Take a look at our November newsletter!
NOVEMBER 2022
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PATRIOT WEALTH
How Moments Together Restore Us FAMILY TIES
Most of us know the day after Thanksgiving as Black Friday, but it’s Family Day in Nevada. It encourages everyone to spend time with the people closest to them rather than hunting down rock-bottom prices. I think any reminder about the importance of our families is welcome because, like many people, my relatives are what keep me grounded. Family has always been a massive part of my life. I’ve spent plenty of time in my hometown of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. But my immediate family was also always present. We did everything together; my parents were at every game and wrestling match. I was also at all of my sister’s cheerleading competitions, despite my often fierce protests as an elementary school boy. We were expected to all support each other, and that often meant a lot of sacrifice along the way. Things change as we got older, and my parents are no longer just around the corner. It’s harder to stay in touch, but technology has helped close the geographical gap. If there is a silver lining to the last few years, it’s how
we’ve learned to remain connected, even when we can’t physically be together. A few years ago, few people outside the business world used programs like Zoom or Google Meet, but now they’re everywhere and used by everyone. That includes my 82-year-old grandmother. I never expected to see her on ZOOM, but I hopped on a call with her and my parents for a ZOOM Happy Hour!. Many people tend to stop visiting their elderly loved ones when they move away or when life gets hectic. Time is always our most valuable resource, but its importance increases as we age. Technology allows us to connect more often with our older relatives and ensure we keep the good time rolling! I love that my grandmother can join my family’s happy hour calls if she wants to, and those get-togethers refresh and strengthen me. When we can be together in person, it’s just as crucial to make those moments count. One of my favorite rituals is a celebratory cigar with my father, something we try to do every time we visit. Cigars have always been his hobby, and I still remember when he
gave me my first one at my high school graduation party. We shared another at my college graduation and when I bought my first house. Those moments make up some of my best memories. The ritual isn’t really about the cigar; rather the time to simply slow down and enjoy each other’s company (Don’t get me wrong now, I enjoy the cigar too!) With the fast pace of life, finding a couple of hours just to sit together, share something we enjoy, and talk is unusual. As I grow older, I seem to cherish these few hours a year more and more. Whether it’s catching up on our Philadelphia sports teams or pondering how in the heck we’re gonna sharpen our golf game, it really is something I look forward to every year. My family’s time together reminds me of what really matters in life, and where my energy should be focused. Personally, it is a big reason to wake up each day with an attitude of gratitude, put my best foot forward and step in the direction of my dreams. They give me purpose, and there’s no greater gift than that in life.
–Austin Kobilka
These articles are designed to provide general information on the subjects covered. They are not, however, intended to provide specific legal or tax advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties or to promote, market, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Please note that Patriot Wealth and its affiliates do not give legal or tax advice. You are encouraged to consult your tax advisor or attorney. Investment Advisory Services is offered through Retirement Wealth Advisors (RWA), a Registered Investment Advisor. Patriot Wealth and RWA are not affiliated. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
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THINKING ABOUT DOWNSIZING? 3 QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
3. WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH ALL OF YOUR STUFF? Depending on where you decide to move — a condo, apartment, or a smaller house — you will likely need to part ways with some things. You want to consider how much space you’ll have in your new home and what items will follow you on your next journey. Getting rid of some of your belongings
Whether you’ve become an empty nester or are about to retire, you may decide to downsize your home. But before doing this, there are many factors you must consider. Here are three questions you should ask yourself before downsizing. 1. HOW DO YOU WANT TO LIVE? To find out where you want to live, you must first ask yourself what you want to do. A great place to start is by determining what you want to do with your free time. Do you want to spend time in nature, go on frequent getaways, or be involved in your community? Once you know how you want to spend your time, you can begin looking for places that best suit your needs.
can be difficult, so ensure that you’re prepared to leave some things behind. Consider donating some of your items to shelters and centers. Although your items may not be used by you, they can go to someone in need. The most important question you can ask yourself is if you’re truly ready to downsize. The questions here will help you determine if downsizing is the right choice for you during this time. But don’t feel rushed to decide if you need to make life changes now. Take your time with this decision — you have more free time now than ever.
2. WHAT WILL BE THE FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF DOWNSIZING?
Before purchasing a new home, you want to see if there are benefits to moving and downsizing. Depending on what the market looks like, the worth of your home and land, and where you choose to move next, you can take the money you earn from your current home and use it for something else. For example, it can be used as a down payment for your new home, get stashed in a savings or retirement account, or go toward your dream vacation.
Every Dog Deserves Its Day Saving Grace Provides Second Chances
they’ve endured. The organization travels across North Carolina to find the most critical in-need dogs and gives them a second chance. Once the dogs reach Saving Grace’s facilities, the organization gives them a full veterinary work-up. Many dogs have heartworms, parasites, injuries, or other unaddressed medical issues. Every dog is also spayed or neutered to address the problem of animal overpopulation. Once they’re feeling better, they move on to a foster home. The foster home step is crucial because Saving Grace knows these pups aren’t for everyone. They’re often traumatized or fearful and need some help acclimating to life around loving humans. They might also need help learning socialization around children or other dogs. Some also may not have ever lived inside before.
