In this episode of The Ascent, Sam Magee of Crestmont Private Wealth (Houston & Boerne, TX) breaks down the investment philosophy that guides every client relationship at the firm. From long-term investing and avoiding market timing, to asset liability matching and fiduciary responsibility, Sam explains the framework Crestmont uses to help clients build wealth through compounding returns — no sales pitch, just honest insight.

Topics covered:

What "long-term investing" actually means

Why Crestmont doesn't try to time the market

Asset liability matching — matching investments to future obligations

Investing in quality businesses that weather market storms

The fiduciary standard and why it matters

How to evaluate and interview a financial advisor

📧 Contact: info@crestmontpw.com

Timeline:

0:00 – Introduction & About Crestmont Private Wealth

0:46 – Overview of today's topic: Investment Philosophy

1:27 – Tenet #1: Long-Term Investors (what "long-term" really means)

2:55 – Asset Liability Matching explained

3:43 – Not market timers — process over prediction

5:37 – Investing in quality businesses (Ukraine-Russia analogy)

7:15 – Compounding returns & why patience matters

8:36 – Building cohesive financial plans & portfolio construction

9:17 – The Fiduciary Standard explained

10:15 – Taxation & implementation considerations

10:35 – How to reach Crestmont & evaluating advisors

12:13 – Closing thoughts: time in the market, not timing the market

Original Air Date: June 20, 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, Sam Magee of Crestmont Private Wealth (Houston &amp; Boerne, TX) breaks down the investment philosophy that guides every client relationship at the firm. From long-term investing and avoiding market timing, to asset liability matching and fiduciary responsibility, Sam explains the framework Crestmont uses to help clients build wealth through compounding returns &mdash; no sales pitch, just honest insight.
Topics covered:
What "long-term investing" actually means
Why Crestmont doesn't try to time the market
Asset liability matching &mdash; matching investments to future obligations
Investing in quality businesses that weather market storms
The fiduciary standard and why it matters
How to evaluate and interview a financial advisor
📧 Contact: info@crestmontpw.com
Timeline:
0:00 &ndash; Introduction &amp; About Crestmont Private Wealth
0:46 &ndash; Overview of today's topic: Investment Philosophy
1:27 &ndash; Tenet #1: Long-Term Investors (what "long-term" really means)
2:55 &ndash; Asset Liability Matching explained
3:43 &ndash; Not market timers &mdash; process over prediction
5:37 &ndash; Investing in quality businesses (Ukraine-Russia analogy)
7:15 &ndash; Compounding returns &amp; why patience matters
8:36 &ndash; Building cohesive financial plans &amp; portfolio construction
9:17 &ndash; The Fiduciary Standard explained
10:15 &ndash; Taxation &amp; implementation considerations
10:35 &ndash; How to reach Crestmont &amp; evaluating advisors
12:13 &ndash; Closing thoughts: time in the market, not timing the market
Original Air Date: June 20, 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;

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 - Investment Philosophy 6-20-26

Alec Walker covers three main topics:

 

Portfolio Rebalance — Crestmont recently completed a rebalance of their 7 core globally diversified portfolios (conservative to ultra-aggressive, primarily low-cost ETFs). He explains their policy → strategy → tactics framework:

 

Policy: Threshold-based rebalancing (not calendar-based) when allocations drift outside target ranges

Strategy: Tax-aware approach — IRA accounts taken back to target with no tax impact; taxable accounts handled more conservatively

Tactics: Equity exposure trimmed 2–6% depending on drift; one passive fund replaced with an active ETF in the same asset class

Context: Vanguard research shows rebalanced portfolios have ~20% lower volatility historically

Market Concentration & Diversification — Over 40% of the S&P 500 is concentrated in the top 10 companies. Post-rebalance, client portfolios are ~25% in those top 10. Diversification has paid off in 2025: S&P 493 up 11% YTD vs. Mag Seven up 3%; small cap outperforming by 7–8%; international developed markets up 3%+ above S&P 500.

 

SpaceX IPO — Clients have been asking about it. Crestmont will not be facilitating participation due to fiduciary/compliance considerations. Key points: S&P 500 has announced it won't fast-track SpaceX into the index; due to low float, SpaceX would likely represent only ~0.2% of the index even if added; high valuation relative to current financials, but short-term pop is expected.

