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FEBRUARY 2025
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Celebrating Abraham Lincoln and the Virtue of Honesty PATRIOTIC PRIDE, PIONEERING PASSION
3 FUN WAYS TO CELEBRATE LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY 1. Read Lincoln’s speeches and letters. Gain insight into his wisdom and beliefs by exploring his famous works, including the Gettysburg Address. His expressive use of language is a marvel to behold. 2. Teach kids about ‘Honest Abe.’ Share stories from Lincoln’s life that highlight his integrity and determination. Ask children to share what most inspired them about his story. 3. Reflect on the power of truth. This month, practice honesty in your daily interactions and discuss its importance with those around you — and commit to doing these things throughout the year. Several famous quotes are attributed to this great man, but one in particular resonates with me deeply: “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have.” May this sentiment inspire us all to live honestly and strive to impact our communities positively. It’s no secret we live in divisive times, and our culture often pays more attention to histrionics than honor or character. President Lincoln’s story reminds us to stay true to our values no matter what. It encourages us to lead purposefully, overcome obstacles with resilience, and act with integrity in our deeds and relationships with others. That’s what it means to be a leader — and a good human being. As we honor Abraham Lincoln this month, let us also celebrate the timeless virtue of honesty and its power to guide us toward a brighter future. –Wes White
As we embrace the heart of winter, February offers us an opportunity to reflect on the individuals whose actions and values helped shape our great nation. Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday we celebrate on the 12th, is one such figure. Known as one of America’s greatest presidents, he lived a life — and built a legacy — that continues to inspire us today. His dedication to truth and integrity remains a guiding light for us all. The more I learn about Lincoln, the more I admire the man. Born in a humble log cabin in Kentucky in 1809, Lincoln rose to become the 16th president of the United States. During one of the most tumultuous times in American history, the Civil War, his leadership demonstrated his unyielding commitment to unity and justice. Perhaps most famously, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, a landmark step toward ending slavery in our nation. It is also notable that he earned his place in history while battling lifelong depression — a condition not as widely understood or treated in his time as it is today. Throughout his many triumphs and challenges, he exemplified the power of perseverance, courage, and — above all — honesty. Honesty was a cornerstone of Lincoln’s character. Early in life, he earned his nickname, “Honest Abe,” for his reputation of fairness and truthfulness. Whether as a young store clerk walking miles to return a few cents of overpayment to a customer or as a leader navigating the complexities of war and politics, Lincoln’s integrity was unwavering. In today’s world, honesty remains vitally important. It builds trust, strengthens relationships, and fosters a sense of accountability within our communities. As we celebrate Lincoln’s birthday, let us also recommit to the values he championed by practicing honesty in our lives — whether in our workplaces, schools, or homes.
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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GOODBYE, SLEEPLESS NIGHTS How to ‘Shuffle’ Your Way to Restful Dreams
MIND MOVIES Another method of cognitive shuffling involves conjuring
A good night’s rest is one of the keys to a healthy life, but if counting sheep isn’t working for you, a psychology-based sleep hack can help quiet your most intrusive thoughts. Cognitive shuffling is a technique that aims to disrupt your thought patterns by focusing on random words to help your mind relax. It’s like shuffling a deck of cards — rearranging all the ideas to quiet the noise so you can sleep. Get ready to finally catch some z’s with this clever strategy to take you into dreamland. SHUFFLE OFF TO SLEEP To turn this trick into a sleep triumph, get into bed, turn off the lights, and try to relax. As you lie there, think of a non- emotional word, like “rest,” or a similar word around five letters long and doesn’t cause an emotional reaction. Now, think of three words that start with the first letter of the word — like rain, road, and rosy. Repeat this for each letter until you finish the word you first chose. As you think about the words, spell them out slowly and visualize them. This practice resets your mind as you focus on something other than thoughts or feelings that keep you awake.
different imagery in your mind to help you escape random thoughts or leftover anxieties from the day. As you lie in bed,
think of random words like “cow” and imagine them. Create visuals in your mind so you can drift off to sleep. You can also use your heartbeat as your guide. Think of a non-emotional word like “horse,” and on each heartbeat, think of a word that starts with the first letter. The trick is to keep each word random, going with the first image that comes to mind. Cognitive shuffling gently nudges your brain away from worries and wandering thoughts that cause insomnia, easing you into a calm state. When you embrace random words and images that distract you from intrusive thoughts, you give yourself permission to get the rest you need. Sweet dreams are just a shuffle away!
