Check out our November newsletter!
NOVEMBER 2025
PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM PHONE | 919.322.4113
BEYOND THE BALANCE SHEET
WHAT DRIVES MY CLIENT CARE
Being a professional financial planner has less to do with money than you may think. November is the time most of us pause and express our gratitude for all the extraordinary gifts our lives have given us. As I consider what I’m most thankful for in my professional life as I write this article, my mind goes straight to my belief that what I do means more than just making numbers work on paper. My career at Patriot Wealth gives me a unique perspective on people’s lives. Money is an emotional and intimate subject for many folks. Their life experiences, work histories, and personal relationships largely shape how they save or spend it. As we all know, a lot of uncertainty lurks in virtually every aspect of our lives these days, so I find great fulfillment in helping clients find the most sustainable and prosperous path forward for their finances and peace of mind. It’s very easy in this business to get caught up in the numbers and minutiae of day-to-day planning and executing tasks. However, when I zoom out and look at the big picture, I realize that money is just a tool , not the primary reward. Seeing how our clients use that money, whether they’re taking that long-awaited trip or
strengthening their family’s well-being, motivates me to keep going. Over the years, I’ve heard stories from clients about how, after working with us, they could fund their child’s wedding. I’ve also received news of other clients who’ve used the savings I helped them achieve on a memorable trip for their 50th wedding anniversary or another long-dreamt-of overseas adventure. We’ve also received plenty of tangible thank-you gifts from clients, ranging from handwritten notes to homemade cookies to bottles of wine. Each one helps us know that Patriot Wealth is on track and that we’re fulfilling our promises to people. The thank-yous I receive also remind me that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else for a career. Whether you ask my wife, my parents, or Wes, they’ll tell you I’m far from an introvert and that I thrive on people. That’s one of the reasons I love traveling so much; it allows me to meet new people, experience their cultures, and see how they work, live, and enjoy themselves. And that’s also why I go to work every day here at home. When people first come to us, they may not know what they don’t know. It’s my honor to help them see what’s possible with their retirement plans and financial
futures. In many instances, I smile and watch as the picture becomes clear to them. They’ll say things like, “I don’t need to work until 65, right? I can retire at 62 and watch the grandkids three days a week?” or “I can retire three years earlier than I thought and actually go to the gym every day with my wife! We can go to concerts and take the trip we’ve been waiting for!” I can’t think of many other careers that would allow me to provide people with that happiness. To everyone who has ever taken the time to update me on how their financial planning has helped them and their families, THANK YOU! I also appreciate every wine bottle, cookie tray, and personalized note that has ever hit my desk. Most of all, thank you for allowing me to help make your days brighter and more secure. That will always be the greatest gift you can ever give me.
Happy Thanksgiving!
–Austin Kobilka
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.
PATRIOT WEALTH | 919.322.4113 | P1
Whisking Up New Traditions This Thanksgiving Fill Your Holiday With Gratitude and Games
Turkey Day Trivia There’s no better way to digest after the big Thanksgiving feast than having fun. Pick out some of your favorite board games or a deck of cards for a post-meal game night. You could test everyone’s knowledge with a holiday-themed trivia competition or create a scavenger hunt around the house. No matter the game, ensure everyone from grandparents to kids can join in. Keep it focused on connection, not just winning. If you want to go all out, challenge all your guests to be ready with their best skills for a family talent show.
The holidays are a magical time that brings together loved ones and a little chaos. Between the pie-making and travel plans, it can be easy to forget what we’re gathering to celebrate. This Thanksgiving, let’s not just carve the turkey, but also carve out some time for mindful traditions the whole family can enjoy. From sharing what you’re thankful for to hosting a family Thanksgiving talent show, this year is the perfect chance to create new traditions that deepen connections and spark laughter. Get ready to gobble up the fun together.
Gather for Gratitude Thanksgiving is all about honoring what we are grateful for in life, and it can be a fun activity for you and your children to share. You can gamify gratitude in several ways, like creating a thankfulness jar where everybody adds slips of paper describing what they most appreciate. You can take turns reading them after dinner and even make a guessing game out of who wrote what. It could be as simple as gathering around the table for breakfast and everyone saying one thing they’re grateful for.
A Soundtrack to the Stuffing Create a perfect soundtrack you can play while everyone helps with the cooking or winds down after dessert. Before the big day, ask everyone in the family to add one or two songs to a Thanksgiving playlist. Prompt them to pick tunes that remind them of the season, happy memories, the joys of being together, or even their favorite dishes. You can keep adding to this list in subsequent years, turning the songs into a playable family history.
Do Budgeting Apps Actually Help
Or Just Feel Productive?
Subscription Costs and Privacy Fears Premium features aren’t free. Apps like YNAB, Simplifi, or PocketGuard cost upward of $3–$15 a month. Some free apps monetize via data sharing or ads. Even with encryption, there’s always a risk when sensitive financial data is stored digitally. Restrictive Mindsets and Stress Budgeting tools that rigidly enforce every dollar allocated can sometimes foster anxiety around spending. Users may feel guilty even for small wants, or experience friction in social settings when budget limits feel oppressive rather than helpful.
