Take a look at our November newsletter!
NOVEMBER 2023
PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM PHONE | 919.322.4113
PATRIOT WEALTH
Striking a Balance in a Materialistic World Minimalism VS. Maximalism
Bridgette and I are planning our wedding, and anyone who has been through the process knows how stressful it can be. There are so many little details to consider: the venue, food, drinks, flowers, dress, and so much more. When it starts to feel stressful, I remind myself of one of my favorite sayings: “You can have anything in this life, but you cannot have everything.” This simple phrase encourages us to think about each angle, what is important to us both, and ultimately how to create the perfect day. Still, modern society encourages maximalism. Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly bombarded with messages encouraging us to buy, consume, and accumulate. For better or worse, the default state is to constantly want more, and Use Less Stuff Day on Nov. 16 encourages us to reexamine our relationship with possessions. I can’t honestly call myself a minimalist; I love a new golf club as much as the next person! But I also dislike the chaos of a cluttered house. The things we own grow without us noticing it, especially as we age. We buy new things without throwing away old ones, have kids and purchase stuff for them, receive gifts, and inherit other people’s possessions. It’s easy to wake up one day and wonder how everything got there. We can probably all relate to coming across something we own that we haven’t seen in years. It rarely makes much sense to hold onto such objects; they’re often not critical
to your life. It’s wise to take time once or twice a year to step back and evaluate what you own — a practice I am still trying to master myself! Minimalism is a lifestyle philosophy that embraces simplicity and mindfulness. A core value of minimalism is the removal of excess clutter, both in physical possessions as well as mental space. Many minimalists seek to reduce or eliminate demands on their time and attention. In contrast, Maximalism is a lifestyle philosophy that embraces abundance, complexity, and extravagance. Maximalists often express their personalities through their homes, fashions, etc. In the end, only you know what is right for you. Life is a balancing act where too little and too much can hurt us in equal measure. I, of course, can’t completely escape a materialistic culture but I try to make time for minimalist moments. These for me are simple by design — putting my phone down for an hour, getting out in nature for a walk in the woods, or even enjoying a cup of coffee by myself on the back deck. I find that an hour or two per day of a simple life is good for me. Enjoy the simple things in life because, best I can tell, they’re the best things anyways.
Cheers,
– 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.
PATRIOT WEALTH | 919.322.4113 | P1
Mayo Magic: The Secret to Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
The turkey undoubtedly takes center stage among the many culinary delights that grace the Thanksgiving table. While there are plenty of methods for cooking a turkey, many chefs and home cooks swear by the “mayo method” as the best way to achieve a moist and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey — here’s why! MOISTURE LOCK One of the biggest challenges when roasting a turkey is maintaining its moisture. The mayo method involves slathering the turkey with a layer of mayonnaise before roasting. Because mayonnaise contains oil, it helps lock in moisture during cooking, resulting in a juicy and tender turkey. FLAVOR INFUSION If you’re a mayo lover, you’ll agree it’s delicious! While it gives the turkey a
subtle and rich flavor, the result doesn’t taste like mayonnaise at all! (Mayo haters can breathe a sigh of relief.) EVEN BROWNING Applying mayonnaise to the turkey creates an even and beautiful browning effect on the skin. This enhances the visual appeal and contributes a succulent and slightly crispy texture. SPICE KICK Don’t worry — you’re not using only mayonnaise on your turkey. The mayo method serves as an excellent base for your choice of seasonings. You can create your own mixture before applying it to the turkey. Thyme, parsley, garlic powder, sage, cayenne, and rosemary are all great options.
SIMPLE PREPARATION The mayo method streamlines your preparation process — here’s what to do:
•
Allow your turkey to thaw. Create your custom mayonnaise by mixing it with your seasonings of choice. Dry the turkey with paper towels and season it with salt and pepper. Gently separate the skin from the bird and slide in cubes of butter. Rub the entire turkey with your mayonnaise mixture, inside and out. Bake at 450 F for 30 minutes. Then lower the temperature to 325 F and cook for 15 minutes per pound.
•
•
•
•
This Thanksgiving, give the mayo method a whirl — you and your guests won’t be disappointed!
THE HIGH COST OF SILENCE
AVOIDING THESE MONEY CONVERSATIONS CAN HURT YOUR FAMILY
Money makes the world go round, but we still don’t like discussing it. Most people are reluctant to talk about their finances with others, including their family members; some even struggle to have these conversations with their spouses. At Patriot Wealth, we talk about money all day, so we have some insight into why the topic makes people uncomfortable and how silence is holding them back. People avoid money conversations for a variety of reasons. Some people are embarrassed, or their family’s culture taught them the subject was impolite. Others want to avoid stressful conversations or conflict. Meanwhile, few of us receive education on how to talk about money, so we don’t know where to begin. As a result, many families fail to plan for their futures adequately. Fortunately, financial planning requires having these discussions, and we strive to make them as comfortable as possible. But even many people who understand the importance of financial planning neglect its crucial sibling, estate planning. Estate planning conversations involve not only talking about money but also death. Those might be two of the most taboo subjects in our society, so even married couples frequently fail to talk about estate planning.
