I think it's time we rethink our portfolios, especially from that 60/40 recommendation of the past. In this episode, I talk about why it’s time to add 20-30% in alternative investments—think real estate, lending funds, and even franchises—to balance your growth and give you more control. 

Diversifying outside just stocks and bonds can help you sleep better at night and potentially boost your returns. I also share how to use self-directed IRAs and why a Roth IRA should be top of mind. 

 3 takeaways from this episode:

• Modern Portfolio Mix: The classic 60/40 (stocks/bonds) split is making changing for a more diversified mix—what Michelle calls the “50/30/20” model: 50% stocks, 30% bonds, and 20% alternatives. 
• Strength of Alternatives: Michelle sees alternative investments (like lending funds, real estate, and franchises) not just as a buffer from market volatility, but also as potential replacements for part of the bond allocation. 
• Roth IRA Strategy: I stress the importance of the Roth IRA and why you should keep it top of mind in your retirement planning. Consider a backdoor Roth IRA.

Backdoor Roth IRA Episode #54

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

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  • YouTube: youtube.com/@theunconventionalinvestor 
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Disclaimer:

The information discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, investments, or financial instruments. Private placements and alternative investments are speculative and involve significant risks, including the potential loss of your entire investment. These investments are often illiquid, meaning they may not be easily sold or converted to cash, and investors should be prepared to hold them for an extended period of time. These opportunities are typically suitable only for accredited investors and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional before making any investment decisions. The hosts and guests of this podcast are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented.

#alternativeinvestments #60/40mix #assetallocation #financialplanner

If you’re interested in multifamily real estate investing  with a manager who truly does things differently, this one’s worth your time! There are HUNDREDS of multifamily (apts) investors out there, but this one stands out. 

Matt Incitti from Hamilton Point joins us to share what makes Hamilton Point special. Key takeaways:

🔹 Ethics and Alignment Matter
Hamilton Point stands out in the crowded multifamily space for their strong ethical track record and investment alignment with investors. The founders and team invest alongside clients—on the same terms—which means their interests are directly aligned with investor outcomes.

🔹 Disciplined, Nimble Strategy
Instead of chasing huge fund sizes, Hamilton Point maintains disciplined fund growth and prioritizes quality over quantity. Matt shared that their current focus is on buying newer multifamily properties from distressed builders—adapting to market cycles rather than forcing growth, which has helped them consistently deliver solid performance.

🔹 Clear Communication & Operational Excellence
Transparency and communication are big differentiators. Investors receive quarterly updates and timely tax documents—something that’s surprisingly rare in the private equity space. Hamilton Point’s focus on reporting, responsiveness, and investor experience helps build long-term trust.

If you’re exploring alternative investments, it’s crucial to work with partners who have a proven, ethical approach—and who treat your money like their own.

Contact Hamilton Point - www.hamiltonpointinv.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 discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, investments, or financial instruments. Private placements and alternative investments are speculative and involve significant risks, including the potential loss of your entire investment. These investments are often illiquid, meaning they may not be easily sold or converted to cash, and investors should be prepared to hold them for an extended period of time. These opportunities are typically suitable only for accredited investors and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional before making any investment decisions. The hosts and guests of this podcast are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented The hosts and guests of this podcast are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented.

If you're curious about how farmland can diversify your portfolio, act as an inflation hedge, and support a healthier planet, you’ll find plenty in this episode. Michelle is joined by Chris Zuehlsdorff, CEO of Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT. 

Iroquois Valley supports experienced organic farmers through long-term leases and mortgage financing, helping to preserve farmland and build a more resilient food system. 

Key takeaways:

• Farmland as a Diversifier & Inflation Hedge: Investing in organic farmland provides real asset exposure that can balance a traditional 60:40 portfolio and help hedge against inflation.
• Accessible, Values-Driven Impact Investing: Iroquois Valley makes it possible for both accredited AND non-accredited investors (minimum $10k) to support organic farmers. (Its SEC-registered Reg A structure and B Corp certification.)
• Support the Next Generation of Farmers: The REIT’s portfolio skews younger, focusing on supporting millennial farmers to scale their sustainable businesses.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to align your investments with your values, or want exposure to organic farmland, check out the full episode or visit iroquoisvalley.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 discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, investments, or financial instruments. Private placements and alternative investments are speculative and involve significant risks, including the potential loss of your entire investment. These opportunities are typically suitable only for accredited investors and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional before making any investment decisions. The hosts and guests of this podcast are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented.

This week we have real estate investor, Jesse Lang on the show to talk about investing in real estate without your own money. 

Jesse started her journey accidentally through house hacking, and within just 36 months, she scaled from 11 to 70 rental doors—all without using her own money. Her focus on the BRRRR method (Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) is a game-changer for anyone feeling like they can't get into the real estate game.

Here are the biggest takeaways:

🔑 Leverage over Capital
Jesse uses private lenders and hard money to invest in real estate, allowing her to grow rapidly while offering double-digit returns to her lenders.

🔄 Systems are Scalable
Standardizing renovations and targeting congruent neighborhoods save her time and make property management much easier. Consistency means faster analysis and fewer issues.

🧠 Education and Community Matter
Jesse didn’t do it alone—masterminds, mentors, and constant learning helped her succeed. She now pays it forward with a “Rentals Made Easy” mastermind and book, breaking down the process for other investors.

Feeling inspired to take your real estate investing to the next level? Connect with Jesse at unlockedrentals.com or tune into the full episode!

#RealEstateInvesting  #BRRRRMethod 

Buy Jessie's book, "Rentals Made Easy" on Amazon

Contact Jessie Lang:

https://www.instagram.com/jessielangofficial/    

https://www.youtube.com/@unlockedrentals

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 discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, investments, or financial instruments. Private placements and alternative investments are speculative and involve significant risks, including the potential loss of your entire investment. These opportunities are typically suitable only for accredited investors and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional before making any investment 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 topic of money psychology and the impact of emotions on financial decisions. With 20+ years of experience as a financial planner, Michelle shares her observations and opinions about balancing the emotional and logical sides of managing wealth.

Key Topics Covered

• The Emotional Side of Money
  
  
• Investment Decision-Making
  
  
• The Value of Accountability
  
  
• Budgeting & Emotional Spending
  
  
• Learning from Losses
  
  

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.

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.

🔒 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

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  • 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.