The Q1 2026 oil market shock is creating meaningful tax planning opportunities for Energy Transfer employees, particularly around equity compensation timing, deferred compensation elections, and charitable giving strategies during what may be an unusually high-income year.

As of March 2026, Brent crude is trading near ~$107/barrel and WTI near ~$94/barrel , up approximately 28% year-to-date , driven by Iran's rejection of U.S. peace talks and the ongoing restriction of Hormuz tanker traffic.

The natural gas complex has moved sharply alongside crude, with Henry Hub at approximately ~$2.94/MMBtu and European TTF near ~$16.90/MMBtu, reflecting Iran's successful strikes on Gulf LNG facilities that crippled nearly a fifth of global LNG supply.

With Energy Transfer operating in one of 2026's strongest-performing sectors, employees should review their year-round tax planning strategy , particularly around RSU vesting schedules, deferred compensation elections, and the potential for AMT exposure driven by elevated energy equity values.

I am aware many of you are at a significant cross-road in life..... either voluntarily or involuntarily, may be leaving Energy Transfer

There are several options that you may come across, along with a list of questions you may have when that time comes.

With varying topics to go over when you're retiring, communicating with an adviser who can recommend you solid advice on how to proceed for life after Energy Transfer has many benefits. As a retiree, you will need to prepare for the collection on pension, 401K, and social security. With the guidance of a financial adviser, you will be able to understand how to choose the best route for your cash-balance pension, 401K, individual IRA, etc.

• Should I keep my options open as a Energy Transfer re-hire?
• Should I leave my money in the Energy Transfer 401K plan? Why or why not?
• What are the benefits to an individual IRA?
• If I roll the money over, will I need to pay taxes?
• How can I get more money into a Roth IRA or at least get Roth-IRA style tax benefits?
• What are some steps I can take to maximize my retirement income?
• How can I stabilize my retirement income, and be sure it doesn't run out?
• Should I take my cash balance pension, or leave it in the Energy Transfer Pension Plan? And why?
• What do I need to know about Social Security?
• How best can I protect my spouse but not decrease my Pension Payout via the survivor benefit?

What's tough about these is that every situation is unique and quite different. Simply put, there is no "one size fits all" plan. There is truly no way to tell if your current financial guidance is really the best. As folks pay for planning services (fees based), their willingness to seek a 2nd opinion evaporates as they have already placed an initial investment in. They won't want to spend additional money to get a 2nd opinion which will inhibit them from comparing the advice they receive.

Good planning , or any planning , will always be better than none. But, an effective plan isn't simply developed and then placed on auto pilot. You need to continuously reassess your decisions and direction.

This theory is particularly relevant during big "transitions" in life. These would include getting a new job, leaving a job, retiring, the death of a loved one, kids leaving home, etc.

We understand these topics can be confusing and extensive. If you currently don't have anyone to help run down your options, tax implications, and pros and cons of either your existing strategy OR if you simply just need a "2nd opinion" on your existing plan or planner, please let me know here so that I can reach out to current clients or referrals to assist you.

Your finances will inevitably be squeezed without the certainty of a regular income and any form of financial assistance can lower stress levels. Run a cash flow projection and budget before you leave the company to determine how to leave. Get a free consultation from an adviser who have years of experience servicing Energy Transfer employees.

The first step is to run a cash flow to determine an adequate income. The cash flow will assist you in determining how to take severance. When receiving a pension, a cash flow will determine how much money you need to make to supplement the monthly retirement annuity. Take into mind, for a lot of people, it is recommended relocating for a year or two to reach your Mod-75. For more information on the Mod-75, take a look here. One of the costliest mistakes many people make is not relocating.

After running a cash flow, begin to construct your budget. First, make a list of your major household expenses (mortgage, rent payments, utility bills, etc.). Next, jot down all of your assets and sources of income (severance pay, unemployment benefits, savings, food stamps, and so on). Lastly, adapt your budget to fit with your new circumstances.

Trim any unnecessary outgoings, develop a plan for spending less, and consider contacting creditors to refinance your mortgage or reschedule any repayment plans. (You may be able to take a mortgage "payment holiday" in the short term.)

Knowing how much time your resources will allow you for job hunting can help you to keep stress and anxiety in check. After all, having time can be the difference between rushing to take the first mediocre job you can find, and finding a satisfying job that you'll love. With a guide of a financial advisor, see if your severance can give you extended time to look for another job.

You may also need to consider taking on temporary or freelance work to bring in short-term cash. Keep this in mind, and look into it in the first few days after your departure.

We understand that this can be an emotional time, but remember, there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

As you plan your transition from Energy Transfer into retirement, understanding the company's benefit structure can help you make more informed decisions. According to publicly available information, Energy Transfer maintains an active defined benefit pension plan, which provides retirement income based on factors such as years of service and compensation history. Energy Transfer also offers retiree healthcare benefits to eligible employees, which can provide meaningful coverage for those who retire before reaching Medicare eligibility at age 65. Because the specifics of your pension formula, vesting schedule, and benefit eligibility depend on your individual employment history and plan documents, We encourage you to review your Summary Plan Description (SPD) or speak with Energy Transfer's HR or benefits team for the most current details.