As challenging as it is to face the difficult questions estate planning poses, we always stress to clients that they’re inadvertently hurting their loved ones by failing to create a comprehensive will or trust. Resolving these matters after you’re gone can cost your family a lot of money, stress, and conflict. Many families suffer permanent rifts due to what an estate plan did or did not say. (That’s why it’s also important to discuss the contents of your estate plan with your family while you still can.) Everyone wants their children and grandchildren to have a better life than they did, and estate planning ensures that — no matter how you ultimately distribute your assets. A legal road map to resolving your state will remove a tremendous burden from your loved ones and ease the transition during a difficult grieving period. At Patriot Wealth, we believe no financial plan is complete without an estate plan, and your advisor has likely had these conversations with you. But if you’ve continued to avoid it or have loved ones who still need to plan, we hope you’ll call us to learn more. There’s no time like the present to grant yourself the peace of mind you deserve.
P2 | PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM
No matter what stage of life you’re in, everyone deals with stress. While some stress can motivate us, studies show that too much can damage our long-term mental and physical health. Fortunately, we can relax or blow off steam in countless ways, and these local businesses offer stress- relieving services for all tastes. LORENA LUCA Austin and his fiancée recently visited this spa for a couples massage and recommend it to others. They both found their massages and the atmosphere extremely relaxing. In addition to massages, Lorena Luca offers saunas, facial treatments, aromatherapy, and hot stone treatments to help you de-stress. They also have a medical spa with esthetician services on site. Learn more and schedule your visit at LorenaLuca.com . GLOW FITNESS CENTER Countless studies show that exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress and improve your health at the same time. There’s no shortage of gyms in Raleigh, but GLOW Fitness Center offers something a bit different from most. Their workout areas feature frequent group classes with a nightclub vibe that matches the lighting with your KISS STRESS GOODBYE A Guide to Relaxation in Raleigh
TAKE A BREAK
STUFFED PEPPER SOUP
workout. GLOW also provides holistic health coaching and sound-healing services. Visit GlowRaleigh.com to claim a free first class. CAT TALES CAT CAFE Spending time with animals soothes us and improves our mental health, so an afternoon at Cat Tales Cat Cafe may be exactly what you need. Get your caffeine and feline fixes in one
INGREDIENTS • 2 lbs ground beef • 6 cups water • 1 28-oz can tomato sauce • 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained • 2 cups chopped green peppers • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tsp salt • 2 tsp beef bouillon granules • 1 tsp black pepper • 2 cups cooked long- grain rice • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. In a Dutch oven over
medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Add beef back to the pot and stir in all ingredients except the cooked rice. Bring to a boil.
place with this coffee shop and feline lounge. Visitors can spend time hanging out with kitties in a comfortable, cage-free environment. All cats are adoptable, so you might even leave with a new family member. Reservations are highly recommended, so book your spot at CatTalesCatCafe.com . CRAZY AXE Grab your friends for a fun night out that will also allow you to release a little aggression. Throwing an axe is safer and simpler than you probably believe, and you’ll begin to feel a surge of pride as you start to get the hang of it. Kick back and share some laughs with beer or wine, or bring your kids age 8 or older. Walk-ins are limited, so reserve your spot at one of two Raleigh locations at TheCrazyAxe.com .
2. Reduce heat. Simmer
uncovered until peppers are tender, about 30 minutes.
3. Add cooked rice and simmer, uncovered, for
about 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
PATRIOT WEALTH | 919.322.4113 | P3
PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM PHONE | 919.322.4113
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
PATRIOT WEALTH 4350 Lassiter at North Hills Ave. #240 Raleigh, NC 27609 INSIDE THIS ISSUE When Is Less More? PAGE 1 Tips to Make the Best Thanksgiving Turkey PAGE 2 The Uncomfortable Conversation You Can’t Afford to Ignore PAGE 2 Stuffed Pepper Soup PAGE 3 Unwind With Raleigh’s Best Stress-Relief Destinations PAGE 3 Pack These 4 Items for the Best In‑Flight Experience PAGE 4
Elevate Your Travel Experience Unconventional Items To Pack on Your Next Flight
NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES Flights can be noisy. You can never predict crying babies, loud talkers, or hyper kids traveling alongside you. Noise-canceling headphones can provide a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the airplane. They block out ambient noise and allow you to relax, listen to music, or enjoy in-flight entertainment without any distractions. COMPRESSION SOCKS Wearing compression socks on an airplane is crucial for maintaining healthy circulation during long flights. Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to blood pooling in your legs, causing swelling, poor circulation, and even deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Compression socks apply gentle pressure to your legs, reducing discomfort and circulation complications.
PORTABLE CHARGER While you may have remembered to pack your plug-in phone charger, bringing along a portable charger and power bank is a lifesaver! Sometimes, finding an available charging station in a crowded airport can be tricky. But having a backup power source on the plane makes it possible to keep your devices charged throughout your journey! When packing for your next flight, don’t forget to include these trip-saving items in your carry-on for a more pleasant travel experience — you’ll be glad you did!
When preparing for your flight, it’s essential to pack the basics, such as clothing, medications, toiletries, and your travel documents. However, there are some surprising and often overlooked items that can greatly enhance your flying experience. These unexpected additions in your carry-on can make your air travel experience more comfortable, enjoyable, and stress-free. ELECTROLYTES Flying is dehydrating! Because airplane cabins are kept at a lower humidity level, your body dehydrates quicker than normal. To help keep your body hydrated without a dozen trips to the bathroom over the course of your flight, pack some electrolyte packets to mix into your water. Speaking of water, pack an empty water bottle with you, and after passing through security, you can fill it up at a water fountain!
d
P4 | PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator