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YOUR FINANCIAL ADVOCATE 26 JAN
It’s Already Here (and It’s Mind-Boggling) THE FUTURE ISN’T COMING
What a time to be alive. We are standing right on the edge of something so big, so transformative, that it’s almost impossible for our brains to even wrap around it. The pace of change right now is beyond fast; it’s exponential! And if you’re really paying attention, and not getting bogged down in the political noise or the daily grind, you can feel the pulse of progress and the sense that we’re on the brink of something extraordinary. Let’s talk space exploration for a moment. It’s where the next frontier of human imagination is unfolding right in front of us. Just before sitting down to write this, I was reading about the first private venture to launch a prototype for a commercial space station. It went up on the last SpaceX flight. A private space station! Can you imagine? For decades, the stars were the realm of governments and billion-dollar agencies, and now it’s startups and visionaries making their mark among the cosmos. And that’s just one headline. Have you seen what the Waymo self- driving cars can do? They’re fully robotic cars in select suburban areas that provide a safe and amazing way for people to get around. There’s no steering wheel or driver; just you and a robot taxi gliding through the city. Things like this are only catching the faintest glimpse of what’s coming. When you begin to think about what may happen between Jan. 1, 2026, and Jan. 1, 2027, our brains can’t even conceive of the possibilities. We are right on the brink of unimaginable change. Artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and renewable energy are all advancing rapidly, each feeding into the others. The speed of advancement is … well, “mind-boggling” barely covers it. Then there’s ChatGPT and the whole AI revolution. A few years ago, nobody would’ve believed that we’d be having full-blown conversations with machines that could think , or at least appear to. But here we are. It’s not science fiction anymore. This is happening now. We’re living in the future that people like George Lucas and Gene Roddenberry, the creators of “Star Wars” and “Star Trek,” only dreamed of. I’m a child of “Star Wars” and the Apollo space missions, the generation that looked up at the stars and believed we’d go
there someday, and now we are. Private companies are launching rockets and catching them when they return to Earth. Entrepreneurs are building space stations. It’s wild. All of this makes you wonder: What are we going to look back on a year from now and say, “I could never have predicted that”? Because that’s how it keeps happening. Year after year, progress blindsides us. Five years ago, who would’ve thought your phone wouldn’t just access all of humanity’s knowledge, but could understand it, interpret it, and explain it to you conversationally? Times right now are transformative, and it’s all happening faster than anyone can keep up with. But maybe the real message here is this: Pay attention. Appreciate it while it’s happening. Don’t get stuck in fear or politics or doomsday predictions. The “human beast,” as I like to say, has a way of taking care of problems. We’re living through a moment that generations before us only fantasized about. The future isn’t coming; it’s already here, and if you look closely, you can see it unfolding, one jaw-dropping breakthrough at a time.
What a time to be alive.
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Greg on a regular basis to go over marketing analytics, plans, and strategies. When I’m not creating content myself, I’m communicating with our third-party vendors. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? My favorite part of my job is all the creative work I get to do like producing videos, writing articles, and designing print material. I find that the day always goes by quickly when I’m doing something like that. I love working in Adobe Creative Cloud and learning new techniques and programs. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO IS SEEKING HELP WITH ESTATE PLANNING? If someone is thinking about getting a will or trust drafted, I would say to get the help of a professional. There are many legal nuances in do- it-yourself programs that you might not catch or fully understand, and this could have unintended consequences down the road. Other legal and financial tools might be out there that could fit your needs and wants better. GET TO KNOW VICKY KIRKHAM STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
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Smart Money Habits for a Stress-Free Year Reset Your Wallet
Track your spending. You don’t need to become a budgeting guru, but it’s important to be clear on where your money is actually going. Most people are shocked the first time they look closely to find that it’s rarely the big expenses that drain the budget but the tiny, frequent ones that fly under the radar. Awareness creates control, and control gives you options. Create micro-budgets. Instead of a strict, full-blown budget, try micro-budgets, small spending limits for categories where you tend to overspend. So, if you love a daily coffee, give yourself a monthly cap so you enjoy your treats without financial guilt. Micro-budgets bring balance without the feeling of restriction.
