Disclosure

Insurance products and services are offered through Aspen Creek Wealth Strategies, a licensed insurance agency. Investments and investment advisory services are offered through Aspen Creek Wealth Management (ACWM), a state-registered investment advisory firm based in Texas, an affiliated company. A copy of TWM’s written disclosure statement discussing advisory services and fees is available for your review upon request. Consult your individual advisors for investment, tax, or legal advice specific to your circumstances. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns, and investing involves multiple risks, including, but not limited to, the risk of permanent losses.

Market data, articles and other content on this website are based on generally available information and are believed to be reliable. Aspen Creek Wealth Strategies does not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this website. The information is of a general nature and should not be construed as investment advice. Please remember that it remains your responsibility to advise Aspen Creek Wealth Strategies, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services, if you would like to impose, add, or to modify any reasonable restrictions to our
investment advisory services.

This website is intended to provide general information about Aspen Creek Wealth Strategies and its services. It is not intended to offer or deliver investment advice in any way.  Information regarding investment services is provided solely to gain an understanding of our investment philosophy, our strategies and to be able to contact us for further information.

Stocks:

A stock, also referred to as equity, is a financial instrument that signifies partial ownership in a company. These ownership stakes, known as “shares,” grant the holder a proportional claim to the corporation’s assets and earnings based on the amount of stock they possess. Common and preferred are the two primary categories of stocks. The value of stocks may diminish due to market downturns or as a result of corporate actions.

ETFs:

Prospective buyers of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can obtain a prospectus, which provides essential details about the investment company, including investment objectives, potential risks, charges, and expenses. It is crucial to thoroughly review the Prospectus before making any investment decisions. Interested individuals can acquire the Prospectus from their financial advisor or professional and are advised to carefully read it to gain a comprehensive understanding.

ETFs carry various risks, including market, liquidity, portfolio, tax, and potentially political risks.

REITs:

Investing in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate ventures carries significant risks, including limited liquidity, potential devaluation of assets during adverse economic conditions or shifts in the economy, the impact of supply and demand dynamics, tenant turnover, fluctuations in interest rates (including periods of high-interest rates), availability of mortgage funds, operating expenses, and insurance costs. The value of shares in a REIT may exceed or fall below the initial investment upon liquidation, as it is subject to changes in the value of underlying properties. A prospectus must accompany or precede any related material. It is crucial to carefully review the Prospectus before making investment decisions or sending funds. These investment products are not insured by FDIC or NCUA/NCUSIF, and they are not guaranteed by banks or credit unions, thus having the potential to decrease in value. It is recommended to consult with a tax advisor or registered representative to understand how these products align with your specific investment strategy. Past performance does not ensure future outcomes. This statement does not constitute an offer to sell, solicit, or purchase the mentioned securities. The offering is exclusively made through the Prospectus.

Cryptocurrency:

A cryptocurrency is a form of digital or virtual currency that utilizes cryptographic techniques to ensure its authenticity and prevent fraudulent activities such as counterfeiting or double spending. Many cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks built upon blockchain technology, which is a distributed ledger system maintained by a network of computers. One notable characteristic of cryptocurrencies is that they are typically not issued or controlled by a central authority, which theoretically protects them from government interference or manipulation. Cryptocurrencies offer advantages such as cost-effective and rapid money transfers, as well as decentralized systems that are resistant to single points of failure. However, there are certain drawbacks associated with cryptocurrencies, including price volatility, significant energy consumption in mining operations, and their potential utilization for illicit purposes.

Currency:

Currency serves as a means of facilitating transactions for goods and services, functioning as money in the form of physical coins and paper notes. Typically issued by governments, the currency is widely accepted at face value as a recognized payment method. As the predominant medium of exchange in today’s society, currency has replaced traditional bartering systems. However, it is important to note that currency is vulnerable to fluctuations in exchange rates, which expose it to market-related risks.

