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DECEMBER 2025
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A Caregiver’s Calling
Compassion in the Quiet Moments
“You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is your only option.” — Bob Marley
experiencing a series of falls that led to her hospitalization. Thankfully, she recovered … until the final one took such a toll on her that she eventually stopped eating and drinking. It was clear that the end was approaching. Even though Mom-Mom was in a full- time facility that provided care to her 24/7, my mom would go 3–5 days a week, spending multiple hours with her mom every time. She sacrificed her time, wants, and desires to do the right thing and stand by the person who would have done the same for her in a heartbeat. Every caregiver deserves the deepest respect, but it’s deeply profound when a family member voluntarily fills that role. That’s an expression of true love. Unfortunately, our family also battled another diagnosis earlier in the year when my father was diagnosed with cancer. Mom, true to her selfless attitude, stepped up to the plate in a way that very few of us could. Once again, reminding all of us of her love for her family, devotion to her husband and embodiment of “service over self.” If you’ve been a caregiver in the past or are serving someone in that capacity now, know that you’re seen, loved, and appreciated. If I can offer
As we wrap up 2025, my family is short one extraordinary person.
In our September edition, I shared some thoughts and fond memories of my dear grandmother on my mom’s side, whom our family affectionately called “Mom- Mom.” Sadly, by the end of that month, she had passed away at 85. Over the last few weeks I’ve spent plenty of time reminiscing on my fond memories with Mom-Mom, but I was inspired to finally share her passing here after learning that November was National Family Caregivers Month. For the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a caregiver when a family member, dear friend, or loved one needs support as they battle disease or perhaps reach the end of their lives. Inevitably, all my thoughts led to one person: my wonderful mother. My grandmother had lived independently until the last 18 months of her life, when a slow-moving form of dementia finally became too much for her to handle on her own. She moved into a facility, where she did well until
any advice for a caregiver in your life — pick up the phone, bring them a tasty treat, and of course the occasional hug goes a long way. We’re only human, make time for the caregiver to refill their own cup, and remind them that is not a selfish thing to do. When we bear a cross together, the weight gets lighter for us all. Mom, this article is for you. Let it serve as a testament to your character, and a light displaying the wonderful person you are. You deserve it! This holiday season, give extra love to those who carry the quiet burden of caring for others. While so much of our lives is uncertain, caregivers know one extraordinary, indisputable truth: Our love, dedication, and time will always be the greatest gifts we can ever give.
–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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Festive Fun Made Easy
Traditions That Won’t Cost a Fortune
The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. Suddenly, the calendar is full, stores are packed, and wallets feel too light. But here’s the truth: The most memorable moments don’t come from expensive gifts or elaborate trips. We spark them from laughter, creativity, and time spent together. Whether you’re looking for cozy nights in or adventures out in the crisp winter air, here are fun, low-cost holiday activities for the whole family. Festive Fun at Home Let’s turn home into holiday central! You can wrap your front door like a giant present, or craft homemade ornaments from everyday supplies. Popcorn and cranberry garlands, paper chains with gratitude notes, and handmade snowflakes instantly transform your space into a festive wonderland. For extra coziness, plan a movie night
complete with blankets, popcorn, and your family’s favorite holiday classics. Creative Crafts and Tasty Treats You don’t need to buy pricey kits when you can create your own fun. Build a gingerbread house from scratch, or whip up batches of cookies and let everyone go wild with frosting and sprinkles. If you’re looking for something outdoorsy, make birdseed ornaments from pinecones and peanut butter, then watch the backyard come alive with feathered guests. Outdoor Adventures Bundle up and take a nighttime drive (or stroll) to admire the best light displays in your town. It’s a free way to soak up the magic of the season together. If you’re lucky enough to get snow, the options are endless: snowmen, forts, snow angels, or even
a friendly snowball fight. And when it’s too chilly to stay outside, warm up with hot cocoa by the fire. Share the Holiday Spirit The season feels even brighter when you spread joy beyond your own home. Go caroling in your neighborhood or at a local nursing home, attend a school holiday concert, or deliver handmade cards to friends and neighbors. These simple gestures leave lasting impressions and remind everyone what the holidays are truly about. Cozy Traditions That Last For a touch of nostalgia, start a new tradition like sleeping under the Christmas tree one night, creating a DIY advent calendar, or hosting a family game night with holiday music playing in the background. These small rituals are the ones kids and adults both look forward to each year.
