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MAY 2026
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COMPASSION, CALM, AND CONNECTION MOMS’ MAGIC
All of our lives are full of extraordinary people. This article is about the greatest among them. We’re just a few days away from Mother’s Day. We have plenty of mothers and grandmothers in our Patriot Wealth family, and every single one is in our thoughts right now. Being a mother is a role that’s often unseen, as they’re too busy brightening everyone else’s lives to let their own shine. But in my heart, I know few people in this world deserve the spotlight more. I’m reminded of this fact every day at home. My wife Rachel and I are raising three young boys: Noah (6), Isaac (4), and Fitz (1). What’s that like? Well, it’s chaotic and wild. At least one of the boys is always scraped up after getting into something, and there are plenty of schedules to juggle.
The nurturing spirit Rachel brings to our family life reminds me so much of how my mom was with my older sister and me when we were growing up. My mom worked hard to keep it all together for us kids, and she did it with a grace and strength that I didn’t fully appreciate at the time. I also see that same spirit in Rachel’s mom, Alice, whose warmth and devotion to her family clearly shaped the incredible mother Rachel has become. Seeing these women reflected in everything Rachel does for our family makes me realize how fortunate I am to have such amazing people in my life. And it’s also wonderful that my mom, who turns 70 this year and actually shares a birthday with Fitz, can see her grandchildren and know that every sacrifice she made to raise two kids was worth it.
Proverbs 31:26-28 says,
Miraculously, Rachel is always the calm, patient, and caring voice at the center of it all. Whether prepping their lunches, packing their backpacks, and fulfilling countless other roles around the house, she is the heartbeat who somehow keeps everything together. I could fill 10 newsletters with everything Rachel does for us, but her ability to build a foundation of kindness for our boys has been her greatest gift. She has created a home where everyone loves one another and shows the utmost respect to others. Since boys will always be boys, we certainly have times when the roughhousing gets a little out of hand. When it does, Rachel encourages the boys to apologize to one another by reminding them that they’re brothers. I love and admire her more than words can say.
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed.”
Happy Mother’s Day! Whether yours is still in your life or no longer with you, may she always stay in your heart.
– 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 offered through Brookstone Wealth Advisors, LLC (BWA), a registered investment advisor and an affiliate of Brookstone Capital Management, LLC. BWA and Patriot Wealth are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BWA but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.
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WHAT COMES AFTER THE CAREER? CREATING A LIFE YOU LOVE IN RETIREMENT
Find fun ways to fill your days. Retirement opens the door to creativity, adventure, and lifelong learning, and there’s so much to get into! Some people explore artistic hobbies like painting or photography, while others join choirs, walking groups, or dance classes to stay social. Outdoor activities such as visiting parks, kayaking, or taking local road trips add excitement and movement. Many retirees also enjoy taking courses, learning new skills, or diving into subjects they never had time to study before. Explore hobbies, purpose, and possibilities. The right hobby can keep the mind sharp, the body active, and the spirit engaged. From gardening and bird-watching to genealogy, music, or volunteering, meaningful pastimes transform free time into something deeply satisfying. Some retirees even choose flexible part-time work or creative side projects that provide social connection and a renewed sense of purpose. Ultimately, retirement is all about choosing how you want to live. Quiet days, bold adventures, creative projects, or community involvement can all coexist in this new chapter. With curiosity and openness, retirement becomes less about passing time and more about creating a life rich with joy, discovery, and personal meaning.
Retirement is often pictured as a permanent vacation with slow mornings, no deadlines, and complete freedom. But once the novelty fades, many retirees wonder what to do with all their free time. Feeling bored in retirement is surprisingly common, especially after decades of structured schedules and social interaction at work. The encouraging truth is that boredom can be an invitation to explore new passions, reconnect with old interests, and shape a lifestyle filled with meaning and enjoyment. Start your day with purpose. One of the easiest ways to regain youthful energy is by creating a daily routine. A thoughtful morning that includes a walk, a cup of coffee, or a few minutes of journaling can set a positive tone for everything that follows. Gentle structure helps replace the rhythm once provided by work and makes each day feel intentional rather than repetitive. Embrace the transition. Moving into retirement isn’t just a schedule change; it’s an identity shift. Work often provides community, purpose, and routine, so it’s natural to feel uncertain at first. Giving yourself time to rest, experimenting with new activities, and staying socially connected can make the adjustment smoother. Over time, habits and meaningful connections form a new, fulfilling rhythm.
The Transaction Taboo Takedown
TIPS FOR A BETTER CASH CUSHION
Save first, spend later. No matter how they earn their income, many people welcome it with a sigh of relief, immediately starting to pay bills and make necessary purchases. If you fall into this category, you may be causing your savings account more harm than good. Instead of basing your non- essential spending habits on what’s left over after your wants and needs are met, determine an amount to put aside first every time your paycheck or benefits arrive. Putting savings before spending will help you focus on new ways to maximize what you have while reducing the risk of dipping into your savings. Naturally, this plan is only feasible if you identify your specific savings goals first. Cut costs, curb ‘convenience.’ Life is to be savored, but enjoyment should never come at the expense of your financial security. If there are more Amazon packages at your doorstep and Uber Receipts on your
How quickly could you come up with $1,000 if you needed it right now? In a world of deductibles, co-pays, and good old-fashioned emergencies, the chances of you needing to spend $1,000 (or more) at a moment’s notice are higher than you may realize. Financial industry research suggests that fewer than 50% of Americans could access this amount of money with ease in unexpected circumstances. The biggest reasons for such a low figure? People are spending more than they think and not saving enough. With even the most financially conscientious people prone to slipping up now and then (or completely unaware of an economic blind spot that’s shrinking their bottom line), here are a few simple but highly impactful habits to follow to better ensure your ability to cover a four-figure expense in a flash.
