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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Alec Walker, EVP of Financial Planning at Crestmont Private Wealth, as he breaks down everything you need to know about Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Learn the key differences between RSUs and stock options, understand the tax implications of vesting, and discover smart strategies for managing over-concentration risk. Whether you're receiving your first RSU grant or managing multiple vesting schedules, this episode provides actionable insights on tax planning, diversification strategies, and how to maximize the value of your equity compensation.

Key Topics Covered:

What are RSUs and how do they work?

RSUs vs. Stock Options: Understanding the difference

Tax implications: Ordinary income and capital gains

Strategic timing for selling vested shares

Diversification strategies to minimize risk

Tax planning techniques to avoid underpayment penalties

Timeline:

0:00 Introduction & Episode Overview

1:23 What Are Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)?

2:59 RSUs vs. Stock Options: Key Differences

3:46 Tax Implications: When Do Taxes Occur?

5:43 Capital Gains Tax on RSUs

6:54 Tax Planning Strategies & Withholding Analysis

9:15 Diversification & Risk Management

9:57 Why Sell RSUs Immediately Upon Vesting

12:04 Satellite Equity Strategies for Diversification

13:30 Closing & Contact Information

Contact Crestmont Private Wealth:

📧 alec@crestmontpw.com

🌐 info@crestmontpw.com

📍 Houston & Burnet, Texas offices

Original Air Date: January 31, 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.