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APRIL 2021
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PATRIOT WEALTH
A SPORT STEEPED IN TRADITION The Game That Keeps On Giving
My grandfather and father played golf together every Saturday for more than 10 years. I was actually the one who put a stop to their tradition because, after I was born, Mom rightfully asked that Dad spend more Saturdays at home with her and the two kids. Still, golf was a tradition for my dad and grandpa, and because of their love for the sport, I found my way onto the green as well. I began golfing when I was about 9 or 10 years old at a junior golf camp just outside of my hometown near Philadelphia. I was instantly hooked. I played on my high school’s varsity golf team and attended college in North Carolina, where I could enjoy an extended golf season. To this day, I love to golf. It is a humbling sport where every round is unique. You can play a round of golf here in North Carolina, travel to Arizona, and compete on a very different course with its own challenging characteristics. That offers an experience you can’t find in many other sports, which require similar courts or fields for their participants. Beyond the pure joy I experience out on the course, it truly has provided me with much more. It is the game that keeps on giving. A good golfer knows that patience is a “must have” out on
the golf course. I have learned the value of patience many times over in my time playing — unfortunately the hard way! During a round, you are bound to experience plenty of poor shots you wish you could take back. Throughout my years enjoying this game, that has been a valuable lesson learned. In life, just as on the course, there will be bumps in the road. For me, it has been imperative to understand what you can change, understand what you cannot change, and to have the wisdom to distinguish between the two. Arguably one of the most important lessons I’ve taken from this game is respect. Grandpa sure was a stickler for playing the game the right way! From a young age, the focus was always on proper etiquette. It was important to my father and grandfather that I learned to have respect for not only the course but my competitors as well. I am forever thankful for their guidance as a youngster! Finally, the last lesson I’ve had the privilege of learning is risk management. I use a similar framework in the work I do every day for clients. As a golfer, you must be able to assess the risks ahead of you on each hole. This can be a sand trap, water hazard, or potentially long rough. You must be cognizant of
potential risks that lie ahead of each shot or you may be severely penalized. That same concept applies to investing and retirement planning! The key in risk management is the recognition of risk, not the elimination of it. There are always risks, but when we know they exist, it enables us to properly prepare for what may lie ahead. I’ve enjoyed many great rounds in my career as a golfer, including the weekend this past fall in Pinehurst with Wes to celebrate his birthday. Avid golfers will know how special that experience was! One of my lifelong dreams is to attend the Master’s Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, with my father. It would be an honor to be able to enjoy such a wonderful tradition with him. My favorite memories on the course are still the rounds played with my father and grandpa. I can assure you the competition was fierce, as we all have the competitive blood pumping through our veins! However, above all else, the time spent with family is what I cherish most.
–Austin Kobilka
P.S. For my fellow golf players, my favorite professional swing is Fred Couples. Who’s your favorite, and who are you rooting for this year?
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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DON’T SLEEP ON THESE TRACKING DEVICES WANT A BETTER NIGHT’S REST?
Sleep is essential for good health. It recharges your body and helps you start your day refreshed and alert. With so many wearable devices and sleep tracking apps on the market now, you may be wondering if you should be tracking your sleep.
to keep in mind that while sleep trackers can provide valuable insights, the data they produce is based on an estimate rather than a direct measurement. For a full analysis of your sleep patterns, you should schedule a sleep study. WHICH DEVICE SHOULD YOU GET? There are many trackers out there — including medical-grade trackers — so how do you decide which is right for you? You’ll want to assess both the cost of the device and the kind of data you’d like to collect. The Actiwatch is a medical-grade tracker that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is often used by doctors. However, it can cost up to several thousand dollars. Store-bought sleep trackers are not as accurate as the Actiwatch, but they are more affordable and still provide useful insights. If you choose to use a Fitbit, Jawbone Up, or an Android watch, you should track your nightly sleep as well as any naps you take throughout the day to get the best results. If you are having a severe case of insomnia, narcolepsy, or any other sleeping disorder, it’s essential to speak to your doctor who knows your medical history. They can help you find the best solution to a good night’s rest.
If any of the following apply to you, you may benefit from using a sleep tracker.
• You have difficulty sleeping soundly. You wake up repeatedly throughout the night, either due to environmental noises (a snoring partner) or a sleep disorder (sleep apnea). • You feel exhausted during the day. When you don’t get enough sleep at night, you’ll feel tired during the day and may have difficulty focusing and be less productive. • You want to improve your performance. Whether you’re an athlete or you simply want to do your best at work, consistently getting a full night’s sleep is essential. WHAT DO SLEEP TRACKERS MONITOR? A typical sleep tracker monitors your sleep phases, quality, duration, and environmental factors. Some devices strap to your wrist, while others clip onto a pillow or monitor from a bedside table. Many track your heartbeat and movement. It’s important
THE NEST DEBATE
Should You Sell Your Home or Stay Put in Retirement?
Retirement is a new direction, often one that’s bound by waking up when you want to and limiting your exposure to email. But another significant change is the desire to downsize — or the curiosity of living somewhere new. If you’re thinking about selling your home when you retire, or you’re curious to know if it’s a smart move, consider both sides of the argument. THE ARGUMENT FOR SELLING Selling your home in retirement does offer some lifestyle benefits. You can upgrade to a newer space and move to a region where you’ve always wanted to live, and you don’t have to live in a house. When it comes to the financial gains of selling your home in retirement, the benefits may be a no-brainer. First, it’s important to consider what you want to pay. Would this move eliminate maintenance costs? Do you want a mortgage, or are you happy with a paid-off house? With interest rates as low as they are, a new mortgage could be an affordable option. (In fact, when interest rates are as good as they are now, consider putting less money down, even if you have enough to buy the home outright, to lower the financial impact of the purchase.)
