Take a look at our January newsletter!
JANUARY 2025
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AN AMAZING HONEYMOON IN ANGUILLA Moke Amore
Hello, and welcome to 2025! Although the year has just begun, I have some big news: I am officially a married man! Last October, I married my dear better half, Bridgette. As we researched possible venues for our ceremony, the beauty of Savannah, Georgia, captivated us. We tied the knot there with our beloved golden retriever, Sonny, at our side. For our honeymoon, we spent a week on Anguilla, an island in the Caribbean that neighbors Saint Martin. The island is tiny with a population of about 15,000 people. We rented a small vehicle called a Moke and drove across the entire island, which only took us about 35–40 minutes! If you ever find yourself in Anguilla I highly recommend renting a Moke to explore the island. When we weren’t in the Moke, we were on the beach at Maundays Bay. It was exactly what you’d envision a Caribbean beach to be. At one point, I dove into the water without removing my sunglasses. At first, I was afraid they were gone forever, but I spotted them immediately in the crystal-clear waters. The beach was fantastic, and I am happy to report I returned home with my sunglasses! Being the foodies we are, we were blown away by the local cuisine — especially our first experience eating crayfish. As the locals would say, “If a lobster and a crawfish had a baby, it would be a crayfish.” That is an apt description of this delicacy, which was delectable. Our time in Anguilla was the most recent milestone in an extraordinary relationship that will reach its 10th year in just a few months. Bridgette and I met in the fall of 2014 as students at High Point University. She is originally from northern New Jersey, and I grew up just outside Philadelphia.
Within a few months of our paths crossing, we knew we had something special. We also fell in love with North Carolina, which was helped by the fact that she has extended family in Raleigh. The day after graduation, we packed a U-Haul and moved here. We purchased our first home in 2021, and there’s no other state we’d rather live in. As for the future, we look forward to experiencing this exciting new chapter in our lives. The beauty of being newly married is that we have a blank sheet of paper, and we can hold the pencil together and craft whatever we want our lives to be. I’m unsure of many things, but I know I want to be a father one day. It would be an honor to care for a child with Bridgette and to pass along the family traditions that are near and dear to us. I hope you’re starting the new year with recent joys and memories of your own. We don’t always enjoy calm and content lives, but we can always find enough good things to outweigh our challenges — and there are always plenty of people and things to love. As always, we thank you for your partnership with Patriot Wealth. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and your family, and we’re here and happy to help you achieve success and contentment every step of the way. And if you ever want to taste some incredible crayfish, I know just the spot … – 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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BABIES DELIVERED VIA MAIL?
How America’s Youngest Were Once Mailed to Grandma’s
Oh, the good old days of 1913, when the U.S. Post Office decided to let just about anything — and we mean anything — go through the mail. Imagine a time when sending eggs, bricks, and even your college laundry via post was the norm. When the U.S. Post Office first began offering parcel service, one of the first packages sent was a brindle English bulldog! But of course, it gets stranger. The initial days of the Parcel Post service saw creative shipping solutions, including more than one instance of a surprise
In those early days, some parents took the phrase “special delivery” to a new level by mailing their kids! Just a few weeks after the service began, one Ohio couple decided their 8-month-old son, James, needed to visit Grandma and figured the mail was the best way to get him there. Weighing in just under the 11-pound limit, baby James cost a mere 15 cents to mail. Talk about a budget-friendly travel option!
Take 5-year-old May Pierstorff, who was mailed about 75 miles to her grandparents. Or 3-year-old Maude Smith, who traveled from Caney to Jackson, Kentucky, with snacks in hand and a shipping label sewn to her dress. It wasn’t until after several instances and a good deal of head-scratching by the postal authorities that regulations tightened up. Parents could no longer avoid train ticket costs by handing their kids to the local postal carrier. Today, thankfully, we have more sensible travel options for our kids. The days of slapping stamps on their clothing and waving as they disappear with the mail are long gone. But the stories we have from those early days of mail mischief are sure to remind us that thrifty parents will go to any lengths to save a few dimes!
If it’s any consolation, parents didn’t hand off these pint-sized parcels to strangers. In most
opossum delivery in Flushing, Queens. Then, parents short on cash or time decided to do something truly questionable: shipping their own children.
cases, the local mail carriers in these rural
communities were well-known to the families and trusted with these precious deliveries.
SAVE WISELY, SUCCEED SOONER Resolutions for Future Fortunes
New Year’s resolutions are funny things. They always sound great on Dec. 31 but often fall by the wayside as schedules and life’s demands pull us out of the gym or keep us tired in front of the television. While sticking to a solid plan for success is essential in all aspects of life, following good financial planning practices throughout the year to avoid sinking into debt is one resolution worth keeping. Here are a few simple reminders to keep your money — and your peace of mind — above water in 2025. DON’T LET YOUR HOME KEEP YOUR MONEY HOSTAGE. As any homeowner knows, there are more monetary obligations to keeping a roof over your head than paying your mortgage. Depending on the age and condition of your dwelling, you may be losing money every time the temperature drops into the 50s. Improperly sealed vents or window seals can wreak havoc on your heating bills and leave you wondering why your expenses are through the roof. (Speaking of roofs, when was the last time you had yours checked out for damage or a need for replacement?) Before time gets away from you this year, inspect your
home thoroughly to uncover any issues that could cost you in the long run.
