Trevor Lawson

📍Raleigh, NC | Financial Advisor at Capitol Financial Solutions

📝 Editor’s Note

I almost exclusively read non-fiction. The Tolkies are rolling their eyes.

There is so much history that reads like fiction, like the story of Cher Ami.

I recently read two non-fiction books that have stuck with me. I feel compelled to share since I’m not in a book club and my wife has no interest in talking about Vietnam War politics or the powerful narrative style of curated first hand accounts…

1. Bright Shining Lie: I randomly picked up this 800+ page brick in a hotel library in Wyoming. To put it generiously, the story of a very complicated person but impressive solider who spent years fighting and advising in Vietnam. I didn’t realize how little I knew about the war. It won both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer prize. Strap in if you pick it up.

2. Only Plane in the Sky: This one should only be ‘consumed’ via audible due to the narration style of distinct voices for each first hand account (eg first responders, Donald Rumsfeld). It is also hard to recommend per se because it is a collection of first hand accounts of 9/11 and is very emotional. I fought back tears many times and listening could put me in a really tough headspace (not a great listen first thing in the morning). I was in middle school when the attack took place. Like many of us, I still remember the day. Because I was so young I didn’t appreciate all the other perspectives from victims and witnesses to the horrors outside of just those in NYC. Thanks to my buddy Marcus Stoll for recommending it to me.

Lastly, a soap box I will gladly stand on, a thoughtfully picked out book makes a great gift.

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Without further ado….

Why Trevor?

Trevor is a buddy from high school and his wife Heather recommended him for a profile. We recently reconnected over wings and beer at the Wooden Nickel (IYKYK, best wings in the state). I appreciate how introspective and thoughtful he is — our conversation was very different than it may have been 20 years ago in high school…how to be a better dad/husband, professional goals, spirituality, can the Panthers win with Bryce Young…

Follow Trevor on Linkedin

Self-Description

Girl dad, spoiled husband, loyal friend who enjoys connecting through deep questions, self-improvement enthusiast with an IPA and sports betting vice, and financial advisor on a mission to help people find and maintain purpose throughout retirement.

Trevor’s 6 Recommendations

Written in his own words…

1. The One Thing by Gary Keller

One of the few books I have read more than once. In this day and age of information overload, this book provides a framework for focusing our efforts on our most important personal and professional objectives. After reading it, you'll often times catch yourself coming back to the question: "What's the ONE thing I can do, such that by doing it everything else will become easier or unnecessary?"

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2. Counter Culture Coffee

My wife and I love our coffee beans and this brand continues to be a staple in our home. I enjoy all of their blends but my favs are Hologram and Fast Forward. Stay tuned to their website as they will also release the occasional limited blend that is typically worth the splurge.

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3. The Barakett Tee by Robert Barakett

The best solid colored short and long sleeve t shirts I've been able to find. The fit is great and the color doesn't fade easily. I'm confident their black tees would even be good enough for Pat McAfee.

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4. Secrets The Vine Cancun

My wife and I were looking to go somewhere for a long weekend to celebrate our anniversary. Leaving our 2-year old with the grandparents, our requirements were a relatively short direct flight to an adults-only resort. This place was a home run. The food and hospitality were excellent. If booking, the optional "upgrade" to the Preferred Club is absolutely worth it.

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5. Music Videos on YouTube

My go to move for turning up the energy dial when friends are over and the kid is in bed is to crank the Sonos speaker (as loud as my wife will allow) and start a music video battle. We pass the tv remote around and let people take turns picking a music video on YouTube. We Found Love by Rihanna and We Can't Stop by Miley Cyrus are safe picks for getting the game started with a bang!

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6. NFTY and NLR Stocks

Let me start by clarifying - this is not an investment recommendation!* These are just two ETF funds potentially worth putting on your radar. India is the most populated country in the world and the population is expected to continue growing - NFTY (First Trust India Nifty 50 Equal Weight ETF) tracks the performance of the 50 largest and most liquid Indian securities listed on the National Stock Exchange of India. The rapid growth of AI has led to a significant increase in energy demand and nuclear power is being considered by many tech giants as a sustainable solution. NLR (VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF) tracks the overall performance of companies involved in uranium mining and nuclear power.

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Plug | Podcast — Retirement With/On Purpose

I have just finished releasing your parent’s new favorite podcast! Retirement With/On Purpose. You can link to it here: https://pod.link/1790521432. Even for those of us who are nowhere close to thinking about retirement, I encourage you to subscribe as there will still be an occasional episode for you (e.g. there will be an episode airing in the coming weeks that is all about how much to spend on vacation!) Happy listening!

Want to get in touch with Trevor? Reach out via email: tlawsoncfp@gmail.com

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P.S. from Rambull — I got a blackstone grill for Christmas. I’ve slowly moved from a green egg to a Traeger to a Blackstone. It is so much easier for someone like me to maintain and cook. I also value pancakes and hibachi more than day-long smoked meat….

*Disclaimer: This newsletter provides general information. Any views expressed by someone being profiled are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any investment mentioned carries risk, including possible loss of principal. Always conduct your own research and consult with qualified financial, legal, and tax professionals before making any investment decisions.

The profile may hold positions in the securities discussed. This is not an offer to buy or sell any security. Individual investment objectives and risk tolerance levels vary. ETFs and other investment products may not be suitable for all investors.