Options:

Options trading involves certain risks that traders should be aware of before engaging in such activities. It is important to carefully consider these risks in order to make informed investment decisions. The following risk disclosure outlines some of the key risks associated with options trading:

• Market Risk: Options are subject to market fluctuations and changes in the underlying asset’s price. The value of options can rise or fall based on market conditions, including supply and demand dynamics, economic factors, and geopolitical events.
• Volatility Risk: Options prices are influenced by market volatility. Increased volatility can lead to higher options prices, while decreased volatility can result in lower options prices. Sudden changes in volatility levels can have a significant impact on options values.
• Time Decay Risk: Options have a limited lifespan, and their value may decrease over time. This time decay, also known as theta decay, accelerates as the options approach their expiration dates. Traders should be mindful of the time decay factor when considering options strategies.
• Liquidity Risk: Some options may have low trading volumes or limited liquidity, which can make it difficult to enter or exit positions at desired prices. Illiquid options may lead to wider bid-ask spreads, slippage, and difficulties in executing trades.
• Counterparty Risk: Options are often traded through brokerage firms or exchanges, which act as counterparties to the trades. There is a risk that the counterparty may default on their obligations, resulting in potential losses for the traders.
• Limited Loss, Unlimited Gain: While options offer the potential for substantial gains, it is important to remember that losses are also possible. Depending on the options strategy employed, traders may face limited loss potential but have unlimited risk exposure.
• Complex Strategies: Certain options strategies involve multiple legs, combinations, or derivatives. These complex strategies can be challenging to understand and implement correctly, increasing the risk of unintended consequences or losses.
• Past Performance: Historical performance of options or any trading strategy does not guarantee future results. Market conditions can change, and previous successes may not be indicative of future performance.
• Financial and Tax Considerations: Options trading may have tax implications and can involve transaction costs, commissions, and margin requirements. Traders should consult with their tax advisor and consider these financial factors before engaging in options trading.

It is essential to thoroughly educate yourself about options trading, seek advice from qualified professionals, and carefully assess your risk tolerance and financial situation before participating in options trading. Options trading is not suitable for all investors, and individuals should only trade options if they fully understand the risks involved. Trusts: A trust is a legally binding arrangement in which a trustor entrusts a trustee with the responsibility of holding property or assets for the benefit of a third party. This fiduciary relationship allows for the achievement of specific objectives, making trusts highly adaptable instruments. Trusts can be classified into six main categories, including living or testamentary, funded, or unfunded, and revocable or irrevocable trusts. They can be established for purposes such as estate planning, beneficiary support, tax optimization, or other reasons as determined by the grantor.

10-year yield:

The 10-year Treasury yield is the current rate Treasury notes would pay investors if they bought them today. Changes in the 10-year Treasury yield tell us a great deal about the economic landscape and global market sentiment, professional investors analyze patterns in 10-year Treasury yields and make predictions about how yields will move over time. Declines in the 10-year Treasury yield generally indicate caution about global economic conditions while gains signal global economic confidence. The 10-year Treasury yield is the current rate Treasury notes would pay investors if they bought them today. Changes in the 10-year Treasury yield tell us a great deal about the economic landscape and global market sentiment, professional investors analyze patterns in 10-year Treasury yields and make predictions about how yields will move over time. Declines in the 10-year Treasury yield generally indicate caution about global economic conditions while gains signal global economic confidence.

10-year T- Note futures:

Participating in 10-year T-Note futures allows a trader to assess directionality of interest rates as well the ability to hedge risk at the end of a yield curve. Participating in 10-year T-Note futures can also allow one to use a variety of trading strategies like spread trading and trading against different Treasury futures.