Once each dog feels healthy and comfortable, they become available for adoption. Saving Grace’s adoption process is rigorous because they want to ensure each pup goes to a compatible home, and some dogs will have ongoing medical issues. The organization also follows up with new adopters to ensure they and their new family members have the support they need for success. Anyone who would like to support Saving Grace has many options. The organization accepts both monetary donations and gifts of supplies. There’s also an endless need for volunteers. There are opportunities to care for the dogs at the shelter, perform administrative work, or provide transportation. Finally, foster and adoptive parents are always in high demand. Visit SavingGraceNC.org to learn more about supporting this inspiring shelter and the many dogs they save.
Dog people find it hard to believe that anyone could treat a pup with anything but love, but it happens often. Raleigh nonprofit Saving Grace aims to let those dogs live the lives they deserve. In honor of Animal Shelter Awareness Week (beginning Nov. 6), we want to highlight this incredible organization and share how you can help its mission. The pups Saving Grace works with come from sad situations. Many started their lives in puppy mills or environments of abuse and neglect. Others were abandoned during natural disasters or became homeless after a beloved owner died. Many would be euthanized without Saving Grace due to the cost of veterinary treatment and the trauma
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THE CALL OF THE WILD Getting Outdoors Around Raleigh
Nov. 12 marks the beginning of Get Outdoors Week in New Zealand. And while the celebration may have originated overseas, there’s no reason for us to miss out on the fun. There are countless ways to enjoy the beauty of nature in Greater Raleigh, and we’ve compiled a few favorites below. NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART There is plenty to see and do at the North Carolina Museum of Art, but among its exhibitions, tours, and workshops, one often overlooked aspect is its 164-acre on-site park. The park boasts 4.7 miles of walkable and bikeable trails dotted with over 30 works of art made to be viewed outdoors. Adults and kids alike can enjoy the scenic views and creative sculptures. For those seeking a challenge, the park also offers a scavenger hunt that’s fun for all. Learn more about the museum and its park by visiting NCArtMuseum.org .
TAKE A BREAK
NEUSE RIVER GREENWAY TRAIL Get farther out of town by visiting the Neuse River Greenway Trail on the outskirts of Raleigh. The trail is 10 feet wide and 27.5 miles long, so you can even complete a marathon (or more!) during your visit, should you wish. Or, you can just enjoy the serenity of the surrounding trees and water; this trail is perfect for walkers and cyclists,
APPLE CRANBERRY CRISP
Inspired by JustAPinch.com
with avid bikers calling it a relaxing, easy ride. There are also opportunities to canoe, kayak, and fish on the premises. Plan your trip by visiting NeuseRiverTrail.com . WALNUT CREEK WETLAND PARK This free park is only minutes from downtown Raleigh and will give your little ones a thrill. Just be prepared to do some laundry because your trip will likely involve your kids playing in the mud. They’ll love the opportunity to get dirty, and you’ll enjoy learning (and watching your kids learn) about the natural habitat. There are scavenger hunts, puzzles, and games on hand, and you can borrow binoculars, boots, and insect nets to explore the diverse ecosystem at your own pace. Explore what Walnut Creek Wetland Park has to offer by visiting RaleighNC.gov/walnut-creek-wetland-park . What are you waiting for? Grab some comfortable shoes and go! Whether we’ve introduced you to something new or inspired you to revisit an old favorite, we hope you have a wonderful time exploring all that our natural landscapes have to offer.
INGREDIENTS
• 3 cups peeled and chopped tart apples • 1 1/2 cups cranberries • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided
• 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup butter, cold • Vanilla ice cream (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, 1/4 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. 3. Grease an 8-inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it. 4. In a small bowl, mix flour and the remaining brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this over the fruit. 5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If desired, serve with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Austin Celebrates National Family Day PAGE 1
Are You Ready to Downsize? PAGE 2
Dogs Can Be Our Saving Grace PAGE 2
Apple Cranberry Crisp PAGE 3
Celebrate Outdoors Week at These 3 Spots PAGE 3
All This for Cheese? PAGE 4
All This for a Truckle of Cheese? WHAT IS CHEESE ROLLING?
During the spring, the southwest part of England hosts one of the strangest sports each year — cheese rolling. People worldwide travel to watch and participate as contestants launch themselves down a hill in pursuit of a round of cheese. But how did this sport come to be? It’s kind of a mystery. No one really knows the origins of cheese rolling. For as long as the locals can remember, the sport has always been there. Several theories attempt to explain how the sport came about. One theory states that the competition started in the 15th century, and racing down the hill was a way to establish grazing rights on the commons. Others say the game has a pagan origin, where people would throw bundles of brushwood down the hill to represent the new year once winter ends. Although its roots are unknown, locals have kept score since the 1970s and watched it gain in popularity over the years. WHAT ARE THE RULES? Competitors begin the race at the top of Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, Gloucester, which slopes downward at an almost 90-degree angle. Then, when the master of ceremonies tells you to go, you launch yourself down the mountain. The first
person to grab the 8-pound wheel of double cream Gloucester (which has never been done before) or cross the finish line at the bottom (about 200 yards) will win the race and the cheese. You don’t need to meet any criteria or fill out any paperwork to participate. Simply arrive at the top of the hill before the race begins, and you’re all set. But participating is at your own risk: Many people suffer severe injuries because you’re going down the hill at speeds reaching 70 mph. The sport has gained many fans over the years — around 15,000 attendees come to view the spectacle annually. The media attention further spreads the interest and popularity of cheese rolling. Many YouTube channels cover the sport,
and a Netflix show titled “We Are the Champions” has an episode covering the sport and how competitors train. Can you believe all of this excitement and fame over a truckle of cheese?
P4 | PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM
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