For more information and show notes visit: https://bwmplanning.com/post/97

For years, low interest rates made it easy to dismiss debt, but now, the math behind financing decisions is a little more complex. With interest rates on the rise, the conversation around financing has shifted significantly.

In this episode, we explore:

• When financing might make sense
• The costs associated with borrowing, including variable interest rates & potential tax implications
• How to weigh the benefits of financing against the peace of mind that comes with paying cash

We also discuss the behavioral aspects of debt aversion and how it can influence your financial decisions. Should you finance that dream car or pay cash? What are the long-term implications of your choice? 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/96

In the previous episode, we discussed the accelerating trend of retirement in the oil and gas sector and what it means for professionals at various stages of their careers. Now, we’re taking it a step further by helping you assess your own retirement readiness.

Are you wondering if you have enough assets to make work optional? Should you consider taking that severance package? We unpack these questions and more, providing you with the tools to evaluate your financial situation effectively.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we cover in this episode:

• Assessing Your Assets: Do you have enough to retire comfortably? We discuss the importance of understanding your financial landscape.
• The 4% Rule: We break down this popular guideline and its implications for your retirement planning.
• Understanding Your Spending: How to accurately gauge your expenses now and in the future, and why this is crucial for your retirement strategy.
• Tax Strategies: We explore the unique tax opportunities available to oil and gas professionals and how to navigate them effectively.

Retirement is not just an event; it’s an ongoing process that requires careful planning and adjustment.

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/95

Over the past few years, we’ve seen significant volatility in the industry, including three major oil crashes and a historic rise in interest rates. These events have led to a unique situation where many professionals were forced into retirement earlier than planned, creating a lull in retirements. We think this is about to change.

✅ The Impact of Volatility: How the recent market fluctuations and layoffs have affected retirement patterns

✅ Interest Rates and Pensions: The relationship between rising interest rates and pension values, and how this has influenced retirement decisions

✅ Future Opportunities: What this means for those contemplating retirement and how the landscape is shifting for oil and gas professionals

‍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/94

This week, Justin and Jared are back with another Lightning Pod - here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• Oil Super Majors Performance in 2024: We dive into the lagging share prices of major oil companies and discuss what this means for investors. With ExxonMobil being the only one in the green, we explore the implications of diversification in your investment strategy.
• The Fascinating World of Waymo: I share my recent experience riding in a Waymo self-driving car in San Francisco. We discuss the advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, the safety statistics, and what it means for the future of transportation.
• Bench Accounting and the Risks of VC-Backed Services: We take a closer look at the recent shutdown of Bench Accounting, a company that aimed to revolutionize tax services but ultimately fell short. This discussion highlights the challenges of service-based businesses in the private equity landscape.
• NBA Ratings and Media Access: We wrap up with a conversation about the decline in NBA ratings and the impact of media contracts on viewership. Is it the style of play, or is access to games becoming a bigger issue?

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/93

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jeff Krimmel, a mechanical engineering PhD from Caltech and the founder of Krimmel Strategy Group. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of energy strategy and market dynamics, this episode is a must-listen!

In our conversation, Jeff shares his unique journey from a technical engineering background to becoming a key player in energy strategy consulting. He discusses how his experiences at Baker Hughes and other companies shaped his perspective on the energy sector and led him to launch his own firm.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• Energy Strategy Insights: Jeff dives into the complexities of energy sources, emphasizing that all energy sources are imperfect. He provides a balanced view of hydrocarbons, renewables, and the evolving energy landscape.
• The Future of Energy: We explore what the optimal energy mix might look like in the near to long-term, considering the unique challenges and opportunities in different regions, including Texas and the Gulf Coast.
• Navigating Career Risks: Jeff shares valuable advice for oil and gas professionals on how to leverage their expertise in a rapidly changing market. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your human capital and the risks associated with concentrated exposure to the energy sector.
• Financial Acumen: We discuss the significance of financial literacy for engineers and technical professionals and how it can empower them to make informed decisions about their careers and investments.

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/92

Last week, we explored the considerations for inheritors, but this time, we shift our focus to the responsibilities and planning topics that grantors need to keep in mind. Many of our clients find themselves in both roles, so understanding both sides of the equation is crucial for effective financial planning.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The implications of disclaiming an inheritance and how it can affect your family dynamics.
• The importance of proactive versus reactive planning when it comes to passing down assets.
• Key questions grantors should consider, such as when to give assets and what to communicate to heirs.
• The concept of "impact arbitrage" and how timing your gifts can maximize their benefits.
• Strategies for managing different needs among heirs and ensuring they are prepared to handle their future inheritances.

As we approach the holiday season, this episode serves as a timely reminder of the importance of family discussions around wealth and legacy. We hope you find valuable insights that can help you navigate these complex topics.

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/podcast

The first part of a two-part series where we explore the intricacies of inheritance from two perspectives: the inheritor and the gifter. This week, we focus on the inheritor's point of view, discussing why it’s essential for everyone—especially those in the oil & gas profession—to consider the implications of potential future assets.

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

• Why Everyone Should Care: Even if you think you won’t inherit anything, the upcoming great wealth transfer will have significant macroeconomic consequences that could affect you.
• Understanding Your Financial Plan: We discuss how to approach the question of whether to include potential inheritances in your financial planning. Should you factor it in, and if so, to what extent?
• The Importance of Asset Types: We break down different types of assets you might inherit, such as brokerage accounts versus IRAs, and how their tax implications can drastically change your financial outlook.
• Liquidity and Control: We highlight the importance of understanding the liquidity of inherited assets, especially when it comes to privately held businesses.
• Real-Life Scenarios: We share examples to illustrate how different situations can impact your financial planning decisions.

Whether you’re expecting an inheritance or just want to be prepared for the future, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you navigate the complexities of financial planning.

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/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.