Wondering how you can trust an investment? 📈 In this episode of the podcast, I share my personal “litmus test” for evaluating alternative investments and private placements.

If you’re exploring real estate, private funds, or other non-traditional opportunities, here are my top three takeaways to keep in mind:

✅ Do they have real skin in the game?
Always ask if the managers are investing their own money, not just raising funds and charging fees. When their money is on the line, their interests are better aligned with yours.

✅ Are there useful tax benefits?
Some investment strategies, like Roth conversion options, can give you substantial tax benefits.

✅ Is the rate of return fair?
Compare promised returns to similar opportunities and industry standards. If returns (or communication!) seem subpar, dig deeper or rethink your choice.

If you want to upgrade your due diligence process or have questions about fitting alternatives into your portfolio, check out my free resources or schedule a chat at mefinancial.net.

Take the quiz - How Alternative Assets Can Fit in Your Portfolio - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/672ec387dca489a684704eee

Ready for the next step?

• Subscribe to the Podcast: pod.link/1671924778
• Don't forget to leave a review!
• Follow Michelle for more financial tips:
  • YouTube: youtube.com/@theunconventionalinvestor
• Instagram: instagram.com/michelle.e.moses
• Website: www.mefinancial.net

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decisions. The hosts and guests of this podcast are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented.

I sat down with Braden Hudson, CFO and cofounder of Trellis Energy, to talk about an oil and gas investment opportunity. Trellis isn’t your typical operator—they specialize in fractional ownership of wells alongside major names like Chevron and EOG, giving accredited investors direct access to proven energy projects.

With a focus on downside risk, diversified deals, and strong tax benefits, their fund offers an alternative growth platform outside traditional markets. If you’re looking to diversify your portfolio and tap into energy investments in a smarter way, this episode is a must-listen!

Key takeaways:

• Diversification Through Non-Operated Interests: Trellis Energy provides fractional ownership in oil and gas wells across top-tier U.S. operators, which spreads risk across different projects, regions, and commodities. This isn’t about chasing 10x returns—it's about steady capital appreciation with a strong downside risk focus.
• Distinct Growth Platform Model: Trellis doesn’t operate the wells themselves—instead, they invest alongside proven, reputable operators (think Chevron, EOG, Oxy) in projects too small for major institutional players, but out of reach for most individuals. This model enables earlier cash flow recycling and tailored exit timing, seeking 15–20 projects per fund lifecycle.
• Investor Alignment & Tax Efficiency: With an 8% preferred return and significant personal capital invested, Trellis aligns its interests with investors. Plus, 70–85% of capital may be deductible in year one, depending on structure—adding another layer of efficiency for portfolio strategy.

Curious how private energy investing could fit your portfolio—either for tax planning, diversification, or long-term growth? Check out the full episode or let’s connect!

#AlternativeInvestments #OilAndGas #PrivateEquity #PortfolioDiversification

Contact Brayden Hudson with Trellis Energy Partners - https://trellisep.com/

Take the quiz - How Alternative Assets Can Fit in Your Portfolio - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/672ec387dca489a684704eee

Ready for the next step?

• Subscribe to the Podcast: pod.link/1671924778
• Don't forget to leave a review!
• Follow Michelle for more financial tips:
  • YouTube: youtube.com/@theunconventionalinvestor
• Instagram: instagram.com/michelle.e.moses
• Website: www.mefinancial.net

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decisions. The hosts and guests of this podcast are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented.

We're diving into a new area of interest: Oil & Gas Investing.

If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between drilling programs and royalty programs, how to spot a quality operator, or why oil and gas remain such a compelling option for accredited investors seeking both tax advantages and portfolio diversification, this conversation is for you.

Brad Updike, LLM, JD joins us from Mick Law PC, a premier oil and gas due diligence firm, to explain.

Key highlights you don’t want to miss:

• Oil & Gas 101:
  Brad explains why oil and gas is the 7th largest industry globally and why its market fundamentals continue to attract smart capital.
• Investment Structures Explained:
  Learn the difference between investing in public oil and gas securities (like Exxon and Devon) versus private placements—including limited partnerships and mineral rights deals.
• The Power of Tax Benefits:
  Discover how investors can utilize intangible drilling costs (IDCs), tangible equipment deductions, and percentage depletion to substantially lower their tax liability. Brad breaks down real-world scenarios of how these can shrink your investment’s out-of-pocket costs dramatically.