Join Alec Walker and Rebecca PItre from Crestmont Private Wealth as they break down the most important tax changes for 2026. In this episode, they cover critical updates including new IRA contribution limits, mandatory Roth catch-up contributions for high earners, charitable donation rule changes, expanded SALT deductions, and lesser-known tax benefits like the enhanced senior deduction and auto loan interest deduction. Whether you're planning for retirement or optimizing your tax strategy, this episode provides essential insights to help you navigate the new tax landscape.

Timeline:

0:00 - Introduction & Welcome
0:38 - Episode Overview: Tax Changes for 2026
1:57 - IRA Contribution Limits for 2026
2:42 - Roth IRA Income Limits & Phase-Outs
4:21 - 401(k) Contribution Limits & Special Catch-Up Rules
5:05 - High Earners & Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions
7:32 - New Charitable Donation Rules (0.5% AGI Threshold)
9:21 - Standard Deduction Filers & Charitable Giving
10:54 - Expanded SALT Deduction ($40,000 Cap)
12:09 - Other Tax Changes: 529 Plans, Senior Deduction & Auto Loan Interest
13:54 - Closing Remarks & Disclaimer

Original Air Date: January 17, 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

Join Alec Walker and Rebecca PItre from Crestmont Private Wealth as they break down the most important tax changes for 2026. In this episode, they cover critical updates including new IRA contribution limits, mandatory Roth catch-up contributions for high earners, charitable donation rule changes, expanded SALT deductions, and lesser-known tax benefits like the enhanced senior deduction and auto loan interest deduction. Whether you're planning for retirement or optimizing your tax strategy, this episode provides essential insights to help you navigate the new tax landscape.
Timeline:
0:00 - Introduction &amp; Welcome 0:38 - Episode Overview: Tax Changes for 2026 1:57 - IRA Contribution Limits for 2026 2:42 - Roth IRA Income Limits &amp; Phase-Outs 4:21 - 401(k) Contribution Limits &amp; Special Catch-Up Rules 5:05 - High Earners &amp; Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions 7:32 - New Charitable Donation Rules (0.5% AGI Threshold) 9:21 - Standard Deduction Filers &amp; Charitable Giving 10:54 - Expanded SALT Deduction ($40,000 Cap) 12:09 - Other Tax Changes: 529 Plans, Senior Deduction &amp; Auto Loan Interest 13:54 - Closing Remarks &amp; Disclaimer
Original Air Date: January 17, 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 with Crestmont Private Wealth -  Rebecca Pitre 

Join Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, for a discussion on investing in yourself beyond just financial planning. This episode explores career reinvention, health, and overall well-being as essential components of wealth. Sam shares his personal journey from financing refrigerators to becoming a financial advisor, and explains why taking care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health is just as important as managing your portfolio. Whether you're considering a career change, struggling to maintain healthy habits, or looking to get financially organized, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement for living a fulfilling life.

