In this episode of The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth, Alec Walker (EVP of Financial Planning) covers everything parents and grandparents need to know about saving for children — including the newly formalized Trump Accounts — plus a Q2 market recap and what to watch in the second half of 2025.

Topics covered:

What are Trump Accounts? Key rules, contribution limits, and the $1,000 government contribution for eligible children born 2025–2028

How Trump Accounts compare to 529s, UTMAs, Roth IRAs, and Schwab Teen Accounts

Multi-generational gifting strategies for grandparents

Q2 market recap: S&P 500 all-time high, SpaceX IPO, oil & Iran conflict

What to watch in H2: inflation, Fed rates, AI spending, and broadening market breadth

 

0:00 – Intro & summer update

0:45 – 529 annual review preview & episode overview

2:10 – What are Trump Accounts? Rules & eligibility

4:00 – $1,000 & $250 government contributions (Michael Dell match)

5:20 – How to open a Trump Account (trumpaccounts.gov)

6:10 – Comparing accounts: 529, UTMA, Roth IRA, Schwab Teen Accounts

8:30 – How Crestmont views Trump Accounts (luxury vs. priority)

10:15 – Best use case: grandparent gifting & multi-generational planning

12:30 – Q2 market recap: S&P 500, oil peak, all-time high

14:20 – SpaceX IPO update

15:10 – H2 outlook: inflation, Fed rates, AI capex, market breadth

17:30 – Closing & contact info

Questions? Reach out at info@crestmontpw.com

Original Air Date: July 18, 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 with Crestmont Private Wealth, Alec Walker (EVP of Financial Planning) covers everything parents and grandparents need to know about saving for children &mdash; including the newly formalized Trump Accounts &mdash; plus a Q2 market recap and what to watch in the second half of 2025.
Topics covered:
What are Trump Accounts? Key rules, contribution limits, and the $1,000 government contribution for eligible children born 2025&ndash;2028
How Trump Accounts compare to 529s, UTMAs, Roth IRAs, and Schwab Teen Accounts
Multi-generational gifting strategies for grandparents
Q2 market recap: S&amp;P 500 all-time high, SpaceX IPO, oil &amp; Iran conflict
What to watch in H2: inflation, Fed rates, AI spending, and broadening market breadth
&nbsp;
0:00 &ndash; Intro &amp; summer update
0:45 &ndash; 529 annual review preview &amp; episode overview
2:10 &ndash; What are Trump Accounts? Rules &amp; eligibility
4:00 &ndash; $1,000 &amp; $250 government contributions (Michael Dell match)
5:20 &ndash; How to open a Trump Account (trumpaccounts.gov)
6:10 &ndash; Comparing accounts: 529, UTMA, Roth IRA, Schwab Teen Accounts
8:30 &ndash; How Crestmont views Trump Accounts (luxury vs. priority)
10:15 &ndash; Best use case: grandparent gifting &amp; multi-generational planning
12:30 &ndash; Q2 market recap: S&amp;P 500, oil peak, all-time high
14:20 &ndash; SpaceX IPO update
15:10 &ndash; H2 outlook: inflation, Fed rates, AI capex, market breadth
17:30 &ndash; Closing &amp; contact info
Questions? Reach out at <a href="mailto:info@crestmontpw.com">info@crestmontpw.com</a>
Original Air Date: July 18, 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 - Savings For Children 7/18/26 

Sam McGee (Crestmont Private Wealth) sits down with Brian Reilly, Chief of the Sisterdale Volunteer Fire Department. Brian shares his journey from zero fire experience to leading a department that grew from 8 to 33 members. The conversation centers on the July 4, 2025 Hill Country floods, volunteer recruitment, and the community-first model that makes Sisterdale VFD unique.

 

0:00 — Intro & welcome; Firefighter 1/2 class graduation shout-out

~1:00 — Brian's background: no fire experience, moved to Sisterdale, joined the department

~3:00 — Why he stayed: serving fellow responders, growing the team from 8 to 33

~5:00 — Career pivot: data analyst → Ready Pro Safety small business owner

~7:00 — July 4th floods: how fast the river rose, the debris, being boxed in by low water crossings

~9:00 — Taking over county operations command out of Sisterdale station

~11:00 — Out-of-state assets, Alamo Heights boat teams, and the unsung heroes of the recovery

~12:30 — The challenge of well-meaning volunteers without training; protecting civilians from what they'd see

~14:00 — Mental health support: Jillian Rodriguez, Hill Country Family Services

~14:30 — 70% of US fire departments are all-volunteer; how to get involved

~15:00 — Sisterdale's community-owned model: two tiers of membership, full financial transparency

~15:40 — Drone program, non-responder roles, and the call to serve in any capacity

