Patriot Wealth - July 2020
JULY 2020
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PATRIOT WEALTH
WANT TO HEAR A JOKE?
THE BEST PRANK MY DAD EVER PULLED
“Humor is a great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place.” –Mark Twain I believe humor is powerful. When we weave it into our professional and personal lives, everyone is better because of it. Studies have found that humor can improve our moods, productivity, and health, and Mayo Clinic even reports it can ease stress, boost our immune system, and enhance our organ health. I don’t think there’s ever been a better time in the modern era for us to turn to humor. As we battle difficult times, illnesses, and more, humor can lift our spirits. So, in honor of International Joke Day on July 1, I want to humbly share the story of the best prank my father ever pulled on me. My dad, Rick White, and I have always had a joking relationship. Whether we’re at work or at home, we can often be found going back and forth, teasing one another, and keeping work and life as lighthearted as possible. When I was a junior in high school, I had a job as a busboy and waiter at the restaurant just across the street from my school, Cardinal Gibbons High School. One day after work, I walked out of the restaurant, and my stomach dropped. My beloved red 1994 Jeep Cherokee was missing. Everyone remembers their first car, and my Jeep was so special to me — and it was nowhere to be found. I could hear my father’s voice nagging in my head to lock my door, which I never did. To top it off, the keys were still in the vehicle. It was a thief’s dream. So, I hoofed it back
inside and asked to use the phone to call the police. I had to swallow my pride as I explained that my car was stolen, that yes it was unlocked, and yes, the keys were in it. After I hung up with the police, I called my dad and prepared for a barrage of “I told you so.” Instead, after telling Dad my car was stolen and that I was waiting for the police so I could fill out a report, he said, “You’re filling out what!?” I explained that the police were on their way, and at that very moment, my Jeep came swinging around the corner — with my dad in the driver’s seat. Within minutes I had gone from panicked to worried to relieved! Turns out, my dad had taken my car, and if I had filed that report, a harmless prank to teach me a lesson could have become much more serious! We had a good laugh about the joke, and even the police got a big kick out of it when I called them back. Plus, I learned a big lesson. I don’t think I have left my car unlocked since that day. This is just one example of the many pranks my dad and I pull together. It’s always been that way between us. We find ways to make each other laugh, and ultimately, we know it’s all in good fun. I can’t wait to pull a few pranks and jokes on my own son, Noah, but if he’s anything like his dad and grandpa, I just might be on the receiving end of a few myself. No joke will ever top my dad’s greatest lesson on car safety, but who knows? Among me, my dad, and Noah, we have years of pranks left to pull.
–Wes White
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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BEWARE OF THESE CORONAVIRUS EMAIL SCAMS THEY’RE STILL AROUND!
While it seems like the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic might be behind us, that doesn’t mean we should let our guard down completely — especially when it comes to internet scams designed to prey on the fear and uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. It’s no surprise that scammers have found ways to use the coronavirus scare as an opportunity to steal personal information from the vulnerable. Fortunately, you can spot coronavirus scammers using the same techniques that help identify otherwise run-of-the-mill phishing scams. REQUESTS FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION When the federal government started distributing relief checks, several scammers sent out unsolicited emails, disguised as legitimate instructions, asking for personal information from people in order to receive their $1,200. Since many people have now received their checks, this particular scam may become less common, but always be suspicious of emails that ask for personal information, no matter the circumstances. SUSPICIOUS LINKS AND EMAIL ADDRESSES During the past few months, people’s email inboxes have been littered with advertisements for fake coronavirus tests and
cures, fake alerts from government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and fake coronavirus updates. If you get an email containing an unusual link in your inbox, do not click on it — even if the email address looks legitimate. Scammers use links to spread malware on computers, which helps them get your personal information. SPELLING AND GRAMMAR MISTAKES This is usually a dead giveaway. While genuine, official updates about the coronavirus will be meticulously checked for spelling and grammar, scammers aren’t as careful. Missing periods, misspelled words, and wacky syntax errors are all hallmarks of scam emails. Make sure you carefully read any email you’re not sure about. If you can spot spelling and grammar mistakes, delete the email. Much like the coronavirus will remain in the American psyche long after cases and deaths have peaked, scammers will continue using it as a means to steal from honest, hardworking Americans. But, if we keep our guard up, we can make sure they get absolutely nothing from their efforts.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT LOCAL FISHING ADVENTURE
Few activities are quite as relaxing (and heart-pumping) as fishing. This summer, reel in the big one with these tips on local fishing. GET LICENSED Before you head out on the water, get a license. All North Carolina residents ages 16 and older need a fishing license through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. As of 2017, all anglers fishing in saltwater need licensing, too. This also applies to trout stamps, registering a boat, and obtaining a boat license. PREP YOUR GEAR Researching your catch potentials could be the difference between a legendary fishing story and striking out. With diverse species in our North Carolina waters — including crappie, bass, trout, catfish, sunfish, muskellunge (muskie), walleye, and perch — understanding the type of bait to use, which poles you will need, and additional tools for removing a hook is necessary. For example, channel catfish are nocturnal and feed on plankton and aquatic insects, while perch
will feed heavily on worms and never venture far below 30 feet. So, it’s unlikely you’ll catch the channel catfish at noon using a nightcrawler. Preparation is key. STAY SAFE Among hooks, the harsh sun, and perilous waters, there’s no shortage of dangers when you’re fishing. Prepare yourself and your crew for potential disasters. Ensure everyone has a life jacket while riding in or operating a boat. Prior to setting out on the boat, walk your fishing buddies through the proper safety and water rescue procedures. Then, ensure you have a first aid kit on board and understand how to use it. When fishing, be mindful of casting and stand or sit a safe distance apart. Other simple important tips include wearing sunscreen, staying up to date on swim safety, and notifying someone prior to and after fishing in case something should happen.