Timeline

0:00 - Introduction & Topic Overview

Welcome to The Ascent podcast

Introducing the concept of investing in yourself

0:51 - Career Reinvention Story

Sam's personal journey from credit finance to financial advisory

The decision to pursue an MBA at University of Houston

2:29 - Finding Career Fulfillment

Why career satisfaction matters

The importance of doing work you love

3:10 - Book Recommendation

"What Color Is Your Parachute?" - finding your passion and path

3:32 - Mid-Career Changes

Going back to school for new skills

Why mid-career changers are often happier

4:38 - Health & Lifestyle

The importance of physical health for enjoying wealth

You can't help others if you don't take care of yourself first

5:51 - Maintaining Healthy Habits

Don't let busy seasons derail your health goals

Regular check-ups and preventive care matter

6:41 - It's Never Too Late

Every day is a new opportunity to invest in yourself

7:27 - Mental & Spiritual Health

The connection between mental/spiritual wellness and financial success

How healthy mindsets help during market volatility

8:44 - Financial Organization Tips

Create a good filing system for financial documents

Scan and digitally organize important papers

10:02 - Why This Matters in Wealth Management

Holistic approach to client relationships

Money alone doesn't create happiness

11:24 - Who Crestmont Serves

High earners and high net worth individuals

Contact information and closing thoughts

Join Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, for a discussion on investing in yourself beyond just financial planning. This episode explores career reinvention, health, and overall well-being as essential components of wealth. Sam shares his personal journey from financing refrigerators to becoming a financial advisor, and explains why taking care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health is just as important as managing your portfolio. Whether you're considering a career change, struggling to maintain healthy habits, or looking to get financially organized, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement for living a fulfilling life.
Timeline
0:00 - Introduction &amp; Topic Overview
Welcome to The Ascent podcast
Introducing the concept of investing in yourself
0:51 - Career Reinvention Story
Sam's personal journey from credit finance to financial advisory
The decision to pursue an MBA at University of Houston
2:29 - Finding Career Fulfillment
Why career satisfaction matters
The importance of doing work you love
3:10 - Book Recommendation
"What Color Is Your Parachute?" - finding your passion and path
3:32 - Mid-Career Changes
Going back to school for new skills
Why mid-career changers are often happier
4:38 - Health &amp; Lifestyle
The importance of physical health for enjoying wealth
You can't help others if you don't take care of yourself first
5:51 - Maintaining Healthy Habits
Don't let busy seasons derail your health goals
Regular check-ups and preventive care matter
6:41 - It's Never Too Late
Every day is a new opportunity to invest in yourself
7:27 - Mental &amp; Spiritual Health
The connection between mental/spiritual wellness and financial success
How healthy mindsets help during market volatility
8:44 - Financial Organization Tips
Create a good filing system for financial documents
Scan and digitally organize important papers
10:02 - Why This Matters in Wealth Management
Holistic approach to client relationships
Money alone doesn't create happiness
11:24 - Who Crestmont Serves
High earners and high net worth individuals
Contact information and closing thoughts

The Ascent With Crestmont Private Wealth - Healthy 

Join Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, for a comprehensive overview of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and how they differ from traditional mutual funds.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ What ETFs are and how they work

✅ The evolution from mutual funds to ETFs

✅ Key differences: intraday trading vs. end-of-day pricing

✅ Tax efficiency advantages of ETFs

✅ Lower costs and broader access

✅ Important factors to consider when evaluating ETFs

Whether you're a beginner investor or looking to understand modern investment vehicles, this educational guide breaks down the complex world of ETFs into easy-to-understand concepts.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor and CPA for personalized guidance.

Timeline with Chapters

0:00 - Introduction & Welcome

Welcome to The Ascent podcast with Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth

0:31 - What Are ETFs?

Overview of Exchange Traded Funds and why this topic matters

0:57 - History of Investment Evolution

How the financial services industry evolved from the 1920s to today

2:01 - The Rise of Mutual Funds

How mutual funds provided access to diversification for average investors

3:43 - Tax Inefficiency of Mutual Funds

Understanding the pass-through taxation problem with mutual funds

5:02 - Birth of the ETF Industry

How the 1987 crash and tech bubble led to ETF development

5:41 - How ETFs Work

Exchange trading and intraday pricing explained

6:38 - ETFs vs Index Funds

How ETFs mimic indexes like the S&P 500

7:42 - Cost Advantages of ETFs

Lower costs and broader access compared to mutual funds

8:33 - Tax Efficiency of ETFs

How ETFs provide better tax treatment than mutual funds

9:04 - Free Trading & Lower Costs

How custodians now offer commission-free ETF trading

9:56 - Book Recommendation

CFA Institute's comprehensive guide to ETFs

11:23 - What to Consider When Choosing ETFs

Evaluating liquidity, market cap, track record, and costs

13:14 - Closing & Contact Information

How Crestmont evaluates ETFs for clients and final thoughts

Original Air Date: February 14, 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

Join Sam McGee, CEO of Crestmont Private Wealth, for a comprehensive overview of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and how they differ from traditional mutual funds.
In this episode, you'll learn:
✅ What ETFs are and how they work
✅ The evolution from mutual funds to ETFs
✅ Key differences: intraday trading vs. end-of-day pricing
✅ Tax efficiency advantages of ETFs
✅ Lower costs and broader access
✅ Important factors to consider when evaluating ETFs
Whether you're a beginner investor or looking to understand modern investment vehicles, this educational guide breaks down the complex world of ETFs into easy-to-understand concepts.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor and CPA for personalized guidance.
Timeline with Chapters
0:00 - Introduction &amp; Welcome
Welcome to The Ascent podcast with Sam McGee from Crestmont Private Wealth
0:31 - What Are ETFs?
Overview of Exchange Traded Funds and why this topic matters
0:57 - History of Investment Evolution
How the financial services industry evolved from the 1920s to today
2:01 - The Rise of Mutual Funds
How mutual funds provided access to diversification for average investors
3:43 - Tax Inefficiency of Mutual Funds
Understanding the pass-through taxation problem with mutual funds
5:02 - Birth of the ETF Industry
How the 1987 crash and tech bubble led to ETF development
5:41 - How ETFs Work
Exchange trading and intraday pricing explained
6:38 - ETFs vs Index Funds
How ETFs mimic indexes like the S&amp;P 500
7:42 - Cost Advantages of ETFs
Lower costs and broader access compared to mutual funds
8:33 - Tax Efficiency of ETFs
How ETFs provide better tax treatment than mutual funds
9:04 - Free Trading &amp; Lower Costs
How custodians now offer commission-free ETF trading
9:56 - Book Recommendation
CFA Institute's comprehensive guide to ETFs
11:23 - What to Consider When Choosing ETFs
Evaluating liquidity, market cap, track record, and costs
13:14 - Closing &amp; Contact Information
How Crestmont evaluates ETFs for clients and final thoughts
Original Air Date: February 14, 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  - ETFs 

