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

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• Subscribe to the Podcast: pod.link/1671924778
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  • YouTube: youtube.com/@theunconventionalinvestor
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• 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.

🔒 Financial fraud is on the rise — how can you protect yourself?

There's been a sharp uptick (25% increase!) in financial fraud this year. In this episode, I go over some strategies to recognize and protect yourself from scams.

Key takeaways:

• Watch for red flags: Be wary of unsolicited calls (even when they appear to come from legitimate institutions) that create urgency, ask for sensitive info, or pressure you to act quickly. Always hang up and call back using a verified number you found on their website.
• Strengthen your digital defenses: Enable two-factor authentication, set up transaction alerts on your accounts, and use strong, unique passwords—especially for financial logins.
  • Michelle also suggests having a separate email just for financial matters.
• Stay vigilant—and help others do the same: Many scams target older adults or those less familiar with digital security. Talk openly with family and friends about common tactics fraudsters use, and encourage them to lock down their accounts.

Taking proactive steps now can make all the difference in protecting your money and accounts.

🛡️ If you haven’t reviewed your account security lately, now’s the time!

#FinancialSecurity #FraudPrevention #WealthManagement #Cybersecurity #UnconventionalInvestor

Ready for the next step?

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• Follow Michelle for more financial tips:
  • YouTube: youtube.com/@theunconventionalinvestor
• Instagram: michelle.e.moses
• Website: www.mefinancial.net

Take the quiz - How Alternative Assets Can Fit in Your Portfolio

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.

If you’re looking for an alternative investment opportunity that’s well outside the usual suspects, this one is worth a look. Industrial Outside Storage, think equipment or supply storage for companies that have large items to store or operate.

There are a few reasons this might be a good fit:

• Fragmented Market: Over 80% of industrial outdoor storage assets are owned by non-institutional (mom and pop) operators. This creates tremendous potential for portfolio consolidation and value creation, especially with a current estimated $166B of deals out there.
• Attractive Returns with Less Competition: By focusing on deals in the $1-10M range, there’s far less competition from institutional investors, allowing for cap rates north of 10%—a rarity in the real estate world, especially without leveraging debt.
• Strong Fundamentals, Limited Supply: IOS sites are often hard to replicate, thanks to strict zoning and city limitations. This acts as a natural barrier to new supply and helps secure long-term value for investors.

If you’re an accredited investor looking to diversify with something truly unconventional—and income-focused—this fund deserves your attention. Listen to the full episode for all the details, and reach out if you want to discuss how this could fit into your portfolio.

Contact COARE - https://www.coareindustrial.com/

#Investing #Alternatives #RealEstate #IndustrialStorage

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.

Downsizing or transitioning to a new living situation can be especially overwhelming for seniors and their families. In my recent episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Zach Gariti, founder of Reavanti, a company specializing in senior move management.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

• A Personalized, Stress-free Approach: Reavanti manages every aspect of a senior’s transition—from sorting and packing, to donating and selling unwanted items, all the way to recreating familiar home environments in new spaces. Clients remain at the center of the process, but without the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively!).
• Flexible, Compassionate Support: The timeline is tailored to each client’s needs. Whether it takes days or more than a year, they can adjust to clients’ schedules, family situations, and emotional readiness.
• Specialized Care for Memory Challenges: For clients moving into memory care, Reavanti emphasizes recreating familiar surroundings (even arranging photos and setting up favorite TV shows!) to ease transitions and maintain comfort, dignity, and a sense of control.

If you’re helping a loved one—or know someone who is—navigate a major move, check out Reavanti or connect with a senior move manager in your area.

Contact Zach with Reavanti - https://reavanti.com/

Take the quiz - How Alternative Assets Can Fit in Your Portfolio

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: 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.

In this solo episode, Michelle gets into the nuts and bolts of investing in alternative assets. If you’ve ever wondered how difficult the logistics are to invest outside your traditional brokerage, this episode is for you. Michelle breaks down the logistics of alternative investing—from setting up self-directed IRAs to filling out subscription agreements—so you can feel confident taking the next step toward portfolio diversification.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Basics of Alternative Investing: Why more investors are looking beyond stocks and bonds.
• Self-Directed IRAs Explained: How they work, when to use them, and why they might save you money on fees.
• Subscription Agreements: What they are and how to complete them.
• Investment Timelines: How long it takes to move from decision-making to execution.
• Cash vs. IRA Investments: Key differences in process and paperwork.

Take the quiz - How Alternative Assets Can Fit in Your Portfolio

Related Episode - How to Use Self-Directed Accounts to Invest with CNB Custody

Ready for the next step?

• Subscribe to the Podcast: pod.link/1671924778
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  • YouTube: youtube.com/@theunconventionalinvestor
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• 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.

With interest rates on the rise, private credit funds are gaining popularity among investors seeking alternative opportunities. In this episode of The Unconventional Investor, we talk about the fundamentals of asset-backed lending, the innovative structure and strategy of The Bedrock Fund—a private lending platform for home flippers—and discuss how it offers accredited investors stable, non-traditional returns.

Joining us is Mark McKeller, Principal & Director of Originations at The Bedrock Fund. With over 20 years of experience in real estate investing and asset-backed lending, Mark shares what makes The Bedrock Fund unique and how it can complement your investment portfolio.

Resources:

• Learn more about The Bedrock Fund: https://thebedrockfund.com
• Take the quiz - How Alternative Assets Can Fit in Your Portfolio

Ready for the next step?

• Subscribe to the Podcast: pod.link/1671924778
• Leave a review to support us!
• Follow Michelle for more financial tips:
  • YouTube: youtube.com/@theunconventionalinvestor
  • Instagram: 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.