Furthermore, if you have lived in your home for two of the last five years before the date of sale, you can eliminate $250,000– $500,000 from the capital gain on the sale of the house. That’s a big benefit! THE ARGUMENT FOR STAYING Consider your financial situation as a whole. Would buying a new house place a large burden on your savings and retirement? If yes, you may want to stay where your roots are planted. Some retirees don’t want the stress of a mortgage payment, and if the house has been well maintained, they don’t have to worry about repairs. If you can afford to pay outside help — like lawn care specialists, handyman services, or cleaners — and the costs of that help is less than owning a new house would be, that would be a big benefit, too. Lastly, some people feel an emotional and sentimental connection to their home. If this is you, selling may do more harm than good.
If you’re still not sure, or would like additional guidance, please give us a call today.
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North Carolina is known for a lot of things. It’s one of the best regions for retirees to live, has mild weather all year long, and the Raleigh brewery scene is among the best in the nation. It can’t get much better than that! Well … actually, you can add “known for its literary geniuses” to the list! Check Out These 3 North Carolina Authors
This spring, settle into a great tale written by one of these North Carolina authors you may never have heard of before.
DANIEL WALLACE Born in Alabama, Daniel Wallace is a storied author who has written six novels, authored and illustrated a children’s book, and is currently the J. Ross MacDonald Distinguished Professor of English at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His first novel, “Big Fish,” became a New York Times bestseller, and critics continue to rave about his storytelling abilities. Wallace has also been featured in many periodicals and has won numerous awards, including the Sir Walter Raleigh Prize for best fiction published in North Carolina. NANCY PEACOCK In 2018, Nancy Peacock was named the Piedmont Laureate, which is given to those who have achieved great feats in their field. For Peacock, that field is writing. Peacock is a historical fiction author who has written several books, one of which, “Life Without Water,” was named to The New York Times bestseller list. Peacock shares her wisdom with local writers as well, hosting numerous workshops in North Carolina. Writing continues to be her passion, and this quote from her speaks to her powerful ability to craft thoughtful stories: “A successful story is a successful portal, one that transports the reader into another world. I am always looking for the portals.” ANN B. ROSS Get ready to laugh with Ann B. Ross’ characters. Known for her witty take on life in the South and the “growing up” we do after big life events, Ross’ “Miss Julia” series takes inspiration from North Carolina, the state Ross has called home her entire life. The first of the series, “Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind,” was published in 1999 and reprinted six different times. It’s been sold internationally and translated into multiple languages. Her books have also become New York Times bestsellers.
TAKE A BREAK
RHUBARB OAT BARS INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped • 1 cup packed brown sugar, divided • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice • 4 tbsp water, divided
• 4 tsp cornstarch • 1 cup old-fashioned oats • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/3 cup butter, melted
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a medium saucepan, bring rhubarb, 1/2 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and 3 tbsp water to a boil. 3. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rhubarb is tender (about 5 minutes). 4. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining water, stirring until smooth. 5. Gradually add to the rhubarb mixture, return to a boil, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside. 6. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, coconut, salt, and remaining brown sugar. Stir in butter until mixture is crumbly. 7. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread rhubarb mixture on top, then sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. 8. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before enjoying! Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The 4 Lessons Golf Gave Me PAGE 1
Don’t Sleep on This Advice PAGE 2
Should I Sell My Home When I Retire? PAGE 2
Rhubarb Oat Bars PAGE 3
3 North Carolina Authors Whose Stories You’ll Love PAGE 3
The Origins of Pennsylvania Dutch PAGE 4
The Origins of a Truly American Language: Pennsylvania Dutch
endonym Deitsch, which means “Pennsylvania Dutch/German” or “German.” The terms Deitsch, Dutch, Diets, and Deutsch are all cognates of the proto-Germanic word piudiskaz, meaning “popular” or “of the people.” The language flourished safely within German immigrant communities and religious sects; however, while 10% of the original Pennsylvania Dutch settlers were Amish and Old Order Mennonites, today over 250,000 people speak the Germanic language, mainly in Pennsylvania and Ohio. You might be wondering how this language is different from German, considering its roots. It’s entirely different, as it turns out. Pennsylvania Dutch shares the most similarities with the Palatine German dialect, a small southwestern region of Germany where most Pennsylvanian settlers came from. If you can speak Pennsylvania Dutch, you can likely converse with Palatine Germans to a limited extent. Can you write in Pennsylvania Dutch? Yes! However, not many speakers read and write in it, so it doesn’t have standardized spelling rules. If you’re curious to see it in print, however, look at the only Pennsylvania Dutch newspaper in the U.S.: Hiwwe wie Driwwe. Scholarly efforts have also been made to advance the language, such as the Pennsylvania German Studies minor program at Kutztown University.
People often assume American culture isn’t as rich as other cultures, but that simply isn’t true. Americans have developed unique values, mannerisms, art, music, and even languages across their diverse nation. One great example of this is Pennsylvania Dutch. The language didn’t evolve from Dutch, interestingly enough. It started when early German immigrants needed to escape from the Holy Roman Empire regions of Europe to avoid religious persecution. Many of them escaped to Pennsylvania, which is still 29.9% German today. These immigrants generally didn’t bring many belongings; however, they did bring a rich dialect.
So, why is it called Pennsylvania Dutch? Rather than a mistranslation, it’s a corruption of the Pennsylvania German
We hope you enjoyed learning a new fact or two about American history! Enjoy your April!
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