For more information on local fishing, including a species guide, a boater’s checklist, and regulations,
visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s website at NCWildlife.org.
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AFTER LOSING A SPOUSE MOVING FORWARD
When your spouse passes, confronting life as a widow or widower can come with complex emotions. However, with proper planning, you can lessen the financial burdens of this next phase. Start by creating a list of action items, and dole out responsibilities to your loved ones. Many will ask how they can help, and this can take stress off of you. For example, canceling subscriptions, transferring utility bills, and managing homeowner association payments may seem easy, but loved ones can tackle these for you. Other tasks, like transferring car loans or mortgages into your name, cannot be completed by someone else, so letting others help frees your time to focus on the important tasks. Once you have your list, determine which steps you need to take first. Shortly after your spouse’s passing, consult with their life insurance holder to receive your death benefit. This payment can cover funeral costs and other services. It’s also important to remember that the monthly income your spouse brings in after retirement doesn’t just disappear when they die. Social Security checks will likely continue to come in, so hold on to them or store them somewhere easily accessible. You will likely have to pay this back. If your spouse did not receive Social Security, you may still be entitled to a one-time death benefit. Social Security might take a while, so while you wait, focus on retirement. Contact the retirement account custodians as soon as possible to roll those assets over to you. Then, start the process of distributing your loved one’s assets and be prepared for a lengthy process. If you are the executor of your spouse’s will, probate might be necessary. However, with proper estate planning, you can avoid probate. The simplest way to move forward financially after a spousal death is to plan for it ahead of time. This will make tasks much easier, allowing you or your spouse to focus on mourning. If you have questions about how your retirement planning and wealth management may affect your partner after your death, call Patriot Wealth today.
THE BEST GRILLED SUMMER VEGETABLES
INGREDIENTS
Inspired by DinnerAtTheZoo.com
• 1 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning • 1 1/2 tsp garlic, minced • 2 lbs assorted vegetables, trimmed and halved
(asparagus, mushrooms, red onion, red bell peppers, baby carrots, and yellow squash are great on the grill)
• 5 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1/4 cup parsley leaves, chopped
DIRECTIONS
1. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic. 2. Brush vegetables with olive oil and place in a large bowl. Top with lemon juice and seasoning mixture. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes but no longer than 2 hours. 3. Prepare the grill at medium-high heat. 4. Grill vegetables in batches, cooking 3–5 minutes on each side until browned and tender. (Carrots will cook longer, 6–9 minutes per side.) 5. Remove from the grill, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.
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PATRIOT WEALTH 4350 Lassiter at North Hills Ave. #330 Raleigh, NC 27609 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Time for a Laugh in Honor of International Joke Day PAGE 1
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM PHONE | 919.322.4113
How to Spot a Coronavirus Scam Email PAGE 2
Local Fishing Tips for Anglers of All Levels PAGE 2
The Secret to Delicious Grilled Veggies PAGE 3
The Financial Steps You Must Take After Losing a Spouse PAGE 3
Enjoy July With These Fun Facts PAGE 4
WHAT DO JULIUS CAESAR AND BUFFALO WINGS HAVE IN COMMON? FUN FACTS ABOUT THE MONTH OF JULY
GOT WINGS? While chicken wings are a staple of Southern dining, they actually originated in upstate New York. In 1964, Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of the Anchor Bar, started cooking leftover wings dipped in hot sauce for her son and his friends. After receiving enthusiastic feedback, Bellissimo put them on the menu. Over the next few years, the recipe’s popularity spread, and in 1977, former Buffalo mayor Stan Makowski declared July 29 to be National Chicken Wing Day. The reputation of the famous Buffalo wings continued
Most Americans associate July with Independence Day and everything the holiday entails, including traditional barbecue cuisine, fireworks, and summer vacations. However, in addition to the Fourth of July, this midsummer month has a rich history and offers fun opportunities for everyone to celebrate. ‘WHAT’S IN A NAME?’ You’ve likely heard of Julius Caesar, the famous Roman dictator and general known for changing the Roman Empire’s political structure, innovating war tactics, and eventually dying after a legendary assassination. But did you know that July, Caesar’s birth month, wasn’t always called that? It was initially named Quintilis , which means “fifth” in Latin, because it was the fifth month of the ancient Roman calendar. Shortly after Caesar’s death, the month of Quintilis was renamed July in his honor. Of course, Caesar’s legacy didn’t end
there. Before he died, he implemented the Julian calendar, which he based off of the Egyptian solar calendar, and it remained in place for over 1,500 years until the Gregorian calendar was introduced in the 16th century.
RED, WHITE, AND WHO? Similar to the Declaration of
Independence for the U.S., Canada’s Constitution Act of 1867, signed on July 1 of that year, marks the birth of Canada. The following year, Charles Monck, the 4th Viscount Monck and Canada’s first governor-general, signed a proclamation requesting that everyone in Canada celebrate their country’s independence on July 1. However, it wasn’t until 100 years later that the date officially became Canada Day. Most celebrations include fireworks and red and white attire, much like how Americans celebrate the Fourth of July.
to spread nationwide, and in the early ‘90s, wings became an
international hit when McDonald’s, KFC,
and Domino’s Pizza began selling them in the variety of flavors we know and love today.
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