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;

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”