OVERCOME THE ONLINE SHOPPING OBSESSION. Considering that the holidays just ended, you likely clicked more than a few “buy now” buttons in recent weeks. Now that we’re in a new year, consider giving your online shopping a breather. The allure of easy transactions could lead to excessive expenditures if you allow your fingers to put your finances at risk. If you spot a must-have item online, take a day or two to decide if the purchase is worth it or just a passing temptation that could put an unnecessary dent in your accounting. MIND YOUR CASH CALCULATIONS. If you need better direction for your dollars in 2025, remember this equation: 50/30/20. That’s 50% of your monthly income for necessities, 30% for fun, and 20% for savings. If your current budget doesn’t come anywhere near those figures, it’s time to reevaluate your spending and devise a clearer path for the months ahead.
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From Horror to Haven
Tips for Handling Money Troubles
Where does “car breakdown” or “wake up with a bad cold” fall on your calendar? Although we all do our best to plan our lives, unexpected circumstances add stress and burden our bank accounts. Because a good offense is always the best defense, here are some ways to prepare your finances for those unexpected situations that always seem to occur at the worst times. FLIMSY WHEELS AND FAULTY HEALTH Besides your home and possible medical bills (more on these in a bit), your automobile is the biggest expense you’ll have in life. If you’re not careful, it could also be your biggest liability to your budget. When it comes to car insurance, remember that “full coverage” is a myth, as every policy has restrictions that can leave you with sudden costs. Review your insurance declarations page to confirm your deductible. If you don’t have that amount in a savings account or another easily accessible place, it’s time to act — especially if you’re a young person who may be driving a used vehicle and new to insurance claims and car repairs. It’s also wise to review any warranty agreements on significant components in your vehicle. If an essential part falls out of dealership protection, research the costs for repair and replacement before its failure leaves you in a financial ditch without enough dollars to get back on the road. RELIEF FROM RISING RENTS Speaking of younger people, those new to renting an apartment must prepare for hikes in their costs once their lease agreements reach the renewal period. As of 2022, rent and utility bills accounted for more than 30% of the monthly incomes of 22.4 million Americans. If moving to a less expensive apartment isn’t an option in your area, plan to save at least 18% of your current rent each month in anticipation of a possible increase. AN ESCAPE FROM MEDICAL BILL MALAISE Even the best health insurance policies have deductibles that could leave you with thousands of dollars in medical bills if you require regular treatment — not to mention surgeries or significant emergencies. The sooner you save enough to cover your copays before having to pay them, the better.
TAKE A BREAK
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
DIRECTIONS
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 1/2 lbs skinless,
bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced • 10 cups chicken broth • 4 celery ribs, chopped • 4 medium carrots, chopped • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp dried thyme • 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • 1 tbsp lemon juice
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Caribbean Crayfish and Cupid’s Call PAGE 1
The Curious Case of Mailing Children in the Early 1900s PAGE 2
Thrifty Thinking Throughout the Year PAGE 2
Proactive Money Moves PAGE 3
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup PAGE 3
Vacation in Tropical Panama PAGE 4
AN UNFORGETTABLE TROPICAL PARADISE DISCOVER PANAMA
ISLA BASTIMENTOS NATIONAL MARINE PARK This amazing national park, established in 1988, covers over 50 square miles and over 130 islands of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, including the popular coral reefs of the Cayos Zapatillas. If you are interested in rubbing shoulders with monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and countless marine species, this is the spot for you! PANAMA CANAL No list would be complete without mentioning one of the greatest engineering feats in human history: the Panama Canal. The canal, which runs for roughly 40 miles through the Isthmus of Panama, was completed in August 1914, just a month after the outbreak of World War I. The canal works via a system of locks, filled and emptied of water to raise and lower boats. Ships up to 950 feet long transport over 200 million tons of cargo annually through the canal. If you visit Panama, you have to see the canal for yourself!
The Central American country of Panama, home to the titular Panama Canal that allows easy passage of maritime traffic between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, is more than a hub for international trade: It’s a scenic tropical paradise. Just 30,000 square miles in size — smaller than South Carolina — Panama packs a lot of incredible sites into one compact package. The country uses the American dollar, so you don’t need to exchange currency to make a worthwhile trip there. Here are three locations you can look forward to on your vacation to Panama! PANAMA CITY Founded in 1519, Panama’s capital is a metropolis amidst lush tropical rainforests. Around 40% of the country’s population resides in the city, which is full of amazing historical and entertainment districts that attract tourists worldwide. The Casco Viejo historical district, comprised of Spanish colonial architecture, was named a World Heritage site in 1997.
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