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MARCH 2025
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Strength in Struggle: A Reminder of Hope
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you finish; they merely determine where you start.” The above quote, attributed to High Point University President Nido Qubein, has been a cornerstone of my philosophy since I first heard it in college. Over the years, it’s served as a reminder to focus more on where you want to go rather than where you presently are. I figured it was a good way to start this month’s newsletter, as March is National Optimism Month. Optimism is one of the most important keys to a happy life, but it can be elusive at times. Sometimes, my line of work prompts me to go in the other direction. After all, it’s my job
Taking time to reflect on what is important to you, where you are currently, and most importantly, determining where you want to go is a valuable exercise everyone can benefit from. The pages of your future story are unwritten, and only you can decide how to fill them. Of course, it helps when we have fantastic co-authors by our side. Happiness and optimism are rarely achieved in a vacuum; we must surround ourselves with the right people. It’s hard to feel optimistic when your support system is bogged down by negativity. Fortunately, I have the best support imaginable: my wife, Bridgette, who blessed me with the greatest gift a man can ask for, a purpose in life other than myself. She is also good at delivering that swift kick in the behind when I need it (which believe it or not, I do sometimes!)
to consider a multitude of risks, which often leads me to consider worst-case scenarios. Fortunately, I tend to be optimistic most of the time, especially in my personal life. In many ways, my upbringing is to thank for my positive perspective. Sports played a huge role for me in developing my positive mindset. We all realize physical ability is needed to excel in athletics, but your mindset is just as important. As I’ve gotten older, become a married man, and progressed in my career, I’ve grown to see the value of optimism even more — and understand how difficult it can often be to hold onto it. It is
“The pages of your future story are unwritten, and only you can decide how to fill them.”
Naturally, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that the past half-decade has produced many reasons not to be optimistic. We’ve seen a pandemic, a war in Ukraine, wildfires in California — the list goes on. Closer to home, many people were recently devastated by Hurricane Helene. How do we rise above these things? It’s not an easy question to answer, but it seems to me that we all at least have the strength to empower someone who truly needs it — lending a
helping hand with no expectation of anything in return. The little things, hold a door, say hello with a smile while you order your coffee and return your shopping cart to the correct location. All seem insignificant, but as my parents taught me, “Do the little things well.” I don’t have magic words to solve the world’s problems, but I hope the words in this article have helped you in some small way. Our problems are many, but nothing stops us from thinking more positively and doing more in our daily lives to improve the world.
pretty easy to be optimistic when you’re 12 years old, but each passing year has taught me that life is a pretty harsh battlefield. Whether it is losing a loved one, being confronted with illness, or even financial hardship, we all have the choice to respond. I have learned it is most often this response that will drive your outcome. That said, let me explain why I’ve used Nido Qubein’s quote as my guiding light for years. It drives home that your present circumstances do not dictate your finish line. It is easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day business of life and sometimes forget where our north star is pointing.
–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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Wood You Be-Leaf It?!
GETTING OUTSIDE CAN HELP YOU FEEL BETTER
POSITIVE BRAIN STIMULATION When you spend time outdoors, taking in the sunlight and fresh air, your body releases the feel-good hormone serotonin in return. Many antidepressant medications work by inhibiting reabsorption of this key neurotransmitter. Additionally, sunlight activates melatonin release, which helps regulate our internal clock. The more sunlight we get each day, the more our bodies know when it’s time to go to bed. ENHANCED FOCUS AND ATTENTION Whether at home or in the office, our brains can go a mile a minute, focusing on everything except the task at hand. While you’re supposed to be working on a PowerPoint presentation, your brain thinks about the new tire you need and
Many of us neglect our mental health because we’ve desensitized ourselves to stress, instead teaching ourselves to “white knuckle” through the day. However, if you knew a better way to manage your stress, you could loosen the reigns more, right? Well, when was the last time you spent some time outside? Whether it’s going on a hike, tending to your garden, or riding a bike, research reveals the positive effects on your mental health of spending time outdoors.
