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SEPTEMBER 2024
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For Sonny and Gunther HONORING THE DOGS WHO GAVE (AND STILL GIVE!) UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
I was 5 years old when my family brought home Gunther, a yellow lab. For the next decade, Gunther was part of our family. We had a black lab before Gunther, and after Gunther passed, we adopted a beagle. But I think of Gunther as my childhood dog. He was always around with a cheerful tail wag, whether that was in the pool, chasing down balls in the backyard, or even at the top of the stairs to welcome us home. One memory takes place in the backyard during a little at-home baseball practice. I grew up as an athlete, and my parents supported me in pursuing my athletic dreams. In fact, my dad was so supportive that he trained Gunther to chase after ground balls he would toss at me in the backyard so I would grow accustomed to distractions and learn to field the ball cleanly without mistakes. It went a little like this: I was in the backyard with my mitt, ready for action at the crack of the bat. My dad would chuck a ground ball near me, and — WHOOSH — Gunther would take off after the ball. I typically captured the ball before Gunther would get to me but of course there was the occasional crash of a 100-pound yellow lab into
a 9-year-old boy, making for quite the laugh for Dad! I have no doubt Gunther thought it was just a game we played, and truthfully, I loved it, too! I still get a little sad thinking about the day we had to put Gunther down in July 2009, but memories like the ones we created in my backyard continue to make me smile. It’s what makes owning a dog worth it. Despite the responsibilities and expenses that come with a pet, owning a dog means you have a constant companion, always loving, happy to see you, and for me, someone who always makes a bad day better. Walking through the door every evening makes it a little easier to forget what happened at work. All your dog cares about is seeing and welcoming you with open arms … er, paws. Today, my fiancée, Bridgette, and I find unconditional love from our pure-bred golden retriever, Sonny. We picked up Sonny after being on a waitlist for about two years. Today, Sonny is a 2-year-old “lap dog” who is always excited to spend time with us — whether it’s an adventure or an afternoon on the couch.
when we can, even if it’s just a trip to the brewery. One of my favorite things to do with Sonny is spend a Sunday afternoon on the couch with a big golf tournament on the TV (Master’s, PGA Championship, etc.) It’s one of my favorite things to do with Sonny, and he seems to enjoy time with me on the couch, too! Sonny just wants to be near (and be touching) the people he loves, and his presence is comforting.
Sonny is the kind of dog who is easy to travel with, so we try to bring him along
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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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Say Goodbye to Food Waste KEEP YOUR VEGGIES AND YOUR WALLET HAPPY WITH THESE HACKS
Say goodbye to tossing out forgotten veggies and stale bread because it’s time to turn your kitchen into a waste-free wonderland! Most people don’t realize how many of their meals wind up in the trash can or how much money they lose in spoiled food. By utilizing ingenious storage hacks, being aware of what you have in the fridge, and using a little culinary creativity, you can make your food last longer and save money. ADD WATER Water can be a magic ingredient when preserving fresh fruits and vegetables. You can keep lemons for 1–3 months by placing them in a cup of water in the refrigerator. Similarly, you can keep herbs fresher for longer by keeping them in a bouquet and submerging the bottom in water. Other veggies that do well when stored in a cup of water are spring onions, celery, and asparagus. To keep your berries fresh, soak them in water and vinegar. Rinse them well and dry them before storing them back in the fridge. PLAN AND SORT Each week, inventory your fridge and cupboard, noting what items you need to use first so they don’t spoil. Base your
shopping list and meals on what you already have to save money and reduce the food you throw away. Check the expiration dates of products and put the items about to go bad up front in your fridge or on the shelf so you reach for them first.
COOK SMART One of the best ways to reduce food waste is to manage the amount you prepare while cooking. Aim only to cook and serve the right amount for the number of people you feed. If you make a larger portion, eat the leftovers or use those ingredients to make something else. Produce that’s a little wilted can still be used in a soup, or you can turn stale bread bits into croutons. So, if you want to reduce the food you throw away, make the world a little greener, and keep your wallet fuller, these simple and effective tips can go a long way! From storing herbs in water to smart meal planning, you have the tools to turn the tide on food waste. DIVERSIFY YOUR INCOME STREAMS To not lose excess money to bear markets and sequence risk you must have a diverse portfolio with multiple income streams. Some of these might include: • Social Security benefits • Pension payments • Annuity income • Rental property income • Dividends from stocks • Interest from bonds ADJUSTING YOUR SPENDING IN BEAR MARKETS Another crucial strategy in your bear market playbook is being flexible with your spending. By reducing withdrawals during bear markets, you’re giving your investments a chance to recover, potentially extending the life of your portfolio. PLAN SMART, LIVE BETTER As we wrap up our bear market survival guide, remember this: Knowledge is power, but action is key. Don’t let the fear paralyze you. Instead, use this information to fortify your retirement plan. Consider working with the financial professionals at Patriot Wealth, who can help you create a diversified income strategy and guide you through the ups and downs of the market. Remember, retirement planning isn’t a one-time event — it’s an ongoing process. Regularly review and adjust your plan as needed. By staying informed, remaining flexible, and planning smart, you can navigate through bear markets and enjoy the retirement you’ve worked so hard to achieve. After all, our mantra at Patriot Wealth is “Plan Smart, Live Better.”
WINNING STRATEGIES FOR BEAR MARKETS FLEX YOUR FINANCES
The seas of retirement planning often feature choppy waters. One of the most treacherous is the bear market — a period of prolonged price declines in the stock market. While challenging for all investors, bear markets can be devastating for those in retirement. But a bear market isn’t the end of the world; we’re here to share how to navigate a bear market and how to handle sequence risk. WHAT IS SEQUENCE RISK? Sequence risk occurs when the timing of withdrawals from a retirement account damages the investor’s overall return. This risk is amplified during bear markets, especially in the early years of retirement. Even if the market eventually recovers, this scenario can have long-lasting effects on retirement income.