Original Air Date: July 11, 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 (Crestmont Private Wealth) sits down with Brian Reilly, Chief of the Sisterdale Volunteer Fire Department. Brian shares his journey from zero fire experience to leading a department that grew from 8 to 33 members. The conversation centers on the July 4, 2025 Hill Country floods, volunteer recruitment, and the community-first model that makes Sisterdale VFD unique.
&nbsp;
0:00 &mdash; Intro &amp; welcome; Firefighter 1/2 class graduation shout-out
~1:00 &mdash; Brian's background: no fire experience, moved to Sisterdale, joined the department
~3:00 &mdash; Why he stayed: serving fellow responders, growing the team from 8 to 33
~5:00 &mdash; Career pivot: data analyst &rarr; Ready Pro Safety small business owner
~7:00 &mdash; July 4th floods: how fast the river rose, the debris, being boxed in by low water crossings
~9:00 &mdash; Taking over county operations command out of Sisterdale station
~11:00 &mdash; Out-of-state assets, Alamo Heights boat teams, and the unsung heroes of the recovery
~12:30 &mdash; The challenge of well-meaning volunteers without training; protecting civilians from what they'd see
~14:00 &mdash; Mental health support: Jillian Rodriguez, Hill Country Family Services
~14:30 &mdash; 70% of US fire departments are all-volunteer; how to get involved
~15:00 &mdash; Sisterdale's community-owned model: two tiers of membership, full financial transparency
~15:40 &mdash; Drone program, non-responder roles, and the call to serve in any capacity
Original Air Date: July 11, 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 - Brian Reilly, Chief Of Sisterdale VFD  7-11-26

Sam McGee of Crestmont Private Wealth opens with a moment of reflection on last year's 4th of July flooding near Center Point and Hunt, then pivots to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The main segment uses a brisket-cooking analogy — drawn from a concept originally shared by Alec Walker — to illustrate long-term investing principles:

 

Patience pays: Just as opening a smoker lid too often dries out a brisket, frequently jumping in and out of the market erodes wealth. Citing Vanguard data: missing just the best 25 trading days between 1996–2024 would have cost ~60% of returns on a $100K portfolio.

Avoid timing the market: The SpaceX IPO is used as an example of short-term "microwave" thinking vs. a long, slow smoke.

The value of an advisor: Vanguard research shows 86% of advised clients report greater peace of mind, and 76% spend less time worrying — saving a median of 2 hours/week. Advisors can add ~3% net value annually.

Call to action: High net worth individuals ($1M+ in liquidity) are invited to reach out at info@crestmontpw.com.

Timeline

Time     Topic

0:00     Intro — Sam Magee introduces the show and the cooking analogy

0:25     Reflection on 4th of July 2024 floods near Center Point/Hunt

1:00     America's 250th birthday acknowledgment

1:27     Intro to the brisket analogy; Sam admits he's cooking one at the office

2:23     Texting "Johnny" for brisket tips — sets up the advisor parallel

3:08     How brisket relates to investing — patience, no market timing

4:06     Crestmont's approach: financial plans, partnering with families

4:44     SpaceX IPO example — instant gratification vs. long-term compounding

5:49     Vanguard stat: missing best 25 trading days = losing ~60% of wealth

6:55     Texas A&M brisket class tangent

7:36     Value of a patient, long-term advisor

7:59     Vanguard white paper: 86% peace of mind, 76% less worry, 2 hrs/week saved

10:05  Advisors help avoid mistakes, optimize taxes, stay disciplined

10:32  Vanguard estimates ~3% net value added annually

10:54  CTA: newsletter at info@crestmontpw.com

11:56  Closing — brisket reality check, time you can't get back

12:34  Final thoughts — safety, prayers for flood families & CO firefighters

Original Air Date: July 4, 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 of Crestmont Private Wealth opens with a moment of reflection on last year's 4th of July flooding near Center Point and Hunt, then pivots to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The main segment uses a brisket-cooking analogy &mdash; drawn from a concept originally shared by Alec Walker &mdash; to illustrate long-term investing principles:
&nbsp;
Patience pays: Just as opening a smoker lid too often dries out a brisket, frequently jumping in and out of the market erodes wealth. Citing Vanguard data: missing just the best 25 trading days between 1996&ndash;2024 would have cost ~60% of returns on a $100K portfolio.
Avoid timing the market: The SpaceX IPO is used as an example of short-term "microwave" thinking vs. a long, slow smoke.
The value of an advisor: Vanguard research shows 86% of advised clients report greater peace of mind, and 76% spend less time worrying &mdash; saving a median of 2 hours/week. Advisors can add ~3% net value annually.
Call to action: High net worth individuals ($1M+ in liquidity) are invited to reach out at info@crestmontpw.com.
Timeline
Time&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Topic
0:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Intro &mdash; Sam Magee introduces the show and the cooking analogy
0:25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reflection on 4th of July 2024 floods near Center Point/Hunt
1:00&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; America's 250th birthday acknowledgment
1:27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Intro to the brisket analogy; Sam admits he's cooking one at the office
2:23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Texting "Johnny" for brisket tips &mdash; sets up the advisor parallel
3:08&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How brisket relates to investing &mdash; patience, no market timing
4:06&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Crestmont's approach: financial plans, partnering with families
4:44&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SpaceX IPO example &mdash; instant gratification vs. long-term compounding
5:49&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vanguard stat: missing best 25 trading days = losing ~60% of wealth
6:55&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Texas A&amp;M brisket class tangent
7:36&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Value of a patient, long-term advisor
7:59&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vanguard white paper: 86% peace of mind, 76% less worry, 2 hrs/week saved
10:05&nbsp; Advisors help avoid mistakes, optimize taxes, stay disciplined
10:32&nbsp; Vanguard estimates ~3% net value added annually
10:54&nbsp; CTA: newsletter at info@crestmontpw.com
11:56&nbsp; Closing &mdash; brisket reality check, time you can't get back
12:34&nbsp; Final thoughts &mdash; safety, prayers for flood families &amp; CO firefighters
Original Air Date: July 4, 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  July 4 Show  7-4-26