IMPROVED OVERALL MOOD Everyone occasionally falls into a “funk.” And while it’s normal to experience that mood at times, it shouldn’t be a constant feeling. A 2010 study revealed that exercising in nature for just five minutes improved self-esteem and overall mood. Experiencing nature often makes people feel grounded and more connected to the Earth, leading to feelings of happiness and a sense of purpose. A separate study revealed that participants who went on nature walks had increased positive emotions after the walk.
the pile of dirty dishes in the sink. A 2020 study found that spending time in nature can calm the mind, allowing for enhanced
focus. Further studies on outdoor play settings stated that children with ADHD were calmer after playing in green spaces than in other settings.
Stars’ Successes, Stumbles, and Surprises
When it comes to financial planning, celebrities have the same chances of success or failure as the rest of us. Here are three classic tales of celebrity investments that went horribly wrong or stunningly well. WHERE NO SPOKESPERSON HAD GONE BEFORE William Shatner will always be known in this galaxy and beyond as Captain James T. Kirk of “Star Trek,” but his portrayal as the leader of the USS Enterprise is far from his most lucrative role. Surprisingly, he made most of his fortune decades after the Enterprise’s first televised voyage. Thanks to his decision to serve as the pitchman for the online travel agency Priceline, he earned more than $600 million on top of his earnings in sci-fi. Did Priceline pay him that much to star in a few commercials? Not exactly. Shatner was impressed by Priceline and chose to take stock in the then-fledgling company as payment instead of his acting fee. FROM POP STAR TO PROFIT KING Based on your age and musical sensibilities, Justin Bieber is either a staple of your iPod or the singer of songs you race to avoid. Either way, few can find fault in the now 30-year-old’s skill at selecting the right investments. While
many recording artists have taken Spotify to task for the company’s controversial payment structure over the years, Bieber took a different approach and invested funds into the digital streaming behemoth. That wise decision — along with investments in Stamped, Liquid IV, and other companies — helped the singer amass an estimated worth of $300 million. A SOCIAL MEDIA MONETARY MELTDOWN Unfortunately, former teen idol Justin Timberlake’s explorations in digital media investing yielded considerably less impressive results. Despite Facebook and Twitter’s clear domination of social media, he joined a group of buyers in purchasing Myspace in 2011 — years
after the platform’s dramatic decline. Unfortunately for the famed NYSNC member, Myspace failed to regain its former glory. Legend has it that he sold his stake in the company to a fan in 2015 for a single dollar. While it’s conceivable that he posted about the exchange on Myspace, it’s highly doubtful anyone on Earth signed in to the archaic site to read it.
Here lies
2003–2015 Myspace
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Family Finance Fixes SIMPLE STEPS FOR WISER WEALTH
If you’re raising a family in 2025, you know your dollars are being stretched like never before.
With mortgage and rent expenses comprising at least 30% of a typical North Carolina family’s monthly income — and food prices increasing by 26% from 2020 to 2024 alone — making ends meet is a challenge for many households throughout the state. While no two family situations are alike, here are a few tips to consider when trying to get the most out of your monthly budget and future planning. CURB THE CINEMA CASH CRUNCH With another winter soon in the rearview mirror, children and adults alike are ready to hit the road for family entertainment. While a trip to your closest movie theater may seem like an affordable night out, you may be surprised to learn that one film’s worth of tickets, drinks, and snacks for a family of four may cost as much as a one-year subscription to a streaming site. If cinema is your family’s go-to choice for entertainment, it’s best to stick to the options available on streaming, catch classics on TV, or reserve theater trips for special occasions. MAP OUT YOUR MONTHLY MONEY There’s no standard monthly budget — especially with children or young adults under your roof. Just as utility costs ebb and flow based on the time of year, other expenses do as well. It is essential to track your spending monthly — even if you think they generally stay the same — and determine ways to reduce costs and save in the coming weeks. After a few months, you’ll be able to identify where money is flowing unnecessarily, close those gaps, and create a margin to allow for seasonal expenses (holiday-related travel, back-to-school clothing, etc.) as the months carry on. FAST-TRACK EDUCATION FINANCING Of course, education costs — perhaps the biggest slice of the pie — are another critical consideration in family budgeting. Fortunately, a 529 Plan may be the perfect way for parents to ensure a solid foundation for their children’s future learning opportunities. In short, a 529 education savings plan offers tax-free growth and withdrawals when utilized for qualified expenses. Please contact us to learn more about how a 529 Plan can help your family plan for the future.