This episode of "The Ascent" features Sam McGee and Alec Walker from Crestmont Private Wealth discussing the development of a "Survivor's Guide" - a comprehensive resource to help surviving spouses navigate financial matters after the death of a partner. They explain how this guide will document critical information like account locations, passwords, key contacts, and financial processes to ease the burden during a difficult time. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation and how their firm helps clients through these transitions.

Timeline

[0:00 - 0:37] Introduction & Welcome

Sam McGee returns as host after Alec Walker filled in

Overview of recent content (year-end recaps, law changes, market updates)

[0:37 - 1:36] About Crestmont Private Wealth

Two offices: Houston and Boerne, Texas

Comprehensive wealth management for high net worth individuals

Website: crestmontpw.com

[1:36 - 3:52] Why Create a Survivor's Guide?

Inspired by client meetings and real experiences with bereaved spouses

Addresses both emotional and financial challenges after death

Covers basics like bill paying and account access

[3:52 - 4:48] The Challenge of Financial Transitions

Comparison to being handed keys to someone else's company

Family finances as an operating business with assets, liabilities, and cash flows

[4:48 - 6:39] What's Included in the Guide

Living document separate from estate plans

Key contacts (advisors, attorneys, CPAs, executors)

Account locations and access information

Documentation of all financial moving pieces

[6:39 - 8:11] Reducing Stress During Grief

 

Allows families to focus on grieving and funeral arrangements

Eases burden of managing bills and accounts during difficult times

Documents the "mental load" for both spouses

[8:11 - 9:27] E-Money Portal & Digital Vault

Centralized location for account information

Secure vault for private and shared documents

Storage location for the Survivor's Guide

[9:27 - 11:01] Digital Life Management

Importance of password access and device management

Social media and digital accounts

Password keeper setup with emergency access

[11:01 - 12:50] What Happens When a Client Dies

Notification process with custodian (Charles Schwab)

Coordination with family through required steps

Handling death certificates, trust documents, and account transitions

[12:50 - 13:22] Closing Thoughts

Emphasis on preparation: "not if, but when"

Encouragement to be well-prepared for family's sake

Original Air Date: February 7, 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

 

This episode of "The Ascent" features Sam McGee and Alec Walker from Crestmont Private Wealth discussing the development of a "Survivor's Guide" - a comprehensive resource to help surviving spouses navigate financial matters after the death of a partner. They explain how this guide will document critical information like account locations, passwords, key contacts, and financial processes to ease the burden during a difficult time. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation and how their firm helps clients through these transitions.
Timeline
[0:00 - 0:37] Introduction &amp; Welcome
Sam McGee returns as host after Alec Walker filled in
Overview of recent content (year-end recaps, law changes, market updates)
[0:37 - 1:36] About Crestmont Private Wealth
Two offices: Houston and Boerne, Texas
Comprehensive wealth management for high net worth individuals
Website: crestmontpw.com
[1:36 - 3:52] Why Create a Survivor's Guide?
Inspired by client meetings and real experiences with bereaved spouses
Addresses both emotional and financial challenges after death
Covers basics like bill paying and account access
[3:52 - 4:48] The Challenge of Financial Transitions
Comparison to being handed keys to someone else's company
Family finances as an operating business with assets, liabilities, and cash flows
[4:48 - 6:39] What's Included in the Guide
Living document separate from estate plans
Key contacts (advisors, attorneys, CPAs, executors)
Account locations and access information
Documentation of all financial moving pieces
[6:39 - 8:11] Reducing Stress During Grief
&nbsp;
Allows families to focus on grieving and funeral arrangements
Eases burden of managing bills and accounts during difficult times
Documents the "mental load" for both spouses
[8:11 - 9:27] E-Money Portal &amp; Digital Vault
Centralized location for account information
Secure vault for private and shared documents
Storage location for the Survivor's Guide
[9:27 - 11:01] Digital Life Management
Importance of password access and device management
Social media and digital accounts
Password keeper setup with emergency access
[11:01 - 12:50] What Happens When a Client Dies
Notification process with custodian (Charles Schwab)
Coordination with family through required steps
Handling death certificates, trust documents, and account transitions
[12:50 - 13:22] Closing Thoughts
Emphasis on preparation: "not if, but when"
Encouragement to be well-prepared for family's sake
Original Air Date: February 7, 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 with Crestmont Private Wealth - Rebecca Pitre

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