Take a look at our July newsletter!
JULY 2024
PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM PHONE | 919.322.4113
PATRIOT WEALTH
FIRE UP THE GRILL Sizzling Summer BBQs With Family
The sights and smells of barbecues take me back to my childhood in Southeast Pennsylvania. When it comes to grilling, narrowing down my favorites is never easy, but if I had to choose just one cut to have on my grill this summer, pork
pork butt, ribs benefit significantly from the low and slow cooking method, which makes them tender and flavorful.
Venturing slightly off the beaten path, the “poor man’s brisket,” the beef chuck roast, is another one of my favorites! It is super cost-effective and readily available at most grocery stores. If you have a smoker, it should be cooked to an internal temperature of 205–210 F, as this is typically a tough cut of beef that requires you to bring the internal temperature relatively high to achieve the tenderness desired. After it rests, shred the chuck roast for a wildly delicious beef sandwich! The true essence of a barbecue goes beyond just the meat. For me, I love barbecue because of what it reminds me of: family, friends, laughter, and yes, that amazing aroma of smoked meat. One of the most rewarding aspects of family barbecue is sharing the tradition with the next generation. Wes and I often host barbecues with both our families, including my niece and nephew, Arabella and Harry; they are always fascinated by the cooking process and eager to learn. Seeing their excitement and joy reminds me how important it is to carry on this tradition in our family. Eating good food and swimming in the pool evokes memories of my own childhood and inspires me to pass that experience along to the kids in our families. Seeing the reward of a long day of barbecuing is another valuable lesson for them and probably the most critical aspect of it. After all, the connection, laughter, and family time make for a perfect gathering every year. – Austin Kobilka
shoulder or pork butt would be at the top of my list. In North Carolina, pork is king and is the go-to for most barbecues; pork butt is a
versatile and flavorful cut perfect for big family gatherings. It usually ranges from 6–10 pounds, depending on whether it is boneless or bone-in. July is National Grilling Month, and I’m excited to get outside and fire up that grill! Unlike brisket, pork butt is relatively easy to cook; low and slow always does the trick. I use a recteq Bullseye smoker, and it is super simple to use; you just plug it in and fill up your pellet hopper with your favorite flavor (my favorite for pork butt is a blend of apple and hickory). A typical cook time is about 10-12 hours at 275 degrees for a 6-pound pork butt. However, as the old saying goes, always cook to tenderness, NOT time! A pork butt can comfortably feed 7–10 people, making it an ideal choice for parties; the simplicity of it is one of the top reasons why I love it so much. Another fan favorite in North Carolina is barbecue ribs. Although many prefer baby back ribs, my favorite is the St. Louis-style spare ribs, which are a bit bigger and meatier. A crucial tip for preparing ribs is removing the silverskin on the back; leaving it on is a surefire way to ruin a rack of ribs! Like
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
GRILL AND CHILL HOST A SUMMER BARBECUE FOR EVERYONE
Enjoying your own party can be more complicated than it sounds. Backyard barbecues are a high point of summer, but hosting one you enjoy with your guests requires planning. “If swimming is on the agenda, consider protecting new or light- colored indoor furniture with water-resistant covers so guests in wet swimsuits can sit wherever they want without stressing out their host,” says Calla Quinn, a TikTok influencer who recently posted tips on hosting up to 50 friends at your home. Another tip she shares is using of portable misting fans in dry climates. These devices create a fine mist to refresh passersby in seconds, and they are especially popular on patios and decks. If attendees offer to bring something, don’t hesitate to accept, and be specific about what you want — from lawn chairs to beach towels. Martha Stewart recommends having a stain remover on hand to manage stains and cloth towels that guests can use to wipe up spills.
dispensers with popular options. Depending on your guest list, you might offer family fare such as lemonade, iced tea, ice water, or premixed cocktails like strawberry vodka lemonade or passion fruit margaritas. Martha Stewart suggests allowing amateur mixologists to concoct their own beverages by setting out bottled juices, artisanal sodas, and kombucha. A stylish yet simple way to serve hors d’oeuvres and side dishes to complement your grilled entree is to assemble or have catered a charcuterie board. These feature finger foods such as meats, cheeses, olives, spreads, fruits, nuts, chips, and crackers. A fully stocked charcuterie board adds a decorative touch while keeping guests well-fed for hours, adding what Quinn calls “a real wow factor.” And to make sure your day ends well, look for disposable, compostable bamboo or wooden dishes. Searching for “eco- friendly tableware and cutlery” should turn up some good options. This one last detail can go a long way toward supporting sustainable living while ensuring you don’t spend any valuable party time cleaning up broken glass or washing dishes.
Expert hosts also recommend a self-serve bar for casual summer gatherings. Consider filling several 3-gallon drink
Considered an art and a science, portfolio management involves carefully selecting and overseeing investments to align with clients, companies, or institutions’ long-term financial objectives and risk tolerance. Investors can pursue different strategies, but having clear goals and understanding risk tolerance is essential. Take Charge of Your Wealth With Portfolio Management Licensed managers handle portfolios for clients, but some people prefer self-management. Successful management requires weighing strengths and weaknesses across investments, considering factors like debt versus equity and domestic versus international options. Here, we will dive into the two types of management: active portfolio and passive portfolio. ACTIVE PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT In an actively managed investment fund, an individual’s portfolio manager, co-manager, or team typically makes active investment decisions. The fund’s success relies on research, mallet predictions, and the management team’s expertise. Active managers closely monitor market dynamics to
capitalize on impurities, believing this approach offers greater potential returns than passive investing.
