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(502) 426-0000 ∙ Roberts.cpa 201 Townepark Circle, Ste B-1 Louisville, KY 40243 163 Dennis Drive Lexington, KY 40503 Bold Service for Busy Lives Smart Money Monthly April 2026 THE IMPACT OF VOLUNTEERISM
It may not seem like it at the time, but being busy is one of the greatest luxuries we can ever enjoy. Whether we’re working to complete tasks at our jobs, go through a to-do list of essential errands, or fulfill our commitments to our loved ones and friends, the clock never seems to slow down. Most of us have moments when we get stressed while sitting in traffic on the way home or rubbing our aching heads in frustration as we go through bills at the dinner table. In these moments, it’s easy to overlook that we’re sitting in traffic in our cars or working out our finances at the same table where we enjoy regular meals. Yes, we’re all busy, but we’re also blessed with lives that provide us with full schedules and simple comforts that not everyone is fortunate enough to have. Unfortunately, not everyone will go to bed fed this evening, nor are they lucky enough to even have a car to drive to the store. This fact is worth keeping in mind the next time we feel overwhelmed by things in life that, ultimately, aren’t really that overwhelming after all. It’s also a reason to do whatever we can to give back and help those who are truly struggling in this world. And right now is the perfect time to do it.
April is National Volunteer Month, a tradition started in 1991 by President George H. W. Bush to urge his fellow Americans to embrace the value of volunteerism and make a difference in their communities. In recognition of the 36th such month in our nation’s history, I’d like to express my appreciation to the clients who go above and beyond, giving their time and resources to improve the lives of people they may not even know. I’m honored to know several people through Roberts CPA Group who have found great peace and purpose in helping others. In many cases, volunteerism has provided retired clients a chance to do something positive with their newfound time away from work. That’s not a bad way at all to keep busy!
“YES, WE’RE ALL BUSY, BUT WE’RE ALSO BLESSED WITH LIVES THAT PROVIDE US WITH FULL SCHEDULES AND SIMPLE COMFORTS THAT NOT EVERYONE IS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE.”
A few years back, I had the honor of helping a charitable organization feed people in need in other parts of the world. As part of special events organized by our church, my family and I packed numerous meals that were sent overseas. Volunteers worked in two-hour shifts, and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to provide value to others with a relatively small time commitment. Although I’m not sure of the organization’s final numbers, its goal at the time was to have volunteers far and wide pack one million meals for the less fortunate. What an amazing cause. We’re only as strong as our community, and it doesn’t take much time to help others experience a better, more meaningful life. As you reach the finish line with another round of taxes, take a moment to appreciate the simple riches your life has afforded you and consider doing something to provide that level of comfort to someone who desperately needs it. All it
takes is a small amount of time and care to change someone’s day … and perhaps even reshape the world for the better. I hope National Volunteer Month inspires you to offer that extra hand. —Kevin Roberts
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Hidden Wealth or Hidden Fear? WHY EXPENSIVE POSSESSIONS FEEL SAFER THAN INVESTING
If you walk into someone’s home, you might spot signs of “hidden wealth”: luxury handbags carefully stored in boxes, rare sneakers never worn, shelves lined with collectibles, or stacks of cash tucked away “just in case.” For many people, owning expensive things feels like financial success. Investing, on the other hand, can feel abstract, risky, and out of reach. This contrast explains why many people hoard valuable items instead of letting their money grow through investments. Emotional security feels safer than financial logic. One major reason people hoard expensive possessions is emotional security. Tangible items offer reassurance because you can see, touch, and experience them. Investments don’t provide that comfort. Stocks and bonds fluctuate in value, and that uncertainty can trigger anxiety. When fear enters the picture,
people often choose what feels safe over what makes the most financial sense. The illusion of control comes into play. Owning high-value items creates a strong sense of control. You decide where they’re kept, how they’re used, and when (or if) they’re sold. Investing requires trusting systems, markets, and long-term trends you can’t fully control. For many, that lack of control is deeply uncomfortable and may lead them to cling to physical assets or cash instead. Identity and status play a larger role than we admit. Expensive possessions often double as identity markers. A rare watch, luxury car, or art piece is valuable and signals success, taste, and status. Selling those items to invest can feel like giving up a piece of who you are. This emotional attachment can outweigh potential
financial gains, even when holding onto the item isn’t the wisest move. Fear of loss outweighs desire for growth. Psychologically, people tend to fear losses more than they value gains. The idea of losing money in the market feels worse than the slow, invisible loss of inflation eating away at idle cash or stagnant assets. As a result, hoarding feels protective, even Hoarding expensive things isn’t necessarily about greed; it’s about comfort, fear, and familiarity. But while possessions can preserve value, they rarely build wealth on their own. Financial resilience stems from balancing emotional security and strategic investing, and learning when to hold on and when to let money work harder for you. though it limits long-term growth. Safety can become a setback.
Public Celebs Thrive Through Private Philanthropy Sometimes, celebrities deliver their greatest performances when the cameras aren’t rolling. FAMOUS FACES, HIDDEN HEROES
mental health services to firefighters and their families. Other advisory council members include musician Dee Snider and fellow “Sopranos” actor Steve Schirripa. The Tenderhearted Talent When Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans in 2005, residents in need of food and supplies may have received help from none other than actress Scarlett Johansson. In addition to her volunteer work in the wake of the natural disaster, she has also provided hands-on support to AIDS clinics in Rwanda and
From aiding in disaster relief to expanding children’s imaginations, some of the world’s most recognized figures volunteer their time to help others in fascinating ways away from the spotlight. Here are three stories of real- world care beyond the red carpet. The Ground Zero Guardian Long before memorable roles on “The Sopranos” and in such movies as “The Big Lebowski” and “Ghost World” introduced him to millions, actor Steve Buscemi worked as a New York City firefighter in the 1980s.
served an eight-year stint as an Oxfam ambassador, an organization devoted to fighting poverty and inequality worldwide. The Bighearted Booklover Here’s a fun fact: One in seven U.S. children under the age of 5 has received a book thanks to Dolly Parton. Back in 2005, she founded the Imagination Library, a nonprofit organization created initially to coordinate book donations to small counties in Tennessee. The ensuing decades saw the book gifting program expand into a global effort that has provided more than 200 million books to children in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
During the attacks of 9/11, he called his old firehouse to see if everyone there was safe. When no one answered the phone, he traveled to Ground Zero and tracked down his old engine crew. For the next several days, he joined the FDNY in searching for survivors amid the rubble of the Twin Towers. Nearly 25 years after the tragedy, Buscemi remains an avid supporter of American heroes. He currently serves on the advisory council of Friends of Firefighters, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing free
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Crab Rangoon Mac and Cheese
• 1/2 lb elbow pasta • 8 oz Jack cheese, grated • 8 oz cream cheese • 1 bunch scallions, chopped • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped (optional) INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp soy sauce • 1/4 cup milk • 1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes • 1/2 lb lump crab • 12 wonton wrappers
PREPARED AND PROTECTED The more you prepare for change, the less likely your life will be harmed by it. For many people, financial planning entails plotting a solid course of action for what they expect to occur. For example, someone might plan to work another 10 years before retirement and live in their current home during that time. However, life often throws curveballs that make even the most sound goals obsolete. What happens if you’re injured in an automobile accident or simply decide your body and spirit can’t handle several more years at a full-time job? What if you and your family decide to move somewhere that promises a less stressful daily life but comes with a higher cost of living? What if you wish to provide support to a loved one who is suddenly struck by a debilitating illness? These are just a few of the scenarios that could completely alter your financial and retirement plans at a moment’s notice, especially if you’re currently living on a tight budget. Fortunately, there are ways to better safeguard your livelihood and future from change. In addition to traditional accounting services, Roberts CPA Group is pleased to provide tailored financial planning and investment management services to help our clients thrive even in unexpected circumstances. Whether you’re interested in seeing how working part time instead of full time would affect your economic picture or want to build a more robust emergency fund, we will take a real-world look at your current and projected cost of living and existing long-term financial goals to devise a stronger path to security. If you’re interested in learning more about these services, please scan the QR code to take a brief questionnaire that will help Roberts CPA Group get a clearer picture of your current financial position and how we can help. Once you’ve completed the questionnaire, please contact us for a free consultation. Change is inevitable, but allowing it to uproot your life is optional. Contact us today to move confidently into the future. Financial Plans Built to Last
DIRECTIONS
1. Bring water to a boil for the pasta and preheat the oven to 350 F. 2. Drop pasta into boiling water. 3. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients except pasta and wonton wrappers; stir well. 4. Just before the pasta is ready, add about 1/2 cup of pasta water to the cheese mixture; stir well. 5. Strain pasta and add to cheese mixture. Stir, then place it in a baking dish or individual ramekins. 6. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and creamy. 7. While baking, cut wontons into triangles and fry batches in oil until crispy. 8. Drain wontons and season with salt. 9. Serve pasta with the crispy wonton wrappers. Inspired by TheFoodInMyBeard.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Step Up and Serve Your Community 2 Emotional Comfort Often Wins Over Smart Investing Hollywood Hearts Help Humanity 3 Security Through Economic Shifts Crab Rangoon Mac and Cheese 4 Embracing the Gift of Time After the Kids Fly WHEN THE NEST EMPTIES, LIFE OPENS The Joy of Rediscovering Yourself After the Kids Leave
When kids leave the nest, the house feels different. Things are quieter, calmer, and suddenly full of possibility. The hours that once revolved around school schedules, sports practices, and family dinners are now wide open. This is your chance to reconnect with hobbies you may have loved once, or explore brand-new ones, without interruptions or guilt. Creative passions resurface. Creative hobbies can flourish when the house is your own again. Painting, writing, photography, or even learning to play an instrument become more enjoyable when you don’t have to squeeze them into stolen moments. You
Travel is possible without compromise. One of the greatest joys of an empty nest is the freedom to travel spontaneously. Weekend getaways, off-season trips, and longer adventures become easier when you’re only planning for yourself (or with a partner). Whether it’s exploring a new city, taking a scenic road trip, or revisiting a favorite destination, travel without kids feels more relaxed and deeply rewarding. Learning shifts to ‘just because.’ With fewer responsibilities at home, learning becomes a pleasure instead of another task. Cooking classes, language lessons, book clubs, or history courses offer mental stimulation and social connection. It’s energizing to learn simply because you’re curious, with no expectations attached. Giving back finds purpose. Many empty nesters find fulfillment in
can leave your supplies out, lose track of time, and enjoy the process without worrying about being needed every five minutes. Movement becomes on your own terms. Fitness looks different without kids at home, and that’s a good thing. Maybe you finally have time for long morning walks, yoga classes, pickleball, or cycling without coordinating drop-offs. You can exercise when it feels right, not when it fits between obligations. Movement becomes something you look forward to, not something you rush through.
volunteering. Helping at an animal shelter, mentoring, or supporting local causes offers structure and meaning while still leaving room for personal freedom. Giving back becomes a choice, not an obligation.
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