When I was quite young I read a great book by Robert Ringer, “Winning through Intimidation.” The book contained some amazing information about negotiations, and how to win them. As I have watched President Trump over the past two years I wonder if perhaps he may have read Mr. Ringers book as well. One principle Ringer…
Up until 2013, the two leading causes of small airplane accidents were LOC (Loss of Control) and CFIT (Controlled Flight Into Terrain). CFIT is when a pilot is flying along normally and suddenly he finds the earth at his same altitude. These “under control” accidents happen largely in poor weather or when there is diminished…
We visited our two daughters in Dallas last week and went out one night to find some good old fashioned southern cooking. We headed to a highly recommended restaurant but were disheartened to find the place packed. As we considered our options we noticed a similarly themed restaurant right next door with only a few…
This week I came across the original contractor’s design for our yard layout. The landscape architect really took his job seriously as I counted over 300 bushes and trees in his plan. At the time I thought he did a pretty good job and as we were moving in couldn’t help but be pleased with…
Many who have come into my office have asked about a small green sweater that is framed and hanging on my wall. It seems a strange item for a financial planning firm, but the story behind it plays a significant role in my philosophy towards investing. In 1921 my grandpa Jones opened a small knitting mill…
We were on the mountain this week and Jayden and his friend wanted to go for an ATV ride. It was late afternoon so I let them go on condition that they were back by dark. Later on, as the sky darkened I was wondering when the boys might get home and realized I had…
I went for a lovely bike ride on one of my favorite trails this week. It is a paved city trail that follows a river for about 11 miles each way. On this particular day I felt like I was really on top of my game. I seemed to have unlimited energy as I clipped…
While closing the hangar door after a trip I saw a little mouse run under at the last minute. I know the little guy was thinking that given the summer heat, life inside an air conditioned hangar was looking like a great option. What he didn’t realize was that we hangar owners don’t care much…
On September 11th, 2012 an automated text message from the mayor of Santa Clara, Utah warned that the dam above my house was about to break. I raced home but before arriving received a call from my neighbor. He was normally quite a jokester but there was no joking in his voice when he said…
I recently attended an investing conference where an economist gave a speech entitled, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” He pointed out all the great economic news that seems to be the standard for the past couple of years. One of the items was the very low unemployment rate. According to economists, our country is…