 

Timeline

Time     Topic

0:00     Intro — Who Alec is, overview of Crestmont's holistic wealth management services

0:49     Investment committee overview; quarterly rebalance of 7 core portfolios

1:22     What a rebalance means; threshold-based approach explained

1:50     Policy → Strategy → Tactics framework introduced

3:06     Rebalance strategy details: threshold-based, not calendar-based

3:48     Tax-aware strategy: separating taxable vs. IRA accounts

4:36     Vanguard research: rebalanced portfolios have ~20% lower volatility

4:58     Tactics: equity trimmed 2–6%; fund swap (passive → active ETF)

5:52     Tax implications perspective for all investors; low turnover philosophy

7:01     Example: $1M account, $25K gains → $5,950 tax = 0.6% of portfolio

7:54     S&P 500 up 8% YTD, 24% over 12 months — contextualizing the 0.6% tax cost

8:41     Rebalance wrap-up; transition to market concentration topic

9:03     S&P 500 concentration: 40%+ in top 10; portfolios now at ~25% in top 10

9:21     Diversification performance: S&P 493, small cap, international markets all outperforming Mag Seven

10:09  SpaceX IPO — client questions; Crestmont not facilitating participation

10:35  FOMO vs. risks; S&P 500 rule changes; "holding the bag" concern

11:11  S&P won't allow quick entry; SpaceX projected at 2–5% weight (market cap), but only ~0.2% adjusted for float

12:45  IPO valuation high vs. fundamentals; short-term pop expected; subject to quarterly earnings going forward

13:30  Closing remarks + Spurs shoutout

Original Air Date: June 13, 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 covers three main topics:
&nbsp;
Portfolio Rebalance &mdash; Crestmont recently completed a rebalance of their 7 core globally diversified portfolios (conservative to ultra-aggressive, primarily low-cost ETFs). He explains their policy &rarr; strategy &rarr; tactics framework:
&nbsp;
Policy: Threshold-based rebalancing (not calendar-based) when allocations drift outside target ranges
Strategy: Tax-aware approach &mdash; IRA accounts taken back to target with no tax impact; taxable accounts handled more conservatively
Tactics: Equity exposure trimmed 2&ndash;6% depending on drift; one passive fund replaced with an active ETF in the same asset class
Context: Vanguard research shows rebalanced portfolios have ~20% lower volatility historically
Market Concentration &amp; Diversification &mdash; Over 40% of the S&amp;P 500 is concentrated in the top 10 companies. Post-rebalance, client portfolios are ~25% in those top 10. Diversification has paid off in 2025: S&amp;P 493 up 11% YTD vs. Mag Seven up 3%; small cap outperforming by 7&ndash;8%; international developed markets up 3%+ above S&amp;P 500.
&nbsp;
SpaceX IPO &mdash; Clients have been asking about it. Crestmont will not be facilitating participation due to fiduciary/compliance considerations. Key points: S&amp;P 500 has announced it won't fast-track SpaceX into the index; due to low float, SpaceX would likely represent only ~0.2% of the index even if added; high valuation relative to current financials, but short-term pop is expected.
&nbsp;
Timeline
Time&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Topic
0:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Intro &mdash; Who Alec is, overview of Crestmont's holistic wealth management services
0:49&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Investment committee overview; quarterly rebalance of 7 core portfolios
1:22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What a rebalance means; threshold-based approach explained
1:50&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Policy &rarr; Strategy &rarr; Tactics framework introduced
3:06&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rebalance strategy details: threshold-based, not calendar-based
3:48&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tax-aware strategy: separating taxable vs. IRA accounts
4:36&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vanguard research: rebalanced portfolios have ~20% lower volatility
4:58&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tactics: equity trimmed 2&ndash;6%; fund swap (passive &rarr; active ETF)
5:52&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tax implications perspective for all investors; low turnover philosophy
7:01&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Example: $1M account, $25K gains &rarr; $5,950 tax = 0.6% of portfolio
7:54&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; S&amp;P 500 up 8% YTD, 24% over 12 months &mdash; contextualizing the 0.6% tax cost
8:41&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rebalance wrap-up; transition to market concentration topic
9:03&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; S&amp;P 500 concentration: 40%+ in top 10; portfolios now at ~25% in top 10
9:21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Diversification performance: S&amp;P 493, small cap, international markets all outperforming Mag Seven
10:09&nbsp; SpaceX IPO &mdash; client questions; Crestmont not facilitating participation
10:35&nbsp; FOMO vs. risks; S&amp;P 500 rule changes; "holding the bag" concern
11:11&nbsp; S&amp;P won't allow quick entry; SpaceX projected at 2&ndash;5% weight (market cap), but only ~0.2% adjusted for float
12:45&nbsp; IPO valuation high vs. fundamentals; short-term pop expected; subject to quarterly earnings going forward
13:30&nbsp; Closing remarks + Spurs shoutout
Original Air Date: June 13, 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 - Alec Walker 6-13-26