Active portfolio managers closely monitor market trends, economic shifts, political changes, and relevant news to time investments strategically and capitalize on opportunities. This approach enhances the potential for returns compared to passive tracking of index holdings. Investors employing an active management strategy enlist fund managers or brokers to trade stocks to surpass a specific index, such as the S&P 500 Index or the Russel 1000 index. PASSIVE PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT Passive portfolio management, also known as index fund management, aims to mirror the returns of a specific market index or benchmark; in this approach, each stock in the index is weighted accordingly. Decision-making is essential for those looking to increase their wealth. You can opt to manage your investment portfolio independently or enlist the service of a professional. Regardless of your approach, mastering portfolio management fundamentals is crucial: Diversify your investments to mitigate risk, balance your portfolio regularly, and select a mix of assets to optimize potential returns. Patriot Wealth is here to address any questions; call us today!
P2 | PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM
With summer classes rising, adult education is becoming increasingly popular among retirees seeking new life chapters. Summer classes are more flexible for individuals seeking to further their education, leading more universities to expand their offerings for retirees. Some retirees pursue new degrees, while others explore hobbies like cooking or photography; some even take courses to try out new careers. However, returning to school in retirement is challenging, so here are three key things to consider before enrolling. PRICING First, consider how you will pay for your schooling. Higher education can be expensive, and you might not have planned for this when saving for retirement. Ask yourself if you need to work longer or find a part-time job or whether you can afford the expense without affecting your lifestyle. LIFESTYLE Consider whether your lifestyle can handle going back to school. Classes require time for homework and practice, which might mean cutting back on leisure activities or fitting homework into family visits. Decide if you can make this commitment work with your current routine and lifestyle, as this demanding schedule is only for some. PURPOSE Finally, you must understand your reasons for going back to school. Whether you want to start a business or learn a new skill like playing the piano, knowing your goals will help you choose suitable classes and avoid wasting money. Education is for more than just the young; brushing up on your schooling is commendable at any age. Returning to school can help you gain knowledge, discover new interests, and enjoy your retirement even more. If you need help figuring out how your finances can support your educational goals, connect with our team at Patriot Wealth today. We can guide you through this experimental time of growth. Exploring Education Opportunities for Retirees AGE IS JUST A NUMBER
TAKE A BREAK
Strawberry Shortcake
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 cup butter, softened • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg • 2/3 cup milk • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 2 tbsp granulated sugar • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix until blended. 4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; mix until blended. 5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan before serving. 6. Whip cream and sugar together until stiff peaks form. 7. Arrange strawberries on top of cake and spread whipped cream over top before serving.
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 The Ultimate Guide for National Grilling Month PAGE 1
Tips for a Stress-Free Backyard Barbecue PAGE 2
The Key Principles of Portfolio Management PAGE 2
Scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake PAGE 3
What Retirees Should Consider When Going Back to School PAGE 3
A Must-Do Guide for Chiang Mai PAGE 4
Unlock the Wonders of Chiang Mai
EXPERIENCE THE NIGHT BAZAAR. If you’re looking for authentic food, great bargains on gifts, and an exciting scene, you have to visit the city’s famous Night Bazaar. This is one of the oldest night markets in the country, and the nearly 1-mile stretch is packed with vendors who sell art and delicious street food. Give yourself at least a few hours to take in the whole experience of this beloved destination. With its scenic views and lively culture, Chiang Mai blends traditional and unexpected adventures. Whether you’re feeding an elephant at one of the city’s sanctuaries, hiking in the mountains, or chowing down on local cuisine, this gem of Northern Thailand will surely enchant you!
The beautiful Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand. Known for its historic temples, lovely mountains, and cool weather, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country! Whether you seek cultural wonders, lush landscapes, or jungle experiences, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting city. Grab your passport and sense of adventure as we explore some of the best activities for your Chiang Mai vacation! EXPLORE THE TEMPLES. Impressive temples are all over Chiang Mai, and they are unbeatable outings. While larger temples, like Wat Phra Singh, have a small admission price, smaller temples are typically free.
Remember to dress appropriately for your visit, covering your shoulders and removing your hat. Intricate structures and statues adorn many temples and are truly peaceful places. WALK UP A WATERFALL. Have you ever walked on water? You can literally walk up the Bua Thong Waterfall, known as the Sticky Waterfall. This remarkable natural space is located just outside the city in the Namtok Bua Tong-Nam Phu Chet Si National Park and draws many visitors annually. The porous limestone rocks of Bua Thong are sticky and allow people to climb up the waterfall without slipping. You can find different paths with varying degrees of difficulty for adventurous explorers.
d
P4 | PATRIOTWEALTHNC.COM
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator