Patriot Wealth - February 2021

Patriot Wealth - February 2021

FEBRUARY 2021

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THE GROUNDHOG DAY QUESTION If You Had to Live One Day Over Again, What Would It Be?

Happy Candlemas!

To this day, thousands of people gather in Punxsutawney to discover if the groundhog will see its shadow or not. If he does, we’re in for another six weeks of winter, and if not, we can expect an early spring. The tradition goes beyond this simple superstition, too! Apparently, the event is organized and overseen by the local “Inner Circle,” who wear top hats and claim to speak “Groundhogese.” Who knew there was so much to a seemingly small holiday like Groundhog Day? All I knew was what I learned from the movie, but as I was chatting about this strange holiday with our resident Pennsylvania transplant, Austin Kobilka, I learned he knew more about it than I ever did. I’m not too shocked! I was just a kid when the movie “Groundhog Day” premiered, and I just remember thinking how hilarious Bill Murray was in it. I didn’t really pay much attention to the romance with Andie MacDowell’s character or the underlying message of being good to others to find true happiness, but now as an adult, it’s interesting to ponder what Phil Connors underwent. Director Harold Ramis claims Connors was stuck in Groundhog Day for 10 years, which gave him the time to learn

piano, speak French, and save lives. Could you imagine being stuck in that endless time loop for a whole decade? Phil didn’t get to choose which day he lived for 10 years. It begs the question: If you had to live one day over and over and over again, which day would you choose? Personally, I think I would choose the day my son was born. That was a perfect, exciting day for my wife, our families, and me. (Although, I’m not sure my wife would want to live that day over again in its entirety 😉 .) In the end, Groundhog Day is an innocuous holiday that many of us don’t pay attention to, outside of Bill Murray fans and Pennsylvanians. But thanks to the famous 1993 movie, it does give us something to think about, and that’s worth learning more about.

Haven’t heard of it? You’re not alone.

I had no idea how complex and lengthy the history of Groundhog Day — or, Candlemas, as it was previously known — was until I saw it on the calendar this February and decided to Google it. Like many people, I remember the hilarious Bill Murray movie where he plays a crotchety TV weatherman, Phil Connors, who’s stuck in a Groundhog Day time loop. Of course, I also knew about the annual celebration in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, but beyond the goofy news coverage we see every year, I never gave Groundhog Day much thought. Turns out, Groundhog Day is much more complex than I ever knew! It began centuries ago as Candlemas and a way to recognize the start of spring. When Christianity became more widely practiced, Europeans transformed the holiday and would look to badgers and other small woodland creatures to help them predict winter’s weather patterns in early February. The Germans brought the tradition with them to Pennsylvania, and a local newspaper editor in Punxsutawney began the holiday as we know it today on Feb. 2, 1887.

Happy Groundhog Day!

–Wes White

P.S. Don’t trust the groundhog. He’s only

40% accurate about weather patterns.

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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HERE ARE 3 WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF RIGHT NOW MONEY SCAMS ARE SKYROCKETING

