For more information and show notes visit: https://bwmplanning.com/post/90

In latest episode of Financial Planning for Oil and Gas Professionals, Jared & Justin dive deep into the fascinating world of Texas's $200 billion Teacher's Pension Fund.

Did you know that 1 in 20 Texans participates in this pension? That's millions of people relying on smart investment strategies. We break down the allocation and what you can learn from it:

1) The Importance of Diversification: The Texas Teacher's Pension allocates 54% of its assets to global equity, 21% to stable value, and 21% to real return. This diversified approach allows them to manage risk effectively while capitalizing on various market conditions. For individual investors, especially those heavily invested in oil and gas, this serves as a reminder to diversify across different asset classes to mitigate risk and enhance long-term returns. One standout feature? They have a dedicated sleeve for energy, natural resources, and infrastructure investments. We explore why they believe these sectors will remain crucial despite climate change concerns.

2) Time Horizon Matters: One of the most critical factors in investment strategy is your time horizon. The Texas Teacher's Pension has a long-term perspective, allowing them to invest in illiquid assets like private equity and real estate. In contrast, individual investors, particularly those nearing retirement, need to consider their cash flow needs and adjust their portfolios accordingly. Understanding your investment timeline is essential for making informed decisions that align with your financial goals.

3) Benchmarking Performance: The pension fund emphasizes the importance of comparing investments against appropriate benchmarks. They utilize a Public Markets Equivalent (PME) to assess the performance of their hedge fund investments, ensuring they are evaluated on their own merits rather than against unrelated asset classes. This approach highlights the necessity for all investors to establish relevant benchmarks for their portfolios, allowing for a clearer understanding of performance and value.

4) Investment Fees: Did you know that a 1% management fee can add up significantly over time? We share insights on how to keep costs in check and discuss importance of understanding what you pay for investment management.

As always, we encourage our listeners to reach out with any questions or ideas for future episodes at podcast@brownleewealthmanagement.com.

Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to bringing you more insightful episodes in the future.

Connect With Us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BrownleeWealthManagement/?ref=py_c

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownlee-wealth-management/

Disclosure: This information is for informational purposes only. Nothing discussed during this video should be interpreted as tax, legal, or investment advice. If you have questions pertaining to your specific situation, please consult the appropriate qualified professional.

For more information and show notes visit: https://bwmplanning.com/post/89

In this week's episode, we dive into a variety of topics, including:

✅ Cultural Differences in Europe: Join us as we share personal experiences from a recent trip to Europe, exploring the unique cultural nuances we encountered in countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, England, and Germany.

✅ The Tipping Debate: We discuss the evolving landscape of tipping in Europe versus the U.S., examining whether tipping has become out of control and how it impacts the restaurant industry.

✅ Work-cations: Discover why we believe work-cations are underrated and how they can provide a balanced approach to travel and work, especially for families.

✅ Investment Insights: We touch on the valuation differences between European and U.S. equities, discussing the cultural factors that influence productivity and investment returns.

✅ The Overrated Search for the Perfect City: Is it really worth the effort to find the optimal city to live in? We share our thoughts on how lifestyle design and community connections often matter more than the city itself.

✅ Dude Perfect's $100 Million Investment: We wrap up with a discussion on the recent investment in Dude Perfect and what it means for the creator economy.

As always, we encourage our listeners to reach out with any questions or ideas for future episodes at podcast@brownleewealthmanagement.com.

Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to bringing you more insightful episodes in the future.

Connect With Us:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BrownleeWealthManagement/?ref=py_c

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownlee-wealth-management/

Disclosure: This information is for informational purposes only. Nothing discussed during this video should be interpreted as tax, legal, or investment advice. If you have questions pertaining to your specific situation, please consult the appropriate qualified professional.

For more information and show notes visit: https://www.bwmplanning.com/post/88

In this episode of Financial Planning for Oil and Gas Professionals, hosts Justin Brownlee and Jared Machen dive into the case against private equity. Private equity investments can be an enticing option for investors seeking higher returns, but they come with a distinct set of risks, fees, and liquidity challenges that warrant careful consideration. Here are some key points to keep in mind when evaluating private equity as part of your investment strategy:

Unique Risks

Private equity often involves investing in smaller, less established companies compared to public market investments. This different risk profile means these companies may be more vulnerable to market fluctuations and economic downturns. The episode highlights that private equity can be viewed as "leveraged small-cap investing," which inherently carries more risk than investing in larger, more stable public companies.

High Fees

Private equity typically has a fee structure that includes a management fee (often around 2%) and a performance fee (commonly 20% of profits above a certain threshold). These fees can significantly erode returns, especially when compared to the low fees associated with public market investments. We illustrates how high fees can diminish the net returns that investors actually receive, making it crucial to understand the fee implications before committing capital.

Liquidity Issues

The timing of cash flows in private equity can be unpredictable. Investors may find that their capital is tied up for years while the fund seeks out and invests in companies. This contrasts sharply with public market investments, where investors can buy and sell shares almost instantaneously. We discuss the concept of the "J-curve," where initial returns may be negative as capital is deployed, making it essential for investors to understand the cash flow dynamics. The lack of liquidity can also create behavioral challenges for investors. If an investor's portfolio is down significantly but not marked to market, they may not fully grasp the extent of their losses. This can lead to complacency or poor decision-making during market downturns, as the investor may not feel the immediate impact of their investment's performance.

In summary, while private equity can offer attractive returns, it is essential to approach these investments with caution. The unique risks, high fees, and liquidity issues associated with private equity require a thorough understanding and careful consideration. Investors should weigh these factors against their financial goals and risk tolerance, ensuring that they make informed decisions within the context of their overall investment strategy.

As always, we encourage our listeners to reach out with any questions or ideas for future episodes at podcast@brownleewealthmanagement.com.

Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to bringing you more insightful episodes in the future.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BrownleeWealthManagement/?ref=py_c

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownlee-wealth-management/

Disclosure: This information is for informational purposes only. Nothing discussed during this video should be interpreted as tax, legal, or investment advice. If you have questions pertaining to your specific situation, please consult the appropriate qualified professional.