The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth — World Cup & Global Diversification

Host: Alec Walker, EVP of Financial Planning | ~13:36

Summary:

Alec uses the World Cup — being hosted in Houston — as a jumping-off point to discuss global investment diversification. He covers how US markets represent only 62% of global equities and 41% of global bonds, explains the firm's "home country bias" approach, and reviews the "periodic table of returns" showing no country consistently tops the charts. He highlights recent outperformance by international and emerging markets (up 42% and 67% respectively since Jan 2025), and revisits the "lost decade" of 2000–2009 when the S&P 500 returned -0.78% while diversified portfolios thrived. He closes with a behavioral coaching message about avoiding FOMO and protecting downside risk.

0:00 — Intro & SpaceX IPO follow-up

0:44 — World Cup fever in Houston; transition to investment topic

2:31 — Diversification intro: US stocks, RSUs, concentrated positions

3:21 — Core portfolio approach: global diversification reduces top-10 concentration from 40% → 23%

3:56 — Global equity breakdown: US (62%, ~3,400 companies), Developed ex-US, Emerging Markets

5:32 — Global bond markets: US is only 41% of global bond cap

6:13 — Periodic table of returns (2005–2024): top countries, Denmark's 11.2% annualized return

7:30 — Key holdings: Novo Nordisk (Denmark), Samsung & SK Hynix (Korea)

8:43 — Recent 18-month data: S&P +27%, Russell 2000 +36%, Intl Dev +42%, EM +67%

10:07 — Recent rebalance rationale: trimming US exposure

10:30 — The Lost Decade (2000–2009): S&P -0.78% annualized; bonds +82%, EM +194%

11:53 — Behavioral coaching: avoid FOMO, protect downside, long-term planning

13:06 — Outro & crestmontpw.com

Original Air Date: June 27, 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

The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth &mdash; World Cup &amp; Global Diversification
Host: Alec Walker, EVP of Financial Planning | ~13:36
Summary:
Alec uses the World Cup &mdash; being hosted in Houston &mdash; as a jumping-off point to discuss global investment diversification. He covers how US markets represent only 62% of global equities and 41% of global bonds, explains the firm's "home country bias" approach, and reviews the "periodic table of returns" showing no country consistently tops the charts. He highlights recent outperformance by international and emerging markets (up 42% and 67% respectively since Jan 2025), and revisits the "lost decade" of 2000&ndash;2009 when the S&amp;P 500 returned -0.78% while diversified portfolios thrived. He closes with a behavioral coaching message about avoiding FOMO and protecting downside risk.
0:00 &mdash; Intro &amp; SpaceX IPO follow-up
0:44 &mdash; World Cup fever in Houston; transition to investment topic
2:31 &mdash; Diversification intro: US stocks, RSUs, concentrated positions
3:21 &mdash; Core portfolio approach: global diversification reduces top-10 concentration from 40% &rarr; 23%
3:56 &mdash; Global equity breakdown: US (62%, ~3,400 companies), Developed ex-US, Emerging Markets
5:32 &mdash; Global bond markets: US is only 41% of global bond cap
6:13 &mdash; Periodic table of returns (2005&ndash;2024): top countries, Denmark's 11.2% annualized return
7:30 &mdash; Key holdings: Novo Nordisk (Denmark), Samsung &amp; SK Hynix (Korea)
8:43 &mdash; Recent 18-month data: S&amp;P +27%, Russell 2000 +36%, Intl Dev +42%, EM +67%
10:07 &mdash; Recent rebalance rationale: trimming US exposure
10:30 &mdash; The Lost Decade (2000&ndash;2009): S&amp;P -0.78% annualized; bonds +82%, EM +194%
11:53 &mdash; Behavioral coaching: avoid FOMO, protect downside, long-term planning
13:06 &mdash; Outro &amp; crestmontpw.com
Original Air Date: June 27, 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 - Savings For Children 7/18/26

The Ascent With Crestmont Private Wealth

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