BLEND ART AND NATURE AT WILLIAM B. UMSTEAD STATE PARK. Combining the arts and Mother Nature, William B. Umstead State Park is home to 22 miles of hiking trails, camping spots, picnicking locations, and fishing holes. Mountain bikers and horse riders have 13 miles to explore, too. In 2017, local artists used chainsaws to carve tremendous artwork into a fallen tree, bringing new life to this decaying creature. It’s become a hidden gem for locals ever since. If you haven’t found it, see if you and your partner can! Go to VisitRaleigh.com to learn more. DIY BREWERY CRAWL FROM HOME! Raleigh is one of the nation’s best spots for craft brews, so why not indulge in it from the comfort of your couch? With Raleigh Brewing Company, Bond Brothers Beer Company, Lonerider Brewing Company, and many others, there are plenty of options to choose from. Make a list of your (and your partner’s) favorite brews from local taphouses or make a list of the varieties you enjoy the most. (Not sure? Ask a local brewery for help!) Then, pick up a few cans or bottles of your favorite and pair it with a burger or pizza from a local restaurant for the perfect date night in. VisitRaleigh.com is your go-to source for this homemade beer crawl! CELEBRATE A SAFE AND AFFORDABLE VALENTINE’S DAY IN RALEIGH scammer. No one from any federal agency will ever call you out of the blue. Anyone claiming to have a cure or pretending to be in desperate need of money is also trying to scam you. Never say a word back to them. Cut them off and go about your day. 2. SIGN UP FOR INFORMED DELIVERY BY USPS. This free service is a great way to monitor your incoming mail. Every morning, USPS sends you an email with scanned images of the day’s mail (this doesn’t usually include larger parcels). When you pick up your mail later in the day, you can verify if anything is missing. Scammers may prefer phone calls, but mail thieves are still very much on the prowl. 3. SIGN UP FOR AN IDENTITY PROTECTION AND FRAUD DETECTION SERVICE. You never know who might end up with your personal information, but you can take steps to keep it safe. There are several services, like LifeLock, Identity Guard, and Intelius Identity Project, that offer comprehensive identify protection. They monitor credit cards, addresses, phone numbers, bank accounts, and more with the purpose of scoping out unusual or fraudulent behavior. Many services can be customized to fit your specific needs.

For the past year, scammers have been working full time to fleece people. As a result of COVID-19, federal financial relief efforts, and state-level relief efforts, scammers have found a new way to get into their victims’ pockets. Now, they’re using COVID-19 again, this time with the “vaccine scam.” Through this scam, they’ll sign you up for the COVID-19 vaccine in exchange for a fee. They are also using variations of the grandparent scam, in which scammers pretend to be a family member in trouble (this time, they have COVID-19 or have lost their job) and they need money. Scammers make phone calls, send text messages, and craft phishing emails, hoping you’ll take the bait.

How can you protect yourself from these financial scams and more? Try these three different ways!

1. SHUT THEM DOWN. If you get a call from a scammer, hang up immediately (better yet, don’t answer unknown callers at all). At the same time, delete scam texts or emails the second you see them. If you get a call, text, or email from someone claiming to be with the government or a government agency, it’s a

Whether you love Valentine’s Day — pun intended — or think it’s a cheesy holiday, we believe Raleigh is the perfect spot to celebrate it. Check out these ideas for the perfect Valentine’s Day plans that aren’t cheesy, keep you safe, and are affordable on any budget. PICK UP YOUR FAVORITE TREATS FROM LA FARM BAKERY. Valentine’s Day is really all about the sweets! For more than 20 years, La Farm Bakery has brought global recipes right to hungry patrons. From crisp and soft bread to freshly baked macaroons, scones, brioche rolls, tarts, and more, there’s a treat for every palate. Pick up your favorite dessert, something your sweetheart will love, and a third item you’ve been dying to try for an at-home tasting session! Better yet, check out La Farm’s Facebook page for seasonal offerings, including charcuterie boards. The bakery boasts three locations in the region and has pickup and shipping options available. Learn more at LaFarmBakery.com . LOCAL LOVES