HISTORY’S WORST MOVIE MELTDOWNS
Whether purchasing a new home or financing a film, everyone wants to see a return on their investment. In Hollywood, however, not every high-stakes project yields excellent results. In fact, several movies lost amounts equivalent to 400 times the salary of the average American! Here’s a look at three such financial sinkholes. CINEMATIC SOUR MILK Just because a Broadway musical thrills audiences worldwide doesn’t mean the production will transition smoothly to the big screen. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats” was a cultural phenomenon on stage, but in movie theaters ... well, it went to the dogs. Despite boasting big-name talents like Idris Elba (“The Wire”) and Dame Judi Dench, the CGI-heavy 2019 film adaptation failed to capture hearts, stalling at $75.5 million globally — a $25.5 million loss. WASHED ASHORE IN POOR RETURNS Imagine being handed $100 million to fulfill your creative vision. That’s how much actor Kevin Costner was given to create “Waterworld,” a 1995 sci-fi flick that was a cross between “Mad Max” and “Point Break.” The production ended up being as
inflated as Costner’s ambition, with an additional $72 million added to the budget to complete it after the departure of original director Kevin Reynolds. Another $60 million was later devoted to marketing, almost ensuring an economic calamity well before the curtain rose on opening night. “Waterworld” generated just $88 million in ticket sales, proving that no amount of star power can save a ship destined to sink. BAD CHEMISTRY, BROKEN CASHFLOW Moviegoers of a certain age may recall when seeing “Dustin Hoffman” or “Warren Beatty” on a marquee meant a star- powered good time. Then “Ishtar” arrived in May 1987 and probably made the actors’ respective agents shudder. Movie execs had high hopes for the film, which paired the celluloid legends for what was supposed to be comedic gold. Nobody laughed when the movie — rumored to have been plagued by various production woes and already infamous for its then- bloated $51 million budget — bombed in cinemas with only $14 million in ticket sales to show for all that effort. Although neither actor’s career suffered long-lasting effects from the failure, “Ishtar” showed that a supposedly great combination could work about as well as oil and water.
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The Deadline Dash Tips to Avoid Tax Day Tension
It’s time to cross your t’s and dot your i’s while you still can.
With only two months to go before the peak of another tax season, here are a few essential things to consider to ensure you file your return before it’s too late. A BRACKET BREAKDOWN In addition to meeting deadlines, estimating the federal income tax you’re likely to owe for 2024 is one of the best things you can do before meeting with your tax professional(s) to finalize your filing. Currently, there are seven federal income tax brackets, ranging from 10% to 37%:
Single Filers
Married Filing Jointly
TAKE A BREAK
10%
Up to $11,600
Up to $23,200
12%
$11,601–$47,150
$23,201–$94,300
22%
$47,151–$100,525
$94,301–$201,050
24%
$100,526–$191,950 $201,051–$383,900
Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
32%
$191,951–$234,725 $383,901–$487,450
35%
$243,726–$609,350 $487,451–$731,200
Inspired by LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com
37%
Over $609,350
Over $731,200
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
As a reminder, taxpayers over 65 can claim a senior deduction that lowers their federal taxable income.
• 2 tbsp butter • 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp herbes de Provence • 3/4 cup canned sun- dried tomatoes, drained and julienned • 1 cup chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. 2. In the same pan, add garlic, herbes de Provence, tomatoes, chicken broth, cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pine nuts, and spinach and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, and stir periodically until thickened and spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. 3. Return chicken to the pan and top with salt, pepper, more Parmesan cheese, and thyme, and serve over rice or linguine.
A SOCIAL SECURITY SNAPSHOT If you began receiving Social Security in 2024, you may be relieved to know these benefits are not taxed in North Carolina. However, some of your benefits may be taxed at the federal level, depending on your income. If your income is between $25,000–$34,000 on an individual tax return or $32,000–$44,000 on a joint filing, up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable. If your income exceeds $34,000 on an individual return or $44,000 on one filed jointly, up to 85% of your benefits could be subject to federal taxes. A BUSINESS TAX BRUSH-UP If you’re a business owner, be sure to follow all relevant state, federal, and local guidelines for properly categorizing and filing payroll taxes — especially if you have a mix of employees and independent contractors. Additionally, ensure you know the state tax laws for any remote workers outside North Carolina.
• 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1/4 cup pine nuts • 1 cup spinach
• Fresh thyme, for garnish • Salt and pepper to taste • Cooked rice or linguine, for serving
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Legacy of Leadership PAGE 1 The Sleep Hack Your Brain Will Love PAGE 2
Big-Budget Movie Busts PAGE 2
Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce PAGE 3
Plan, Prioritize, Prevail! PAGE 3
Creative Cold-Weather Fun PAGE 4
CHILLS ’N THRILLS New Winter Wonders Await
can be a delight, as they often resemble broken glass as they cascade to the ground. If this activity sounds like a great time, ensure your kids are well protected from the elements so they don’t get too cold while creating their makeshift shards. BOLD ART ON THE SNOW If heavy snowfall has kept your kids from attending school for the day, why not turn their time away from class into a fun opportunity to use the mounds of flakes as a yard-length white canvas? All they’ll need to create art in the snow are squirt bottles, food coloring, and their imaginations. If you’re short of food coloring, your kitchen offers plenty of art supplies. For example, you can smash up blueberries and mix them with water to create natural purple “paint,” use tomatoes to make a red solution, and strawberries can add a touch of pink. Just be sure any ingredients your children use are safe for the environment — and watch as they create their own Picassos on your property! PLUNGE LIKE A POLAR BEAR Now, this one’s not for the faint of heart. A “polar bear plunge” is an activity where groups of people take ice-cold dips, runs, and leaps into a nearby river, lake, or ocean in the dead of winter, often to raise money for charity. If diving into freezing waters makes you shudder (or if there’s no way you’d let your children do that), you can still enjoy the event as a spectator — dressed comfortably in your warmest winter clothes.
If your kids are tired of building the same old snowman or taking another sled trip down the hill this winter, here are three fresh ideas for kids and teens — or the young at heart — to have new adventures in the snow. FROZEN BUBBLE FUN While adults may not care much for freezing temperatures, kids who dress warmly enough can find plenty of fun things to do in cold weather besides building another Frosty in the front yard. If the air is frigid enough, they may be able to blow bubbles that will freeze mid-air. Watching frozen bubbles pop
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