Check out our January newsletter!
JANUARY 2026
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MEMORIES OF MY FAMILY’S DEVOTION SKATES, SYRUP, AND SACRIFICE
New Year’s Day is obviously this month’s biggest holiday, but one of equal (and perhaps even greater) significance to me falls just a few short days later. Good Memory Day, a time for reflecting on the unforgettable moments in our lives that warm our hearts the most, is held on Jan. 19. In the spirit of the occasion, I’m devoting this month’s cover article to tales of sports, early morning drives … and waffles. I grew up playing hockey, which eventually led me to play competitively. Since my family and I lived in the South, we had to travel frequently to the North so I could participate in these competitive games. Tournaments were often held over the weekend and even during holidays, and my parents made an incredible sacrifice of their time to allow me to participate in these activities in Virginia, Maryland, New York, or Massachusetts. My dad was always the one who drove me to these tournaments. We’d start the long car rides first thing in the morning, well before the sun came up. These trips were filled with stories, laughter, and more than a few meal stops at Waffle House. (Where would most travelers be without them?) Waffle House was essential, as that was typically the only place open on Christmas Day.
That’s right, my Dad and I traveled on Christmas Day more than once to get to a tournament that was held the next day in Hershey, Pennsylvania. We’d leave as soon as everyone finished opening their presents. As an adult, it’s incredible to consider how much my family supported me and how willing they were to cut into holiday time to help me do something I loved as a teenager. Looking back, I couldn’t tell you the score of those games or whether my team won, but I remember every moment I spent with Dad in the car. My three sons are still small, ranging in age from 1 to 6, so I have a few years yet before I may be the one scouting Waffle Houses from behind the wheel. That said, my wife and I make sure to make Christmas a special time for them. Every year, we have a rent-a-Santa come to our house on Christmas Eve, visit with the boys, and share stories about his reindeer and the magic of Christmas. Some of our other family members come over and join in the festivities, and it’s always a fun and unforgettable time. We also make sure to take plenty of pictures! We love being able to give these moments to the children, and we hope they’ll look back on them later in life the same way I remember all those road trips with Dad.
Of course, finding the right balance between experiencing these precious moments while preserving them for the future is one of our family’s biggest goals, especially when considering how quickly the years pass by. My wife is an expert in this department. Every month, she has special Chatbooks printed with photos of whatever happened in the preceding weeks. It’s been a wonderful way to look back at recent times and share our memories, and I definitely encourage you to create your own Chatbooks. As much as we should all cherish the special moments that shape our past, we should also focus on how we can ensure that similarly great things happen in our future. With January providing a blank calendar to enrich your life to the fullest, take the opportunity to secure the years to come by contacting us with your financial plans and needs. Please contact us today if we can assist you in any way. Even if a visit to our office doesn’t inspire a photograph in your Chatbook, it’s still an excellent path to peace of mind and pleasant memories for years to come.
– Wes White
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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OOH LA LA LUXE LIFESTYLE
TREAT YOURSELF LIKE A PARISIAN EVERY DAY
Ooh la la! While we can’t all wake up to the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower or stroll past a boulangerie on the way to work, we can bring a little touch of Parisian flair to our everyday lives. From savoring the simple things (like delicious croissants) to adding some je ne sais quoi to your home, you can bring the best of French lifestyle trends into your world, no matter how many miles are between you and the City of Lights. Cherish your cozy chez-soi. Most Parisian apartments are small but feel like elegant chateaus. Embrace the maximalist style and add your own unique touches to your space. Parisian home design is about developing something uniquely you and filling your space with your favorite things and comforts. Pops of color and pleasant fragrances are French staples, so add fresh flowers to your table or find candles with delightful aromas. Bonus points if the candle is a French classic like the popular Diptyque brand. Savor life’s little luxuries. In Paris, the pace moves fast, but the people live in the present, slowing down to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as people-watching at a café, taking a break to read, or simply
enjoying a light breeze. Savor the little things and give yourself technology breaks to enjoy the moment you are in. Luxury is synonymous with Paris, but you don’t need a huge budget to treat yourself. Instead of buying a designer handbag or Chanel suit, splurge on nicer sheets or a tasty pastry. Learn, explore, repeat often. Parisians appreciate imperfections and lead authentic lives, prioritizing joy over self-criticism. Acculturate yourself by visiting museums, enjoying art often, and staying up to date on current affairs. You want to ensure you always have something interesting to discuss at a party or gathering. In conversation, develop your own witty style, expressing your opinions clearly and inviting others to join in. You can never have too many books on the shelf because they will grow your knowledge base and are excellent conversation starters.
Don your best beret, pour yourself a café au lait, and get ready to add a little Parisian elegance to your routines.
Mini Money Masters
Big Lessons for Little Spenders
The holiday decorations have been put away, the wrapping paper has been cleaned up, and your kids have holiday money burning a hole in their pockets. It must be January! If your children are old enough to understand cause and effect, here are three practical ways you can use the money they got from loved ones this past season to teach them gentle lessons on the value of the gifts they’ve just received.
paycheck. And, of course, you could give those “withholdings” back to them at a later time or use them toward buying something they need but wouldn’t think of purchasing for themselves (such as school supplies, clothing, etc.) Teach them budget basics. Let’s say your pre-teen child received a whopping $200 in cash over the holidays. You can use that amount as an opportunity to show them just how quickly it would disappear if they had to cover their own expenses for a month. For example, they may be surprised at how quickly their video game and online movie subscriptions, as well as the cost of their lunches and clothing, really add up. Once they recover from the sticker shock, they may develop a greater appreciation for not really needing to spend their $200 on regular expenses they might have been previously unaware of or taken for granted. Allow them to ‘go broke.’ Although it doesn’t hurt to discourage your kids from making a huge impulse purchase with their holiday gift money, letting them make an unwise choice with their funds may provide them with an equally valuable lesson. If they rush into spending all their money in one place or a single purchase, they may better grasp the concept that once money is gone , it’s gone. Their disappointment in realizing their spending splurge is over before it really began may serve as the catalyst for wiser cash decisions down the road.
Tutor them on taxes.
Paying taxes is rarely a fun activity for people of any age, but it may be helpful to show your child that
not everything they’ll earn in life is theirs to keep. If they’re old enough to grasp the concept of taxes but too young for their first job, consider deducting around 20% from their holiday “earnings” for “tax purposes.” This approach may be a better way for them to understand the concept of taxation than waiting for them to be shocked
when they see all those real- world deductions on their first
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The start of a new year may be your next step toward retirement. Is your lifestyle budget ready for this big moment? SMART SENIOR CASH CUTS If you or a loved one will soon call it a day at work for the last time, there are several ways to reevaluate and restructure your everyday expenses, allowing for greater financial flexibility when your well-earned retirement finally arrives. Here are three things to consider as you prepare for peaceful times ahead. Keep extra wheels well away. There may have been a time when your two-income household required you and your spouse to each own and maintain a vehicle, but impending retirement may lessen the need for double the oil changes and insurance. Perhaps it’s time to rethink your automobile expenses by saying goodbye to the car you use least. Get personal with your pruning. The ability to keep a gorgeous home is one reason why many people work, but balancing job responsibilities and regular lawn care can be tricky. If you’ve relied on the expertise of a gardener or housekeeper to keep your living space fresh while you were at the office or traveling all these years, it may be time to reconsider the continued need for these services once you’re home more regularly. The rewards of doing your own yard work may be more than just financial, as engaging in outdoor activities for your home will help you stay physically fit and provide a positive hobby to explore with your newfound free time. Wish your wardrobe needs a fond farewell. If your career was spent in an office, it’s likely you amassed years’ worth of formal attire, dry cleaning visits, tailoring, and other expenses to keep your clothes in check. Now that your daily attire will be comprised of T-shirts instead of suits, you can say goodbye to the high costs of expensive garments and consider second-hand stores for your future outfits. THRIFTY AND THRIVING
NO COMMUTE, NO GERMS, NO HASSLE The Telehealth Trend That’s Sticking Around The pandemic helped bring the concept of telehealth into the public eye. Many doctors’ offices urged their patients to book video or telephone appointments if they needed help refilling medications, receiving a prescription for an illness, or getting answers about their symptoms or conditions. Although we’re now a few years removed from the pandemic, telehealth is still going strong, offering patients a wide range of services. While telehealth can benefit people of all ages, it is an invaluable tool for those in their senior years. For starters, it is one of the most convenient ways to get help with your health care needs. Instead of getting in the car when you don’t feel well, you can boot up your computer or hop on the phone from the comfort of your home. One of the greatest benefits of telehealth is how easy it is to reach someone when you have a need or concern. How often have you called a doctor’s office to book an appointment when you feel ill, only to hear their soonest available appointment is not for another month or several months? Telehealth services often have openings at all times of the day to meet your scheduling needs. Telehealth services can be a game-changer when managing specific conditions and your overall health. Doctors and nurses can help manage medication, monitor chronic conditions to determine whether intervention is required, and provide preventive care to keep you in the best shape possible. While telehealth can’t and won’t replace the doctor’s office entirely, it’s an excellent option for a quick fix or questions!
