The Paul Truesdell Podcast

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleTEXT, OR CONTACT FORM US NOWIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, January 8thThe Cut to Social Security Will StinkStone Creek Golf Club - The Grille Online & On-DemandAdditional Engagements Online & On-Demand Will Be Scheduled - See TruesdellWealth.com/eventsReservations are available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )Eirinn Abu and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Concert Fri, Feb 28, 2025 @ 7:00PM Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala Florida - Join Eirinn Abu and two of his Miami Sound Machine band members for a wonderful concert in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The event theme is a night of music and movies. https://eirinnabu.com/event/5760795/695871447/eirinn-abu-and-tunnel-to-towers-foundation-concertCorporate Sponsors: Truesdell Wealth, Truesdell Consulting, and Truesdell Insurance.https://truesdell.netRough Transcript1 There’s absolutely nothing wrong with playing it safe—period. It’s perfectly reasonable to believe that a significant portion of your financial fate is shaped by forces beyond your control. And if you prefer to take a more passive approach to money management because you prioritize safety, security, and a steady income over chasing the next big investment trend, that’s perfectly valid.2 You’ve likely seen how these so-called “hot investments” can blow up in people's faces—rich today, not so rich tomorrow. If you’re someone who values stability, particularly if you're in a situation where your partner is older or facing health challenges, it’s entirely appropriate to plan for a steady income stream. The reality is, you may need to prepare for the possibility of being alone for many years. And if you don’t base your financial decisions on deep, exhaustive analysis, that’s okay too. What matters is understanding the value of working with a fiduciary—someone who’s fairly compensated, treats you like an adult, and doesn’t talk down to you. Instead, they should teach and inform you, providing plenty of information that’s readily available online and on demand.3 It’s also natural to be a bit wary of others, especially given all the Ponzi schemes, the Bernie Madoffs, and the countless rip-offs that have surfaced over the years. You and I both know how often the words “guarantee” or “warranty” get thrown around, only for them to become meaningless when a company goes bankrupt, gets sold, or merges, rendering old contracts null and void. And when someone sues, what does the judge do? All too often, they side with big business, leaving the little guy high and dry.4 There’s nothing wrong with believing that sometimes, being in the right place at the right time is crucial for landing the right job, securing a promotion, or getting that much-desired salary increase. Not every bad outcome is the result of a bad decision; sometimes, it’s just plain bad luck. Maybe you invested a month or two before or after your neighbor, doing almost the exact same thing, yet they end up with three times as much money. It’s baffling how those tiny differences—a day too soon, a day too late—can add up.5 Here’s the bottom line: you can do everything right in life and still get clobbered. People don’t appreciate just how much luck influences outcomes. Nobody wants to talk about it, but I have no problem addressing it head-on. There’s not a person listening to this who couldn’t have been struck by a drunk driver, a distracted driver running a red light, or someone on the phone rear-ending them, leaving them messed up for life. You could be on your way to the job interview of a lifetime, only to end up in the hospital for six months, and suddenly, everything changes.6 Some might say, “Pull yourself up by the bootstraps, stay positive, and fight through it.” But much of that attitude is pure balderdash. Yes, I’ve said it before: if you wake up, you’ve had a good night; if you go to sleep, you’ve had a good day. But let’s not kid ourselves—luck is luck, and some folks just don’t have it. They get bamboozled by money scams, often by those closest to them, or they end up marrying someone who’s lazy, a spendthrift, and can’t get their act together. But heaven forbid you suggest a divorce or change in today’s politically correct world!7 The truth is, your actions do influence your financial outcomes, but sometimes, things just happen. As an investment advisor with nearly 40 years of experience, having worked with thousands of people, I can tell you—it’s okay to amble through life cautiously, especially when you’re retired and focusing on income. 8 And by the way, if you haven’t heard me discuss the five budgets everyone should have, ask me. That’s right—five budgets. Click on t

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Friday, November 15th - TOMORROW - CALL, TEXT, OR CONTACT FORM US NOWTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, January 8thThe Cut to Social Security Will StinkStone Creek Golf Club - The Grille Online & On-DemandAdditional Engagements Online & On-Demand Will Be Scheduled - See TruesdellWealth.com/eventsReservations are available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )Eirinn Abu and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Concert Fri, Feb 28, 2025 @ 7:00PM Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala Florida - Join Eirinn Abu and two of his Miami Sound Machine band members for a wonderful concert in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The event theme is a night of music and movies. https://eirinnabu.com/event/5760795/695871447/eirinn-abu-and-tunnel-to-towers-foundation-concertCorporate Sponsors: Truesdell Wealth, Truesdell Consulting, and Truesdell Insurance.https://truesdell.net/Rough TranscriptDoes Warren Buffett Know Something We Don’t?Welcome to today’s episode! We're diving into a question that's on many investors' minds: "Why is Warren Buffett sitting on such a massive pile of cash?" It’s unusual behavior for a man known for holding stocks long-term, sometimes even "forever." But lately, he's been selling stocks and keeping Berkshire Hathaway’s coffers flush with cash. What does that mean? Is he seeing something that we aren’t? Let’s dig into the details and see if we can unpack what Buffett’s caution might signal for the rest of us.**The Setup: Buffett’s Unusual Move**First, let’s talk about just how much cash we’re dealing with here. Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett’s company, has amassed a whopping $325 billion in cash and cash equivalents. To put that into perspective, that’s enough to buy some of the world’s biggest companies outright! So, why is this happening now? For a man who’s been investing for over 70 years, who famously said his favorite holding period is "forever," it's out of character. **The Brain Behind Berkshire**Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to understand that Berkshire isn’t just Warren Buffett. It’s a team of very smart, cautious people—each bringing their expertise to the table. The company’s decisions aren’t made lightly; they’re rooted in analysis, not hunches. So, if they’re collectively opting to sit on an enormous cash pile, you have to wonder—do they see something we don’t?**Buffett’s History of Cash Moves**If you study Buffett’s investment history, you’ll notice that cash buildup at Berkshire has often come before market downturns. In the 1960s, he sold stocks when he thought the market was overpriced. He repeated this pattern before the tech bubble burst in the late '90s and again ahead of the 2008 financial crisis. Could we be looking at a similar market outlook now? While Buffett hasn’t said anything specific, his actions speak volumes and often serve as hints for those paying attention.**Market Valuation: Is It Overpriced?**One plausible reason Buffett’s being cautious is because the stock market, by several measures, appears overpriced. Big names on Wall Street, like Goldman Sachs and Vanguard, have projected returns of just 3% for the S&P 500 over the next decade—down from the 13% average seen recently. When Buffett sees limited value in the market, he’s historically stepped back. And given his track record, his judgment carries weight.**The Role of U.S. Treasury Bills**So, what’s Buffett doing with all that cash? He’s keeping most of it in U.S. Treasury bills. It’s a safe move; Treasuries are backed by the U.S. government and offer quick liquidity if an opportunity arises. They’re not high-return investments, but they do provide stability. This gives Buffett a comfortable position to make a big acquisition or take advantage of market dips if they happen. He calls this “dry powder”—money ready to deploy when he finds a good “elephant,” a term he uses for large acquisitions.**What’s the Takeaway for the Rest of Us?**Does Buffett’s move mean we should all cash out? Not exactly. Timing the market is tricky, and for everyday investors, sitting on cash isn’t usually a winning strategy. But there’s a lesson here about tempering expectations. With market returns projected to be low, it might be wise to diversify and rethink the types of assets we hold. Maybe shift a bit from high-growth tech stocks into more stable options, like bonds or dividend-paying stocks. Buffett’s approach reminds us that sometimes, the best move is patience. If someone with his track record thinks the market looks too expensive, maybe we should consider dialing back our own risk. But remember

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Thursday, November 14th No Commission Real Estate Stone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Friday, November 15thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, January 8thThe Cut to Social Security Will StinkStone Creek Golf Club - The Grille Online & On-DemandAdditional Engagements Online & On-Demand Will Be Scheduled - See TruesdellWealth.com/eventsReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )Eirinn Abu and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Concert Fri, Feb 28, 2025 @ 7:00PM Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala Florida - Join Eirinn Abu and two of his Miami Sound Machine band members for a wonderful concert in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The event theme is a night of music and movies. https://eirinnabu.com/event/5760795/695871447/eirinn-abu-and-tunnel-to-towers-foundation-concertCorporate Sponsors: Truesdell Wealth, Truesdell Consulting, and Truesdell Insurance.https://truesdell.net/Paul Grant Truesdell discusses the historical and cultural factors that shaped the United States, emphasizing the nation's abundant natural resources and the entrepreneurial spirit they fostered. He highlights the environmental and economic impacts of unchecked consumption and the sense of letting down future generations. Truesdell calls for a revival of individual entrepreneurial spirit, referencing the need to overcome institutional constraints. The conversation also touches on the upcoming podcast plans of Paul the Elder, including short episodes and casual conversations, and the importance of reservations for these events. The podcast is sponsored by Truesdell Wealth, a registered investment advisor.• Check back frequently for new short podcasts from Paul the elder.• Sign up for the email notification list to receive updates.• Make a reservation to attend the casual conversations hosted by the Truesdell companies, as seating is limited. Rough Transcript0:00 The United States was shaped by a unique combination of abundant natural resources and fewer constraints from traditional institutions compared to Europe. This open landscape, both literally and figuratively, allowed early Americans to operate with unprecedented freedom. They weren't bound by deeply entrenched customs or the rigid hierarchies of older societies, which fostered a culture of bold individualism and entrepreneurial spirit. For these early settlers, this new frontier seemed limitless, providing a foundation for an economic expansion that well previous nations had only dreamed of. Americans, our forefathers, carried a sense of boundless optimism, viewing the country as an endless resource pool that could fuel their ambitions indefinitely. This belief in unlimited land, forests and well, mineral drove them to develop and consume at a scale never seen before. Unlike Europe, where resources had already been heavily utilized and the land often exhausted, the US presented what well seemed like an inexhaustible opportunity for growth. This abundance for resources unlocked potential for rapid material progress, propelling the nation into an era of unmatched industrial and economic development on the world stage. However, this historical context underscores a particular American attitude towards growth, one rooted in the faith that resources are there for the taking and will always be available. It raises important questions about sustainability and resource management then and today, and we now recognize that the environmental and economic impacts of unchecked consumption can be not exactly best for future Americans and the many generations to come. But make no bones about it. There is a feeling in the nation that we have let down future generations by outsourcing, dropping the ball when it comes to manufacturing and allowing nefarious influencers domestically and internationally to interfere in the great American dream. And by God, the presidential election of 20242:41 bears that out there will be those who continue to hate them and everything we stand for, because we have a unique combination of natural resources and the protection of two oceans and a rugged spirit that transcends beyond those who are Northern European to all people of all races and backgrounds who are Americans, first in their native nationality. A distant second, you see, there's a revival happening, and no other nation has the freedom from constraints that we have, but our institutions are holding us back, and the rigid hierarchies of older societies, which I mentioned, which we did not have when the nation was founded, has fostered a culture of restrictiveness. But it's

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Thursday, November 14th No Commission Real Estate Stone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Friday, November 15thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleOnline & On-DemandAdditional Engagements Online & On-Demand Will Be Scheduled - See TruesdellWealth.com/eventsReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )Eirinn Abu and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Concert Fri, Feb 28, 2025 @ 7:00PM Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala Florida - Join Eirinn Abu and two of his Miami Sound Machine band members for a wonderful concert in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The event theme is a night of music and movies. Corporate Sponsors: Truesdell Wealth, Truesdell Consulting, and Truesdell Insurnce.Rough Transcript:0:00 Well, good morning, good afternoon, good evening. It is Friday, November the eighth. We've had a little bit of time to digest what's going on, and I'm going to talk a little bit about the October surprises in presidential elections. However, please be advised at the end of this episode, towards the end, I want to give you a little history on podcasting, and you do not want to miss that.0:25 Howdy and welcome. This is the Paul Truesdell podcast, a Paul in a pod. Now let's get something out of the way. Paul is the founder and owner of Truesdell wealth incorporated a true, fair fiduciary based registered investment advisor, and as such, well, due to our extensive holdings and our clients, you should assume that we have a position in all companies discussed, and that a conflict of Interest exists. The information presented is provided for informational purposes only. Truesdell wealth Incorporated, is the sole corporate sponsor of this podcast now. Then, with that out of the way, let's continue.1:21 Presidential elections often come with their fair share of drama, and sometimes a well timed October surprise can sway the outcome in unexpected ways. These surprises refer to the impactful last minute events, revelations that influenced voters in the final weeks before Election Day. Take, for example, the 1880 That's right, 1880 election. A fake letter was sent out, and it claimed that Republican candidate James Garfield supported you're gonna love this one, Chinese immigration also, which almost derailed his candidacy. Let's fast forward still a little while ago, to 1912 and just a few days before the election, President Taft's vice president dropped it dead as right. He passed away, and it cast a shadow over Taft's chances, which ultimately helped Woodrow Wilson clinch the victory. Now, not all October surprises are home grown. International events can play a role. For example, in October of 19642:37 the sudden removal of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev contributed to Lyndon B Johnson's success as he secured and inherited the presidency from the assassinated President John F Kennedy in 1964 that's where I began my political upbringing When I worked with my parents on the Goldwater campaign in Dallas, Texas. Now, similarly, in 1980 the Iran hostage crisis, well, Iran delayed the release of American hostages, which some believe helped to boost Ronald Reagan's appeal over incumbent Jimmy Carter and Reagan cleaned the house when it comes to Jimmy Carter. Now, more recently, the FBI is late October announcement in 20163:29 regarding the ongoing investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails was thought to influence a relatively close race and coincided to a shift towards Donald Trump. Now let's talk about this year, 2024 the political landscape saw a rare calm. When it comes to notable October surprises, it's just amazing, but the financial markets did experience their own unexpected shifts. What seemed like a promising stock market gains for October fizzled out in the last two days of trading as artificial intelligence investments led a well a wave of profit profit taking. Now this decline was partially due to higher than expected spending from tech giants like meta Alpha bet and Microsoft, those ambitious plans for AI investments caught investors a little bit off guard, and well, rising interest rates further weighed in on investor settlement, sparking concerns about a potential delay in housing market recovery. So we didn't really have a October surprise that a lot of us were waiting for. This was an unusual election, needless to say.4:53 Now, before I forget, I want to invite you to the Stone Creek grill in Ocala.5:00 Florida, where I am hosting a series of casual breakfast conversations. Let me explain how we do this real quickly. We start at 945, in the morning. It's a buffet type style. Okay, come in, check in

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Thursday, November 14th No Commission Real Estate Stone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Friday, November 15thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleOnline & On-DemandAdditional Engagements Online & On-Demand Will Be Scheduled - See TruesdellWealth.com/eventsReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )Transcript“Stacking the deck” is a phrase used to describe the manipulation of circumstances, people, or resources to unfairly ensure a specific outcome. This concept originates from card games, where a deck is deliberately arranged to favor one player over others. In broader contexts, stacking the deck means exerting undue influence to create an advantage, often at the expense of transparency, fairness, and integrity. This tactic can be observed across different sectors, including sports, corporate governance, and politics, as individuals or groups seek to engineer situations in their favor by tipping the scales through unethical or covert means.Stacking the Deck in SportsIn sports, stacking the deck can occur when a team manipulates the officiating process to secure a competitive edge. For example, a baseball team may engage in this behavior by bribing umpires to call more strikes against their opponent’s batters, while being lenient with calls against their own players. This artificially increases the difficulty for the opposition, creating a biased game that no longer represents true competition. Similarly, in football, referees might be influenced to call more penalties against the opposing team, such as holding or roughness violations, while overlooking similar infractions by the bribing team. Such practices not only compromise the integrity of the game but also undermine the fundamental principle of fair play, reducing the sport to a managed outcome rather than an honest contest of skill and strategy.Stacking the Deck in Corporate GovernanceIn the corporate world, stacking the deck often refers to a CEO’s undue influence over a company’s board of directors, transforming it from an independent body into a “rubber stamp” that simply approves whatever the CEO desires. When a CEO has excessive control over board appointments, they can stack the board with loyalists who prioritize the CEO’s directives over their duty to shareholders and the company’s long-term interests. This lack of oversight allows a CEO to pursue personal agendas, risky ventures, or even self-enriching strategies without accountability, as the board fails to exercise genuine governance. This form of stacking the deck compromises the company’s transparency, ethical standards, and ultimately, its value, as the accountability mechanisms of corporate governance erode in favor of unchecked power.Stacking the Deck in Accounting and FinanceIn finance and accounting, stacking the deck can involve conflicts of interest where auditors manipulate financial data to benefit clients. A historical example is Arthur Andersen’s role in the Enron scandal, where the firm helped Enron mask debt and inflate profits while simultaneously certifying these financial statements as accurate. This manipulation deceived investors and regulators, allowing Enron to maintain an illusion of financial health until the true situation unraveled, leading to a catastrophic collapse. This case exemplifies how stacking the deck in financial reporting harms stakeholders, damages public trust, and destabilizes markets by obscuring the real financial position of a company.Stacking the Deck in U.S. PoliticsA highly controversial example of stacking the deck in U.S. politics involves allegations surrounding immigration policies, specifically the actions attributed to the Democratic Party and recent administrations. It is argued that the Democratic Party has facilitated the entry of large numbers of undocumented immigrants into the United States, allegedly using non-governmental organizations (NGOs), some funded by taxpayer dollars, to place these individuals in regions with relatively weak voter registration laws. The alleged intent behind this effort is to strategically place undocumented immigrants in areas that are pivotal to election outcomes, primarily swing states with significant electoral influence.Critics argue that these actions are an intentional form of stacking the deck in favor of the Democratic Party by altering the demographic and political composition of key districts and states. For instance, it has been suggested that the Obama, Biden, and Harris administrations have actively directed immigration patterns toward specific areas, sometimes leading to population increases of several h

