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NOVEMBER 2024
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TOUCHDOWNS AND TRIUMPHS The Thrill of Football Fandom To say I’m a football fan is an understatement!
be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2029. Jason’s 13-year career embodied the hard-
Ever since I was a kid, the action on the gridiron has awed and inspired me. In my opinion, football is the ultimate team sport. It teaches you about teamwork, discipline, selflessness, and communication — core values you would want anyone to have. It also brings communities together in extraordinary ways. If you don’t believe me, visit Beaver Stadium at Penn State sometime and witness more than 100,000 people enjoying a game! Football has always been in my blood. Growing up about 50 minutes west of Philadelphia, I couldn’t ignore the Eagles’ massive influence on our local culture. The sport was everywhere , and I spent my my childhood playing it as much as possible, whether that was in the backyard or organized on an actual field with my teammates. As I grew up, I became a massive Penn State fan — which isn’t too surprising considering that pretty much my whole family are alumni — and I loved seeing so many people enjoy daylong tailgate parties and all the other camaraderie that comes from being a part of one of America’s greatest pastimes. At these games, it was common to see an 80-year-old who had season tickets for the past 40-plus years seated next to a 4-year-old. Football transcends race, ethnicity, and age and never fails to unite people. There’s nothing else in the world quite like it. As much as I cherish the game itself, I admire the people who play it even more. Brian Dawkins, the Eagles’ legendary safety, was easily my favorite player and biggest athletic inspiration growing up. These days, my favorite Eagle of all time goes to retired center Jason Kelce. One of the most beloved players in history, he went from being a sixth-round NFL draft pick to a six-time Pro-Bowler and seven-time All- Pro selection — and many fans have argued that he should
nosed grit that defines the Philadelphia spirit, and he made the city proud. If you don’t believe me, just go watch his Super Bowl Parade speech from the 2017 season!
Although Jason earned international fame as an incredible football player, his local community loves him because he’s an even better person. An autism awareness advocate, he participates in the Eagles Autism Foundation to raise money for the cause. For the past four years, he’s been a celebrity bartender at annual fundraisers at the Ocean Drive Bar & Restaurant in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. To date, the events have raised nearly $650,000 for autism research. It’s one thing to be a vital member of a great sports team, but it’s truly remarkable to be a community member who cares enough to give of himself to better the lives of others. Jason is a hero on and off the field and sets a tremendous example of using success for the greater good. Jason embodies exactly what it means to be a Philadelphian. Competitive, hard-nosed, never-quit attitude. A man who loved and respected the game, but more importantly, loved the city just as much. I’m grateful to have been introduced to football at such a young age, as it set the foundation for how I live. Teamwork, dedication, and perseverance are essential in all facets of life, and sports always drove me to do — and be — my very best. If you ever need a dose of excitement, get to a stadium and you will understand why I am such a huge fan! Go Birds! –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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WHAT SMART BIRD FEEDERS HAVE TO OFFER 1080P BIRDWATCHING
Have you ever gawked at a gorgeous bird with resplendent plumage, an immaculate beak, and its hypnotic call, only to have it fly from your view, never to return? When you try to tell your friends about this beautiful visitor, do they look at you with mild disinterest and disbelief? Then a Smart Bird Feeder may be just the thing for you! These new devices combine technology and convenience to benefit anyone wanting to enjoy the sights and sounds of their backyard birdies.
a bird on its perch, the high-quality Wi-Fi camera begins recording. These videos are saved to the cloud or the camera’s memory card. Some Smart Bird Feeders even alert you to the presence of the birds by sending notifications to your smartphone. Naturally, you can also access the videos directly from your smartphone and share them with friends and family. Not only will your Smart Bird Feeder record birds, but it will also identify them. AI technology can scan the bird and compare it to its vast database of feathered specimens, giving you the exact identity of your flying visitor. For example, the Netvue Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder can identify over 6,000 bird species. DON’T SQUAWK AT THE PRICE. One of the downsides of opting for a Smart Bird Feeder is the price tag. The Netvue Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder, which Wirecutter recommends in The New York Times, costs $169.99 with a lifetime subscription to its AI service and $129.99 when paired with a monthly subscription. On the plus side, it comes with solar panels, so it can run all hours of the day without needing a battery change. If you are a verified bird-watcher and interested in turning your backyard into a videographer’s apiary, then a Smart Bird Feeder may be a great purchase!
HOW DO THEY WORK? Regular bird feeders are great for feeding local flying friends, although they are susceptible to being knocked over or spilling their contents when the weather turns. Since Smart Bird Feeders only dispense seed as needed, they mitigate the problem of losing feed and pack in the functionality of a game camera. When the sensors on a Smart Bird Feeder detect
CELEBRATE SMART, SPEND LESS
A Guide to Financially Healthy Holidays
SPEND A DOLLAR, SAVE A DOLLAR. Now that you’re shopping much earlier than usual, you can transform your holiday shopping into smarter savings. For every dollar you spend on holiday gifts throughout the year, remove a dollar from your everyday spending and save it instead. You can then put that saved money toward your emergency fund — which, ideally, should always be sizeable enough to support you for 3–6 months if your health or employment status takes an unexpected turn. FLY FRUGALLY. As anyone who’s tried to book a last- minute flight surely knows, it’s best to finalize your holiday travel plans well in advance if budgeting is a concern. According to Expedia, travelers can save up to 24% on domestic flights by booking
The holidays are traditionally a time for family bonding and festive celebrations, but they could also be a catalyst for financial disaster if you let your spending spiral out of control. Here are a few quick tips to help keep your holiday cheer from breaking the bank. ESCAPE THE TIME TRAP. If you find yourself racing through department stores every Dec. 20 in a frantic attempt to clear your holiday shopping list, purchasing gifts in springtime or summer may be a safer bet. Giving yourself more time to shop reduces the stress of being in heavy crowds, lessens your worries about shipping delays, and helps you avoid impulsive last-minute spending that could leave an unanticipated hole in your budget.