Dollars, Decisions, and Disasters
Financial Foresight for Fresh Adults
convenience of having food delivered via DoorDash or similar services. Of course, what was once a matter of personal safety became a costly habit that many still keep, adding unnecessary expenses for meals that could be made at home for a fraction of the cost. For example, just one weekly delivery for $30 (a conservative figure at best) equals $1,560 annually! To put that amount into perspective, it’s enough to potentially cover several months of car insurance premiums or go toward a high deductible in the event of an automobile accident. A new car could derail net savings. Successful financial planning entails getting the most out of your investments and savings. Unfortunately, buying a new car is the antithesis of this philosophy, as the vehicle’s value drops the moment you drive it off the dealership’s lot. If a driver takes out a loan to pay off this purchase instead of buying it outright, they
could pay hefty interest on something that consistently depreciates in worth. Purchasing a dependable, structurally and mechanically sound used vehicle is usually the wiser financial option, particularly for young drivers. If you plan for a disaster, you’ll rarely experience one. The most important thing to remember about car accidents and health emergencies is that we can’t schedule them. The earlier someone puts money aside to address the unexpected, the more protected they will be against calamities with significant costs. At a minimum, young adults living independently should have enough money to cover their health and auto insurance deductibles, a deposit for a new apartment or a rent increase, and a new set of tires. In the best-case scenario, they should also have enough funds saved to cover at least three months of living expenses if an unforeseen circumstance disrupts their income.
In finance, people often don’t know what they don’t know until an emergency teaches them everything they should have learned. This dilemma is especially prevalent among younger adults, who often lack the insight and experience to make decisions that will benefit their long- term bottom lines. Here are three tips to share with new adults and to use yourself as a friendly reminder of the little things that can cause economic strain when you least expect it. There’s no such thing as a ‘small’ expense. People who came of age during the pandemic readily embraced the
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Edit, Eliminate, and Empower
CHART YOUR CASH COURSE FOR 2026
Gym memberships come and go, but some New Year’s resolutions are worth keeping. Here are three wise steps to take today to help guarantee a financially secure 2026. Streamline your monthly statements. Do you pay every bill as soon as they comes in without a second thought, or do you go over every monthly expense with a magnifying glass? If you’re in the former category rather than the latter, pay closer attention to your monthly bills to see how much you’re spending. You may be surprised to discover how many seemingly insignificant charges you pay without worrying can add up to thousands yearly. Trim your budget of unnecessary costs now to start 2026 on a stronger footing, and consider the possibility of rearranging the dates on which you pay certain bills to allow yourself additional flexibility. Demystify your credit card debts. A new year often brings new plans for large purchases, such as a new car or home, that require a credit check. Before setting yourself up for a major surprise or disappointment at the negotiating table, get a current credit report to review your score. A clear picture of your credit (including any overlooked debts or other unneeded drains on your accounts) before 2026 begins will better prepare you to get your finances in order before taking on new and potentially sizeable commitments. Plot and prioritize your protection. As you consider your financial stability and growth for the new year, don’t overlook things that could cause strain in the months ahead. What is your current savings rate? How robust is your emergency fund? Would reducing your charitable donations this year be prudent, or would increasing them present you with new tax incentives? Are you aware of how changes to tax laws might impact your money? These are just some critical questions you should ask yourself this time of year. Please contact us if you need help determining the best course of action for 2026 and beyond. We can help you build a fresh start toward a new future.
TAKE A BREAK
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet, place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them. 4. Layer with fontina and Swiss cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto. 5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving. CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AND CHEESE SLIDERS
INGREDIENTS • 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto • 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise • 1/4 cup fig preserves • 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese • 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese • 1/2 cup melted butter • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 2 chopped garlic cloves • Black pepper, to taste
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Love in Life’s Last Chapter PAGE 1
Create Holiday Magic Without Spending Big PAGE 2
Spend Smarter, Stress Smaller PAGE 2
Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders PAGE 3
Face the Future With Confidence PAGE 3
3 Train Trips to Take Today PAGE 4
Scenic Rail Journeys Worth Riding Tracks and Treasures
A Symphony of Swiss Scenes For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express’ 292-bridge/91-tunnel track from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams, and alpine meadows. Often referred to as “the slowest express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers in its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. An Alaskan Adventure If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has provided travelers an
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in a closer and more personal way? With railway vacations, you can. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising on the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A Euphoric European Escape While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous international excursion of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s-era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its remarkable gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) and live entertainment, this world-renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other legendary European destinations.
intimate way to explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow-capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife. For the ultimate Alaska experience, opt for the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic nature viewing, a full-service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper- level platform for additional sightseeing. The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
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