In this episode of The Asset Preservation Hour, financial advisor Stewart Willis draws on an unexpected source of inspiration: his recent jujitsu training camp. Fresh off the mats (and nursing a few bumps and bruises to prove it), Stewart joins cohost Spike Spengel to explore what martial arts preparation can teach us about preparing for retirement.
Stewart explains why the best retirement plans, like the best fighters, rely on repetition, discipline, and rigorous testing rather than guesswork. He breaks down the Monte Carlo simulation, a tool that stress tests a portfolio against historical market crashes, dot com bubbles, and financial crises, to reveal how prepared your plan really is. He also unpacks sequence of return risk, explaining why a market downturn early in retirement can be far more damaging than the same downturn later on, and why cash flow drilling helps determine whether your money can survive a serious hit.
Along the way, Stewart and Spike discuss the danger of chasing hot tips from friends, the emotional traps that cause investors to buy high and sell low, and why understanding your true risk exposure matters more than ever as retirement approaches. They also touch on how Social Security benefits can be up to 85% taxable depending on your income structure, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive tax plan alongside your investment strategy.
Whether you are just starting to think about retirement or already deep into it, this episode makes the case that preparation, not prediction, is what determines success.
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What is The Asset Preservation Hour?
Join Stewart Willis, President of Asset Preservation Tax & Retirement Services, and co-host Spike Spengel as they explore strategies for protecting, growing, and maximizing your wealth. Designed for those in or near retirement, this podcast delivers expert insights on tax planning, investment advice, estate planning, and building a secure financial future—all tailored to help you make the most of your life’s work.