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Thursday, November 14th No Commission Real Estate Stone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Friday, November 15thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h TOPIC CHANGE: The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleOnline & On-DemandAdditional Engagements Online & On-Demand Will Be Scheduled - See TruesdellWealth.com/eventsReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )Eirinn Abu - Homehttps://eirinnabu.com/homeEirinn Abu Showshttps://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/514401/cd783e25702f8503d7c0a67b1c0181240dde11a3/original/circle-square-cultural-center-2025-with-all-logos-10-18-2024.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sicmVzaXplIixbNjAwLG51bGwseyJ3aXRob3V0RW5sYXJnZW1lbnQiOnRydWUsImZpdCI6Im91dHNpZGUifV1dXQ%3D%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpgTunnel to Towers Foundation Concert Sponsors: Truesdell Wealth, Truesdell Insurance, and Truesdell Consultinghttps://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/514401/cd783e25702f8503d7c0a67b1c0181240dde11a3/original/circle-square-cultural-center-2025-with-all-logos-10-18-2024.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sicmVzaXplIixbNjAwLG51bGwseyJ3aXRob3V0RW5sYXJnZW1lbnQiOnRydWUsImZpdCI6Im91dHNpZGUifV1dXQ%3D%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpgEirinn Abu and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Concert Fri, Feb 28, 2025 @ 7:00PM Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala Florida Join Eirinn Abu and two of his Miami Sound Machine band members for a wonderful concert in support of the Tunnel to TowersFoundation. The event theme is a night of music and movies.https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/514401/cd783e25702f8503d7c0a67b1c0181240dde11a3/original/circle-square-cultural-center-2025-with-all-logos-10-18-2024.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sicmVzaXplIixbNjAwLG51bGwseyJ3aXRob3V0RW5sYXJnZW1lbnQiOnRydWUsImZpdCI6Im91dHNpZGUifV1dXQ%3D%3D/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpgEirinn Abu and Manny Lopez Whispering Oaks Winery night 2 Thu, Dec 12 @ 6:00PM Whispering Oaks Winery, 10934 CR 475, Oxford Florida Saxophonist Eirinn Abu and guitarist Manny Lopez are teaming up to deliver an enchanting two-night Christmas concert at Whispering Oaks Winery in Oxford Florida.https://eirinnabu.com/event/5663419/693721119/eirinn-abu-and-manny-lopez-whispering-oaks-winery-night-2New Paramount+ series 'Chopper Cops' chronicles Marion County's eye in the skyhttps://www.mlive.com/tv/2024/06/new-paramount-series-chopper-cops-chronicles-marion-countys-eye-in-the-sky-watch-for-free.htmlThe Pledge0:00 One of the things I absolutely cannot stand in life are people who are unadulterated brown nosers. There are those who are, well, they brown nose in public, they brown those in private, they brown nose contingency to the point they don't know that they're brown nosing. And they sprout up everywhere. Once you get an organization, brown nosers are just literally everywhere. And a lot of them think they have wisdom, because they rose through the ranks to get to a position, but they don't. They don't have anything really to contribute. Managing people, managing personalities, is one thing, but don't equate brown nosing to the ability to engage and have a conversation. So if you are earnestly searching for an organization to be around. Look for people who are having fun, because when people are having fun, they produce good work. And I can tell you, recently, I got rid of a group of people who do not know how to have fun. They gossip, they commiserate in misery. They're boring. I like to have fun. Obviously, I like to have fun because when you're having fun, you're producing really good work. So indulge me for a moment. We're going to talk a little bit about having fun, what that really means.1:16 Howdy and welcome. This is the Paul Truesdell podcast, a Paul in a pod. Now, let's get something out of the way. Paul is the founder and owner of Truesdell wealth incorporated a true fair fiduciary based registered investment advisor, and as such, well, due to our extensive holdings and our clients, you should assume that we have a position in all companies discussed and that a conflict of interest exists. The information presented is provided for informational purposes only. Truesdell wealth Incorporated, is the sole corporate sponsor of this podcast now, then, with that out of the way, let's continue.2:12 So no matter what you do in life, you can call yourself retired, but you are working. You're just working at a different set of goals and objectives, tasks, things that you decided on your own versus what others decided for you. But you're still doing things. Ultimately, the important thing in life is to do what you like are good, profitable and can control. It's not

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Thursday, November 14th No Commission Real Estate Stone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Friday, November 15thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h TOPIC CHANGE: The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleOnline & On-DemandAdditional Engagements Online & On-Demand Will Be Scheduled - See TruesdellWealth.com/eventsReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )Eirinn Abu - HomeEirinn Abu ShowsTunnel to Towers Foundation Concert Sponsors: Truesdell Wealth, Truesdell Insurance, and Truesdell ConsultingEirinn Abu and Tunnel to Towers Foundation Concert Fri, Feb 28, 2025 @ 7:00PM Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala Florida Join Eirinn Abu and two of his Miami Sound Machine band members for a wonderful concert in support of the Tunnel to TowersFoundation. The event theme is a night of music and movies.Eirinn Abu and Manny Lopez Whispering Oaks Winery night 2 Thu, Dec 12 @ 6:00PM Whispering Oaks Winery, 10934 CR 475, Oxford Florida Saxophonist Eirinn Abu and guitarist Manny Lopez are teaming up to deliver an enchanting two-night Christmas concert at Whispering Oaks Winery in Oxford Florida.New Paramount+ series 'Chopper Cops' chronicles Marion County's eye in the sky

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Thursday, November 14th No Commission Real Estate Stone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Friday, November 15thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h TOPIC CHANGE: The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleOnline & On-DemandAdditional Engagements Online & On-Demand Will Be Scheduled - See TruesdellWealth.com/eventsReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )Discussion Outline:DR Horton and Market Conditions as of Tuesday, October 29, 2024Medicare Annual Wellness ScamsAntione Deparcieux - An Amazing Mathematician and Scientist We All Use His Calculations to This DayStone Creek Grille - November 14th & 15thNot Everyone Should Be VotingDue to our extensive holdings and our clients, you should assume that we have a position in all companies discussed and that a conflict of interest exists. The information presented is provided for informational purposes only. Truesdell Wealth, Incorporated, is a Registered Investment Advisor.

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Thursday, November 14th No Commission Real Estate Stone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Friday, November 15thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h TOPIC CHANGE: The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleOnline & On-DemandAdditional Engagements - Posted on Sunday, October 13thReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact ) What to Expect Between Election Day and InaugurationAs we edge closer to Election Day, many Americans are likely eager for the end of a long, and sometimes contentious, campaign season. But if history has taught us anything, the day we cast our ballots might only be the beginning of a much longer and more complicated process. The next several weeks could be filled with uncertainty, particularly if the race turns out to be as close as many expect. 1. Certainty Amidst the UncertaintyElection Day, November 5, is merely the first step in a multi-week journey. Each state is responsible for certifying its results, a process that often stretches well into mid-November and beyond. Certification isn't just about counting votes; it involves ensuring that everything has been conducted fairly and accurately. This step-by-step verification process can take up to five weeks.After the states have finalized their results, the Electoral College steps in. This body of 538 electors casts their votes according to the popular vote in each state, aiming to reach a decisive 270-vote majority. This vote usually happens in mid-December, but if there are disputes—whether about ballot counts, recounts, or certifications—those have to be resolved beforehand. Any unresolved disputes might even send the decision to the U.S. House of Representatives. Despite the many steps and potential delays, the country will have a president by Inauguration Day on January 20, and the process, while often complex, typically concludes with a peaceful transfer of power. 2. Anticipate a Flurry of Legal ChallengesOnce the ballots are cast, a wave of legal disputes can emerge, particularly if the election results are tight. This isn't new, especially in recent cycles where courtrooms have played a key role in election results. There are often numerous legal challenges concerning vote counts, recount requests, and election procedures.These disputes may generate headline after headline, and it's wise to be prepared for a public spectacle as both parties engage in this legal chess game. This period between Election Day and January 20 can feel like a political minefield, with every development scrutinized and debated. 3. Counting Mail-in Ballots Takes TimeMail-in voting has become an increasingly popular choice, and it's not going away. Although fewer people may be voting by mail compared to the height of the pandemic in 2020, it's still a significant factor. This means that, for several key states, the results may not be fully counted by the end of Election Day. The delay is particularly noticeable in states that only begin processing mail-in ballots on Election Day. This could lead to a scenario where one candidate appears to be ahead on Election Night, only for the numbers to shift in the days that follow. It's a reminder that patience is crucial as every valid vote is counted.In some extreme cases, the disputes over ballots and counting could escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court, as seen in the 2000 election. Such events, while rare, underscore the importance of thorough and accurate vote counting. 4. Recounts Are Unusual and Seldom Change ResultsWhile recounts often capture public attention, they are relatively rare and almost never shift the outcome of an election. A tiny fraction of races see recounts, and even fewer result in a different winner. Recounts are typically reserved for very close races where the initial margin of victory is razor-thin. If history is any guide, a recount might provide some reassurance about accuracy, but it likely won't alter the end result. 5. Markets Tend to Weather the StormFor investors, it's crucial to keep a broad perspective during the election season. Historically, the specific outcome of presidential elections has had a limited long-term impact on the financial markets. While it's true that markets might experience heightened volatility in the immediate aftermath of a hotly contested election, they've generally shown resilience over time, regardless of the political landscape.For long-term investors, the lesson is clear: patience and a focus on long-term goals are likely to serve better than reacting to short-term political turbulence. The certainty of having a final election result tends to stabilize markets, no matter who ends up in the White House.And so…The per

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Thursday, November 14th No Commission Real Estate Stone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Friday, November 15thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h TOPIC CHANGE: The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleOnline & On-DemandAdditional Engagements - Posted on Sunday, October 13thReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )California could be staring down the barrel of $10-a-gallon gasoline, and the reason isn't just local politics or regulations—it's the potential fallout of a conflict in the Middle East. Historically, the region has been a flashpoint for disruptions in global oil markets, but today, the risks are even greater. The Persian Gulf, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, is one of the most critical chokepoints for global oil exports, with roughly 20 million barrels of crude passing through it every day. If this flow is interrupted, the repercussions could be catastrophic for oil-dependent regions like California.The core of the issue lies in rising tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two of the largest oil producers in the region. The possibility of an outright military conflict between these nations has grown significantly, particularly in the wake of recent missile attacks by Iran targeting Israel. If Israel retaliates by targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure, such as the critical loading facilities on Kharg Island, Iran’s oil exports could be effectively shut down. This would be a major blow, not just to Iran, but to global oil supplies, as it would cut off a significant portion of the region’s output.But the situation gets even more complicated. In response to an attack on its oil facilities, Iran might feel it has little to lose and could launch a broader military campaign against Saudi Arabia. This could involve a direct assault or the use of its considerable missile arsenal to target Saudi oil fields, pipelines, and export terminals. Saudi Arabia, which produces about 10 million barrels of oil per day, has some infrastructure that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, but this wouldn't protect all of its production. Iran could also target Iraq and Kuwait, both of which are significant oil producers, adding further strain to global oil supplies.In a worst-case scenario, a conflict in the region could disrupt up to 20 million barrels of crude oil daily, sending oil prices skyrocketing. If you think $100 or $120 per barrel is high, imagine prices soaring above $300. Such an extreme spike in prices would ripple through the global economy, triggering inflation and a potential worldwide recession.Here’s where things get interesting for the U.S.: Unlike in past oil shocks, America is now one of the world’s top oil producers, thanks to the shale revolution. The U.S. could technically insulate itself from the worst of the crisis by halting oil exports and keeping domestic supplies onshore. Legislation passed in 2015 grants the president the authority to cut off crude oil exports if prices spike, which would stabilize prices within the U.S. to some degree. This could keep domestic prices at a more manageable $60 to $70 per barrel, sparing most Americans from the worst of the global price surge.However, California is an outlier in this scenario. The state, despite being a major oil producer in the past, hasn’t benefited from the shale boom like other parts of the country. Due to regulatory restrictions and environmental concerns, California doesn’t have the same level of domestic oil production as states like Texas or North Dakota. More critically, California’s oil infrastructure is largely disconnected from the rest of the country’s pipeline network. This means that while the rest of the U.S. could cap prices by tapping into domestic supplies, California would remain dependent on imported oil—much of it from the same Middle Eastern countries embroiled in the conflict.Most of California’s crude oil imports come from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq—all countries that would be severely impacted by a Middle Eastern war. With their production potentially offline or significantly reduced, California’s oil supply would shrink, forcing the state to pay the exorbitant global prices for whatever crude is available. In this scenario, gasoline prices in California could easily reach $10 a gallon or more. This wouldn’t just be an economic burden—it could trigger a crisis in the state’s economy, affecting everything from transportation to the cost of goods.Such a drastic spike in gasoline prices would also deepen economic divides, both within California and between the state and the rest of the country. While most of the U.S. might see only moderate price increases, California’s econom

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Thursday, November 14th No Commission Real Estate Stone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Friday, November 15thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h TOPIC CHANGE: The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleOnline & On-DemandAdditional Engagements - Posted on Sunday, October 13thReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )0:00 Been saying this for years. You cannot build a sustainable political movement on a cult of personality, not at the top, not at the bottom, not at the committee level, not at the gubernatorial level. Period. Sure, it might look flashy in the short term, but if you are so laser focused on the individual at the top of the ticket, you are missing the bigger picture, and that's going to cost the entire Republican Party dearly, and it's the primary crux of the problem I have with the overwhelming majority of the Republicans that I've met in recent months, you've got to go out and look beyond the charismatic figurehead and consider what's happening down the ballot, because it's real. The real issue is a worst case scenario. Isn't just losing the presidency. That's bad enough governorships and even local offices, yeah, even the dog catcher race. And believe me, I've heard some people debate over who would do a better job with the Republican or the Democrat. Now you can laugh at that, but I'm not entirely joking. Welcome1:18 to the Paul Truesdale podcast, rather than two Pauls in a pod, this episode features Paul the elder, and thus just one Paul in a pod. So what's the gig? Individually or collectively, Paul and Paul sit down and chat predominantly at the Truesdell professional building and record frequently. They explain a few things about how life works. Before time gets away, they connect the dots and plot the knots, spots and ops with a heavy dose of knocks, mocks, pots, rocks, socks and mops. Confused, then welcome aboard. You see Paul the elder and Paul the younger enjoy telling complex stories that are always based on business economics and forecasting, while having fun laughing and being among like minded men, women and children from Earth, Pluto, Jupiter and Neptune, individually and jointly, Paul the elder and Paul the younger, coupled with Team Truesdell, have been there and done it. If you enjoy front porch philosophers who take deep dives and connect the dots while drinking coffee during the day and a whiskey after five, welcome. It is a true pleasure to have you on board. This is the Paul Truesdale podcast.2:30 Now despite my endless preaching on this topic, I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall. Everyone seems to be focused on the top of the ticket, and they're blind to what's really at stake. And I get it, believe me, I get it. People love a larger than life candidate, just like people want to believe in the boogeyman, Sasquatch and Bigfoot. By the way, whatever happened to the Loch Ness monster? I guess that fell out of vogue. Slimy skin always rates second to a hairy beast. But I digress. But look like I said, I get it. You love the larger than life cartoon candidate, but what happens when the personality is gone? If the base isn't solid, the whole structure collapses and the base is based upon large and small Republican clubs. It's never based truly on some organization with lots of rules. Who can join, when they can join, who can speak, who can't speak. It's about small groups, four, 610, 12, 2050, people getting together and having legitimate, real conversations. Even the clubs that have hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of men and women have to break down into smaller groups, and that's where the real politicking takes place, one to one on a small group basis. And as I said, when the personality is gone, the base, if it's not solid, the whole structure collapses. That's a disaster, not just for the candidate, but for the party, the Republican Party, the policies and the country as a whole. Now some new research has come out, and it could be a real game changer. There's a study that shows up to 41 million evangelical Christians will not vote in the upcoming election. That's not a typo. You didn't hear that wrong. That's 41 million. Now, of that 41 million, the poll shows that maybe 5 million of them can be encouraged to fulfill their civic duty and go to the polls and vote. Now some people think, Well, that's all it's going to take. I don't agree. So I believe that what Peter Thiel said when he said that he is going to vote for Trump, but do it, holding his nose, he wasn't going to give any money this time. I get that, and all the candidate endorsements from the pulpit are standing on the front porch, shaking hands, a little nudge he