Sam McGee sits down with Crestmont team member Rebecca Petre to celebrate her one-year anniversary with the firm. They discuss what it's really like to transition from Texas A&M into the financial planning workforce, lessons learned on client communication, the new Charles Schwab–funded RIA program at A&M, the Survivor's Guide project, and navigating wedding season on a budget. A great listen for new grads entering the financial world.

0:00 — Intro: Sam introduces the show and the new office landscaping in Boerne, TX.

0:17 — Introducing Rebecca: One-year anniversary at Crestmont; her first day was the Boerne ribbon-cutting.

1:23 — Biggest lessons from year one: Learning to simplify complex financial concepts when talking with clients; understanding that clarity beats jargon.

3:21 — Going back to Texas A&M: Attending career day, RIA Day (a new on-campus RIA office partnership funded by Charles Schwab Foundation), and alumni events.

5:46 — Internship vs. full-time: The shift from internship to real-world work — adjusting to full days, time management, and work-life balance.

8:05 — The Survivor's Guide project: A document Crestmont is creating to help clients organize critical info (wills, contacts, accounts) for loved ones in the event of a death.

9:18 — Upcoming intern Agnes: A Texas A&M senior joining for a July internship; Rebecca will help mentor her.

9:58 — Personal life: Outdoors, pickleball, family/friends — and a summer packed with three weddings.

10:42 — Wedding season finances: Budgeting for being in multiple weddings; advice to set funds aside, especially for destination weddings.

11:32 — Grandmother shout-out & close: Rebecca shouts out her "Nanny" who listens to every episode. Sam closes by thanking Rebecca and celebrating her growth.

📍 Crestmont Private Wealth | Houston & Boerne, TX

Original Air Date: June 6, 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 sits down with Crestmont team member Rebecca Petre to celebrate her one-year anniversary with the firm. They discuss what it's really like to transition from Texas A&amp;M into the financial planning workforce, lessons learned on client communication, the new Charles Schwab&ndash;funded RIA program at A&amp;M, the Survivor's Guide project, and navigating wedding season on a budget. A great listen for new grads entering the financial world.
0:00 &mdash; Intro: Sam introduces the show and the new office landscaping in Boerne, TX.
0:17 &mdash; Introducing Rebecca: One-year anniversary at Crestmont; her first day was the Boerne ribbon-cutting.
1:23 &mdash; Biggest lessons from year one: Learning to simplify complex financial concepts when talking with clients; understanding that clarity beats jargon.
3:21 &mdash; Going back to Texas A&amp;M: Attending career day, RIA Day (a new on-campus RIA office partnership funded by Charles Schwab Foundation), and alumni events.
5:46 &mdash; Internship vs. full-time: The shift from internship to real-world work &mdash; adjusting to full days, time management, and work-life balance.
8:05 &mdash; The Survivor's Guide project: A document Crestmont is creating to help clients organize critical info (wills, contacts, accounts) for loved ones in the event of a death.
9:18 &mdash; Upcoming intern Agnes: A Texas A&amp;M senior joining for a July internship; Rebecca will help mentor her.
9:58 &mdash; Personal life: Outdoors, pickleball, family/friends &mdash; and a summer packed with three weddings.
10:42 &mdash; Wedding season finances: Budgeting for being in multiple weddings; advice to set funds aside, especially for destination weddings.
11:32 &mdash; Grandmother shout-out &amp; close: Rebecca shouts out her "Nanny" who listens to every episode. Sam closes by thanking Rebecca and celebrating her growth.
📍 Crestmont Private Wealth | Houston &amp; Boerne, TX
Original Air Date: June 6, 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 - Rebecca Pitre  6-6-26

Host Alec Walker, EVP of Financial Planning at Crestmont Private Wealth, opens with some personal notes about summer plans before covering two main topics: a brief market update and a deep dive into performance reporting.

