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AUGUST 2024
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Wayne the Great Dane CELEBRATING OUR CANINE COMPANION For centuries, dogs have offered companionship, loyalty, and
Wayne quickly became an essential part of our family, and seeing our kids interact with him has been fun. Despite his large size, Wayne is a gentle giant — he’s great with children. He is sweet and playful, though sometimes clumsy and unaware of his size. To me, this makes him even cuter. Standing nearly 6 feet tall on his hind legs and weighing just under 150 pounds, Wayne likes to place his massive paws on my shoulder for a big hug at least once a day. Naturally, Wayne is a great protector due to his size. His deep bark can be intimidating even though he wouldn’t hurt a fly. He runs every day with my wife, about 2–3 miles every morning, which has drawn attention from neighbors. We hear comments like: “There goes the lady with the big Great Dane,” or “Do you put a saddle on it and ride?” Prior to Wayne joining our family, he had a condition called happy tail, where his tail would wag so hard that it would hit surfaces and hurt himself (common in Great Danes). Because of it, his previous owners had his tail docked, so he’s now a Dane with a nub for a tail. When he’s happy, he shakes his hind end, which we call “nubbin’,” and he does that about 90% of the day (when he’s not napping)!
unconditional love to human beings, and Aug. 26 is a special day for pet lovers, especially those with a soft spot for dogs. Colleen Paige, a dedicated pet animal rescue advocate and trainer, was influential in founding National Dog Day in 2004. Her passion for animal care led her to create this day for everyone else who loves dogs just as much. Our experiences with dogs reinforce how important and impactful these furry friends can be, shaping our lives and filling our days with happiness and constant support. In our family, dogs have always been important to us. When Rachel and I met in college, each of us had a dog that became the best of friends. Hailey was my sweet rescue dog, and Rachel had a Great Dane puppy named Clyde, who was full of personality. Rachel has always had an affinity for big dogs, having grown up with a Great Dane/Lab mix in her family. In 2019, Clyde and Hailey passed away within months of each other. This loss was tremendous, so we decided to wait another year before getting another dog. Luckily, we found a Great Dane needing a new home, so we adopted him and named him Wayne the Great Dane.
One of our favorite memories is watching him sit patiently by the
table waiting for food. We are careful about Wayne’s diet and don’t feed him people food even though he’s quite the opportunist. He’ll sit right by the kids because he knows a morsel is likely to fall to the floor, which usually happens. Wayne has brought so much joy into our lives. His presence, along with the memories of our previous dogs, reminds us of the happiness and companionship that pets so effortlessly bring. If you have a dog, be sure to do something extra special together on Aug. 26! – Wes White
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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INTRODUCING THE SMART NOTEBOOK! Welcome to the Future, Where Pen Meets Pixel
The future is now! Practically everything is smart — TVs, phones, even refrigerators. But note-taking still needs a 21st‑century makeover. Wouldn’t it be easier if everything you wrote appeared digitally on your phone screen? Sure, you could jot down important information with word processors, but studies show that writing by hand has many benefits, including creating a more profound connection to the content.
advancements in recent tech. The set comes with a notebook, a pen with a refill, and a charger. When you open it and start writing — with genuine ink on actual paper — it automatically saves your notes and sketches digitally onto your phone via Bluetooth, thanks to N-code technology. WHAT IS N-CODE TECHNOLOGY? A tiny sensor in the pen’s tip captures super fine dots on the page. These dots allow the sensor to read data as you write or draw to instantly transmit the information digitally. You can then edit in the app or erase on the page to see those changes reflected on your screen. There’s even a highlighting feature for making key points stand out; you can also add color! When finished, you can save or share your notes as an image or PDF or export them to Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. Plus, they even have refills on both ink and paper for when you run out. If you want to fully bring your notebook into the digital age, consider a smarter option bridging the gap between traditional note-taking and the internet age. Why waste time transcribing your notes when you can increase efficiency and improve your workflow with one simple tool?
INTRODUCING A TRULY SMART NOTEBOOK
Previous attempts at modernizing the notebook didn’t quite succeed. Their designs relied on a digital screen or polymer alternative to pages, options that didn’t have a natural paper feel. That’s why the new Moleskine Smart Notebook is a complete game-changer.
What looks like a regular journal is one of the most mind-blowing
MC HAMMER’S DECADE-LONG BATTLE OVER UNPAID TAXES STOP — AUDIT TIME!
In the glitz and glamor of the 1990s music scene, MC Hammer was a household name, known for his electrifying dance moves and catchy tunes. However, behind the scenes, the rapper was grappling with a different beat — the rhythm of his finances. Hammer, whose real name is Stanley Kirk Burrell, had a knack for lavish spending. According to reports, he owned 17 cars, a gold hot tub, and even statues of himself. This extravagant lifestyle and his self-proclaimed inability to quit his spending habits eventually led to his financial downfall.
$800,000 in back taxes. Faced with this daunting debt, he took the drastic step of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Unfortunately, this move provided a temporary solution, as his bankruptcy filing only wiped out his debt from prior years, leaving the $800,000 owed to the IRS untouched. Years passed, and the IRS continued to pursue Hammer for the outstanding taxes. In 2013, they slapped him with a $798,033.48 lien, a legal claim on his assets to recover the unpaid taxes. Hammer, ever the defiant entertainer, took to social media, claiming that he had already paid the debt and had the receipt to prove it, stamped by a U.S. federal judge.
However, the IRS was not convinced. In 2020, a court ruled in favor of the tax agency, and to this day, every dollar Hammer earns goes directly to the IRS before he can even catch a glimpse of it. This cautionary tale is a stark reminder that even the most successful individuals can fall prey to financial mismanagement. Hammer’s story teaches the importance of responsible financial planning, tax compliance, and seeking professional assistance when navigating complex tax matters. As the saying goes, “You can’t touch this” — but in Hammer’s case, the IRS proved that they most certainly could, with far-reaching consequences.