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Thursday, November 14th No Commission Real Estate Stone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Friday, November 15thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h TOPIC CHANGE: The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleOnline & On-DemandAdditional Engagements - Posted on Sunday, October 13thReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )0:00 There's a couple of things I'm not going to talk about, not going to do it, not in any way, shape or form. I've had a lot of people who have asked me in the past, Paul, why don't you maybe do an audio book or write a book about financial planning? Not going to do it. Not going to do it. Here's the thing. I don't get paid to teach people the things that they should know, a lot of the things that people should know they should have learned in high school and by the time you graduated college. And I'm not going to go back and talk about what it means to be employed, how you've got to develop a skill set that makes you employable to other people, how you're trading your time for money, and basically you're a voluntary slave. I'm not going to talk about how to get benefits. I'm not going to go and talk about independent contractors, total compensations, how you go through a job search. If that's important, then we'll talk about it. That's what advice is all about.0:57 Welcome to the Paul Truesdale podcast, rather than two Pauls in a pod, this episode features Paul the elder, and thus just one Paul in a pod. So what's the gig? Individually or collectively, Paul and Paul sit down and chat predominantly at the Truesdell professional building and record frequently. They explain a few things about how life works before time gets away, they connect the dots and plot the knots, spots and ops with a heavy dose of knocks, mocks, pots, rocks, socks and mops. Confused, then welcome aboard. You see Paul the elder and Paul the younger enjoy telling complex stories that are always based on business, economics and forecasting, while having fun laughing and being among like minded men, women and children from Earth, Pluto, Jupiter and Neptune, individually and jointly, Paul the elder and Paul the younger, coupled with Team Truesdell, have been there and done it. If you enjoy front porch philosophers who take deep dives and connect the dots while drinking coffee during the day and a whiskey after five. Welcome. It is a true pleasure to have you on board. This is the Paul Truesdale podcast.2:12 You know, let's talk about taxation, income taxes, estate taxes, capital gains, unemployment benefits, employee rights. I'm not going to talk about those things. Not going to do it. We're it. We can talk about entrepreneurship, how what it takes to become an entrepreneur. But the reality is, if you really want to know about how to do that, you pick up the phone, you call me, we'll have a conversation. There is no such thing as a free lunch. If you want a free lunch, go buy a book and do the research yourself what it means to have real compensation when you're an entrepreneur, income, the different business entities and types you can go into, how you do pre tax spending, how you can you need to understand your markets or resources and well, what if you just buy an existing business? You know, some people want to sit down and have me explain to them the importance of having a, you know, education beyond high school, you know, career alignment, expectation and earnings, vocational training, military service, higher education, financial aid, student debt. Teach me. Teach me. Teach me. No, no, those things are all online. It's been done before. There's no need to do it. What you're looking for someone to say, Dude, I really want you to explain to me what you think about this and give me some advice, because I respect you. Then that's what I'm there for. Otherwise, go out and knock yourself out. Why you should have an emergency fund, why you need to have planned savings. How much money should you have saved? And how should you save it? Yeah, I can talk about that, one to one. I'll talk about spending, key concepts related to spending or opportunity costs, the different modes of spending. I'll talk about charity, how charity should really begin at home, how you balance and reconcile books. I'm not going to do that. That's what your accountant should do. How to be a savvy consumer? Well, yeah, sometimes you need to be savvy. Sometimes you you you drop money on things because you're buying influence. Understanding economics, one thing is I'm not going to do is tell people about how to get out of debt. God, I'm not going to do that. Why? Because it's a waste of my time. It's a waste of your

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Thursday, November 14th No Commission Real Estate Stone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Friday, November 15thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h TOPIC CHANGE: The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleOnline & On-DemandAdditional Engagements - Posted on Sunday, October 13thReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )Ukraine War1 North Korean Troop Deployment to RussiaRecent reports suggest the possibility of North Korean troops being deployed to Russia to support the war in Ukraine. While these claims are not yet confirmed, they have attracted significant attention, particularly from South Korean intelligence. South Korea is not known for spreading false information, and their involvement in circulating this report adds a layer of credibility that demands attention. Should North Korean troops actually engage in combat, this would be the first instance of such involvement since the Korean War in 1953, making this a historic and unprecedented development. For military planners in the U.S. and South Korea, the deployment of North Korean troops presents a rare opportunity to observe how these forces function in a modern combat environment. Given the lack of combat experience among North Korean forces, their performance could offer vital intelligence that might reshape strategic planning for the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, the presence of North Korean troops on the front lines could have broader geopolitical ramifications, signaling a deepening of the alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow. Such a development would complicate existing security dynamics in East Asia, necessitating a reassessment of military preparedness and intelligence-gathering efforts. This evolving situation highlights the importance of vigilance in monitoring North Korean military activities, particularly in light of the potential for future conflicts on the peninsula.2 North Korean and Iranian Support for RussiaNorth Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict extends beyond the potential deployment of troops. Reports indicate that North Korea has been supplying Russia with ballistic missiles and artillery shells, although the effectiveness of these weapons is questionable. Many of the shells appear to be defective, with a significant portion reportedly causing damage to Russian forces themselves. This highlights the substandard quality of North Korean military hardware, which, while plentiful, lacks the reliability of Western or Russian-manufactured arms. Iran’s contribution to Russia’s war effort is also notable, with over 1,000 Shaheed drones deployed to assist Russian forces in Ukraine. These drones have become a key element of Russia’s aerial warfare strategy. This situation presents a significant opportunity for intelligence gathering. For the U.S. and its allies, understanding the limitations of North Korean and Iranian weapons could provide critical insights into Russia’s battlefield vulnerabilities. There is also a strategic angle for Israel. Given its close proximity to Iran and its history of military responses to Iranian provocations, Israel could seize this moment to launch a retaliatory strike, potentially targeting the facilities where the Shaheed drones are produced. If successful, this strike would not only cripple a key element of Russia’s war machine but also weaken Iran’s military capabilities, thereby enhancing Israel’s own security in the region.3 Russia’s Growing Reliance on Foreign SupportRussia’s increasing reliance on military supplies from countries like North Korea and Iran underscores a concerning decline in its domestic military industrial complex. Traditionally one of the world’s largest arms manufacturers, Russia is now struggling to produce enough high-quality weapons to sustain its ongoing military operations in Ukraine. This shift toward dependence on less technologically advanced nations signals a broader weakness in Russia’s defense sector. The quality of military supplies from North Korea, as seen with their faulty artillery shells, and from Iran, while useful, pales in comparison to what Russia would have once produced domestically or sourced from more advanced allies. This vulnerability presents an opportunity for Russia’s adversaries. Countries like the U.S., Israel, and South Korea could potentially exploit these weaknesses by targeting the supply chains or production facilities in North Korea and Iran. Disrupting these critical lifelines could severely hamper Russia’s ability to continue its war effort. Furthermore, this growing reliance on foreign support reflects poorly on Russia’s long-term military strategy. With its industrial base in decline and it

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast Conversations No Cost or ObligationIn-Person / Thursday, November 14th No Commission Real Estate Stone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Friday, November 15thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Wednesday, December 11h TOPIC CHANGE: The Truesdell Military Procurement PortfolioStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / Thursday, December 12h MICA Income & Return LockStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleOnline & On-DemandAdditional Engagements - Posted on Sunday, October 13thReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORM( https://truesdellwealth.com/contact )Harris & Trump – Girl & Boy or Something Else The recent release of Kamala Harris’ physical fitness medical records is significant for several reasons, and I think it’s important to look at it in the context of the ongoing debates around presidential health. We’ve seen similar releases from both Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the past. Trump, for instance, had some legitimate concerns about Biden’s health, given their age and the rigorous demands of the presidency. But now, with this release, the argument over which of these older leaders is in better physical condition seems less relevant.What’s interesting to me is whether this will matter to the public. Will anyone care enough about these details to shift their opinions or reconsider their political leanings? Will it move the needle at all, or will this simply be another data point that fades into the background?I believe the real issue here is not so much the health of the individuals, but rather the question of who stands ready to step into the role if needed. Our country has a long history of vice presidents who were thrust into the presidency under unexpected circumstances. Harry Truman, who was relatively unknown before he became president, is a great example. Then there’s Lyndon Johnson, who took office after Kennedy’s assassination and shaped the country in profound ways.We’ve also had close calls, such as when George H.W. Bush almost became president after the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan. These moments remind us that the vice-presidential position holds more weight than some may think. For our industry, this raises a critical point: the vice-presidential candidates need to be scrutinized more closely.From my perspective in the financial services industry, I can say without hesitation that I don't find the current Democratic vice president competent enough for this level of responsibility. In a world where the vice president could become president at a moment's notice, we need to pay closer attention to these individuals. It’s not just about who’s at the top of the ticket, but also who’s waiting in the wings.Break – DisclaimerI recently received a contact form as a result of our podcast from a listener living on the outskirts of Naples. First of all, a big hello and thank you to Allison for becoming a regular listener and for reaching out through the contact form. Allison asked a great question about fixed income, guaranteed income, and contractual income—she’s really paying attention to the concepts we’ve been discussing. Specifically, she asked, “How much contractual income do I need, and how should I think about it?”Now, this is a very individual question because it depends heavily on your overall income situation, including what you're receiving from Social Security, pensions, dividends, interest, and capital gains. When we think about income planning, we need to remember that just as there are fixed and variable expenses in life, there are also fixed and variable income sources. Fixed income sources are things like Social Security and pension payments—income that stays steady over time. Variable income sources, like dividends or investment returns, can fluctuate based on market conditions.The most important thing I want to emphasize is that you want to ensure that 120% to 130% of your fixed expenses are covered by fixed income. Why is this important? Think of it like the government’s poverty threshold. For various federal programs, they track whether people qualify for certain benefits based on whether they have income at 130% of the poverty level. I apply a similar concept when it comes to planning your income.For example, if you need $10,000 a month to cover your regular, fixed expenses—the things you pay for every month, like housing, utilities, and groceries—then I’d like to see you have at least $12,000 to $13,000 per month of fixed, contractual income. This buffer is essential because while your expenses might stay steady for now, inflation will erode the value of that income over time. The extra cushion gives you room to adjust, especially as living costs increase or unexpected expenses arise.The reason for building this buffer is that contractual income, while reliable, doesn’t necessarily keep pace with inflation. If all you do is cover your expenses exactly, you

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast ConversationsNo Cost or ObligationIn-Person / November 11hNo Commission Real EstateStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / November 12thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleIn-Person / December 11hDeath Taxes & True Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The GrilleOnline & On-DemandAdditional Engagements - Posted on Sunday, October 13thReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORMTrial by Fire: Policing Tampa in the 70s and 80sI am a boomer, I have gray hair, call me a cue tip. I have no problem with that. And what seems like yesterday as well as a hundred years ago, I worked in law enforcement, starting in Milwaukee then Tampa. It was in Tampa that I got a boo boo back in 84, and that owie, changed the course of my life, accelerating what I was planning on doing by a decade. And so.The 1970s and 80s at the Tampa Police Department were a different breed of policing. We were understaffed, overworked, and thrown into the fire with no hand-holding. There wasn’t time to worry about how many years someone had been on the job; experience came at you fast—faster than in most departments. Where other agencies might handle a violent call once a month, we faced it daily. You learned quick, or you were done.Our department was extremely short-handed, and there was no room for anyone to hide behind a desk or wait for backup. When you got a call, it was yours to handle, start to finish, whatever that entailed. We didn’t have the luxury of passing tasks down a line. From breaking up domestic disputes to busting up street fights, we did it all. It wasn’t uncommon to work with blood on your knuckles and dirt on your uniform after a shift, because that’s what the job demanded. Tampa was a wild frontier back then, and we were outnumbered, but never outworked.The Tampa Police Academy was where it all started, and back in those days, it was second to none. The training we got wasn’t just about learning statutes or protocols. It was about survival. It was street smarts, real-world tactics, and developing the instincts that would keep you alive. Sadly, that training was eventually handed over to the community colleges, thanks to state statutes. Today, I wonder if they’re producing the kind of officers we used to need. There's something to be said for learning from people who’ve been in the trenches and seen the worst Tampa had to offer.The Field Training Program (FTP) at Tampa PD was unmatched. There was no room for error. Form mattered less than the ability to keep yourself and others safe. It was all about practicality—how to read people, how to move in the shadows, and how to always stay one step ahead. You either got it, or you didn’t last long.I was fortunate enough to work under some true leaders, men who led from the front. They didn’t have to tell you they were in charge—you knew it by the way they carried themselves. These were hands-on leaders who had been through the grinder themselves and knew what it took to make it out the other side. Of course, there were also the bureaucrats—the guys who climbed the ranks by taking tests and kissing up. They knew the rules, but they didn’t know the streets, and it showed when things got real.Occasionally, we’d hire officers from other agencies. They’d come in thinking they knew the ropes, but Tampa was a whole different world. They learned quickly that handling calls in Tampa wasn’t the same as the slower-paced environments they came from. They weren’t ready for the level of violence or the sheer volume of calls we faced. If they stayed, they adapted fast, or they left just as quickly.And this was all before body cameras were even a concept. Back then, you didn’t have a camera watching your every move, but the cockroaches were still out there. The streets were filled with people looking to test you, push boundaries, and see if you’d crack. You had to be ready to push back—and sometimes that meant more than just words.Physical fitness wasn’t a suggestion back then. It was a necessity. If you weren’t in top shape, you were a liability—to yourself, to your partner, and to the citizens you were sworn to protect. A lot of the men I worked with were mature beyond their years. They had to be. You couldn’t afford to be soft. My fighting weight stayed between 205 and 210 pounds, and sometimes that was the difference between walking away from a call and being carried out.Manhunting was a real part of the job back then. It was about using your street sense to find the bad guys, and when the moment came, it wasn’t always pretty. Some people looked capable until the situation exploded, and then they vanished. You couldn’t be that guy.The streets of Tampa didn’t wait for you to catch up. The job demanded everything you had—physical, mental, and emotional. You learned to rely on your instincts and those of the men and women beside you. It was raw, it was real, and it was relentless. We made it work becau