Market Update: Long-term US Treasury rates have risen to 5%, pushing inflation expectations higher. Notably, the yield curve has returned to a normal upward slope after being inverted through end of 2025 — historically a positive sign for economic growth. US bonds are down ~0.5% YTD but up 5.6% over the last 12 months, still outperforming money market rates of 3.5–4%.

Performance Reporting: Alec walks through where clients should go for account performance — the client portal (Orion-powered quarterly reports) vs. Charles Schwab (best for statements and tax docs). He explains three key advantages of the client portal's time-weighted performance reports over custodial statements: (1) total return including dividends and interest, (2) historical performance including removed holdings, and (3) time-weighted vs. dollar-weighted returns. He closes with a recommendation not to check accounts too frequently, citing data that the S&P 500 is only positive ~53% of trading days but ~75% of years.

0:00 – Intro & summer check-in

0:19 – Market update: rising interest rates & 30-year Treasury at 5%

2:03 – Yield curve back to normal (no longer inverted)

3:22 – Bond performance update

4:06 – Performance reporting overview: Schwab vs. client portal

5:33 – When to use Schwab vs. the client portal

6:15 – Why the client portal's Orion reports are more comprehensive

7:17 – Limitation #1: Custodial statements miss total return (dividends/interest)

8:28 – Limitation #2: Removed holdings aren't tracked in custodial statements

9:37 – Limitation #3: Time-weighted vs. dollar-weighted returns explained

10:36 – How often should you check your accounts?

13:10 – Invitation to reach out & services overview

14:47 – Outro

Host Alec Walker, EVP of Financial Planning at Crestmont Private Wealth, opens with some personal notes about summer plans before covering two main topics: a brief market update and a deep dive into performance reporting.
Market Update: Long-term US Treasury rates have risen to 5%, pushing inflation expectations higher. Notably, the yield curve has returned to a normal upward slope after being inverted through end of 2025 &mdash; historically a positive sign for economic growth. US bonds are down ~0.5% YTD but up 5.6% over the last 12 months, still outperforming money market rates of 3.5&ndash;4%.
Performance Reporting: Alec walks through where clients should go for account performance &mdash; the client portal (Orion-powered quarterly reports) vs. Charles Schwab (best for statements and tax docs). He explains three key advantages of the client portal's time-weighted performance reports over custodial statements: (1) total return including dividends and interest, (2) historical performance including removed holdings, and (3) time-weighted vs. dollar-weighted returns. He closes with a recommendation not to check accounts too frequently, citing data that the S&amp;P 500 is only positive ~53% of trading days but ~75% of years.
0:00 &ndash; Intro &amp; summer check-in
0:19 &ndash; Market update: rising interest rates &amp; 30-year Treasury at 5%
2:03 &ndash; Yield curve back to normal (no longer inverted)
3:22 &ndash; Bond performance update
4:06 &ndash; Performance reporting overview: Schwab vs. client portal
5:33 &ndash; When to use Schwab vs. the client portal
6:15 &ndash; Why the client portal's Orion reports are more comprehensive
7:17 &ndash; Limitation #1: Custodial statements miss total return (dividends/interest)
8:28 &ndash; Limitation #2: Removed holdings aren't tracked in custodial statements
9:37 &ndash; Limitation #3: Time-weighted vs. dollar-weighted returns explained
10:36 &ndash; How often should you check your accounts?
13:10 &ndash; Invitation to reach out &amp; services overview
14:47 &ndash; Outro

The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth - Investment Philosophy 6-20-26

In 1 playlist(s)

The Ascent With Crestmont Private Wealth

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips