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FEBRUARY 2026
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A STEAM-LED PATH TO PEACE Heat and Health
Friday nights do not look like they used to for many of us.
it. It’s been highly effective in helping me feel refreshed and get a good night’s sleep, especially when combined with getting my body moving through a good workout. Spending time
When many of us were growing up, the evening at the end of the workweek (or after five long days of studying in school) was a time to unwind, go out, meet up with friends, and kick off a weekend of fun. These days, however, the thought of going out and hitting the town may make us feel even more tired than we do when we clock out at work for the next two days! Being an adult means earning a living and being responsible for our own successes and security. Many of us are fortunate enough to enjoy lives and professions that bring us plenty of fulfillment, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a struggle at times to stay physically healthy and mentally clear amid all the other responsibilities we have. February has always been a time for personal refinement. After all, it gets its name from a Latin phrase that means “month of purification.” That said, my wife and I have found a fantastic way to do something healthy and fun to kickstart the weekend without an evening of parking garages, crowds, and restaurant reservations … and it could be the recharge you need. When we prefer a quieter way to relax and still enjoy the company of other people, we head to The Sauna House in Durham. This Finnish-style bathhouse boasts cold plunges in addition to saunas, and it’s a great place to go to recharge physically and mentally. (They also recently opened a location in Raleigh for those in the area!) If you’ve yet to experience the healing powers of a sauna yourself, allow me to share why I’m such a fan. I started going to saunas about five years ago, and I make it a point to visit the one at my gym 3–5 times a week. From my experience, it’s hard not to feel better after doing
at The Sauna House, in particular, has been great, as it’s a nice way to connect with the community. It’s the perfect balance between relaxation and social connection.
The use of saunas for improving physical and mental health has spanned centuries, cultures, and ethnicities. Turkish hammams (wet saunas, if you will) have been around for thousands of years, and similar practices are also commonplace in Russia, Finland, Sweden, and other Scandinavian countries (to name just a few). In today’s day and age of quick fixes and instant gratification, saunas are a holistic approach to wellness that can benefit cardiovascular health and potentially help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Additionally, some studies suggest that it has the potential to contribute to a reduction in all-cause mortality by approximately 40%. While I recommend consulting your physician first before making any changes to your health regimen, I can’t speak highly enough about how spending time in saunas has impacted my life. If you haven’t yet explored this avenue for greater purification, give it a chance. It could make your mind, body, and spirit clearer and stronger than ever before … all without needing to navigate crowds and traffic to find enjoyment on a Friday night.
– 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.
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The Golden Game Plan A STRONGER FOCUS ON FRUGAL FINANCES
As you prepare for retirement, it’s never a bad idea to critically examine your current expenses and determine which costs you should keep or discard as your income changes. Here are three thoughts on streamlining your budget for greater security in your senior years. A Redundant Risk Evaluation When raising families, we implement ways to ensure financial security if unexpected circumstances affect a breadwinner’s income. Expenses like disability and life insurance may have been critical costs in years past, but perhaps you’re at a point where these policies could be reconsidered. If you’re approaching retirement and your children are grown and out of the house, you may no longer need to cover yourself
surprise you that the average American family tosses $1,600 in produce annually! Although you’ll likely have fewer mouths to feed as you age, the likelihood of at least some of your groceries ending up in the garbage can is still high. Planning your meals in advance and purchasing only the necessary items to prepare them is one way to reduce unnecessary food spending, especially as the likelihood of sticker shock at the supermarket seems slim at best in the new year. Midweek Moments of Meaning One of the beautiful things about reaching an age when you’re done raising young children is that you’re no longer beholden to schedules that accommodate their needs first. Gone are the
days of waiting for summer or holidays, which are among the priciest times of the year to travel, to take a vacation. With more flexibility in your daily schedule, you can now plan trips in a more budget-conscious way. Flights and accommodations often cost less during weekdays or in the spring and fall, and you can save even more by taking advantage of AARP discounts where available.
in the event of a disability. Additionally, a life insurance payout for your family may not be as critical now as it would have been if you had passed away when your kids were younger. Simple Suppers That Save Cents A food budget should be based on what you throw out, not what you eat. It may
Cushion Your Crisis
TIPS FOR CONQUERING UNEXPECTED COSTS
A loved one in another state becomes incapacitated or seriously ill. A “restructuring” at work leaves you with the sudden need to find a new job. A severe weather event damages your property or impacts your livelihood. These are just a few of the unexpected events that can darken our economic outlook and upend our financial plans. The best way to avoid a disaster is to prepare. Here are three reminders that can help even the most diligent savers better protect themselves when life changes unexpectedly. Anticipate financial adversity. Let’s say your income dried up today. How long would you be able to live without resorting to credit and loans (and the interest that comes with them)? If your answer isn’t “3–6 months,” it’s time to consider ways to save for an emergency fund like never before. Even if you’re retired or (hopefully) don’t face an unforeseen financial crisis, having at least this amount saved can help you address other matters, such as a sudden out-of-state trip to attend a funeral or care for an ill loved one over an extended period. Choose car insurance wisely, not inexpensively. It may seem counterintuitive, but spending more on auto insurance is a wise way to protect your money. Here’s why: The more expensive your insurance, the more it often covers. Seeking a low monthly premium can leave you paying a deductible of $1,000 (or even more) for repair costs in the event of an accident. If the extent of the damage is large enough, the monthly savings of a cheap premium could mean very little compared to the hefty amount you’ll be required to shell out before your insurance even kicks in.