Truesdell Wealth, Inc.Casual Breakfast ConversationsNo Cost or ObligationIn-Person / November 11hNo Commission Real EstateStone Creek Golf Club - The Grille In-Person / November 12thTrue Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The Grille In-Person / December 11hDeath Taxes & True Estate DocumentsStone Creek Golf Club - The Grille Online & On-Demand Additional Engagements - Posted on Sunday, October 13thReservations available by calling 352-612-1000 or the CONTACT FORMTranscription The financial impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, on agriculture illustrates the complexities of market dynamics, particularly when it comes to pecan, peach, and orange orchards. At Truesdell Wealth, we recognize the interconnectedness of these events with broader economic trends and investment strategies. The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene to Georgia’s pecan farms is a prime example of how external factors can disrupt both immediate crop yields and long-term production capabilities, affecting entire industries reliant on these raw materials.For example, pecan trees take over a decade to mature, and the destruction of mature trees will have consequences far beyond the current harvest season. The ripple effects of this kind of disruption are far-reaching—companies like Stuckey’s, which rely heavily on pecans for their iconic treats, are now grappling with supply shortages. But it doesn’t stop there. Businesses across multiple industries, from jam and marmalade producers like Smucker’s, to major conglomerates such as General Mills and Nabisco, are facing significant supply challenges. As raw materials become scarcer, particularly peaches and oranges, companies in the baking, beverage, and confectionery industries, such as Coca-Cola, Mars, and even Estée Lauder (which uses citrus in cosmetics), could experience rising costs that trickle down to consumers. This cascading effect can lead to higher prices on everyday products—from fruit preserves and candies to juices and skincare items—making it crucial for investors to understand how interconnected industries react to agricultural supply disruptions.What makes Truesdell Wealth stand apart is our ability to see beyond the immediate effects. We understand how these agricultural disruptions affect not only companies directly involved, like Stuckey’s and Smucker’s, but also the downstream products they supply across multiple sectors. These interdependencies affect futures pricing, manufacturing costs, and ultimately consumer availability. By understanding these connections, we can help clients navigate these market shifts with strategies that account for such volatility.Unlike financial planners who may rely on generic newsletters or third-party managers, we bring real-time, actionable insights into the broader economic landscape. Our knowledge of how factors like agricultural disruptions influence various sectors allows us to create portfolios that are resilient and adaptable to market shifts. We don’t just react to changes—we anticipate them, providing our clients with the clarity and confidence needed to maintain and grow their wealth in unpredictable environments.As the agricultural sector faces continued challenges, companies like Stuckey’s must adapt quickly. Under the leadership of Stephanie Stuckey, the company has made strides to restore its brand and expand into new markets. However, with a third of Georgia’s pecan orchards destroyed, the pressure on the company’s core products is mounting. This is just one example of the complexities businesses face, and it’s why our clients value the deep, connected analysis that Truesdell Wealth provides. We ensure that our clients’ portfolios are not only diversified but also positioned to benefit from understanding the broader market forces at play, whether it’s in agriculture, manufacturing, or global trade.And now, I invite you to visit our website at TruesdellWealth.com to explore the variety of events we offer, both in-person and online. We host casual breakfast conversations at the Stone Creek Golf Club at The Grill, providing a relaxed setting where you can meet us, gain insights, and engage in meaningful discussions. These events are not seminars or workshops but an opportunity for you to get acquainted with us and the unique insights we offer, with no cost or obligation.I encourage you to check the schedule for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, where you’ll find listings for both in-person and on-demand events. But we don’t stop there. We provide individual access to deeper discussions via audio and other formats. In essence, we combined old-school with new school technology for a one school approach to business. Our goal is always to foster an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions, discussing your concerns, and discovering how our strategies can work for you. For us, the free flow of information where everyone is treated with respect and every question is treated as critical to the

Truesdell Weajth, Inc.212-433-2525Let me be clear: in today’s world of digital everything—cloud storage, hard drives, apps—there’s still nothing quite like a good old-fashioned three-ring binder when it comes to staying organized. Sure, you can store everything online or on your computer, but there’s something about the tangible, physical presence of a binder that just works. It’s right there in front of you, easy to flip through, easy to update, and easy to manage. When it comes to estate planning, bookkeeping, or organizing your financial life, nothing beats the efficiency of a well-organized binder. Now, I’m not saying digital storage doesn’t have its place—of course, it does. In fact, I firmly believe in a combination of both digital and physical organization. Hurricanes, fires, and other disasters can destroy physical documents, just like a computer virus or hardware failure can wipe out your digital files. That’s why you need to be prepared with both. However, the simplicity and reliability of a binder is unmatched. You can physically handle it, open it, and see everything at a glance. There’s no logging in, no passwords to forget, and no waiting for files to load.Here’s the process I recommend: keep a physical binder and complement it with a digital system. Use a good scanner like the SnapScan, which I use frequently, to scan handwritten or printed documents into digital form. Once you’ve updated your handwritten notes, scan the new pages, replace the older ones in your digital files, and keep the physical binder up to date as well. This system allows you to capture the best of both worlds—the tactile, organized simplicity of a binder with the security and backup of digital storage.I’m a big fan of using three-hole punch school paper, the kind we all grew up with, for organizing these binders. It’s a system that works—simple, effective, and familiar. Whether you prefer the classic three-ring binder or use something more modern like the Circa system (which has pages with multiple holes that easily slip into rings), it doesn’t matter. The point is to have a system that you can easily update and manage over time. Don’t get bogged down with a spiral notebook or a hardbound journal where the pages are locked in. Those are great if you’re writing a diary or something that can’t change, but not for financial and estate planning where updates are inevitable.One of the best features of the three-ring binder system is its flexibility. You can add and remove pages as needed, insert new documents, and keep everything organized in one place. Have a three-hole punch handy so you can easily add papers whenever necessary. This is critical because life changes, and so do your financial and legal needs. Whether you’re updating your will, tracking your investments, or organizing your insurance policies, you need a system that can evolve with you. That’s why the binder works so well—it’s adaptable, it’s simple, and it’s right there when you need it.The beauty of this system is that it encourages regular updates and maintenance. I always recommend sitting down once a week for what I call “weekly bookkeeping.” This isn’t complicated. It’s about taking a moment to review what you did last week, what’s coming up, what you have, what you owe, and tracking your progress. Everyone should be doing this. If you’re not, you’re falling behind. And if you’re getting ahead, you’re not getting ahead as quickly as you could be. Weekly bookkeeping is the key to staying on top of your finances, and having a binder in which you keep your important documents organized makes it all the more efficient.This is especially important when it comes to estate planning, asset tracking, and long-term financial organization. The lists and tools we provide are designed to take the heavy lifting out of the process. It’s all about creating a system that works for you—efficiently and effectively. Having a binder where you can keep all your documents organized and easily accessible allows you to manage your financial and legal life with confidence.In the end, it’s about peace of mind. A well-maintained three-ring binder filled with organized, up-to-date documents gives you a sense of control and preparedness that digital files alone often can’t provide. You can hold it, flip through it, and see your entire financial picture in front of you. And when combined with digital backups, you’re doubly protected. This is the kind of simple, practical approach that makes a difference—and the kind of organization that ensures everything runs smoothly for you and your family.If you’re serious about getting your affairs in order and ensuring that your financial and legal life is organized, this is the way to do it. I guarantee that once you start using a binder to track and manage your important documents, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it. It’s a system that works, and it’s one that will help you stay on top of things, no matter how busy life gets.When yo

0:00 The situation in Mexico has been evolving in ways that most Americans probably do not have the bandwidth to keep up with. Okay, you know, we're all busy. We've got hurricane Milton that just went through. It's Thursday, October 10, and we're all busy. We have our own problems. You got people with student loans, health care costs, and you know, we got to keep up with Kardashians, even though we really don't want to. And it's well, it's worth taking a moment to look south of the border, where things are getting a little bit spicy. That's right. And we're not talking about like the good taco truck spicy kind of thing. Okay. Now this is the kind of spice that leaves a really bad aftertaste when one lingers long after a meal has over. It just kind of hangs around. Welcome to the Paul Truesdale podcast, rather than two Pauls in a pod, this episode features Paul the elder, and thus just one Paul in a pod. So what's the gig? Individually or collectively, Paul and Paul sit down and chat predominantly at the Truesdell professional building and record frequently. They explain a few things about how life works. Before time gets away, they connect the dots and plot the knots, spots and ops with a heavy dose of knocks, mocks, pots, rocks, socks and mops, confused, then welcome aboard. You see Paul the elder and Paul the younger enjoy telling complex stories that are always based on business, economics and forecasting, while having fun laughing and being among like minded men, women and children from Earth, Pluto, Jupiter and Neptune, individually and jointly, Paul the elder and Paul the younger, coupled with Team Truesdell, have been there and done it. If you enjoy front porch philosophers who take deep dives and connect the dots while drinking coffee during the day and a whiskey after five, welcome. It is a true pleasure to have you on board. This is the Paul Trousdale podcast.2:08 Well, we've got a lady by name of Claudia. That's right, Claudia scheinbaum, and she's the newly elected president of Mexico. And, yeah, this is going to be really easy, because she is at the heart of it all. She is really the person that we need to start thinking about, talking about and really understanding. Okay, that is an important thing to always remember and never forget. Okay.2:38 So what we talking about here, she officially took office on october 1, and while she may not be a household name, yet, her background does make her, Well, an interesting person. She's interesting because she kind of has a standout background. So she was born on June 24 19623:01 She's now in her 60s, and she brings a resume that's a little bit more impressive than most of the politicians that we're used to seeing. Look, let's be really blunt about it.3:11 She isn't a former drama teacher, as in Justin Trudeau. She's not a TV reality star turned political marketer. That's Donald Trump. No, she's not, you know, a senator like Biden and Harris or Obama. No, she actually ran a government now. Now listen, sheinbaum is a scientist by training. She has a PhD in energy engineering, that's right. She spent several years running one of the most chaotic urban jungles in the world, place called Mexico City. I've been there more than a few times, going back into the 1960s I can tell you, it's a different place than it was back then, although many of the buildings are well, still the same, and that's no small feat. I mean, given the city has over 21 million residents, each with their own set of demands and complaints, so unlike some of the more, shall we say, performative leaders we've seen North America recently, okay? She Yeah, actually had to make the trains run on time. That's a phrase that goes back to Mussolini and Italy. By the way, she had to fix real problems, housing, crime, infrastructure, all while balancing a deeply fractured political landscape. You could almost say she was the adult in the room, except, well, we'll have to get to that. Oh. Now, despite her impressive qualification, the shine bum comes with some significant baggage. Okay, some real baggage. You see, her mentor is none other than Andreas Manuel Lopez Obrador, and they call him AMLO for short. You know you got we have AOC.5:00 Well, that's AMLO for short. But we'll get to his full set of issues in just a moment. You see AMLO, now in his early 70s, left office with a surprisingly high approval rating.5:15 He's considered a flaming mess5:18 because of what he left behind. Now AMLO, I'm going to use that, okay? He was born November 13, 1953 he rose to power on a populist platform promising to fight corruption and give a voice to Mexico's disenfranchised. Yeah, when you hear what I have to say about this guy, you're going to go, Hmm, that's interesting. And to his credit, he did that well, sort of. He managed to dismantle key democratic institutions. There you go. He weakened the judiciary, there you go. And he turned a complete blind eye to drug cartels taking over large swaths of the countr

Sponsor: Truesdell Wealth, Inc. In-Person and Online & On-Demand Casual Conversations - Where nice people gather to share with one another. UNEDITED TRANSCRIPT0:00 Well, good morning, good afternoon or good evening. It is Wednesday, October 9. I thought I would do something a little bit different than the Paul Truesdale Podcast. Today. We have hurricane Milton in the neighborhood, and I finished a book series. So I thought I would talk with you a little bit about that, and maybe you might enjoy it, a legacy of thrillers. Scott Pratt, Joe Dillard and family collaboration. So Scott Pratt, P, R, A, T, T, he's an acclaimed author behind what's known as the Joe Dillard series, and he left an endearing mark on the legal theorem thriller genre, I would say, before his untimely death in 2018 so he's been gone for a while now. His novel sold literally millions of copies, and it really quite skillfully blended courtroom drama with a real complex series of moral dilemmas and his personal struggles all set in the backdrop of the state of Tennessee and their legal system. Now, the Joe Dillard series in particular stands out for its authenticity. It's a lot of emotional depth, and it's also well, it's shaped by the qualities that Pratt owned life. Essentially his wife's battle with cancer, and she eventually passed away. They had a very close bond, and he worked very closely with his son Dylan, The Joe Dillard series, a legal thriller with heart. So yeah, it it's a at the heart of Scott pratt's Success is the Joe Diller series, and he's written a few other things, but it follows a criminal defense attorney named Joe Diller. Of course, it navigates to murky waters of quote, unquote, Southern justice. And this the series begins with a book called An innocent client, where Dillard has he's tired of defending criminals and he's eager for a case where he can believe his client is innocent. The theme is one of moral conflict. It carries throughout the series, this moral conflict, and Dillard is often confronting his own ethical boundaries. His professional life is tightly woven with his personal life, especially with his his wife and Caroline, who suffers from multiple sclerosis now. Pratt writing style is pretty fast paced. It's easy to read. It's filled with different twists that will keep you on your edge.2:43 Dillards cases often involve intense, high stake criminal cases. But what sets the series apart is the emotional weight his personal challenges, particularly2:55 Caroline's illnesses. That's his wife in the book. So fans of legal thrillers, Joe Dillard definitely offers more than just courtroom drama provides a pretty rich character study of a man who's torn between his duties as a lawyer and love for families. While I really did enjoy the overall book, I found the last book, Justice loss to be somewhat less engaging than the earlier ones. The legal drama remained strong, but the emotional, personal developments didn't quite resonate as deeply with me. In addition, Justice loss is still a solid addition to the series. It closes everything out, but you should know that it had to be ghostwritten with his son and another individual because of Scott's death, and it kind of is what it is, from traditional to self publishing, reinventing a career. Yeah, let's talk a little bit about that. Scott's pratt's path to success really wasn't all that straightforward. And I like that, by the way, initially he published his first three Joe Dillard books with Penguin, but after struggling to find a real commercial foothold, foothold, I'll say he reclaimed the rights, and along with his son Dylan, they entered the world of self publishing, which is, I think, really cool. Together, they reestablished their books on Amazon's Kindle platform, and thanks to some really creative marketing, including book bub, that's B, O, O, k, b, u, B, BookBub, bub promotion gave away 75,000 copies in one day, in a series gained really some massive popularity. So what they did is they switched over to self publishing, and Pratt then began to reach a broader audience. He had full control over his work, and eventually sold millions of books worldwide, which is really quite cool, family, collaboration and continuing the legacy. What I like about this is that dil.5:00 And Pratt he his son played a very key role in his father's success, managing the technical aspects of the business, while the father Scott focused on writing. Now, this close collaboration provided5:15 a real crucial working component. It was, it was really crucial to their success, especially after Scott's passing, he was he was killed in a car accident in 20185:28 just a few months after his wife Christine's death. And so Dylan basically was tasked with continuous father's legacy. Stepped in to complete the ongoing projects and to continue promoting the Joe Dillard series, which I think is absolutely, totally amazing. So as we you know, kind of wrap this up.5:52 He really did honor his fat

The stock market can be a wild rollercoaster. Over the past 40 years, we’ve seen some of the largest market drops in history, and while the market has always recovered, the journey back to baseline isn’t always a quick one. When you pair that with the fact that many of us, particularly those in our 70s and 80s, may not have the luxury of waiting years or even decades for a full recovery, the stakes become even higher. This is why having contractual income provisions in place—ones that guarantee steady income—becomes not just important, but essential. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant stock market drops in the last four decades and see how long it took to bounce back. For instance, during the 1987 crash, known as Black Monday, the market dropped 22.6% in a single day. It took about two years to recover to its previous high. The dot-com bubble burst in 2000 wiped out 49% of the market, with the recovery taking seven years. The 2008 financial crisis? It knocked the market down by 57%, and it took six years to recover. And then there's the COVID-19 crash in 2020, which, despite being sharp, recovered relatively quickly within a matter of months. Each of these instances carries its own lessons, but one thing is clear: market drops can take a long time to mend.Now, let’s contrast that with the average life expectancy of someone in their 70s or 80s. The average 70-year-old man in the U.S. today can expect to live another 14-16 years, and a 70-year-old woman can expect to live another 16-18 years. In our 80s, the numbers drop, of course, but we’re still looking at an average of 7-9 years of life expectancy. In comparison to stock market recoveries, these timeframes start to paint a concerning picture.If you’re in your 70s or 80s and you experience a significant stock market drop, it’s entirely possible that you might not live long enough to see a full recovery. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s a reality too many people don’t take seriously enough. Many of us have spent our lives focused on growth—building our wealth, expanding our investments, and chasing that next big win. But the truth is, there comes a point when the focus has to shift. As we age, we need to prioritize income over growth. We need to ensure that we have enough reliable income coming in to live comfortably for the rest of our lives, regardless of what the stock market does. Stress is another crucial factor that many overlook. When the market drops, people lose sleep. They panic, and they make rash decisions. But what we often don’t realize is the toll that stress takes on our health. Numerous studies have shown that chronic stress, like the kind we experience when watching our retirement savings shrink, can reduce life expectancy. For those of us in our 70s and 80s, that stress can have an even more significant impact, leading to heart problems, strokes, and a diminished quality of life. The very thing we’re stressing about—whether we’ll have enough money to live on—can actually shorten the time we have left.This is why contractual income provisions are so critical. These are tools that ensure you receive a guaranteed income for life, regardless of what happens in the stock market. Annuities are one example of this, though they’re not the only option. The idea is to segregate your money into two distinct categories: growth-focused and income-focused. The money you need to live on, to pay your bills, and to enjoy your retirement should be in that income-focused bucket, where it’s safe from the ups and downs of the market. The growth-focused bucket, on the other hand, can be used for more long-term investments, where you can afford to take some risks, knowing that your basic income needs are covered.Another factor that many people overlook is what I call the “Five Deadly D's”: death, disability, division (as in divorce or family splits), discharging debt, and destruction (like natural disasters or personal emergencies). Any one of these can strike at any time, and if they happen while the market is down, the financial impact can be far worse than you’d expect. When life throws you one of these curveballs, you might be forced to dip into your investment assets beyond your usual cash holdings, pulling money out when your portfolio is already struggling. This can seriously exacerbate the damage, because now you’re locking in those losses rather than giving your investments the time they need to recover. If the market’s already down and you have to sell assets to cover the costs of one of these D’s, you’re potentially taking a double hit—losing both the growth potential of those assets and compounding the losses from selling in a downturn. It’s a reminder that life doesn’t wait for the market to recover, and you need to be prepared with a strategy that takes these unexpected challenges into account.Too many people focus on the wrong things at the wrong time in their lives. They stay overly invested in growth-focused investments well in

