlines and Application Tips
03:41 – The College Tour Experience: Then vs. Now
04:21 – When to Start College Tours (Junior Year Advice)
05:10 – Exploring Different Types of Schools (Community, Technical, etc.)
07:00 – Essential Legal Documents: HIPAA Authorization & Medical Power of Attorney
09:41 – Financial Planning: Local Banking & Credit Cards for Students
10:39 – In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition & Financial Aid Opportunities
11:51 – Letting Go: Encouraging Student Independence on Tours
12:22 – Final Advice: Make College Tours a Family Experience
13:08 – Closing Remarks & Contact Information

In this episode of The Ascent, Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth shares his personal experiences and professional advice on college visits and preparing your child for college. From the evolving college application process to practical tips on campus tours, housing, financial planning, and essential legal documents, Sam provides valuable insights for parents and students navigating the journey to higher education.
00:00 &ndash; Introduction &amp; About Crestmont Private Wealth 00:49 &ndash; The Changing College Application Process 01:43 &ndash; The Fun and Importance of College Visits 02:29 &ndash; Housing Deadlines and Application Tips 03:41 &ndash; The College Tour Experience: Then vs. Now 04:21 &ndash; When to Start College Tours (Junior Year Advice) 05:10 &ndash; Exploring Different Types of Schools (Community, Technical, etc.) 07:00 &ndash; Essential Legal Documents: HIPAA Authorization &amp; Medical Power of Attorney 09:41 &ndash; Financial Planning: Local Banking &amp; Credit Cards for Students 10:39 &ndash; In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition &amp; Financial Aid Opportunities 11:51 &ndash; Letting Go: Encouraging Student Independence on Tours 12:22 &ndash; Final Advice: Make College Tours a Family Experience 13:08 &ndash; Closing Remarks &amp; Contact Information

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 - College Visits

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  - Finance for Marriage 

This episode of "The Ascent" features Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth and guest Jeremy Farber from Home Instead. The discussion centers on planning for non-medical daily living care, especially for aging couples without nearby family and families with special needs children. Key topics include the importance of early planning, the types of daily living activities that require support, the flexibility of in-home care services, the growing demand for caregivers, and the financial aspects of long-term care. The conversation also touches on the lack of public awareness about in-home care and encourages listeners to start conversations and planning early.

Timeline & Key Moments

0:00 – Introduction & Recap

0:41 – Three Scenarios: Aging Couples, Special Needs, and Care Planning

1:36 – Special Needs Planning: Personal Experience

2:23 – Asset Protection & Caregiver Support

3:09 – Government Programs & Staying at Home

4:01 – Aging Gracefully: When to Seek Help

5:08 – The Importance of Early Planning

6:08 – Activities of Daily Living Explained

7:06 – Supporting Independence & Caregiver Burnout

8:08 – Types of In-Home Care Services

10:01 – The Growing Long-Term Care Industry

12:25 – Raising Awareness & How to Get Help

13:04 – Closing Thoughts & Contact Information

 

Original Air Date: November 29, 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

https://www.homeinstead.com/

This episode of "The Ascent" features Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth and guest Jeremy Farber from Home Instead. The discussion centers on planning for non-medical daily living care, especially for aging couples without nearby family and families with special needs children. Key topics include the importance of early planning, the types of daily living activities that require support, the flexibility of in-home care services, the growing demand for caregivers, and the financial aspects of long-term care. The conversation also touches on the lack of public awareness about in-home care and encourages listeners to start conversations and planning early.
Timeline &amp; Key Moments
0:00 &ndash; Introduction &amp; Recap
0:41 &ndash; Three Scenarios: Aging Couples, Special Needs, and Care Planning
1:36 &ndash; Special Needs Planning: Personal Experience
2:23 &ndash; Asset Protection &amp; Caregiver Support
3:09 &ndash; Government Programs &amp; Staying at Home
4:01 &ndash; Aging Gracefully: When to Seek Help
5:08 &ndash; The Importance of Early Planning
6:08 &ndash; Activities of Daily Living Explained
7:06 &ndash; Supporting Independence &amp; Caregiver Burnout
8:08 &ndash; Types of In-Home Care Services
10:01 &ndash; The Growing Long-Term Care Industry
12:25 &ndash; Raising Awareness &amp; How to Get Help
13:04 &ndash; Closing Thoughts &amp; Contact Information
&nbsp;
Original Air Date: November 29, 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
https://www.homeinstead.com/

The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth - College Visits

The Ascent With Crestmont Private Wealth

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