When purchasing auto insurance, it’s best to select a policy based on having to use it someday, not just how much money you can save each month. Safeguard your estate. Although it may be an uncomfortable
topic for many, a truly protective financial plan should also include
consideration for how your finances will be handled, including where or to whom they’ll go, upon your passing. If it’s been some time since you’ve reviewed your estate plan, it’s essential to do so as soon as possible to ensure all your critical documentation and details (medical directives, trusts, beneficiaries, powers of attorney, etc.) are up to date and correctly reflect your wishes.
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YOUTHFUL YEARS, WISER WEALTH
Of all the myths surrounding money, the most prevalent (and potentially most devastating) is the false notion that retirement planning is an older person’s game. In reality, people should plan for their financial futures as soon as they start earning money. Here are two important points to share with the new or young workers in your life to help them gain a better understanding of how their actions today could significantly impact their happiness and success tomorrow. There’s no such thing as starting too soon. Remember when we were kids, and the thought of reaching our 60s seemed too far into the future to comprehend? The reality is that retirement will arrive for young people sooner than they think. Even if a teenager has just begun their first- ever job, they should consider saving at least 15% of their net income and make that figure the minimum benchmark in years to come. Industry analysts suggest that most people should begin saving for retirement by the time they’re 25. If someone starts saving later in life, they should consider contributing more than 15% as soon as possible, even if they need to start with smaller amounts and gradually increase their savings over time. Credit cards aren’t always costly. While the buy now, pay later allure of credit cards can lead to financial hurdles for adults of any age, it may still be worthwhile to encourage younger people to use them. Building a good credit score increases the chances of getting a mortgage, purchasing a car, or being approved for a rental apartment. Additionally, because many companies offer rewards programs, a credit card can provide valuable additional funds that can be used for emergencies, travel, essential purchases, and even investments. However, these incentives lose their luster if a cardholder ends up making high-interest purchases on their card beyond their means and suddenly can’t pay off their balances each month. Credit cards are only practical tools if used responsibly. Retirement Principles for Young Professionals
TAKE A BREAK
DIRECTIONS 1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. 2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. 3. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden. 4. In a small bowl, mix hot honey and minced garlic to create a glaze. 5. Place the seared chicken in a baking dish. Pour the hot honey mixture over top. 6. Sprinkle chicken with crumbled feta, then rosemary or thyme. 7. Bake at 400 F for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. 8. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra caramelization. 9. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon juice and extra herbs before serving. HOT HONEY- INFUSED FETA CHICKEN
INGREDIENTS • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 tbsp hot honey • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 3 tbsp crumbled feta cheese • 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped (or thyme) • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Inspired by LadySavor.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Rest and Renewal Without the Noise PAGE 1
Reduce Risks, Reap Rewards PAGE 2
A Better Budget Buffer PAGE 2
Hot Honey-Infused Feta Chicken PAGE 3
Early Planning, Enduring Peace PAGE 3
Reclaiming Valentine’s Day for Yourself PAGE 4
Your Valentine’s Day Self-Care Guide LOVE YOURSELF LIKE YOU MEAN IT
For many Americans, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with romance. We get reservations weeks or months in advance, shower our partners in love and affection, and enjoy an extravagant date night. It’s a day filled with high expectations, and with that comes stress and pressure. If you feel like you’re always going above and beyond to impress on Valentine’s Day without getting the same effort in return, it may be time to show yourself some extra love. Everyone deserves a happy and fulfilling life, but it can be hard to achieve when work, relationships, and other pressures weigh us down. Most of us rarely take time for ourselves, so as the pressure builds, we start to experience episodes of burnout, depression, and anxiety. This Valentine’s Day or sometime close to it, take time for yourself and practice self-care. It will help you feel rejuvenated while removing any negative thoughts that have been lingering around. How you approach self-care is entirely up to you, but it almost always involves engaging in relaxing and enjoyable activities. Think about the things you love to do the most. When was the last time you played a round of golf, went on a walk through nature, or enjoyed your favorite movie uninterrupted?
Whatever your favorite activity may be, find a way to incorporate it into your self-care day. In addition to your favorite activities, take some time to pamper yourself. Get a massage, buy something for yourself that you really want, or take a long, relaxing bath. These actions will help you feel good inside and out!
To ensure your self-care day is a success, consider turning off your phone and other devices for the duration of the day. Scrolling through social media will not help you feel any better; in fact, it will likely make you feel worse. This is a time to focus on yourself and ensure you get the attention and love you deserve. If you waste the whole day scrolling through TikTok or X, you’ll focus on everything but yourself.
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