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(502) 426-0000 ∙ Roberts.cpa 201 Townepark Circle, Ste B-1 Louisville, KY 40243 163 Dennis Drive Lexington, KY 40503 MODERN LIFE, MORAL COMPASS Smart Money Monthly March 2026 COURTESY AS A DAILY CHOICE
Do to others what you would have them do to you. The above sentence is, of course, the golden rule. It’s a phrase that’s easy to remember and even easier to neglect putting into action. These days, it seems it’s becoming more difficult to see examples of genuine goodness being shared between people, especially among strangers. Somehow, even something as simple as holding the door open for someone is becoming a rarity. When running errands or commuting to and from work, some people tend to focus on their own needs and schedules to the point where they may disregard those around them. Yes, life can often be busy and stressful, but I believe the world would be a much better place if we all committed to being a little nicer toward everyone we encounter. And March 21 is a perfect day to start. For the uninitiated, that’s when National Common Courtesy Day will be celebrated this year. Reflecting on the importance of being courteous to those around me has brought back memories of my early childhood, when I grew up in a small town that demanded courtesy. Back then, our area’s phone system was a party line. (Remember those?) For those who never had one, a party line was a phone line shared among multiple households in a given area. If you wanted to, you could listen in on other people’s conversations … and, in turn, they could listen in on you . When you're in a community where you know everybody and things spread quickly, you sure learn to treat each other with respect and give them their privacy. Fast-forward to 2026, and it seems that everyone uses cellphones, uploads photos of themselves on social media, posts online about what they’re doing at any given time … and has plenty to say about what other people are doing. We have more access to technology now, but a part of me will always appreciate the simpler life of a small town, where we had every opportunity to eavesdrop on someone else’s life but chose not to. That doesn’t mean those small-town values have ever left me. As a tax professional, I deal with clients’ sensitive information every day. Discretion and protecting someone’s private details are the biggest courtesies that Roberts CPA Group can offer anyone who calls on our services. When you
work with us, you’re essentially allowing us to share a party line with you and granting us access to your financial information and personal details. Just as I would never have listened to a neighbor or family member’s phone conversation when I was younger, I would never disrespect your trust by sharing your private matters with anyone else. National Common Courtesy Day is on a Saturday this year, which means you might be hustling and busting that day to complete the “to-do” list you couldn't get to during the workweek. If so, extend the courtesy of politeness to everyone else on the road or standing in line with you. Let someone pass in front of you in traffic, or let them take the space ahead of you in the checkout line if they have fewer items than you do. Even a small
gesture can make a big difference in someone’s day. Just be sure not to listen too carefully if that person in line is on their phone. —Kevin Roberts
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Break Away From Budget Burnout ‘MONEY DATES’ FOR CALMER DAYS
Whether you’re married, dating, or still single, you’re about to read dating advice that could change your life. No, this isn’t a romantic advice column; this is an inside look at “money dates.” What are those? Well, if you’re constantly stressed about your money to the point where you’re tracking your accounts multiple times a day, the following may give a fresh perspective on your finances … and free you from the cycle of budgetary burnout.
binge eating if they don’t see sufficient weight loss, constantly worrying about bank balances could lead you to burn your bridges to greater wealth before they’re even fully built. Use your calendar to organize your cash. Instead of putting your mood to the test through compulsive cash check-ins, select a monthly “money date” to review your overall financial standing and plan for your future. By picking a specific date to review your numbers, you can gain a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of your regular spending habits and identify unnecessary expenses that can be adjusted to achieve greater flexibility. For example, seeing that you spend $80 a month on coffee may be jarring at first, but viewing the bigger picture may help you develop a more reasonable budget for caffeine than worrying every time you grab a $4 cup on your way to work. Income, expenses, debts, and positive/ negative purchasing patterns are all things to explore on your “money date.” Just like other kinds of dates, timing is everything. Choose a date and time when you (and your spouse) are typically relaxed and distraction-free before diving in! You may be surprised by how these “money dates” can help reduce your overall frustration, anxiety, and perceived need to let money overdraw your mental health.
Don’t let your mind drain your money. If you anxiously follow every penny you spend throughout the day and jump to attention whenever you receive a banking notification on your phone, it may surprise you to learn that these habits can harm your bottom line more than help it. A University of Chicago study revealed that tracking one's spending too frequently can actually overwhelm people emotionally, to the point they’re more likely to make careless financial choices. Similar to how an obsessed dieter may become discouraged and descend into
STORIES OF CELEBRITY KINDNESS STARS WITH HEART
The lives of wealthy celebrities aren't always just about extravagant spending and stunning indulgences. Here are two stories about how celebrities sometimes use their fortunes to brighten the lives of strangers. Lieutenant Dan’s Dedicated Duty Although actor Gary Sinise has enjoyed a career spanning decades, he is perhaps best known to millions for his portrayal of Lieutenant Dan, the fictional character who lost his legs in Vietnam in the film “Forrest Gump.” Following the attack on our nation on Sept. 11,
Swift Kindness Strikes Deep Taylor Swift is one of the most successful singers of all time, but it turns out that her extraordinary generosity matches her musical talents. Last October, she donated $100,000 to the GoFundMe campaign in support of Lilah Smoot, a 2-year-old girl battling stage 4 brain cancer. Swift learned of the toddler’s plight when she saw a TikTok video posted by the girl’s mother, Katelynn, that spotlighted her child’s love for the singer. Swift captioned her donation with a simple, loving message: "Sending the biggest hug to my friend, Lilah!" This wasn’t the first time Swift had donated considerable funds to someone’s GoFundMe. One week before Christmas
2001, Sinise brought his empathy for U.S. servicemembers from the big screen to the real world by founding the Gary Sinise Foundation. Devoted to providing much- needed services to veterans, first responders, and the families of lost military members, the foundation later entered into a multiyear partnership with Amazon to provide Alexa devices, groceries, and “smart home” technology to wounded heroes throughout the country.