NEW YEAR’S KISS COCKTAIL
INGREDIENTS • Lemon wedges • Sugar • Ice • 3 oz vodka • 1 oz blue curacao
• 2 tsp lemon juice • 6 oz champagne or sparkling Moscato • 2 maraschino cherries
DIRECTIONS 1. Rub the rims of 2 champagne flutes with a lemon wedge and dip in sugar to coat. 2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add vodka, blue curacao, and lemon juice. 3. Shake until chilled, then strain into prepared flutes. 4. Top with champagne or sparkling Moscato. 5. Drop a maraschino cherry into each glass and serve immediately.
Inspired by RestlessChipotle.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Waffles, Wheels, and Warm Moments PAGE 1 Elevate Your Routine With a Touch of Paris PAGE 2
Tips for Cash-Savvy Kids PAGE 2
Health Care Has Gone Remote PAGE 3
New Year’s Kiss Cocktail PAGE 3
Simplify and Save PAGE 3
Your Guide to the Great Barrier Reef’s Most Epic Experiences PAGE 4
Swim With Turtles, Whales, and Wonder at the Great Barrier Reef Uncover the Magic of Australia’s Living Wonder
Divers flock to Cod Hole for an up-close look at the Reef’s most famous marine residents, while those craving a more remote experience can hop aboard a dive ship to explore untouched corners teeming with biodiversity. Prefer to keep your head dry? The 74 tropical Whitsunday Islands are perfect for cruising, whether on a bareboat charter or a luxury superyacht. For a show-stopping perspective, consider a scenic helicopter transfer to the Outer Reef. From the air, the patterns of coral, tiny secluded islands, and endless shades of blue make it clear just how massive this natural wonder truly is. For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the Reefsleep Experience takes you to
Hardy Reef after day-trippers have left. Snorkel, dive, or relax on the Reefworld platform, then enjoy a barbecue as the sun sets. When night falls, snuggle into your floating tent under the stars or take a night dive to see the reef glow in a completely different light. Thrill-seekers, take note: Mission Beach offers a jaw-dropping skydiving experience over the reef and surrounding rainforest, plunging from 15,000 feet with expert guides to ensure an unforgettable ride. No matter how you experience it (by snorkel, yacht, helicopter, or parachute), the Great Barrier Reef is an adventure that promises awe, excitement, and memories you’ll treasure forever.
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring a place so vast it dwarfs entire countries, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef should be at the top of your bucket list. Stretching over 1,400 miles along the eastern coastline, this paradise is larger than the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands combined! The Great Barrier Reef is home to dazzling coral gardens, colorful fish, giant clams, and six of the seven known marine turtle species. From snorkelers to skydivers, the Reef offers something unforgettable for every kind of adventurer. Underwater, the options are endless. Lizard Island is a snorkeler’s paradise where you can float above giant clam beds and glide alongside green turtles.
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