In 1996 and 1997, Hammer found himself in trouble with the IRS, owing close to
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Challenges Facing ESG Investing
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing is an approach that incorporates environmental, social, and governance factors into investment decisions. While ESG investing has grown in popularity due to its ethical and sustainable focus, it faces several challenges and criticisms:
or “bad” investment. This can lead to inconsistencies in ESG assessments.
6. REGULATORY AND COMPLIANCE RISKS
As ESG investing grows, so does the regulatory scrutiny. Different regions have varying regulations, and staying compliant can be complex and costly for investors and companies.
1. LACK OF STANDARDIZATION There is no universally
7. OVEREMPHASIS ON CERTAIN SECTORS
TAKE A BREAK
accepted framework for ESG criteria, leading to inconsistent definitions and measures. Different rating agencies use varying methodologies, resulting in disparate ESG ratings for the same company. 2. GREENWASHING Companies may exaggerate or misrepresent their ESG efforts to appear more sustainable than they are. This practice, known as greenwashing, can mislead investors and undermine the credibility of ESG investing. 3. PERFORMANCE CONCERNS Critics argue that ESG investing may sacrifice financial returns for ethical considerations. While some studies show that ESG investments can perform as well as or better than traditional investments, others suggest that limiting investment choices can hinder performance. 4. DATA QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY Reliable ESG data is often difficult to obtain. Companies may not disclose comprehensive information, and the available data may be of varying quality and depth. 5. SUBJECTIVITY AND BIAS The subjective nature of ESG criteria means that personal values and biases can influence what is considered a “good”
ESG criteria often favor certain industries (like renewable energy) over others (like fossil fuels). This can lead to over-concentration in specific sectors, reducing diversification and increasing risk. 8. IMPACT MEASUREMENT CHALLENGES Measuring the actual impact of ESG investments can be challenging. It’s difficult to quantify how investments directly contribute to environmental and social goals. 9. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ESG rating agencies may face conflicts of interest, especially if they are paid by the companies they rate. This can compromise the objectivity and reliability of their ratings. 10. EVOLVING STANDARDS ESG standards and best practices are continuously evolving. Keeping up with these changes can be challenging for investors and companies alike. Despite these challenges, ESG investing continues to attract attention and capital due to growing awareness of sustainability issues and the potential for long-term value creation. However, addressing these problems is crucial for the continued development and credibility of ESG investing.
LIME CHICKEN WITH CORN AND POBLANO SALAD
Inspired by PureWow.com
INGREDIENTS
Chicken • 3 tbsp olive oil
Corn and poblano salad • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 poblano peppers, diced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 14-oz can of corn • 4 scallions, minced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper • 1 1/2 tsp salt • 3/4 tsp black pepper • Zest of 1 lime • 8 chicken thighs
• Juice of 2 limes • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro • Salt and pepper
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. 3. In a bowl, whisk flour, spices, and lime zest. Dredge chicken in the mix to coat. 4. Add chicken, skin-side down, to skillet, then place skillet in the oven for 30–35 minutes. 5. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil and add poblanos. Sauté 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. 6. In a bowl, add poblano mix, corn, scallions, lime juice, and cilantro, toss and serve with the chicken.
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PATRIOT WEALTH 4350 Lassiter at North Hills Ave. #240 Raleigh, NC 27609 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Celebrating Wayne on National Dog Day PAGE 1
This New Notebook Instantly Digitizes Your Work PAGE 2
MC Hammer’s Ongoing IRS Woes PAGE 2
Lime Chicken With Corn and Poblano Salad PAGE 3
Challenges Facing ESG Investing PAGE 3
The Ultimate Beach Retreats to Visit This Year PAGE 4
DISCOVER 2024’S TOP TROPICAL GETAWAYS Jet-Set to Paradise
COSTA RICA There’s a reason Travel + Leisure named Costa Rica the best destination in 2024. Known worldwide for its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and unique biodiversity, this peaceful nation is a haven for nature lovers. You can explore the jungle and view native animals by visiting one of the country’s volcanoes, nature preserves, or the Térraba-Sierpe Wetland, Costa Rica’s largest mangrove swamps. If you want the most luxurious experience possible, the Nayara Tented Camp is one of the newest hot spots for a glamping trip. The resort is made up of private tents at a spot with incredible views and offers five-star amenities. PANAMA If you want a mix of old-world charm and modern splendor, Panama has established itself as one of the “it” destinations for travelers. This country offers a little bit of everything, from rainforests and beaches to vibrant cities.
Palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and intimate jungle views — if you’re ready to fly off to a tropical paradise in 2024, this year’s trend is small beach resorts and private retreats. If you want to book a tropical trip, you should check out these destinations that travel experts can’t stop talking about. Grab your sunscreen and a sense of adventure because these three destinations are sailing atop the charts!
Whether you want to stroll down the historic neighborhood of Casco Viejo and marvel at the architecture or visit one of its museums, Panama gives guests a mix of activities and chances to spoil themselves. SAINT KITTS The island of Saint Kitts is a nature- lover’s paradise in the West Indies. With rainforests, mountains, and serene shores, you can explore by land or relax on the beach. Catch a glimpse of elusive green vervet monkeys at Mount Liamuiga or step back in time by visiting the Brimstone Hill National Fortress. Snorkeling and golf are popular pastimes in this growing hot spot of the Caribbean. As you plan for your next great tropical escape, set sail for one of 2024’s hottest destinations. Whether you want to traverse nature or lounge on immaculate beaches all day, your seaside oasis awaits you!
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