Rough NotesOh, here we go again. Another hurricane, another round of opportunistic claims about climate change, as if Hurricane Helene is a direct result of humans meddling with the weather. Yes, because clearly, we have complete control over every gust of wind and every drop of rain. Never mind the fact that nature has been dealing devastating blows to the planet for ever, long before we even thought about lighting our first campfire. It's fascinating, really—scientists now admit for example, that space dust and viruses float around in the vast universe, sort of spook, right? And yet somehow it's always us poor humans, who drink coffee, drive vehicles, have families, and enjoy the occasional movie at a theater, who get the blame for every natural disaster. It’s that gosh darn pop corn. Stop eating the pop corn and there would be more corn for the ethanol to burn for the turbines to make electricity for a Musket Electric hot rod. Of course, Helene must be yet another sign that we're all spiraling toward doom due to our supposed mismanagement of the Earth. But hey, let's conveniently forget that the dinosaurs were wiped out without any human intervention. Big rock go book is no big deal, like cows, it was Dino gas, as in passing gas, that killed the rock haulers off in Bedrock and put Fred and Barny out of work.And my oh my, of course, humans are responsible for hurricanes, because we’ve personified hurricanes with names and thus the blame game begins because it can’t be just a weather event, it has to be a man, not woman, but man made accident? Makes sense, right? Well, if you don’t cotton to the blame game, you are not alone, but your voice is being drowned out. The people who are supposedly "open-minded" will tell you that fractals—the endlessly complex patterns that repeat in nature—will twist the theory and say Helene proves this is all connected to human behavior. Because nothing screams "scientific accuracy" like twisting the theory of fractals into some pseudo-environmental argument.And for good measure, let’s throw in a bit of Occam’s Razor. The simplest explanation is often the best, right? Except in this case, where we need to do this or that to raise taxes to benefit that faceless former bureaucrat over there, when the simple answer is, well, bad things just happen. Hurricanes have been around long before we started measuring carbon footprints, but go ahead, slap a climate change label on it and call it a day and make me pay, where pennies on the dollar hit the streets. Look, it’s much easier to blame human behavior than to admit that sometimes, nature is just destructive for reasons that have nothing to do with us. Nadda, Zip, Zero. No correlation what so ever.But what's really interesting—and this never seems to get any attention—is the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Helene aren’t exactly hotbeds of rioting or looting. Funny how that works, isn't it? Instead of pointing fingers, the people impacted by the storm are getting on with the business of rebuilding, sleeves rolled up, without waiting for someone else to step in. To them, Move On, has a personal and productive meaning. Now think about that for a few. Meanwhile, the political circus rolls on, with every candidate, from local leaders to Washington insiders, looking to turn the tragedy into a platform. The scams, of course, will come thick and fast, with promises of "relief" that are more about winning votes than helping people.So, while some are busy blaming humanity for the wrath of Mother Nature, others like the Alachua County Republican Executive Committee are focused on actually doing something about it. Maybe instead of flying off to some tropical getaway, the rest of us will stick around and help rebuild and do whatever we can. You know, it’s just a thought. Silly me, common sense isn’t that common, so I’ll lower my expectation. I think not.Ah yes, let the grand political theater commence, where every political wannabee hack will valiantly engage in talk, yes talk, as if talk will save the day, all while profiting on the backs of those suffering. Of course, because what better stage for election-season heroism than someone else's misfortune? Endless empty promises, well, isn’t it time to vote them out of office. From the local back room dealer of the political circus to the DC circus of donkeys galore. I won’t say jackass, I’ll be nice and say donkeys and, well, Marxist rhinos.

As a capitalist and a Republican, I want to make it clear that I do not support Marxism or socialism—in fact, I am fundamentally opposed to both. However, it's important to understand these ideologies from a factual, historical perspective to better comprehend the challenges and threats they pose to free-market economies and individual liberties. My goal here is not to promote these ideas but to examine them critically, especially in light of their enduring appeal and the harm they've caused.Socialism, and particularly its more radical offshoot, Marxism, has had a strong pull on people’s imaginations for centuries. There’s a certain emotional allure to the promises of equality, fairness, and a society without poverty. These ideals have been attractive to people for a long time, across various cultures, and despite the devastation socialist policies have caused, they still manage to attract followers today. But, when looked at more closely, these promises are nothing more than utopian fantasies, dangerous in practice and fundamentally at odds with human nature.At its core, socialism suggests that we can create a society where poverty is eliminated, where everyone has what they need, and where inequality is abolished. These are attractive ideas, but they are not practical in the real world. Political systems are not built on idealism alone. For all the noble rhetoric about helping people, socialism ultimately leads to centralization of power, stifling of individual freedom, and economic stagnation. Marxists and socialists argue that communism will inevitably lead to human flourishing, but history has repeatedly shown the opposite: wherever Marxist ideas have been implemented, they have brought repression, poverty, and human suffering.To truly understand Marxism, we need to understand the man behind it: Karl Marx. Born in 1818 in Trier, Germany, Marx came of age in a Europe undergoing radical change due to the Industrial Revolution. Wealth inequality was becoming more pronounced, and there was growing discontent among the working classes. Marx believed that capitalism was responsible for these inequalities and that it would eventually collapse under its own weight. He envisioned a world where the working class, or proletariat, would rise up, overthrow the capitalist class, and establish a classless society.Marx was deeply influenced by the social and political upheavals of his time. The French Revolution of 1789, for instance, dismantled the old European order of monarchy, nobility, and clergy. Marx saw this as evidence that long-standing power structures could be overturned. He believed the Industrial Revolution, with its factory system and concentration of wealth, would lead to similar upheaval. Marx argued that the bourgeoisie—the capitalist class—exploited the working class by appropriating the value of their labor, and that this exploitation would inevitably lead to revolution.However, while Marx’s critique of capitalism was based on real economic tensions, his proposed solution—communism—has proven to be a disastrous failure. Marx’s idea that the state could control all means of production, redistribute wealth, and abolish private property is not only impractical but fundamentally opposed to the principles of personal freedom and individual rights. In a capitalist system, individuals have the freedom to pursue their own economic interests, and that pursuit drives innovation, competition, and overall prosperity. Capitalism isn’t perfect, but it provides a framework where people can improve their lives through hard work, ingenuity, and free enterprise.The historical track record of Marxism is particularly damning. Time and again, countries that have tried to implement Marxist policies have descended into authoritarianism and economic collapse. The Soviet Union, Maoist China, Cuba, and North Korea are prime examples. These regimes, all of which were inspired by Marx’s ideas, did not create the classless utopias they promised. Instead, they created societies marked by repression, poverty, and mass suffering. In these countries, personal freedoms were curtailed, political dissent was crushed, and millions of people were subjected to starvation, forced labor camps, and even state-sponsored mass murder.One of the fundamental problems with Marxism is that it misinterprets human nature. Marx believed that people could somehow shed their individual desires and ambitions in favor of a collective identity, working not for their own benefit but for the good of the community. But this is not how people function. Human beings are inherently motivated by self-interest, and when you take away the incentives for hard work and innovation by abolishing private property and free markets, you end up with economic stagnation and a lack of productivity. The “altruistic” goals of socialism, while appealing on paper, are completely disconnected from the realities of human behavior.In fact, capitalism is the only system that align

When it comes to forecasting, the principle of variable change emphasizes that projections must account for shifting factors. Instead of relying on absolutes, it’s essential to focus on percentages, which offer a more adaptable view of future trends. For example, an industry might grow by 5%, but the absolute numbers will vary depending on the base. Historically, we've seen significant variable changes, such as the industrial revolution's impact on productivity or the technological boom reshaping economies. These shifts are not only crucial on a macroeconomic scale but also affect individuals. For instance, changes in inflation or employment rates have direct consequences for personal financial planning. Understanding how variables change over time helps in making more accurate and dynamic forecasts. This approach is invaluable in both economic theory and personal decision-making.The 1700s were rife with significant instances of variable change, particularly during the American Revolution. When the American colonists decided they had enough of British rule, it wasn’t just about a rejection of monarchy—it was about a fundamental shift in political, economic, and social structures. The colonies had grown tired of taxation without representation, and this frustration, paired with other injustices, set off a chain of events that culminated in the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The revolution was driven by variable changes, from economic constraints imposed by Britain to shifts in public sentiment about self-governance and personal freedoms. By focusing on the percentage of growing dissatisfaction rather than individual grievances, the colonies were able to unite in their quest for independence.Around the same time, Europe was seeing its own waves of change. The French Revolution (1789-1799) is another prime example of how variable change influences history. The French people were fed up with the absolute power of the monarchy, widespread economic hardship, and rampant inequality. The shift here was less about specific policies and more about a broader rejection of the existing system—something that would resonate throughout Europe. The rise of Napoleon soon followed, promising reform but also shifting the power balance from monarchy to military dictatorship. The variable changes in France—ranging from economic crises to social upheaval—allowed Napoleon to seize control. Again, the revolution didn’t hinge on absolutes but rather on dynamic shifts in how people viewed leadership and governance.Cromwell’s time in England offers yet another example of variable change. In the mid-1600s, Oliver Cromwell led the charge against the monarchy and was instrumental in the execution of King Charles I in 1649. Afterward, Cromwell declared England a republic, but his subsequent rule proved divisive. Though he had risen as a revolutionary figure, his authoritarian governance quickly alienated much of the public. People grew weary of his shenanigans, particularly his heavy-handedness and disregard for democratic principles. After his death, the monarchy was restored, and his regime was largely discredited—a testament to how quickly variable change can swing in a different direction when public sentiment shifts.In all these instances, variable change—be it economic, social, or political—played a pivotal role in reshaping history. These historical examples show how dissatisfaction grows in percentages rather than through individual events, leading to significant shifts in power dynamics and governance.World War II provides numerous examples of daring strategies and pivotal moments shaped by variable changes in wartime tactics. The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 was a game-changer, propelling the United States into the war. It wasn’t just about the damage inflicted but how it shifted American strategy and mobilization, forcing the country to respond aggressively in both the Pacific and European theaters.In the Pacific, the strategy of island hopping became crucial. Under the leadership of Admiral Chester Nimitz, the U.S. Navy played an indispensable role in this approach. Instead of engaging every fortified Japanese position, Nimitz focused on key islands, allowing U.S. forces to leapfrog towards Japan. This strategy saved time, resources, and countless lives while gradually weakening Japanese control over the Pacific.In Europe, bold maneuvers from leaders like General George Patton were equally impactful. During the Battle of the Bulge, Patton’s ability to rapidly redirect his forces was instrumental in halting the German offensive. His aggressive tactics and ability to adapt on the fly helped turn the tide in Europe, demonstrating the power of decisive leadership in wartime.These moments highlight how variable change—in tactics, leadership, and strategy—can alter the course of history. Bold decisions made by figures like Nimitz and Patton were crucial in securing Allied victory.

Florida has become a focal point in the national debate over Chinese investments, particularly in agricultural land and real estate. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, the state has taken a firm stance to restrict Chinese entities from acquiring agricultural land. Land acquisition near strategic infrastructures like military bases must never be allowed . This move, aimed at countering potential national security threats posed by foreign entities with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), reflects growing concerns across the U.S. about foreign influence in critical sectors.Governor DeSantis articulated the state's position in a clear and firm manner, stating, The Chinese Communist Party, they’ve been gobbling up land all across the United States, but we’re not going to allow that to happen in the state of Florida.” This statement underscores the administration’s goal to prevent China from gaining undue control over strategic land assets, which could be leveraged to undermine the state’s security.Echoing these sentiments, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized the importance of protecting the state's food supply and farmlands. Simpson noted that Allowing foreign adversaries like the CCP to control agricultural land in Florida is a direct threat to both our food security and national security." His support for DeSantis’ efforts reflects Florida’s resolve to safeguard essential resources from foreign entities that could use them for geopolitical advantage.Additionally, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has been vocal in his criticism of the federal government's perceived inaction in curbing Chinese land acquisitions. He highlighted the risk posed by these investments, stating, “We can’t wait for the federal government to act. Florida has to take the lead in defending against threats like corporate espionage and intellectual property theft, and Chinese real estate investments are part of that equation.” Patronis’ support of DeSantis' policies reinforces the state’s commitment to safeguarding its economy and security from external influence.These coordinated actions reflect broader national concerns about Chinese investments and foreign ownership of critical U.S. assets. With Governor DeSantis, Wilton Simpson, and Jimmy Patronis all advocating for protective measures, Florida stands as a leader in addressing these issues at the state level.I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the vulnerabilities in our infrastructure, and it’s something that has started to really concern me. I mean, we’re not just talking about small, isolated issues here. This stuff is huge, and it’s right under our noses. Take transformers, for example. You know, those big green boxes outside your house? Yeah, I’m not talking about those. I’m talking about massive, industrial transformers that are so large they have to remove overpasses just to transport them. These things are crucial for the power grid, and if they’re compromised, we’re in serious trouble. I heard that if just nine of these transformers were taken out, it would plunge the entire U.S. into darkness. Nine. That’s all it would take to shut down the entire country’s power grid.

**Paul Truesdell Podcast Episode 357: Staying Fit and Strong in Retirement—The Power of Dumbbells!**Join us for episode 357 of the *Paul Truesdell Podcast*, where Paul dives into the essentials of staying physically fit in your later years, particularly for those aged 65 to 70. With more than 50 years of weightlifting experience, Paul shares his straightforward philosophy on staying in shape: "strength, endurance, flexibility, natural nutrition, and hydration in moderation—bingo!" This episode is a masterclass in building and maintaining physical wealth, one of Paul's key "components of wealth and status" that he passionately believes in.Paul emphasizes the importance of dumbbell training for seniors, breaking down how even basic exercises like push-ups and squats can transform your fitness journey. He offers practical advice, including tips on proper form, the ideal frequency of workouts, and the benefits of easing into a routine. "You're never too old to start," Paul says, encouraging listeners to embrace the challenge and take control of their physical health.With a unique blend of humor, real-world experience, and practical tips, this episode is perfect for those looking to improve their fitness routine or begin one in retirement. Whether you're listening with a cup of coffee in the morning or a whiskey after five, Paul’s engaging conversation will leave you inspired to get moving. Tune in for an entertaining, insightful, and action-packed episode focused on making fitness simple and sustainable for seniors.Don’t miss out—this episode also features details about upcoming breakfast conversations at Stone Creek Golf Club, where Paul will be diving deeper into fitness and business topics over good food and great company!**Key Takeaways from Episode 357:**- The importance of dumbbell training for seniors.- Paul’s personal workout routine and advice on starting slow and building strength.- How to incorporate physical wealth into your daily life.- Upcoming events and conversations you won’t want to miss!For more information, visit [TruesdellWealth.com](https://truesdellwealth.com) or get in touch via 212-433-2525.

