In this episode of The Ascent, Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, discusses current economic events, market performance, and the importance of income planning and asset location for retirees. Sam explains how the stock market is forward-looking, reviews recent trends in interest rates, inflation, and unemployment, and provides practical advice on asset allocation and diversification. He uses relatable analogies to help viewers understand how to manage their portfolios for retirement income, emphasizing the value of flexibility and working with an advisor.

00:00 – Introduction: About Crestmont Private Wealth
00:15 – Overview: Current events, markets, and income planning
00:36 – Market Recap: Tariffs, recovery, and growth
01:01 – Why is the market up despite mixed news?
01:44 – AI boom and market valuations
02:51 – Market performance: S&P 500, Russell 2000, bonds
03:22 – Investing in uncertainty
03:23 – The Fed’s role: Interest rates and inflation
04:31 – Why is the Fed lowering rates?
04:55 – Inflation and unemployment trends
05:15 – What does this mean for consumers?
05:33 – Impact on savings and bank rates
06:08 – Retirees: Market performance and living off your portfolio
06:29 – Asset location vs. asset allocation
06:53 – Diversification and asset classes
07:20 – Why asset location matters for retirees
08:15 – Example: Withdrawing income during market volatility
09:07 – The importance of flexibility and working with an advisor
09:45 – Income planning basics for retirees
10:25 – Diversification analogy: Ice cream and umbrellas in Florida
11:00 – Portfolio construction for all market conditions
11:36 – Closing: How to contact Crestmont Private Wealth
14:06 – Outro: Thanks and farewell

Original Air Date: November 1, 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