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When you’re a child, you make friends because you go to school with them every day or share similar interests as part of after-school activities. It’s only when you become an adult that you realize the inevitable: Relationships — platonic, romantic, or business — are hard! And it doesn’t necessarily get easier with age, but we believe it can be more fun! If you’re looking for fun, safe ways to date in your retirement years, take these tips to heart during this month of romance. DON’T STAY AT HOME (WHEN IT’S SAFE TO LEAVE AGAIN). It’s easy to fall into a lull during retirement. Your days are no longer bound by the clock, and there are only so many rounds of golf or sweaters you can knit before the days become a little mundane. Instead, get out there! Volunteer, find a part- time job, join a social group, or even start your own business. As you become more involved, you will meet new people and perhaps even find a spark! Plus, it’s just like the rule of school: It’s easier to make a meaningful relationship when you spend time with someone! DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE INTERNET. Dozens of websites cater to finding love as you age, depending on your preferences or needs. This can help you refine your search to those who would connect with you, rather than striking out in person. Just be sure to abide by some common internet safety rules. Only use reputable sites and never give out too many personal details. Do some sleuthing on the other person’s social media pages or search for their name on news sites, just to confirm that you’re meeting someone you’re comfortable with. Finally, meet up with someone new in a public space and notify a friend when doing so. OUR BEST TIP YET: DON’T BE TOO SERIOUS. Even if you want to get married during your retirement years, have fun! When you’re younger, you have to consider marriage, children, potential job changes, and more with your partner, but in retirement, many of those things have already happened or you know you don’t want them. You know what you want, or you at least have more planned out than you did when you were 25 years old. So, have fun with it! Dating isn’t going to be like it was when you were in your 20s. Instead, you can enjoy all the fun parts of dating without the big looming life questions. 3 TIPS FOR DATING IN RETIREMENT THE GOLDEN RELATIONSHIP

TAKE A BREAK

STRAWBERRY KISSED ALMOND BUTTER MUFFINS INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed • 3/4 cup natural creamy

• 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup oat flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 cup strawberry fruit

almond butter (can substitute creamy peanut butter)

spread, divided (we recommend Bonne Maman INTENSE)

• 2 large eggs • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners and spray with nonstick cooking spray. 3. In a large bowl, mix bananas, almond butter, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. 4. Stir in oat flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. 5. Evenly divide batter into liners. Add 1 tsp strawberry fruit spread to the top of each muffin. 6. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the spread into the batter. 7. Bake for 22–27 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. 8. Transfer muffins to wire rack to cool and enjoy!

Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com

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PATRIOT WEALTH 4350 Lassiter at North Hills Ave. #330 Raleigh, NC 27609 INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Tale of Groundhog Day and Its Biggest Lesson PAGE 1 Protect Yourself From COVID-19 Scams! PAGE 2

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3 Affordable Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Locally! PAGE 2

Strawberry Kissed Almond Butter Muffins PAGE 3 Dating in Retirement Can Be Fun! Here’s How PAGE 3 What’s the Deal With Valentine’s Day Cards? PAGE 4

Why Valentine’s Day Is the Ultimate Card Holiday IT’S IN THE CARDS

This may be the first year in a long time that kids don’t pass out Valentine’s Day cards at school. Going in to the new year, the seasonal section of most stores is lined with cards featuring fun characters from superheroes to unicorns. Handing out cards is now a well-loved tradition, but have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day became one of the biggest card-giving holidays of the year?

stories that go back even further. There are legends that the originator of this holiday tradition was Saint Valentine himself. One story says that on the night before he was set to be executed, Valentine wrote a small letter to a jailer’s daughter. He ended the note with “Your Valentine.” It’s unknown whether that story is true, but to 18th century Europeans and Americans, it was inspiring! So inspiring, in fact, that the entire Valentine’s Day industry began to gain traction. A guidebook called “The Young Man’s Valentine” was

Like many holiday traditions, the convention of handing out Valentine’s Day cards goes back centuries. During the 1700s, it became fashionable to trade Valentine’s Day cards with a short poem or verse. The popularity of swapping cards only increased throughout the 1800s. Sometimes, people would go as far as to paint or draw spring-like images on the cards. They were much more elaborate than what we typically see today, though they were still usually very small.

published in 1797 to help suitors garner the attention of their love interests through the written word. Eventually, books aimed at women were also published, including “The Lady’s Own Valentine Writer,” which served much the same goal. These publications, along with young people writing notes to one another every February, have made Valentine’s Day cards an ingrained tradition, and now people can’t get enough of them!

But where did those folks get the idea? People of that era were likely inspired by

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