In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis breaks down why tax season is one of the most critical opportunities to shape your retirement future. With markets fluctuating and new tax laws taking effect, Stewart explains how smart tax planning—not just tax preparation—can help you keep more of what you’ve earned.

From the impact of today’s historically low tax rates to the power of Roth conversions, Stewart walks through strategies designed to reduce long-term tax burdens and create more tax-free income in retirement. He also highlights the hidden risks many investors overlook, including overexposure to market volatility, lack of diversification, and relying on a single financial perspective.

You’ll learn why waiting until the last minute can cost you, how to take advantage of current tax windows, and why coordinating your tax, investment, and retirement strategies under one roof can make all the difference.

If you want to reduce risk, minimize taxes, and build a more efficient retirement plan, this episode delivers practical insights you can act on today.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio and tax review.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel break down the real role annuities play in retirement planning and separate facts from fear-based marketing. With an independent study showing that 95% of retirees and pre-retirees prioritize asset protection, Stewart explains why protection, income stability, and liquidity matter more than chasing performance as retirement approaches.

The conversation explores how annuities can be effective tools when used correctly, and why they can also be harmful when sold without proper planning or transparency. Stewart explains the importance of matching annuity use to liquidity needs, income timing, and risk tolerance, emphasizing that annuities are not investments, but tools that must fit within a broader retirement strategy.

You’ll also learn why some retirees spend money faster than expected, how structure and discipline can protect people from their own worst financial habits, and why having guaranteed income sources can reduce emotional decision-making during volatile markets. Stewart addresses common annuity myths, misleading “guaranteed income” language, and the critical difference between income you take and interest you earn.

The episode also highlights why many retirees feel more confident working with a financial advisor, how proper planning helps avoid costly RMD mistakes, and why asset protection does not mean sacrificing growth when portfolios are built correctly. If you’ve been pitched an annuity, already own one, or simply want a second opinion to make sure your plan truly protects your retirement, this episode provides clear, practical guidance.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary portfolio review and annuity second opinion.

In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis and host Spike Spengel explore a surprising reality revealed by a national retirement confidence study: nearly half of retirees feel anxious about spending the money they worked their entire lives to save. Even in a strong market environment, many retirees fear running out of money more than they fear not enjoying retirement.

Stewart explains why this anxiety is often emotional, not mathematical, and how a lack of clear cash flow planning leaves retirees disconnected from their true financial reality. You’ll hear real-world stories of retirees who had more than enough assets but still struggled to feel confident walking away from work or spending freely. The episode breaks down why market highs do not automatically equal retirement readiness and how long periods of flat or volatile markets must be planned for.

The conversation also covers why women often experience greater retirement anxiety, how longevity and healthcare costs factor into spending fears, and why having a portion of your money protected from market volatility is critical. Stewart shares how stress-tested cash flow modeling, even at a 0% rate of return, can provide clarity and confidence that guessing never will.

If you’re worried about spending in retirement, unsure if you’re truly ready to leave work, or want proof that your plan can survive real-world market conditions, this episode offers practical insight into how to turn savings into sustainable, stress-free income.

📞 Call 877-5-RETIRE or visit AssetPreservationWealth.com to schedule your complimentary retirement readiness and portfolio review.