2020, she made a joint $50,000 donation with her mother, Andrea, to Vicki Quarles, a Memphis-based mother of five who had recently lost her husband, Theodis, to COVID-19. Vicki was quick to express her gratitude to Swift during an interview with Fox 13 TV, adding that her young daughters excitedly emulated the singer’s famous “Shake It Off” dance upon hearing about the surprise donation in honor of their dad.
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Moroccan-Spiced Chicken and Couscous Skillet
• 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 1/2 tsp cinnamon • 1 tsp kosher salt • 1 shallot, thinly sliced INGREDIENTS
• 1 large carrot, sliced into coins • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 1 cup dry pearl couscous • 1/4 cup medjool dates, pitted and chopped • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock • 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
FRESH SPRING FINANCES It may be hard to believe, but another spring is right around the corner. If you’re gearing up to get some fresh air while decluttering from the winter, be sure to include your finances in your spring-cleaning plans! Although most people already have Tax Day on their minds (or at least should ), filing with the IRS is only a piece of the puzzle when it comes to keeping your current finances in check and securing your economic future. Have you considered investments? Have you developed a solid financial plan that can help your money grow over the years or even decades to come? If so, are your investments or plans paying off as you envision, or is your path in need of fine-tuning? Regardless of where you are in answering these questions, Roberts CPA Group is here to help. We’re pleased to provide financial planning and investment management services to all clients who need guidance in focusing their ongoing prosperity with greater precision. We will work with you to identify attainable goals, address financial problem areas, and explore new opportunities for expanding your wealth potential. Whether you are already well into investing and planning or need a strong starting point, we will utilize our expertise to tailor the best course of action for you in 2026 and beyond. Get a great head start on your future; scan the QR code to take a quick questionnaire to help Roberts CPA determine your current financial standing and how we can help you create a new, more profitable chapter in your life and budget. From there, please give us a call to schedule a complimentary consultation to review the results and develop a strategy for ongoing success. We won't be able to help you declutter your home at this time of year, but we can certainly help you freshen up your finances. Please take a moment to complete the questionnaire and contact us today! A Time to Focus and Flourish
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. Toss chicken with olive oil, sugar, spices, and salt; let marinate for 10 minutes. 3. Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium. Sear chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes per side, transfer to a plate, leaving 1 tbsp of rendered fat in skillet. 4. Add shallot, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes. 5. Add chickpeas, couscous, dates, and chicken stock and boil over high heat. 6. Add chicken thighs back and top with lemon. 7. Put skillet in the oven for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. 8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Inspired by WanderingChickpea.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Private Trust Prevails 2 A Formula for Financial Freedom Famous Faces Give Back 3 Your Seasonal Money Makeover Moroccan-Spiced Chicken and Couscous Skillet 4 Downsizing to a Tiny Home Can Save Your Retirement Hopes
Trade Your Empty Nest for Financial Freedom The Tiny Home Trend for Secure Senior Living
As we grow older, we start to give more thought to the idea of retirement. After working diligently for decades, many people want to step away from work to spend their senior years traveling, enjoying time with loved ones, and taking steps to ensure they can age in place. However, retirement seems more like a dream than a reality for many Americans. While there is no magic number for how much retirement costs in 2026, experts estimate that most Americans will need over $1 million to maintain their standard of living through retirement. If you haven’t poured money into your retirement accounts throughout your
you can use to shore up your retirement savings, one that has gained popularity is downsizing. Once the kids leave the nest and start families of their own, you may have more space than you know what to do with. While you could move into an apartment or a smaller home in your neighborhood, you may benefit from exploring the idea of a tiny home community. In recent years, home developers have given more intentional thought to creating communities that enable older Americans to age in place. Many have features that make our lives easier as we age. Flooring that allows medical devices to function smoothly, elevated appliances, easy-to-open shelving, motion-activated lighting, and remote-control blinds are just a few examples of the helpful elements found in many tiny home communities. The houses are usually single-level to eliminate the dangers of stairs and feature accessible bathroom designs to promote safety and more. From Oregon to Florida, tiny home communities are popping up all over the country. If you’re looking for a healthy way to age in place without breaking the bank, consider downsizing to a tiny home.
career, you may be concerned about having a big enough nest egg in the future. You may worry you’ll have to continue working until your body gives out, but that’s not necessarily true for everyone. Among strategies
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