Hypothetical back-tested performance returns do not reflect actual trading activity, they do not reflect tolerances for risk or for loss that might have impacted investment decisions if actual assets were at risk. Furthermore, hypothetical back-tested performance returns are based, in part, on assumptions/rules, which may not be considered reasonable, and which may not have been realized if the performance represented actual returns. Furthermore, changes to the assumptions/rules or techniques may result in significantly different results, which may prove to be a more accurate illustration and the assumptions/rules used to create the hypothetical back-tested performance returns can be adjusted at any time, for any reason, and can continue to be changed until desired or better performance results are achieved. Consequently, hypothetical back-tested performance returns will invariably show positive returns. Additionally, hypothetical back-tested performance returns do not reflect the impact of certain economic conditions and/or market factors, which might have had an effect on investment decision making if actual assets were at risk. Finally, hypothetical back-tested performance returns are not subject to additions and/or withdrawals of account capital. Consequently, actual accounts managed according to the investment strategy may have substantially different performance returns depending on the timing of such transactions in relation to the direction of the market.

Money Market Funds:

A money market fund is technically a security. The fund managers attempt to keep the share price constant at $1/share. However, there is no guarantee that the share price will stay at $1/share. If the share price goes down, you can lose some or all of your principal. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) notes that “While investor losses in money market funds have been rare, they are possible.” In return for this risk, you should earn a greater return on your cash than you would expect from a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured savings account (money market funds are not FDIC insured). Next, money market fund rates are variable. In other words, you do not know how much you will earn on your investment next month. The rate could go up or go down. If it goes up, that may result in a positive outcome. However, if it goes down and you earn less than you expected to earn, you may end up needing more cash. A final risk you are taking with money market funds has to do with inflation. Because money market funds are considered to be safer than other investments like stocks, long-term average returns on money market funds tend to be less than long term average returns on riskier investments. Over long periods of time, inflation can eat away at your returns.

Bonds:

Corporate debt securities (or “bonds”) are typically safer investments than equity securities, but their risk can also vary widely based on: the financial health of the issuer; the risk that the issuer might default; when the bond is set to mature; and, whether or not the bond can be “called” prior to maturity. When a bond is called, it may not be possible to replace it with a bond of equal character paying the same rate of return.

Mutual Funds:

Mutual funds are professionally managed collective investment systems that pool money from many investors and invest in stocks, bonds, short-term money market instruments, other mutual funds, other securities, or any combination thereof. The fund will have a manager that trades the fund’s investments in accordance with the fund’s investment objective. While mutual funds generally provide diversification, risks can be significantly increased if the fund is concentrated in a particular sector of the market, primarily invests in small cap or speculative companies, uses leverage (i.e., borrows money) to a significant degree, or concentrates in a particular type of security (i.e., equities) rather than balancing the fund with different types of securities. Some mutual funds are “no load” and charge no fee to buy into, or sell out of, the fund, other types of mutual funds do charge such fees which can also reduce returns. Mutual funds can also be “closed end” or “open end”. So-called “open end” mutual funds continue to allow in new investors indefinitely whereas “closed end” funds have a fixed number of shares to sell which can limit their availability to new investors.

Alternative Investments Risk:

Which is the risk associated with investing in alternative investments that are speculative, not suitable for all clients, and are intended for experienced and sophisticated investors who are willing to bear the high economic risks of the investment.   Investing in alternative investments includes the following economic risks:

• Loss of all or a substantial portion of the investment due to leveraging, short-selling, or other speculative investment practices
• Lack of liquidity in that there is a lack of a secondary market for the investment, and none expected to develop;
• The volatility of returns;
• Restrictions on transferring interests in the investment;
• Potential lack of diversification and resulting in higher risk due to concentration of trading
• Authority when a single adviser is utilized;
• Absence of information regarding valuations and pricing;
• Delays in tax reporting;
• Less regulation and higher fees than mutual funds; and
• Risks associated with the operations, personnel, and process of the manager funds investing in alternative investments.

Risk Disclosure

Different types of investments and strategies involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy will be profitable. Asset allocation may be used in an effort to manage risk and enhance returns. It does not, however, guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Performance of the asset allocation strategies depends on the underlying investments.