Something about the new year makes all of us want to get our lives a little more together. Maybe it’s the clean calendar, or possibly the leftover holiday chaos, but suddenly we’re inspired to do things differently. Money is one of the first places many of us feel the urge to hit reset. Whether last year was a financial win or a bit of a mess, now’s the perfect time to set up habits that make your money life easier, calmer, and way less stressful. MONEY HABITS TO BUILD Pay yourself first. This is a foundational habit that can completely shift your financial trajectory. Instead of saving whatever’s left over (which is usually nothing), automate a portion of your income straight into savings or investments. Even small amounts stack up over time, and watching that balance grow can be surprisingly motivating.
purchases, try the 24-hour rule: If you still want it the next day, buy it. This tiny buffer keeps temporary emotions from making permanent decisions. Stop avoiding your financial statements. Ignoring your bank accounts doesn’t make problems disappear. Make reviewing your finances a monthly ritual. When you approach it calmly, it becomes less intimidating and far more empowering. Drop the all-or-nothing mindset. One bad week or an unexpected expense is not a failure. Progress with money doesn’t all have to do with being perfect, but instead, relies on consistency. Keep showing up, adjust when needed, and trust the process.
MONEY HABITS TO BREAK Ditch emotional spending.
Retail therapy is real, and so is the regret that often follows. Before making impulse
SUDOKU
RUSTIC FRENCH PISTACHIO CAKE
INGREDIENTS
2 cups heavy cream, cold 1 1/2 cups (minus 1 tbsp) all- purpose flour
1 1/4 cups sugar 1 tbsp vanilla paste
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1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped, plus extra for topping Powdered sugar for dusting
2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
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3 large eggs
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F, then butter and flour a 9-inch springform pan. 2. Whip cold cream until it forms firm peaks, then refrigerate. 3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside. 4. Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. 5. Fold pistachios and flour mixture into egg mixture. 6. Gently fold cream into the batter until no streaks remain. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. 7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until puffed and golden on top. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan. 8. Dust with powdered sugar and top with pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature!
Inspired by TheViewFromGreatIsland.com
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YOUR FINANCIAL ADVOCATE A publication of Advocate Wealth Solutions, blending original and curated content, and is intended to educate the general public about investing, finance, estate planning, personal injury, and small-business issues. It is not intended to be legal or financial advice. Every situation is different. The information in this newsletter may be freely copied and distributed as long as the newsletter is copied in its entirety.
INSIDE
The Decade Happening in a Year PAGE 1 Staff Spotlight Our Podcast Client Appreciation PAGE 2 Kick Off the New Year With Money Habits That Actually Stick Rustic French Pistachio Cake PAGE 3 Your Guide to the Great Barrier Reef’s Most Epic Experiences PAGE 4
Uncover the Magic of Australia’s Living Wonder Swim With Turtles, Whales, and Wonder at the Great Barrier Reef
Hole for an up-close look at the Reef’s most famous marine residents, while those craving a more remote experience can hop aboard a dive ship to explore untouched corners teeming with biodiversity. Prefer to keep your head dry? The 74 tropical Whitsunday Islands are perfect for cruising, whether on a bareboat charter or a luxury superyacht. For a show-stopping perspective, consider a scenic helicopter transfer to the Outer Reef. From the air, the patterns of coral, tiny secluded islands, and endless shades of blue make it clear just how massive this natural wonder truly is.
Reef after day-trippers have left. Snorkel, dive, or relax on the Reefworld platform, then enjoy a barbecue as the sun sets. When night falls, snuggle into your floating tent under the stars or take a night dive to see the reef glow in a completely different light. Thrill-seekers, take note: Mission Beach offers a jaw-dropping skydiving experience over the reef and surrounding rainforest, plunging from 15,000 feet with expert guides to ensure an unforgettable ride. No matter how you experience it (by snorkel, yacht, helicopter, or parachute), the Great Barrier Reef is an adventure that promises awe, excitement, and memories you’ll treasure forever.
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring a place so vast it dwarfs entire countries, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef should be at the top of your bucket list. Stretching over 1,400 miles along the eastern coastline, this paradise is larger than the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands combined! The Great Barrier Reef is home to dazzling coral gardens, colorful fish, giant clams, and six of the seven known marine turtle species. From snorkelers to skydivers, the Reef offers something unforgettable for every kind of adventurer. Underwater, the options are endless. Lizard Island is a snorkeler’s paradise where you can float above giant clam beds and glide alongside green turtles. Divers flock to Cod
For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the Reefsleep Experience takes you to Hardy
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