at least a month in advance. If you intend to fly internationally over Christmas, you’ll capture the highest savings by buying your ticket no later than June. RAISE MONEY-SAVVY KIDS. The holidays are a great time to teach children the value of money. As they create shopping lists, help them budget for each person and track their spending. The earlier they learn about finances, the better they’ll manage their funds in the future.
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ESSENTIAL PROTECTION TIPS FOR WEATHER EMERGENCIES Disaster-Proof Your Life
We can’t control Mother Nature, but we can control how we respond to her disasters.
TAKE A BREAK
Hurricanes and other severe weather incidents have the potential to take away more than just our sense of calm. These simple reminders will help you better protect your physical and financial health if an uncontrollable event hits your home. PERFECT YOUR HOME DISASTER PLAN. First and foremost, every household should have a disaster kit that contains medical supplies and critical medications in case you and your family need to vacate the premises promptly. Before an emergency affects your safety, review your home and property thoroughly to identify safe spots and potentially dangerous areas. Discuss and develop an evacuation plan with your family members, and be sure to post emergency phone numbers and other contact information in a place that’s easy to see. Also, keep important documentation — such as passports, medical records, and pet ID information — gathered in a safe and readily accessible location. CASH WINS IN A CRISIS. With so many of our financial transactions conducted automatically online or via credit/debit cards, it’s increasingly rare for most people to have cash in their wallets — let alone in their homes. If the power goes out in your neighborhood for an extended period, those ATMs and credit card machines we often take for granted may not work. The American Red Cross recommends keeping enough cash on hand to cover at least three days’ worth of family expenses. NOT EVERYONE’S YOUR ALLY. Unfortunately, natural disasters are gateways for fraudsters to take advantage of desperate situations. Be wary of calls from people claiming to be insurance adjusters, bank representatives, or government officials — especially if they ask you for money or your financial information. When in doubt, ask the caller if you can have their contact information to give them a ring back. You’d be amazed by how quickly they choose to end the call.
Crunchy, Lemony Salmon
INGREDIENTS
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter • 3 garlic cloves, smashed • 3/4 cup buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed • 3/4 cup panko • 2 tsp minced fresh thyme • 2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp each black pepper and salt, divided • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper • 2 tbsp heavy cream • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 (3-lb) skin-on salmon fillet (1 1/4-inches thick)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. In a medium bowl, stir together crackers, panko, thyme, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Add melted garlic butter and combine. Set aside. 4. In a small bowl, stir together cream and mustard; set aside. Drizzle oil in a heatproof baking dish and place fish, skin side down, in the center. Sprinkle with pepper and salt. Brush fish evenly with cream mixture. Top fish with cracker mixture, gently pressing into fish. 5. Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce temperature to 400 F. Bake until crumbs turn golden brown, 15–18 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Celebrating Gridiron Greats PAGE 1
What Is a Smart Bird Feeder? PAGE 2
Holiday Cheer Without the Cost PAGE 2
Shielding Your Home and Health PAGE 3
Crunchy, Lemony Salmon PAGE 3
A Big Wintertime Playground PAGE 4
THE UNIQUE ALLURE OF BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
16% higher since 2018 to more than 511,000 people annually.
and visit the shops and restaurants of a rural Mexican village, Boquillas del Carmen. Families also enjoy stargazing at the Sotol Vista Overlook, scrambling over the boulders on the Upper Burro Mesa, and trekking the Grapevine Hills trails to see Balanced Rock, a giant boulder seemingly teetering in midair between two smaller boulders. Kids can also see dinosaur remains at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit or explore the ruins of a mercury-mining ghost town, Terlingua. Five visitor centers are usually open through the winter. Construction of a new visitor lodge and water system will begin in late 2024, likely causing some disruptions. However, Big Bend has four developed campgrounds and many backcountry camping opportunities. Most campsites are filled six months in advance, so reserve a spot early for your winter camping adventure.
Big Bend offers a diversity of sights and terrain. Elevations soar from about 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande River to almost 8,000 feet in the Chisos Mountains. Boating and rafting trips along the Rio Grande, which Congress designated as a free-flowing Wild & Scenic River, take visitors through the spectacular Santa Elena Canyon limestone cliffs. Options range from a leisurely float lasting less than a day to a seven-day wilderness adventure down the Lower Canyons. Big Bend is also a birder’s paradise, with 450 species sighted there on various occasions. The park also offers an abundance of family-friendly activities. A legal Port of Entry enables visitors who bring their passports to cross the Rio Grande River
d
Most national parks are full of visitors from spring through fall. Big Bend National Park turns that schedule upside down. The ideal time to visit this southwest Texas wonderland of wild river canyons and stunning mountain vistas is from October through May — the offseason for most national parks. But summertime temperatures in Big Bend soar to 105 degrees F or more, too hot for safe vacationing, while wintertime is mild and usually sunny. Many tourists and vacationers have recently discovered the park, driving visitation
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