Flashback Friday: The Good Ol’ Days of Police Work... Sort OfIt’s Friday the 13th, so I thought I’d catch up on a few things and toss up some posts for the smirks and grins. Check out this gem: a photo of a vintage Tampa police vehicle from the 1980s. Fun fact—I had one of the last "double bubbles" on the department. Translation? A blue beacon on the driver's side, a red one on the passenger's side, and a siren mounted on a silver bar in the middle. Real high-tech stuff. When I started in Milwaukee, we were even more old-school with a single bubble. Oh, and I rocked a cross-draw holster. For those unfamiliar, that’s when the handle of your gun is pointed toward the bad guy. As a righty, I’d reach across, grab the pistol grip, give it a tug, and hope for the best. Why did we do this? Well, it made sitting in the car more comfortable—not that we had much to carry. No tasers, no mace, not even bulletproof vests. My gear consisted of a gun, handcuffs, 12 rounds in a dump pouch (you can Google that one), and a stick. Today? I’d probably wear bulletproof shoes.I spotted this pic on Facebook and figured it was worth sharing. Back then, we cruised in Dodge Diplomats and Aspens—ancient relics most people today wouldn’t recognize. Then there was the dark period when the department, clearly out of its mind, bought Chrysler K Cars. Imagine a slightly fancier Yugo with all the horsepower of a lawnmower, and you get the idea. I had a great relationship with the substation four supervisor and mechanics, so my car was always in top shape. If the brass then knew what I had under the hood, they would have fired me quicker than you can say snap crack or pop. And even today I'm reluctant to tell you what we really did to that car. But it is what it is and I don't care anymore I had a ball. But one day, my beloved "sled" was in for maintenance, and the only thing left was—you guessed it—a K Car.I took off, pedal to the metal, and hit a blistering top speed of about 27 mph as I tried mightily to get up the on-ramp to Interstate 75 to head over to the Westshore area. Guess what, I never made it. I had nightmares of getting rear-ended by a tricycle. By the time I got back to the station, by way of the safety of side roads, I was ready to flip that car over with my bare hands—and probably could have, thanks to the heavy light bar on top giving me some leverage. You know, come to think about it, a lady in a wheelchair was able to get from one side of the street to the other through a crosswalk faster than that turd blossom I was driving could. And you know, I ran a red light because that piece of trash was still maybe 10 feet to go, when the light turned red in the old West Tampa housing projects somewhere around Main Street and North Boulevard as I recall. You know the phrase, "good time?" Yeah, not.After that joyride, I teamed up in a two-man unit, and we actually got some good police work done—kicking butt, taking names, and keeping Tampa a little bit safer. Those were wild times, back when the city was flooded with more than our share of clowns, thanks to Miami’s imports and a certain boat brigade. Anyway, that’s my stroll down memory lane. Have a good weekend.

It was supposed to be a simple end to a school day: Justice Johnson, a Boston first-grader, would ride the bus home like every other excited kid. But what began as a rite of passage turned into a nightmare that dragged on for hours, leaving Justice stranded on a bus and his mother, Ronda Johnson, in a state of panic.Justice was set to arrive home at 3:30 p.m. for his very first solo bus ride. As the minutes ticked by, Ronda waited. And waited. The new app meant to track bus locations was about as useful as a flip phone in a dead zone. By 4:00 p.m., Ronda's concern shifted from mild worry to full-blown panic. Her calls to the school and bus dispatch went from polite inquiries to desperate pleas.Hours later, her son was finally found—passed out on a bus seat at the bus yard, surrounded by his own drool. A joyride to oblivion with no return ticket, courtesy of someone’s failure to do the one basic task everyone assumes: check the bus. “My baby was on that bus for like four hours,” Ronda told CBS News Boston, adding that the bus driver apologized but couldn’t quite explain how he managed to lose a whole child for an entire afternoon. The answer, as evasive as a politician’s promise.Boston Public Schools issued a statement that’s as comforting as a lukewarm cup of coffee: “The safety of our students on yellow school buses is our top priority,” they said, pledging to work with their contractor to get to the bottom of the incident. Meanwhile, Justice is now too anxious to ride the bus, as if anyone could blame him.Sure, we get it—bus drivers have busy routes. But it seems like "don't leave a kid behind" would be step one of the job description. Makes you wonder what the protocol will be when states like Florida roll out recreational marijuana, and we start considering bus drivers texting while driving as the least of our problems. As we keep adding new distractions to the mix, maybe checking a bus at the end of the day is just another task that’ll fall into the void of “should’ve done that.” But hey, safety first… right?

The Paul Truesdell PodcastWelcome to the Paul Truesdell Podcast. Two Pauls in a pod. Featuring Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger. So, what's the gig? Individually or collectively, Paul and Paul sit down and chat predominately at the Truesdell Professional Building and record frequently. They explain a few things about how life works before time gets away. They connect the dots and plot the knots, spots, and ops with a heavy dose of knocks, mocks, pots, rocks, socks, and mops. Confused? Then welcome aboard! You see, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger enjoy telling complex stories that are always based on business, economics, and forecasting while having fun, laughing, and being among like-minded men, women, and children from Earth, Pluto, Jupiter, and Neptune. Individually and jointly, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger, coupled with Team Truesdell, have been there and done it. If you enjoy front porch philosophers who take deep dives and connect the dots, while drinking coffee during the day and a whiskey after five, welcome.It is a true pleasure to have you onboard.This is The Paul Truesdell Podcast.

The Paul Truesdell PodcastWelcome to the Paul Truesdell Podcast. Two Pauls in a pod. Featuring Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger. So, what's the gig? Individually or collectively, Paul and Paul sit down and chat predominately at the Truesdell Professional Building and record frequently. They explain a few things about how life works before time gets away. They connect the dots and plot the knots, spots, and ops with a heavy dose of knocks, mocks, pots, rocks, socks, and mops. Confused? Then welcome aboard! You see, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger enjoy telling complex stories that are always based on business, economics, and forecasting while having fun, laughing, and being among like-minded men, women, and children from Earth, Pluto, Jupiter, and Neptune. Individually and jointly, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger, coupled with Team Truesdell, have been there and done it. If you enjoy front porch philosophers who take deep dives and connect the dots, while drinking coffee during the day and a whiskey after five, welcome.It is a true pleasure to have you onboard.This is The Paul Truesdell Podcast.

The Paul Truesdell PodcastWelcome to the Paul Truesdell Podcast. Two Pauls in a pod. Featuring Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger. So, what's the gig? Individually or collectively, Paul and Paul sit down and chat predominately at the Truesdell Professional Building and record frequently. They explain a few things about how life works before time gets away. They connect the dots and plot the knots, spots, and ops with a heavy dose of knocks, mocks, pots, rocks, socks, and mops. Confused? Then welcome aboard! You see, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger enjoy telling complex stories that are always based on business, economics, and forecasting while having fun, laughing, and being among like-minded men, women, and children from Earth, Pluto, Jupiter, and Neptune. Individually and jointly, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger, coupled with Team Truesdell, have been there and done it. If you enjoy front porch philosophers who take deep dives and connect the dots, while drinking coffee during the day and a whiskey after five, welcome.It is a true pleasure to have you onboard.This is The Paul Truesdell Podcast.

The Paul Truesdell PodcastWelcome to the Paul Truesdell Podcast. Two Pauls in a pod. Featuring Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger. So, what's the gig? Individually or collectively, Paul and Paul sit down and chat predominately at the Truesdell Professional Building and record frequently. They explain a few things about how life works before time gets away. They connect the dots and plot the knots, spots, and ops with a heavy dose of knocks, mocks, pots, rocks, socks, and mops. Confused? Then welcome aboard! You see, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger enjoy telling complex stories that are always based on business, economics, and forecasting while having fun, laughing, and being among like-minded men, women, and children from Earth, Pluto, Jupiter, and Neptune. Individually and jointly, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger, coupled with Team Truesdell, have been there and done it. If you enjoy front porch philosophers who take deep dives and connect the dots, while drinking coffee during the day and a whiskey after five, welcome.It is a true pleasure to have you onboard.This is The Paul Truesdell Podcast.

The Paul Truesdell PodcastWelcome to the Paul Truesdell Podcast. Two Pauls in a pod. Featuring Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger. So, what's the gig? Individually or collectively, Paul and Paul sit down and chat predominately at the Truesdell Professional Building and record frequently. They explain a few things about how life works before time gets away. They connect the dots and plot the knots, spots, and ops with a heavy dose of knocks, mocks, pots, rocks, socks, and mops. Confused? Then welcome aboard! You see, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger enjoy telling complex stories that are always based on business, economics, and forecasting while having fun, laughing, and being among like-minded men, women, and children from Earth, Pluto, Jupiter, and Neptune. Individually and jointly, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger, coupled with Team Truesdell, have been there and done it. If you enjoy front porch philosophers who take deep dives and connect the dots, while drinking coffee during the day and a whiskey after five, welcome.It is a true pleasure to have you onboard.This is The Paul Truesdell Podcast.

The Paul Truesdell PodcastWelcome to the Paul Truesdell Podcast. Two Pauls in a pod. Featuring Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger. So, what's the gig? Individually or collectively, Paul and Paul sit down and chat predominately at the Truesdell Professional Building and record frequently. They explain a few things about how life works before time gets away. They connect the dots and plot the knots, spots, and ops with a heavy dose of knocks, mocks, pots, rocks, socks, and mops. Confused? Then welcome aboard! You see, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger enjoy telling complex stories that are always based on business, economics, and forecasting while having fun, laughing, and being among like-minded men, women, and children from Earth, Pluto, Jupiter, and Neptune. Individually and jointly, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger, coupled with Team Truesdell, have been there and done it. If you enjoy front porch philosophers who take deep dives and connect the dots, while drinking coffee during the day and a whiskey after five, welcome.It is a true pleasure to have you onboard.This is The Paul Truesdell Podcast.

The Paul Truesdell PodcastWelcome to the Paul Truesdell Podcast. Two Pauls in a pod. Featuring Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger. So, what's the gig? Individually or collectively, Paul and Paul sit down and chat predominately at the Truesdell Professional Building and record frequently. They explain a few things about how life works before time gets away. They connect the dots and plot the knots, spots, and ops with a heavy dose of knocks, mocks, pots, rocks, socks, and mops. Confused? Then welcome aboard! You see, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger enjoy telling complex stories that are always based on business, economics, and forecasting while having fun, laughing, and being among like-minded men, women, and children from Earth, Pluto, Jupiter, and Neptune. Individually and jointly, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger, coupled with Team Truesdell, have been there and done it. If you enjoy front porch philosophers who take deep dives and connect the dots, while drinking coffee during the day and a whiskey after five, welcome.It is a true pleasure to have you onboard.This is, The Paul Truesdell Podcast.

The Paul Truesdell PodcastWelcome to the Paul Truesdell Podcast. Two Pauls in a pod. Featuring Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger. So, what's the gig? Individually or collectively, Paul and Paul sit down and chat predominately at the Truesdell Professional Building and record frequently. They explain a few things about how life works before time gets away. They connect the dots and plot the knots, spots, and ops with a heavy dose of knocks, mocks, pots, rocks, socks, and mops. Confused? Then welcome aboard! You see, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger enjoy telling complex stories that are always based on business, economics, and forecasting while having fun, laughing, and being among like-minded men, women, and children from Earth, Pluto, Jupiter, and Neptune. Individually and jointly, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger, coupled with Team Truesdell, have been there and done it. If you enjoy front porch philosophers who take deep dives and connect the dots, while drinking coffee during the day and a whiskey after five, welcome.It is a true pleasure to have you onboard.This is, The Paul Truesdell Podcast.###Unknown Speaker 0:00 We are back, and the reason why we had taken a pause for more than a few weeks is that we wanted to adjust what it is we're doing so that, because of our schedules, which both went nuts, we can basically do the podcast in a variety of different locations. People to do it basically anymore. I had a gentleman in the office the other day, and he had a remarkable tablet, I believe. Have you done any research on those things? I don't even know what you're talking about. Remarkable is where it's only writing. It is like E paper, and it's really ultra thin, and it's not connected to the internet in any way, shape or form. It's not like an iPad. Interesting,Unknown Speaker 0:51 yeah, I may have heard about that fairly recently. It's the name. Sounds familiar, but yeah, is it E Ink only? It's E Ink only, yeah, okay, yeah, I think I saw something. It's actually really clever for me. It will never replace an iPad, but what I was looking at it is that it's really ultra crazy thin and his leather notebook and how he was taking notes. And I asked him a little bit about it. He said he liked it more than the iPad, because he's in business and he's always making notes, and if he needs to grab anything off the internet, he just grabs his phone real quick and looks at it. Yeah, that makes sense. I can I can see using a tablet, a regular like iPad, and the same time. That's my point. It's funny, because I'm sitting there with my iPad and my legal pad, sure, and he's were sitting there with hisUnknown Speaker 1:45 I think it was remarkable. It could have been some another brand, because there's several of there. But do you remember when you know it's gonna be several decades now, when you were when I started talking about E paper, and it was the death of newspapers? Yeah, yeah, I do. And what I didn't understand then, which I still think, is it's a viable product. We were down, I think your mother and I were down in Nevis. So this would've been about 1995 I think it's 95 sounds about right. And back then, you know, they didn't have internet, like they have a day and all that. We used to get a, we were on vacation for like, two or three weeks down there, and they had a they got a fax machine. They had a fax machine, and they would photocopy headline news from the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, and it was just kind of a, yeah, you know something, people today wouldn't have an appreciation. No, of course not. And IUnknown Speaker 2:45 say the word VCI or CDs, people, even people today, don't even know what a CD is. Anyhow,Unknown Speaker 2:54 I always thought that you would have like a newspaper where you could actually turn the paper and that the print would be there and you would recharge it. Yeah, always thought that would been an interesting device. Anyhow, that's, I'll just start off with that for today that I thought it was, you know, it's one of those things to think about. So that's kind of a goofy way to start off our talk. Let's, let's go to the elephant in the room. I wanted to say something about that. The thing that's interesting about the E paper stuff is that while that concept is, at this point, I think, pretty close to being viable, or at least some version of it, where your entire,Unknown Speaker 3:34 you know, basically, you have, like, a newspaper size, or, you know, front page of a newspaper size, like E Ink display. Yeah,Unknown Speaker 3:42 you're not going to have multiple pages just due to the logistics of how the device has to work. But it took a long time for E Ink to get to the point where it was capable of it took a long time to get the E paper so that it was capable of quick enough changes that it wasn't annoying and that you could things like writing on it like you're describing with the remarkable and some of these other devices. In the past, they were really gr

Traveling - Out of Office Recording - Poor Audio QualityThe Paul Truesdell PodcastWelcome to the Paul Truesdell Podcast. Two Pauls in a pod. Featuring Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger. So, what's the gig? Individually or collectively, Paul and Paul sit down and chat predominately at the Truesdell Professional Building and record frequently. They explain a few things about how life works before time gets away. They connect the dots and plot the knots, spots, and ops with a heavy dose of knocks, mocks, pots, rocks, socks, and mops. Confused? Then welcome aboard! You see, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger enjoy telling complex stories that are always based on business, economics, and forecasting while having fun, laughing, and being among like-minded men, women, and children from Earth, Pluto, Jupiter, and Neptune. Individually and jointly, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger, coupled with Team Truesdell, have been there and done it. If you enjoy front porch philosophers who take deep dives and connect the dots, while drinking coffee during the day and a whiskey after five, welcome.It is a true pleasure to have you onboard.This is, The Paul Truesdell Podcast.The conversation revolved around various topics, including mobilizing a nation's workforce during times of conflict, the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, retirement income strategies, homelessness in Florida, community engagement and volunteer work, and the importance of adaptability in retirement. The speakers shared personal anecdotes and historical context, emphasizing the value of community connection and social support. They also discussed the challenges faced by individuals in Florida and the importance of adaptability in the face of global calamities.OutlineMilitary manpower shortages and labor reallocation.Truesdell and Truesdell discuss fears of trans ice hockey players posing a danger to girls, with Truesdell II suggesting boundaries will keep getting pushed until they're pushed back.Tooth to tail ratio in military reallocation of resources, with few on frontlines.Paul Truesdell, II discusses the history of immigration and labor shortages in the US, particularly during World War II.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF expresses skepticism about the idea of bringing in immigrant workers to fill labor gaps, citing language barriers and the need for skilled workers.Geopolitics, US foreign policy, and the impact on domestic issues.Paul Truesdell, II: Labor shortages in Ukraine and Russia, with poor reporting on economy.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF: Ukrainian government not run by Hunter Biden or Satanic pedophile elites.Paul Truesdell, II, highlights the shift in geopolitical alliances worldwide and the lack of focus on geopolitics in domestic politics.Truesdell argues that the US's ability to protect sea lanes and maintain global influence impacts the purchasing power of the US dollar, and that retreating from this responsibility would have severe domestic consequences.Politics, economics, and retirement planning.Paul Truesdell, II discusses the cataclysmic shift in how businesses operate and the trade-offs involved.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF shares his experiences with political campaigns, including Goldwater's position on Vietnam and NATO.Paul Truesdell, II expresses concern about retirees' vulnerability to systemic changes and skill decay.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF asks a question about the age limit for driving commercial vehicles with a CDL license.Social Security, retirement, and job opportunities.Paul Truesdell, II explains that Social Security's trust fund will run out and lead to a 20-30% decrease in payments.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF predicts a generational conflict as boomers retire and millennials/Gen Xers may face reduced Social Security payments.Paul Truesdell, II suggests that many retirees could supplement their income by working part-time gigs, such as driving for ride-sharing services.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF criticizes people who give money to beggars, suggesting that most are alcoholics or drug addicts taking advantage of the system.Paul Truesdell, II discusses the reasons why some people become homeless, including addiction and lack of access to support programs.He also mentions the consequences of minimum wage increases and the impact of inflation on property prices in Florida.The importance of working and financial planning.Paul Truesdell, II discusses how people are hiring others to do tasks that were previously done by volunteers in the community.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF shares examples of how community engagement has shifted from volunteer work to paid positions in churches and other organizations.Truesdell discusses generational conflicts in church leadership.Paul Truesdell: $7,500 income stream requires $196,000 investment (3.82% rate of return)Paul Truesdell: $400,000 investment could generate $101,960 in income (with inflation considered)Retirement, adaptability, and mindset.