Keeping track of your money used to mean balancing checkbooks or jotting down expenses in a notebook. Today, it’s as simple as downloading an app. Budgeting tools like YNAB and Monarch promise clarity, control, and smarter spending from your phone. But as more people use these digital money managers, a fair question arises: Are these apps helping us take control of our finances, or are they just another thing to manage in an already busy life? The case for ‘You’re better with apps.’ Instant Awareness and Insight Connect your accounts, and your entire spending picture comes into focus. You’ll see real-time updates as purchases roll in, budget categories fill up, and savings goals progress. That kind of visibility makes it easier to spot patterns, adjust habits, and make smarter financial choices day to day, often leading to better savings or faster debt payoff. Behavioral Change Made Easier Many apps teach a mindset and help users understand and align spending with values. They work on embracing
true expenses, letting money age, and teaching individuals how to roll with the punches of stocks and other investments. Motivation Through Goal-Setting Whether you’re saving $1,000 or planning a vacation, watching progress visually in an app keeps you motivated. Like fitness trackers, financial apps reward steady efforts with reports and nudges that reinforce positive habits. But are you just getting busier? Time Sink or Digital Chore? Digging into your budget with an app can feel like opening a can of worms. There’s always another category to adjust, a mislabeled transaction
The choice is yours! Many users find the sweet spot: Use an app for automatic tracking, but limit deep interaction to
to fix, or settings to fine- tune. While many users appreciate the flexibility apps offer compared to traditional
weekly reviews. This approach
spreadsheets, the constant need to review and manage the details can still drain your focus and energy.
combines insight without turning your budget into a marathon slog.
P2 | PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM
BIG BUCKS IN RARE JOBS Unexpected Earnings
Want to give someone excellent career advice? Encourage them to study feet or gums … or point them toward the nearest casino.
According to a recent article on indeed.com , some six-figure U.S.
salaries in 2025 come from very surprising sources. Here are three uncommon career paths that could lead to considerable wealth.
TAKE A BREAK
The medicinal path to a quarter million. Podiatrists and periodontists are among the
most essential and valued medical professionals worldwide. Podiatrists specialize in treating injuries and conditions affecting the lower legs, ankles, and feet, while periodontists focus on treating gums and bones to preserve dental health. While both fields require intense education and training, they provide annual salaries of approximately $250,000 for anyone willing to go the distance. Big gains in gambling times. If you have five years of managerial experience and don’t mind the constant sounds of slot machines, you could pursue a career as a casino manager. In exchange for overseeing this fast-paced environment and ensuring the establishment stays compliant with state and federal laws, you could earn more than $145,000 a year. The perks of high-pay hacking. In a time when spam emails and identity theft run rampant, being a skilled hacker is rarely perceived as an honorable profession. However, many companies hire people to use their shadowy skills for ethical purposes. Commonly known in the business world as “white hat hackers,” these professionals utilize their expertise to test an employer’s online systems and networks for potential security weaknesses. Those pursuing this in-demand position can earn at least $200,000 annually. Whether you’re drawn to health care, hospitality, or the highest levels of today’s tech, these examples point to a bright future for anyone looking for a left-of-center route toward earning a great living.
Apple-Cranberry Salad
INGREDIENTS • 6 slices of bacon • 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Inspired by WanderlustAndWellness.org
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries • 1 Honeycrisp apple,
• 1/3 cup olive oil • 2 tbsp raw honey • 8 oz fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup feta cheese
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and honey. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, add spinach, cranberries, apple slices, red onion, and feta. Crumble bacon pieces over the top. Use salad forks to toss ingredients thoroughly. 4. Add dressing to the salad and toss again until well-coated.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Thanks to Treasured Clients PAGE 1
From Thankful Jars to Turkey Trivia PAGE 2
Are Budgeting Apps Making Us Smarter or More Stressed? PAGE 2
Apple-Cranberry Salad PAGE 3
Big Careers You Didn’t See Coming PAGE 3
Paradise Found PAGE 4
TROPICAL ESCAPES TO SAVOR Bungalows and Bliss
Whether you’re looking to book a tropical trip this winter or want to live vicariously through descriptions of dream destinations, this article is for you! From overwater bungalows to swim-up bars, these resorts redefine relaxation in some of the world’s most glamorous getaways. A Spectacular South Asian Sojourn If you want to add flavor to your wintertime festivities with an international jaunt, the Maldives, just southwest of India, is home to some of the world’s most renowned resorts. Celebrated for its spacious rooms, private pools, and “floating breakfasts,” The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, boasts seven restaurants offering a vast array of global delicacies. Another Maldives mainstay, Soneva Fushi, offers some of the largest overwater villas in
the world, perfect for viewing the area’s breathtakingly clear waters. And if you’re a fan of exploring tropical travel via social media, you’ve likely caught an eyeful of Instagram favorite Soneva Jani. This Maldives destination provides guests plenty of playful options, ranging from a waterslide to a trip on one of the resort’s seaplanes. Of course, an extraordinary vacation doesn’t necessarily mean spending time in an expansive environment. Those looking to balance luxury with a low-key vibe should check out Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, a boutique resort that invites guests to lounge on a private water hammock as their worries wash away. Fresh Perks in French Polynesia Outdoor bungalows are also a big hit in Bora Bora. In addition to in-room
pools, the Four Seasons Bora Bora resort offers guests a view of Mount Otemanu that all intrepid travelers should experience at least once. Over at the Westin Bora Bora, vacationers can take in the locale’s modern aesthetics while sipping cocktails at its swim-up bar. If you plan to travel with a large group, the two-story Presidential Suites and overwater villas at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui are outstanding options. Not surprisingly, Bora Bora isn’t the only place to visit in French Polynesia. Although the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa tends to book up quickly due to its smaller size, it’s worth trying to get a room for this vacation spot’s famous snorkeling sites alone.
P4 | PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM
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