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In a world where prices seem to be on an endless upward spiral, understanding inflation has become more crucial than ever. But fear not! We’re here to demystify inflation, explore its impact on our daily lives, and arm you with strategies to combat its effects. WHY DOES INFLATION HAPPEN? Imagine the economy is a giant balloon. When too much air (money) is pumped into it, the balloon expands, and each unit of air (dollar) becomes less significant. Factors like increased government spending, rising production costs, and even our own expectations can contribute to this economic phenomenon. HOW INFLATION IMPACTS OUR EVERYDAY LIVES Inflation affects every aspect of life, not just the price tag on your favorite cereal. It can be particularly challenging for retirees on fixed incomes, potentially diminishing their quality of life. STRATEGIES TO COMBAT INFLATION We can’t single-handedly stop inflation, but we can take steps to protect ourselves from its effects. Some strategies include investing wisely, continuing education to increase your wages, budgeting, and managing any debt you may have. FINDING OPPORTUNITIES IN INFLATIONARY TIMES Believe it or not, inflation isn’t all doom and gloom. For homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages, inflation can actually be beneficial as it effectively reduces the real value of their debt over time. Savvy investors can also find opportunities in sectors that perform well during inflationary periods, such as energy or commodities. Understanding inflation is like learning to ride a bike on a hilly road. It may seem daunting at first, but with practice and the right tools, you can confidently navigate the ups and downs. You can survive and thrive Your Anti-Inflation Arsenal BATTLING THE BALLOON
Having Sonny has been special for many reasons, but one of the biggest highlights is that Sonny is the first dog I have ever owned. There is a sense of responsibility, accountability, and most of all love for the dog that I had not experienced before. Growing up, I helped with my dogs, but my parents were always around to take on our dogs’ big needs. Now, with Sonny, it’s up to Bridgette and me to ensure he is trained well, safe, and most importantly has some fun along the way! Training Sonny was a big project we took on together, and I believe it’s helped him become the goofy, easy-going dog he is today. Dogs will give us all the love in the world, but they are also 99% of what we pour into them. Every dog is a product of their environment, whether they are being taught to chase down grounders to help their 9-year-old human achieve his baseball dreams or snuggling with Dad on a Sunday watching Scottie Scheffler capture another Master’s Green Jacket! With all the love and loyalty dogs give us, we owe it to them to provide a loving and safe environment — oh, and a couple of toys as well :)
– Austin Kobilka
Perfect Peach Cobbler
• 6 cups sliced fresh peaches • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces • 1/2 cup milk • 2 tbsp butter, melted INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, 2 tbsp flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until blended, then spoon into prepared dish. 3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. 4. Cut in butter with forks or
in an inflationary environment by staying informed, making smart financial decisions, and remaining adaptable. Remember, knowledge is power, and in the face of rising prices, it’s your best defense. So, the next time you hear about inflation in the news, you’ll be ready to face it head-on, armed with understanding and a solid game plan.
pastry knife until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Add milk and stir until just blended. 6. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto peach mixture and drizzle melted butter on top. 7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until top is golden brown.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Value of Man’s Best Friend PAGE 1
Easy Tricks for a Greener Kitchen PAGE 2
Protecting Your Nest Egg Today PAGE 2
Perfect Peach Cobbler PAGE 3
Navigate the Rising Tide of Prices PAGE 3
Beyond Big Ben and Buckingham Palace PAGE 4
EXPLORE LONDON’S QUIRKY CORNERS FROM TEA TO TOMBS
THE FIRST PUBLIC DRINKING FOUNTAIN London is home to perhaps the most fascinating water fountain in the world. This simple granite basin, built in 1859 and adorned with the words “Replace the cup,” was the first public water fountain. Before then, water was precious, monopolized by water companies, rare to come by, and undrinkable. As people pushed for public access to water, a philanthropist named Samuel Gurney created this fountain, attached to the gates of the St. Sepulchre-without-Newgate Church on Holborn Hill. It became an instant hit. An estimated 7,000 people would stop for a drink daily when it first hit the scene. The city has many hidden treasures, whether you hope to catch a vampire in one of London’s historic cemeteries or sip on a culturally esteemed drink.
Twinings Tea Shop. Opened in 1706, the shop quickly became known for having the finest teas around and continues to serve tasty cups. Twinings has been the official tea supplier to the royal family since 1837, and its original logo remains on the building. HIGHGATE CEMETERY If you want to see the city’s spookier side, the Highgate Cemetery is one of the most impressive of London’s “Magnificent Seven” park cemeteries. The Victorian Gothic-style tombs and buildings were built in 1839, and it has a history of vampires, too! Multiple Hammer horror films were shot there in the 1970s, and two magicians famously challenged each other to find and kill a vampire there around the same time. Neither was successful, but it remains a popular site for lovers of the paranormal and the occult.
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Big Ben’s massive clock face, London Bridge’s walkway, and Buckingham Palace — London is known worldwide for its many historic landmarks. But tucked into all its layers of culture are truly unusual and lesser-known attractions to explore. So, brush up on your Monty Python, pack an umbrella for London’s rainy days, and set a course for the most unique experiences England’s capital has to offer. TWININGS TEA SHOP A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without tea time, and there’s no better place to explore the city’s historic love affair with this aromatic beverage than
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