dining room table than money in your savings, carefully consider whether your creature comforts are setting you up for a potential catastrophe. Additionally, keep in mind that some of the most significant causes of financial strain stem from convenience. Walking into a rest area convenience store and withdrawing money from a non-network ATM could cost you $4 or more, while the overdraft fees you may incur when you need to make a hefty withdrawal to cover an emergency will bury you further. Saving takes discipline and direction … and the ability to identify what you can live without to live more securely.
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Cash Myth Collapse
FINANCIAL TRUTHS THAT BEAT BAD ADVICE
Not all financial advice is created equal. In fact, much of it can be deceptive at best and devastating at worst. Last summer, NASDAQ.com reported that nearly 60% of Americans had made poor economic decisions based on false or misleading online information. Considering that anyone with a video recorder and a YouTube account can claim to be an “expert” these days, more than a few of the “reels,” posts, and advice articles you may encounter in cyberspace carry little to no weight in the real world. That said, here are two bona fide financial truths you can take to the bank (literally). You can bounce back from bad credit. Although a teacher may have cautioned you about your “permanent record” in school, no such thing really exists … even with credit. Yes, habitually late or missed credit card payments will lead to negative reports to credit bureaus (which can stay there for seven years), but damaged scores can be improved over time. Naturally, making payments on time is the best way to rebuild credit. Additionally, working with a reputable, non- predatory debt-relief service or lawyer may expedite the process. Whether your credit deficiency is due to unexpected life circumstances or financial mismanagement, your current situation is not permanent, and it can be overcome with patience, diligence, and devising (and sticking to) a solid plan to turn things around. Your income has little to do with your financial security. Here’s a fun fact: Despite earning an average annual income of around $60,000, teachers often rank among the top American professionals who retire as millionaires without the benefit of an inheritance. Research shows that prudent financial planning and investment management have more influence over an individual’s prosperity than the figure on their paychecks. Just as there are economically secure people earning five figures a year, there are just as many (if not more) multimillionaires who lose it all through poor decision-making and a disregard for sound money management. It’s not how much you have when you start the race that matters; it’s how much you have when you cross the finish line that makes you the winner.
TAKE A BREAK
SIZZLING CHINESE
DIRECTIONS 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. 2. Toss beef strips in marinade; let sit 10–15 minutes. 3. In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then add sliced onions. 4. Sauté until soft, slightly caramelized; season with salt and pepper, remove from pan, and set aside. 5. In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat. 6. Add marinated beef strips; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. 7. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. 8. Pour sauce over beef and simmer until thickened. 9. Add sautéed onions back into pan; stir to combine. 10. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
PEPPER STEAK WITH ONIONS
INGREDIENTS Steak • 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tsp sesame oil • 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or rib eye) • 3 tbsp vegetable oil, separated • 1 large onion, sliced • Salt and pepper, to taste • Steamed rice or noodles Sauce • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce • 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 1 tbsp cornstarch
Inspired by CookTune.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Gift of Maternal Grace PAGE 1 When Retirement Gets Quiet, Make Life Feel Full Again PAGE 2
Simple Habits, Substantial Savings PAGE 2
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions PAGE 3
Breathe Easier With Money Basics PAGE 3
Fresh Spaces. Spotless Savings PAGE 4
Cheap and Clever Springtime Home Hacks Cost-Savvy Clean
Whether you greet spring-cleaning with sheer delight or utter dread, it doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. While supermarket shelves are stocked with pricey products that will clean out your wallet as much as your clutter, there are simpler, less costly ways to make your home sparkle for the season. Here are a few surprising household cleaning hacks that will beautify your living space while being kind to your budget. Give your scraps a second chance. It’s often shocking how much we throw away without giving these items a helpful new purpose. You know all those used dryer sheets you toss away without a second thought? In addition to having a fresh scent, these frequently discarded pieces of cloth can work well
as makeshift dusters for everything from your TV to your blinds. Speaking of blinds, don’t rush to throw out your next pair of worn-out socks. When dampened and slipped over your hands, they can remove dust and dirt from your slats as pristinely as most store-bought cleaners. Eliminate everyday annoyances. Now, let’s focus on two of the most frustrating cleaning chores imaginable: getting the mounds of dust and dirt off a ceiling fan and ridding your windows of those annoying streaks left by paper towels. For the first obstacle, you can find an unlikely solution in your bedroom. If you have a spent pillowcase that’s ready for the trash, use it instead to capture the
crud on your fan! Put it over each blade and slowly wipe down the surface. The cloth will catch the dirt, and the space in the pillowcase will trap it, preventing it from spilling onto your floor. As for those streaked windows, life can be made simpler if you’re a coffee drinker. Why? Because unused filters are super-absorbent and can remove those lingering lines in a flash. With a bit of resourcefulness and creativity, your spring-cleaning routine can keep your home blissful without breaking the bank.
P4 | PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM
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