The next couple of months will bring increased travel, sunnier days … and surprising drains on your bank account. Here are two quick tips to help keep your finances strong when springtime prompts you to splurge. SMART SPENDING FOR POST-TAX SECURITY If your tax preparation worked in your favor, you are likely anticipating the arrival of additional funds in the coming weeks. Naturally, it’s tempting to consider your tax return as money to use for entertainment or indulgent purchases. Unfortunately, that newfound cash could lead you down an even deeper debt hole if used carelessly. If your current budget doesn’t allow you to pay off your credit card balances in full each month, using your refund to at least chip away at your preexisting debt may be a wiser move than booking a trip to Hawaii. Paying off your debts in full or more significant amounts will help you better maintain your financial health, reduce the amounts you pay in interest, and make more money available for future vacations and other fun activities. When it comes to sensible financial planning, patience will always yield higher dividends than impulse purchases. COST-EFFECTIVE CRUISES AND COMMUTES Speaking of that hoped-for Hawaiian trip, now is the time to seriously consider how your upcoming summer vacations may affect your bottom line for the rest of 2025. On average, a one-week domestic vacation for a single person costs roughly $2,000, while a couple can expect to spend at least twice that amount while away for the same period. Once children are added to the mix, travel budgets can quickly expand beyond expectations — and vacationers should expect these amounts to double when traveling internationally. If your short getaway will drastically slow your long-term financial gains, it’s best to wait a year and instead work to reduce your average monthly expenses. When traveling closer to home, fluctuating gas prices could quickly add unexpected costs to your daily travel. Before heading to the car, ask yourself whether your errands could be completed by walking to your destinations instead. Walking just 2 miles daily, five times a week, will save you 520 miles in gas expenses in a year. New Season, New Debts? TIPS TO AVOID SPRING FINANCIAL SNAGS
TAKE A BREAK
Classic Fish Fry Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
We’re in the middle of Lent, so there’s no better time to host your own fish fry for your loved ones!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1. Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Cut cod into 4 servings and season with salt and pepper. 3. Place flour into a pie tin. Whisk egg and water in a second pie tin. Combine bread crumbs, mustard powder, and cayenne in a third pie tin. 4. Coat your fish in the flour tin, then the egg tin, then the bread crumb tin. 5. Set coated fish in hot oil and fry for 5 minutes on each side. 6. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
• Vegetable oil • 2 lbs fresh cod • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour • 2 large eggs • 2 tbsp water • 2 cups plain bread crumbs • 1/2 tsp mustard powder • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper • Lemon wedges
PATRIOT WEALTH | 919.322.4113 | P3
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