Paul Truesdell dot comThe Truesdell CompaniesTruesdell WealthDue to our extensive holdings and our clients, you should assume that we have a position in all companies discussed and that a conflict of interest exists. By listening, reading, or using this document, video, podcast, and/or website in any manner, you understand the information presented is provided for informational purposes only and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Public and group informational items should never be considered professional advice. Nothing said, written, or otherwise communicated should be construed as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell a security. We do not provide tax, legal, or psychological advice. Nothing herein constitutes advice or is a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read, viewed, heard, or thought you saw or heard.

Unedited Transcript Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 0:00 was Monday May the sixth 2024 This is Paul Truesdell. And rather than to Paul's in a pod just beat me today tomorrow we'll do the two polls in a pod but he said we get started,Speaker 1 0:08 do what you like are good and profitable act and control. The poultry sale podcast is produced in Ocala, Florida, one of the nation's fastest growing retirement Mecca is an America's premier horse happening at the Truesdell professional building also known as the Truesdale Alamo.Unknown Speaker 0:41 Mr sexesPaul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 0:51 Well, unfortunately for three people who were murdered recently in Mexico to Australians and Americans went down there to go surfing have a good time. Apparently they were executed bubble bullet holes to their heads. They were found in the Baja California area of Mexico. And again, it was a triple homicide execution style. All I gotta say is when you go to Mexico, you are taking a risk and a story. What's the next thing to talk about? Well, let's see what's next. I don't know about you. But I am so sick and tired of Google and Yahoo and zippity doo da de all of the search engines out there that give us these wonderful articles that are meaningless are just repeats of the same old garbage over and over and over rehash, rehash, rehash. And you've got ads everywhere. Oh, my God, if ever there was an opportunity to seize control over searching, it would be Oh, that's right. We do have an idea. And we're going to be announcing that fairly soon.Speaker 2 1:48 Okay, search is awful. And you have a plan, but it's confidential for now, that said, what's next?Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 1:54 You are going to read endless articles about the stock market crashing the bond market crash and how everything's going to heck in a handbasket. People asked me recently, are we going to see a recession? Are we going to see a depression? Well, we're going to see probably a pretty good healthy recession coming up. But more importantly, are we going to be able to make what needs to be made and blow up what needs to be blown up in the coming war? Are you familiar? What's what's going on in Lithuania? Are you familiar with what they are doing and the trenches? The anti tank trenches that are digging on the border with Russia? The question is when Russia which has gotten more ammunition, they're making it hand over fist why they're just doing it right now. Did you know that not being reported in the mainstream news not being reported that China launched their third aircraft carrier, there's a lot there to unpack and I'm not going to do it here today. I'm not going to talk to you about the first one or the second one or the third one, but there is a lot of manufacturing going on in Russia right now. They are stockpiling ammunition because it looks like they're expecting a ground war. And if they go after Lithuania, and they go after Latvia and Estonia and they try to take them back over because you know the Bella Rousses right there rushes there will the Polish come in? Will they go north from Warsaw will the Finnish and the Swedes and the Norwegians come in and bail them out? Will European Union go in there? Will we start seeing world war three? Oh Hells Bells ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are in the middle of World War Three right this second? AndSpeaker 2 3:24 so does the endless printing of money by the Treasury bother you?Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 3:28 Well, let's see here boys and girls every single minute that you listen to this podcast, United States Treasury well, they're maintain cash like never before to the tune of $2 million of new cash every single minute. UPI ka you know, when you do this on a regular basis when it continues on and on and on when inflation gets higher and higher. And for all of you who are retired 55 and older you're living in Oh, any kind of retirement community or not the first 10 years is easy. When you retire. I can guarantee your sweet bippy that's the case with inflation. Whoo, I got news for you rule of 72 of inflation is 10%. That means in production 7%, that means in 10 years is going to cost twice as much. So if you're living on 100 120 130 40, let's say $50,000 A year let's use that you're living on $150,000 a year if we keep this pace, 10 years from now, it's going to cost you $300,000 a year to live on to mine sleep well at night,Speaker 2 4:27 swine flu, Wuhan flu, also known as COVID. And now bird flu. Do you have a forecast?Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 4:33 Do I have a forecast? Do I have a forecast? Yes, I have a forecast. And I can absolutely guarantee that you're going to find a lot of people who live in urban areas freaking out when they see a bird or a bunny rabbit or a raccoon or a coyote because listen, they've already said polar bears and red foxes and penguins and dairy cattle. They're monitoring wild animals because this kind of a thing starts in one Old animals and moves

Ocala Real Estate & Horse FarmsVisit: Horse Farms ForeverVisit: Billy Woods for Sheriff Endorsed by Senator Rick ScottVisit: Marion County Sheriff's OfficeSponsored by: Truesdell Wealth, Inc. SummaryDrudge, Cape Coral Real Estate, Ocala Metro Real Estate, Creeks and Stones, Hwy 200 Two Lane Road, DR Horton, The Villages, Sumter County 466, Marion County 475, Spanish Springs, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Clermont, Boomer Retirees Phase Two, Golf Cart, Amenities, Community Facility, Rule of 72, Rule of 144, Builder Incentives, New Homes, Corporate Ownership of Single Family Homes, Beach Community Insurance, Property Casualty Rates, Buying Down Interest Rate, Local Builders Pushed Out, Village News, Snowbirds, Rural Living, Farms, Trucks, TMZ, Yankeetown, Inglis, Crystal River, Brownwood, Sumter Landing, Billionaires in Marion County, Sheriff Billy Woods, HorseFarmsForever.com, Horse Farms For Ever, Development, Carter's Liver Pills, Carter's Peanuts, Jimmy Carter, Retiree Inflation, First Ten Years of Retirement, Inflation, $100,000 today 19 years later $33,000, Minimum Wage California $20 per Hour, Florida Minimum Wage, $15 Minimum Wage, President Biden, Between Now and the Election, County Commissioners as Realtors, China Unemployment, China Crime, China Flooding, Russia Flooding, Stupid News Headlines, Click Bait, Unedited Transcription:SPEAKERSPaul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF, Paul Truesdell, IIPaul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 00:00It is rather amazing how, a few months, six months at the most, has dramatically changed the housing market here in the Ocala metropolitan area. Yeah, thePaul Truesdell, II 00:11number of sales and the pricing and everything is, I would say it's down a little bit, but it's not as tremendous as some other places in the state. Just discussing this interesting article about how places like I believe Cape Coral. article said that year over year, the prices are up 51%. And people are shocked that sales are down some dramatic number and it's taking what is it a 31 more days to sell a house than last year? Oh, and prices are up 51% I'm honestly surprised. That's all it is. I anybody that has a little bit of patience, can see that one. That bubble bursting in a very short amount of time.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 00:56Sunday, we had lunch with a couple who had been clients of ours for quite a while. Wonderful human beings. They I'm sure are listening and will say hi to them. Hello, hello. But one of the things I said to them, I said do not go to drudge. Drudge is a godforsaken horrible place to get news. On the other hand, it is an aggregator. The problem is the damn headlines. Oh,Paul Truesdell, II 01:22yeah. Yeah. Well, that's that's the Drudge away. Right? You you rewrite the headlines to get people to click? Yeah, clickbait and scale coming back. So, but yeah, it's it's interesting, the home prices in general, like, what is it? I don't know, the current lending rates are, but they are have not come down because, obviously, consequences of the market in the economy continuing to be quite robust. And they can't quite beat inflation. So we're kind of in this like quasi people who are once again talking about stagflation. I don't think it's that severe, considering we're still in single digit, interest rate, low single digit interest rate, and an inflation environment. But so let's call it let's call it baby stagflation. Maybe, maybe that's a word. I'mPaul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 02:14not sure what is going to be called it. What I do know is that many years ago, when a couple of retirement communities in the Ocala metropolitan area, all over the creeks, Stone Creek, book Creek, little known Creek, there's all the creeks around hurricane crest stones and creeks and andPaul Truesdell, II 02:35oaks and oaks. That pretty much covers all the communities if you are willing to add or subtract a word or ifPaul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 02:44you're a developer of homes that you've please pick a different name from, from the word Stone Creek and whatever. Oak just Paulette Flintstone anyhow. Well, thePaul Truesdell, II 02:55big the big developers seem to pick more logical names these days. But yeah, we do have a plentiful number of stones and oaks and creeks.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 03:06Well, I don't have the actual statistics in front of me, I'm not going to get them but I believe the new home builders are doing very well in selling homes as opposed to existing homes. Now, one of the things I can tell you is that communities where there are not sidewalks, I think those communities have a harder time sellingPaul Truesdell, II 03:28certainly, yeah. Especially since all of the newer not all, but the vast majority of the newer communities. Developments do. So, you know, it's just it's one of these things that I think a lot of people, especially people that are moving from, let's call it more metro area. Yeah. They're used to they're used to taking the dog out for a walk on the

Truesdell.netPaulTruesdell.comTruesdell Wealth, Inc.Truesdell Wealth EventsSo how much more does it cost to be sustainable? Sustainable products are 75-85 per cent more expensive than conventional products, according to a study by Netherlands consulting firm Kearny.TranscriptIn today's society, there is a growing trend towards using plant-based materials as a substitute for leather, with the belief that it is a more ethical and environmentally friendly option. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that these alternatives may not be as sustainable or long-lasting as traditional leather products.One prime example is the Apple iPhone case made from plant-based materials, which was recently discontinued due to its inability to withstand daily wear and tear. This highlights the fact that while these alternative materials may seem like a step in the right direction, they often lack the durability and longevity of leather.Moreover, it is important to consider the hidden environmental costs associated with the production of these supposedly eco-friendly products. Many of the electronic devices and technologies we rely on, such as electric vehicles, require a significant amount of precious metals and oil-based products in their manufacturing process. While the end user may feel good about their politically correct choice, the reality is that the environmental impact of these products is often comparable to, if not greater than, their traditional counterparts.In contrast, leather has been a symbol of quality and craftsmanship for centuries. The art and science behind the production of leather ensures that it not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time. This longevity is a key factor in determining the true environmental impact of a product, as it reduces the need for frequent replacements and ultimately contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.It is often said that only a rich person can afford to buy something cheap. This adage holds true when it comes to making informed purchasing decisions. Wealthy individuals tend to invest in high-quality items that last, understanding that the initial cost is offset by the long-term value and durability of the product. On the other hand, those with limited financial means often find themselves replacing items more frequently as they opt for cheaper, lower-quality alternatives that do not withstand the test of time.This brings us to the concept of modern minimalism and the importance of mastering money management. To truly embrace a minimalist lifestyle, it is essential to have the appropriate mindset and to make the most of the resources we already possess. Before making a new purchase, we must carefully evaluate our needs and determine whether the item is a necessity or simply a desire.A perfect illustration of this concept is the temptation to upgrade electronic devices, such as an iPad, when a new model is released. In the coming weeks and months, Apple is expected to make major announcements regarding their latest products, which may entice many consumers to replace their current devices. However, it is crucial to consider whether we are truly utilizing our existing devices to their fullest extent before investing in a newer model.In essence, the key to successful money management and a sustainable lifestyle lies in prioritizing quality over quantity. By investing in well-crafted, durable items and making the most of what we already own, we can reduce our environmental impact and cultivate a more mindful approach to consumption. It is time to look beyond the allure of politically correct alternatives and instead focus on making informed, long-term decisions that benefit both ourselves and the planet.

Nanny State Tells The World to Nanny Up - We Suggest Australians Nut UpSponsored by: Truesdell Wealth, Inc. Available until April 27, 2024 - Who are you?SummaryI. Introduction - Elon Musk and X/Twitter refusing to take down photos/videos of knife attacks in Sydney despite Australian court order- Discussion of censorship, propaganda, and historical contextII. Terrorist attack in Australia- 16-year-old charged with terrorism for attacking religious facility - The Australian government wants attacks downplayed and materials removed from internet worldwide- Criticism of double standards in how different religiously-motivated attacks are treated by media and governmentsIII. Connecting Australia situation to rapper killed in Nashville- Chris King, former roommate of Justin Bieber, killed in Nashville - 19-year-old shooter had prior murder arrest as a juvenile- Concerns about youth being used by gangs for violent crime- Broader discussion of societal issues and unwillingness to acknowledge factsIV. Gender equality in the workplace- Statistics on low percentage of women in certain jobs like plumbing despite equal pay- Criticism of excessive focus on getting women into military combat roles - Questions about fairness of modified standards and special accommodations V. Information overload and media sensationalism- Technology has erased regional differences and exposed people to information overload- Media drumbeat of sensationalized threats (child abductions, shark attacks, etc.) despite actual low probability - Importance of tuning out irrelevant information and focusing on bettering one's own situationVI. Conclusion- Anecdote about changing demographics of workers at local gas station- Concerns about younger generations' work ethic and economic productivity - Speculation that reduced labor supply will drive up costs furtherIn summary, the discussion touched on issues of censorship, terrorism, crime, gender in the workplace, information overload, and generational economic trends - making broad connections between current events in an attempt to identify concerning societal patterns. The overall tone was critical of perceived inconsistencies and double standards in social and political attitudes.Unedited Transcript00:00You might not be aware, but Elon Musk is at war with Australia. Really? Yes, he declared war and they launched ballistic missiles from SpaceX. And they've taken off Sydney00:15the Prime Minister of Australia has lashed out at ex and Elon Musk for refusing to take down photos of the knife attacks that took place in Sydney. recently. Yes, I heard about those. So, in Australia, everybody who's on the interwebs and gets on x. They're blocking those photos, those videos and everything. But Australia's Federal Court has ruled in a hastily called hearing that, yeah, the photos and the videos had to be taken down worldwide. Oh, okay. Yes. Yeah. My, my response to that would be You and what army? Thank you very much. No, go away. I found it amazing. I'm going to try to see if I can find it. They basically the audacity of Elon Musk to show these photos. And he's not it's just it's his company. But the point is, there's no media lashing out saying the audacity of the Australian government to impose its will on the world. Yeah, it's pretty, it's pretty comical. And these are the it is important to, you know, of all the interesting changes at X slash Twitter or whatever.01:41This is one of the things in the prior01:45prior ownership, you know, as a public company, they prior executives would have kowtow to the sort of thing.01:53And they did, continually, you know, one little country gets mad, and they take things down for the whole world, because whatever. And I do remember, I don't know if this is the case anymore, but I do remember they had, like, regional blocking. So every now and then people would share screenshots around that, you know, look, this tweet is blocked in Germany, because it, you know, made somebody they're mad or had a certain kind of piracy on it. That was only was illegal in that country. So they block it on a country by country basis. I tell Australia, okay, fine, we'll block it. But just in Australia, and then when you complain that it's elsewhere, it's like, and so well, the ruling is so lame. Literally any country can control the entire Internet. And I found it interesting that Australia's E Safety Commission.02:46Yeah, so they just it's just sounds childish, honestly. And so we're is in Where are parents monitoring what their children are doing? Just real simple. I mean, we're there. This is because of children is their argument? Well, I, I suspect, if it's a nationwide blog, that guests Australians have become overly pacified, and are unable to handle things, I guess the thing is, how, how do they allow people to go into the military? Well, there's all kinds of very interesting controversies with their military lately as well. People can't handle the things that people have done at war.

The full episode is available at Truesdell Wealth Eventshttps://truesdellwealth.com/events/20240422-networkingAvailable until April 27, 2024This is a special edition of The Paul Truesdell PodcastThe regular weekly episode will appear on Tuesday, April 23rd.