TAKE A BREAK
Banana Pudding Cheesecake Inspired by Delish.com
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened • 1/3 cup
1. In a large bowl of a standing mixer, add softened cream cheese and beat until fluffy and free of clumps. 2. Add sugar and beat until combined, then add heavy cream and vanilla extract and beat until medium-stiff peaks form. Set aside. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix and refrigerate for 3 minutes until thickened. Pour pudding mixture into cream cheese mixture and fold until combined. 4. Into the graham cracker crust, pour half the filling and spread evenly. Add a single layer of sliced bananas and Nilla Wafers, then pour remaining filling over and smooth the top. 5. Refrigerate until firm, at least 6 hours, or overnight. Top slices with whipped cream, crushed Nilla Wafers, and any additional banana slices as desired.
granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 (3.4-oz)
package instant vanilla pudding mix • 1 cup whole milk • 1 prepared graham cracker crust • 3 bananas, sliced • 20 Nilla Wafers • Whipped
topping and crushed Nilla Wafers, for garnish
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Optimism Over Obstacles PAGE 1 The Effects of Getting Outdoors on Our Mental Health PAGE 2 Celebrity Cash Wins and Woes PAGE 2 Banana Pudding Cheesecake PAGE 3 Mayhem-Free Monthly Budgeting PAGE 3 Pit Stops Along the Alaska Railroad You Can’t Miss PAGE 4
ALL ABOARD THE ALASKA RAILROAD!
any traveler’s dream, winding from Anchorage to Seward along the Turnagain Arm waterway. Highlights include spotting bald eagles and hopping on a boat at Resurrection Bay to explore Kenai Fjords National Park, famous for its orca whale sightings. For those drawn to Denali’s majesty, the Denali Star is your ticket. This flagship route connects Anchorage to Denali National Park, offering stops like Talkeetna, a charming artsy town and basecamp for climbers scaling Denali. It’s a 12-hour journey of awe-inspiring landscapes and rich history. The Glacier Discovery route takes you south from Anchorage to Girdwood, Whittier, and the Spencer Glacier. Whittier is a standout destination with its sleepy charm and world-class Alaskan fish. This train provides remote access to places you can’t reach by car, making the trip a unique experience. And if you’re looking for an offbeat adventure, the Hurricane Turn and Aurora Winter trains cater to locals and intrepid travelers alike, offering stops by request and transporting you into the heart of Alaska’s untamed backcountry. With the Alaska Railroad, the journey is as memorable as the destination. Whether you’re marveling at wildlife, enjoying a sit-down meal, or booking excursions to explore iconic landmarks, every mile of track is packed with adventure.
WHY TRAVELING ALASKA BY TRAIN BEATS THE CRUISE SHIP
While Alaskan cruises get all the buzz, traveling the Last Frontier by train offers an equally breathtaking — and perhaps more intimate — experience. With panoramic views, unforgettable pit stops, and access to remote regions, the Alaska Railroad delivers a journey unlike any other. Imagine gliding through the rugged wilderness in a GoldStar Dome car, where glass ceilings offer a 360-degree view of snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers. For the adventurous, the outdoor viewing platform lets you immerse yourself in the stunning scenery while breathing in the clean, crisp Alaskan air. Whether you choose the premium GoldStar class or the more budget-friendly Adventure Class, you’ll be awed by Alaska’s natural beauty.
The Alaska Railroad operates year-round with five seasonal routes, each brimming with wonder. The Coastal Classic is
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