#Sneakers #Tesla #Russia #AnnieDuke #Quit #Vanguard #Truist #CustomerService #Watercooler #WorkFromHome #DataManagement #Hacking #IDTheft #TaxSeason #CharteredAccountants #CPAs #TheTsarTankHey....we could hash tag the dog out of this, but that's enough for today. Enjoy!Annie Duke's Books - Recommended by Paul Grant Truesdell, Sr.Thinking in Bets,The Middle ZoneHow to Decide: Simple Tools for Making Better ChoicesQuit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk AwaySponsor: Truesdell Wealth, Inc. - Registered Investment Advisor Disclaimer: Due to our extensive holdings and our clients, you should assume that we have a position in all companies discussed and that a conflict of interest exists. The information presented is provided for informational purposes only. Truesdell Wealth, Incorporated, is a Registered Investment Advisor.SUMMARYPaul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF and Paul Truesdell, II discussed various topics, including the significance of recognizing when to quit in business and personal life, the prevalence of corruption in Russian and Chinese military organizations, the challenges of transitioning to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of balancing what can be counted with what counts in the context of innovation and technology. They shared their personal experiences and observations, highlighting the need for adaptation in the face of continuous challenges.OutlineQuitting and the importance of knowing when to stop.• Truesdell discusses quitting and the importance of moving on.• Annie Duke's book "Quit" explores the importance of knowing when to quit, with insights from her experience as a poker champion.Corruption within the Russian military.• Truesdell criticizes Russian military incompetence and corruption.• Wagner soldiers report drug use within their ranks, leading to investigation and potential execution of those who exposed the issue.• Paul Truesdell, II: Corruption in military industrial complex happens after service, with ex-military personnel profiting from connections and information.• Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF: Corruption in military industrial complex is complex, with both pros and cons, and can be seen as design by committee or actual experience on the ground.Corruption, military capabilities, and tank technology in Venezuela and Russia.• Paul Truesdell, II: Venezuela's corruption is systemic, unable to invade neighboring countries.• Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF: Potemkin villages and parades, fake military strength in Venezuela and other countries.• Truesdell and Truesdell discuss the history and development of tanks, including the Tsar Tank, with a focus on Russia's involvement.• Truesdell discusses how organizations managed remote work during COVID-19 pandemic.Customer support in the financial services industry, including challenges and solutions.• Paul Truesdell, II discusses the challenges of securing access to information within a company with multiple offices and employees.• Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF recalls a past experience with hiring CPAs in India for tax services due to the internet's ability to transfer data globally.• Identity theft is a major concern during tax season, particularly for accounting firms.• Paul Truesdell, II explains how customer support teams have evolved, with a focus on technical expertise and specialized knowledge.• Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF discusses the challenges of providing effective customer support in the financial services industry, including siloed responses and security risks.Customer support platforms and their challenges.• Paul Truesdell recounts a trip to Yellowstone National Park where he and his family encountered friendly service at a McDonald's, despite being from out of state.• Paul Truesdell II shares his experience at the US-Mexico border, where he saw supplies for coyotes and observed that the border situation has been a "joke" for a long time.• Paul Truesdell, II shares his experience with Vanguard's customer support, mentioning the challenges of escalating issues to managers.• Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF describes the standby hell he's encountered with Vanguard's customer support, where he's been put on hold indefinitely.Challenges with remote work and loss of institutional knowledge.• Paul Truesdell, II describes the difficulty of contacting higher-level managers for technical support due to layers of access control and lack of institutional knowledge.• Paul Truesdell, II and Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF discuss the shift from face-to-face communication to text-based support, leading to misunderstandings and delays in resolving issues.• Paul Truesdell and Paul Grant Truesdell discuss the impact of remote work on office culture and productivity.• They mention the loss of informal interactions and the potential for increased workload despite shorter work hours.• Paul Truesdell, II: Companies prioritize in-person work due to communication issues in remote work.• Lack of communication leads

#Ukraine #Drones #3DPrinters #Bombs #Targeting #Kamikaze #Piloted #Russia #War #Technology #MilitaryProcurementTruesdell Wealth EventsPaul Truesdell dot ComSpeaker 1 0:00 This is a special short staff edition of the Paul Truesdale podcast was produced at the Truesdell professional building in Ocala, Florida.Speaker 2 0:07 The conflict in Ukraine has ushered in a significant evolution in military strategies, particularly evident in the realm of procurement, weapons deployment, and the utilization of force multipliers. The Ukrainian armed forces have notably intensified their focus on drone technology, a pivotal component in their recent tactical advancements. This emphasis on drone development and deployment has yielded tangible results. As demonstrated by a recent milestone we're in two drones successfully targeted objectives situated over 1000 kilometers within Russian territory, a feat unprecedented in Ukraine's military history.Speaker 1 0:48 Moreover, Ukraine's proficiency in drone operations has expanded to encompass the destruction of six Russian military aircraft stationed at their bases, underscoring the growing effectiveness of Ukrainian drone capabilities. Central to these achievements are the utilization of FPV first person view drones characterized by their compact size, agility and adaptability for specialized missions, such as chemic, kasi style attacks or precision bombings. Notably, a considerable portion of these drones is constructed by volunteers, exemplified by individuals like Bill Smith, and American engineer operating a 3d printing facility in Ukraine. TheSpeaker 2 1:29 procurement process for these drones involves a decentralized approach facilitated by digital technology. military personnel seeking drone assets submit their requirements to an intermediary website, where digital blueprints are accessed. Subsequently, approximately 1800 3d printers distributed across Ukraine, including those operated by volunteers at home, commence production based on these specifications. This streamlined process enables rapid manufacturing and deployment of drone assets, effectively enhancing the operational readiness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.Speaker 1 2:06 Furthermore, beyond conventional aerial drones, Ukraine has also ventured into the development and deployment of specialized aquatic vehicles, notably for engagements targeting Russia's Black Sea Fleet. Reports indicate the successful utilization of these aquatic drones, including an incident in early March were a maritime drone purportedly inflicted damage on a Russian warship. Such innovative applications underscore Ukraine's diversified approach to military procurement and utilization, leveraging emerging technologies to exert pressure across various domains of conflict. InSpeaker 2 2:44 essence, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has spurred a paradigm shift in military tactics driven by advancements in drone technology and innovative procurement methodologies. The ability to deploy drones effectively, both in conventional and unconventional operations, has provided Ukraine with a strategic edge, enabling precise targeting and sustained pressure on adversaries. As the conflict continues to unfold, the evolution of military strategies and technologies will remain pivotal in shaping the outcome and influencing broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.Speaker 1 3:19 This was a special short edition of the Paul Truesdell podcast produced by staff members of Paul the elder and Paul the younger at the Truesdell professional building in Ocala, Florida.

#Apple #Microsoft #Meta #Facebook #Exxon #YomKippurWar #Green #LEDLights #LosAngeles #TomCruise #Israel #OAPEC #OPEC #SaudiArabia #OilProduction #ShaleOil #Tesla #CultOfPersonality #SteveJobs #AlfredENewman #BillGates #EVs #ElectricVehicles #GreenParty #Earthquake #RebrandingGlobalWarming #Covid #OrangeTrees #MarjorieRollins #MadMagazine #BeverlyHillbillies #BlackGoldTexasTea #SmudgePots #OilPots #MarjorieTaylorGreene #NewReligionofGreen #NewReligionofScience #Trump #Biden #Obama #BeerSummit #PowerGrid #TimCook #FoodFight #China #Mexico #Ford #GM #California #X #Brazil #Collateral #Movies #LosAngeles #NeonSigns #Kelvin #CashPiles #Billions #JohnBelushi #AnimalHouse #TogaParty #GargantuanYachts #IQ The Paul Truesdell Podcast is sponsored by Truesdell Wealth, Inc. Truesdell Wealth EventsDeath of First SpouseEqual Weight Indexing with Sector PushThe Truesdell CAMELOT WISH TEAMThese three TW Events are available until April 13, 2024 at 8 pm EDST.Why Hollywood Will Never Look the Same Again on Film: LEDs Hit the Streets of LA & NYAlfred "Bill" EV NewmanWhy Are Companies Sitting on Cash Right Now?ROUGH TRANSCRIPTION - NOT EDITED - PURE ROUGH VOICE TO TEXTPaul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 0:00 One of the interesting articles that appeared in The Wall Street Journal is about the technology companies we're always talking about in the video, and we're talking about Facebook, or meta or Amazon or Apple, but looks like an old school name has come back to be popular. Yes,Paul Truesdell, II 0:16 everybody forgets how influential the energy industry is. But it keeps everything chugging including all the aforementioned companies that everybody is so obsessed with.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 0:25 So we're talking about Exxon. Exxon is a company that has amazing strong demand, because the global economy is stronger than ever. And guess what? Because of Ukraine and the Middle East, and now Israel, and oh, gosh, everything that's going on the increase Israel in Iran escalation looks like oil prices are steady Yeti. Yeah, definitely. And sometimes old school companies tend to come back and smile.Paul Truesdell, II 0:58 Well, it's one of the it's a bedrock company, I kind of view it, you know, in more ways than one. Yeah.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 1:04 I mean, look, everybody's been talking about falling inflation. I've been talking about bond yields. And, you know, listen, a lot of people in bonds got slaughtered few years ago. Yeah, especially. So you know, a lot of people, not our clients. Right now, not our clients, those of you who were buying bonds in the 0% range, or the 1% range, when inflation went up, and they lost value, if you sold them, if you hang on to them, you're doing fine. But problem isPaul Truesdell, II 1:31 a lot of people don't have the option to not sell because they own bond funds, whether they're mutual funds, or ETFs, or whatever. And those funds are forced to rotate based on certain criteria or whatever. And, you know, they lost value, purely because they the fund itself is a marketable security and speculation against the assets that they hold, causes the value of the fund to go down. So it's just a lot of people got screwed, no matter which way you slice it. You know, I mean, we've talked about this in the past. So few people own individual bonds, it's actually kind of scary. It's almost entirely funds and large institutions. AndPaul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 2:15 I've talked about extensively the cost for funds. I'll mention the name Carol who works with us. She said there when I did that thing like, man, you scare the hell out of me on bonds, because there's the cost of it. And the lack of of transparency is really substantial. Yeah, absolutely. So bond funds are bundled financial products, and very few people buy bonds. But yeah, basically, the Federal Reserve is doing what the Federal Reserve needs to do. Paul's doing what Paul's doing. But I gotta tell you, Exxon, ahead of Microsoft, and Apple and alphabet, Tesla has gotten slaughtered. We think about that. IPaul Truesdell, II 2:56 haven't done the analysis. But my guess is that Tesla's overly exposed, but just as expose on a kind of electric car, per capita basis, and in the drop in interest in them, a lot of people who've purchased them got them. You know, there's not a lot of switching back as far as I've seen, statistically, I mean, you hear about it, but most what is it in the us most? Was it most electric car owners are two car households and they own at least one gas engine vehicle. Still, that probably won't change for obvious reasons. Like you can work the math and like kinda understand the inconveniences of owning all electric for both of your cars. So you keep one and you keep another so you get the convenience of one and you get the convenience of the other depending on your circumstance. What is it uh, a lot of the what is it? Major car manufacturers have since substantially reduced or eliminated their electric or Evie

#Russia #China #Vietnam #Cuba #Putin #Marxism #Havana #60Minutes #HavanaSyndrome #Mystery #MilitaryInvestigator #TheInsider #DerSpiegel #NationalSecurity #highenergybeamofmicrowavesorultrasound #Florida #FBI national security #VitaliiKovalev #WorldWar #Dictators #NeedToKnow #France #NuclearPower #NuclearWeapons #Uranium #Africa #Wagner #CoalBurning #GreenEnergy #Romney #Obama #ObamaRussianUraniumOneDeal #Warhttps://www.congress.gov/116/meeting/house/109694/documents/HHRG-116-II06-20190625-SD004.pdfThe Uranium One controversy involved the sale of a Canadian company, Uranium One, to a Russian state-owned corporation, Rosatom, in 2010. The controversy arose due to allegations that the Obama administration, particularly then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, approved the deal in exchange for donations to the Clinton Foundation. Opponents of the deal, mainly conservative politicians and media outlets, claimed that the sale compromised U.S. national security interests by giving Russia control over a significant portion of U.S. uranium production capacity. They also alleged that the Clinton Foundation received substantial donations from individuals connected to Uranium One, suggesting a quid pro quo arrangement. Investigations into the matter, including a 2015 review by the U.S. Department of Justice, found no evidence of wrongdoing by Hillary Clinton or the Obama administration. Despite this, the controversy persisted, with some critics continuing to use it as a political talking point against Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign. Note: While U.S. "officials" deny anything and everything: A Russian assassination unit linked has been Havana syndrome. Think About ItPaul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 0:00 This morning, I woke up at around three, four o'clock in the morning or closer to three. And I had something come across one of my feeds. And we talked about this morning, we were writing in 60 minutes had an episode about the Havana syndrome and really interesting.Paul Truesdell, II 0:18 Yeah, I didn't see the whole interview. But I did end up seeing a few clips from some of the interviews in that that episode. And yeah, it kind of confirmed some of my suspicions and clarified. Yes, some of the things that have been floating around for a long time.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 0:34 So today, we're going to talk a lot about Russia. Again, we're talking about China. Again, we're gonna talk a little bit about our members of Congress. Again, we're going to tie all this into economics, again, there's a lot of things are going on. And we're going to also tie this in to France. We do not rehearse these, do we? No, we do not. And we have no notes. And we're just going to spit ball up because this is a conversation that we have on a fairly regular basis. So do you want to give a little history of the Havana flu or Havana syndrome, whatever they want to call it? Which is a joke. Yeah. MyPaul Truesdell, II 1:09 My recollection of it is that sometime around 2000, I don't know what 1314 15. Somewhere in there, they started recognizing the certain people that worked for consulates in different places. I believe the investigation started in Cubot. Hence the name Havana. And these people had unknown brain anomalies, injuries, something that resembled a TBI. That made no sense because most of these people were working in the let's call them, like collar kind of administrative roles. Is that correct?Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 1:45 Yeah. And the consensus, kind of moving forward now to today is that almost all of them talk about hearing a horrendous high pitched whine. One guy said, Imagine you have a ear infection and you stick a Q tip in your ear. But instead of a Q tip, it's a needle. And imagine the pain of a sound of like a pin, piercing your eardrum. From there you have brain fog, and all sorts of items where they can't stand, they fall down. They can't concentrate. It is pretty, pretty hard.Paul Truesdell, II 2:23 Yeah, that's really odd for somebody that is now usually a white collar worker, usually in an office building.Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF 2:32 And there's one lady. She's had several surgeries spend time in the hospital. She has metal plates in her side of her head, whatever it did, I didn't. I was I was not in any kind of shape to go into the details. Because early in the morning, but I won't abstain up. Yeah, it's a big thing. So it started in Havana least that's where they say they found it. But one of the things, everybody who knows me knows how much I despise the word journalist out most of these journalists are nothing more than opinion. People spouting their views and not doing real investigative journalism. This was a real investigative journalistic piece.Paul Truesdell, II 3:17 Yeah, yeah. I, from what I saw, they've been working on it for years. And he finally got enough sources and enough people to talk to come to some conclusions on not only what is it but who is doing it isPaul Grant

Recorded outside the Truesdell Professional Building Studio at The Cottage - You'll hear the property maintenance crews arriving at the end of the podcast. Do or did we care? Nope. it's life and it's real. Enjoy. Russia, Ukraine, Migration, China, Influence Peddling, TikToc, Mexico, Russian Influence in Mexico, Follow the Money, Rand Paul, Big Money Political Contributions, MTJ, AOC, Cat in The Hat, and more. Due to our extensive holdings and our clients, you should assume that we have a position in all companies discussed and that a conflict of interest exists. By listening, reading, or using this document, video, podcast, and/or website in any manner, you understand the information presented is provided for informational purposes. Nothing said, written, or otherwise communicated should be construed as an offer, recommendation, advice or solicitation to buy or sell a security. The Truesdell Companies are a conglomerate of independent professional service firms, including, wealth, insurance, consulting, law, media, software, and later in 2023, real estate. Think About It Sponsored by Truesdell Wealth, Inc.

#breakingbad #carwash #nosalestax #momandpop #puttinglocalsoutofbusiness #takentothecleaners #aum #slowbleedcommmission #subscription #longterminvesting #hedgefunds #investing #carwashgirl #georgecarlin #richardpryor #growthindustry #buyingland #moneylaundering #cashless #employment #serviceonly #immigration #minimumwage #betterthanatreefarm #luddites # privateequity #looms #habitschange #buckeyes #70s #mowinggrass #saturdaymornings #technologyTwo Pauls in a Pod, Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger - So what's the story with massive growth in car wash businesses in Ocala, Florida, and across the nation. The boys share and connect the dots so you can think about it and make govern your actions accordingly.

This episode of the Paul Truesdell Podcast, Two Pauls in a Pod, was sponsored by Truesdell Wealth, a registered investment advisor and home to Fixed Cost Investing℠. For more information, visit TruesdellWealth.com. You can also call or text 212-433-2525. Your kind words to family, friends, neighbors, relatives, and co-workers, along with a review on Apple podcasts or any other podcast player, is appreciated. We reviewed Paul the Elder's 70's experience with a home-built EV when that was a feat, along with EVs in fields and burning down the house. It's a discussion without the PC, pro or con; it just is what it is. And who are the two Pauls? Paul the Elder and Paul the Younger. Enjoy.