Patriot Wealth - June 2020

Patriot Wealth - June 2020

JUNE 2020

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1 YEAR OF NOAH

CELEBRATING OUR SON’S FIRST BIRTHDAY

It’s hard to believe it’s been one year since Noah made his grand entrance, but as of June 7, Rachel and I have a 1-year-old. I’ll never forget what it was like to hold my son for the first time, just moments after he was born, marveling at the indescribable feelings I felt in that moment. I was so thankful to Rachel for bringing this little boy into the world, and as I predicted, she gracefully stepped into motherhood. The past year has been a blur as a family of three, but there are no two people I’d rather experience it with.

Noah is a mama’s boy, of course, but I am already looking forward to the days when he and I can head out onto the ice. I already have his ice skates ready for his second birthday, and I can’t wait to practice and play hockey together. (I checked: The youngest age they make ice skates for is 2-year-olds, and Noah is definitely getting a pair!) It’s been fun watching Noah grow, but I already cannot wait for the activities we’ll get to do together as father and son.

It’s only been one year with Noah, but each day presents a new development and change for him. If the past 365 days or so have been any indication, this truly has been one of our greatest adventures. Happy first birthday, Noah!

One of the most intriguing parts of parenthood has been watching Noah develop and grow. For the first six months of his life, anyone who saw him immediately could tell he was Rachel’s son. They looked so similar! But as that six-month mark passed, his features started to develop and his personality grew a bit more. Soon, more people were saying that Noah looked like me! It’s crazy to see how he’s a blend of both Rachel and me, and watching him grow into this little person has only proved that.

Today, Noah is crawling, almost walking, and babbling like any 1-year-old would. He’s a happy baby, often filling our home with so much laughter. We can already tell that he’s going to be ornery but in the most hilarious way. He has this smirk filled with curiosity, and we know he’s going to require an extra eye as he ages and that curiosity evolves.

–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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FEELING RENEWED AT ANY AGE 2 WAYS TO REVIVE YOUR LIFE THIS SUMMER

TAKE SOME TIME TO FOCUS ON THE PRESENT.

If the mercurial spring weather has prevented you from getting out as much as you would have liked these past few months, you might be feeling a bit of cabin fever about now. Luckily, you can still introduce positive changes to your life that help you feel healthier and younger. Here are two ways to awaken your body and mind.

With this better understanding, you can make choices more aligned with your true interests and personality. Think about getting involved with a new activity you may have always wanted to try but never had the chance, like yoga or even a video game. Trying out new things keeps your brain active. You may even discover a new favorite activity along the way!

Go for a walk and listen to the world around you, feel the fresh air against your skin, fill your lungs, and take in everything you can see. Meditation is also a good way to spend a few minutes to focus on your body in the moment and the things in life that make you happy. Practices like these can help you feel lighter, both physically and emotionally. Growing older doesn’t mean you can’t feel renewed and positive. This isn’t just an impossible idea — it’s a reality.

ADOPT A NEW ACTIVITY.

PAY ATTENTION TO MENTAL HEALTH.

As you get older, it’s not uncommon to drift further from the lifestyle you had in your 20s and 30s. Things have settled down, and you know a bit more about who you are, what you enjoy, and what you’re capable of.

Although more years provide more experience and knowledge, sometimes they also come with heavy baggage. The loss of a loved one, trauma, and other struggles can impact your life in later years. This is why it’s good to practice mindfulness.

LESSONS LEARNED WHAT COVID-19 TAUGHT US ABOUT RETIREMENT

PREPARE NOW, BE THANKFUL LATER: While what you do in retirement is completely up to your discretion, at Patriot Wealth, our goal is to make sure it can happen, regardless of a pandemic or other crisis. Like many planning for or nearing retirement, COVID-19 may have sent you into a panic, and that’s understandable. We may have had to make a few adjustments or offered advice on surviving this storm for a brighter future, but by having a retirement plan and financially saving for retirement, you’re already leagues ahead of your peers. In 2019, CNBC found that 1 in 3 Americans do not have any money saved for retirement, while a 2020 USA Today report found that retirees will spend an average of $1.2 million in retirement. This is a great reminder that all the work and savings you have done, and continue to do, will benefit you when you’re ready to retire. You’re preparing in ways others haven’t and can enjoy the retirement of your dreams.

If we have learned anything from this spring’s COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the value of preparation. And retirement is no different. In fact, as a silver lining, we believe you can take away two big lessons from this pandemic when it comes to your retirement. MAKE A PLAN AND BE FLEXIBLE: Many of us were gifted with a preview of our retirement — without all the perks of going out in public, of course — during our COVID-19 lockdown. As you may have learned, doing nothing all day gets old pretty fast, and while you should be able to go in public during retirement, your daily routine could get stale. The beauty of retirement is that it’s completely up to you to decide how it’s spent. Perhaps, you will travel for a few months or get a few chapters into writing a book before finding you’re ready for something else. You’re allowed to make that shift, and we can support you when you’re ready. Consciously thinking about what you want out of retirement, planning for it, and making adjustments as you age and progress in retirement can ensure a retirement you’ve always dreamed about.

If you’re worried about how COVID-19 will impact your retirement and savings, contact our team today.

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We will celebrate Men’s Health Month this June, and it’s never been a better time to examine your health. As we age, we become more susceptible to diseases, chronic conditions, and life-threatening illnesses. The good news is that prevention is effective and treatment is powerful when these three conditions are caught early. Learn more and stay vigilant! SKIN CANCER According to AARP, 50% of Americans ages 65 and older will be diagnosed with at least one form of skin cancer, and the possibility increases for Caucasian men. People of color also face an increased risk of a deadly form of skin cancer, acral lentiginous melanoma, and it typically strikes when people reach their 60s. What’s more, medication, previous sunburns, and alcohol all increase this risk. It’s vital that older adults are regularly screened for abnormal moles and other signs of skin cancer. In addition, apply sunscreen, find a great hat, and notify your physician of any past skin conditions or issues. HEART DISEASE As your body ages, your heart ages along with it. It becomes harder for your heart to pump blood at the same rate it once did when you were younger. Couple that with alcohol use, salty food consumption, family history, and low amounts of exercise, and you may be facing a greater risk of heart disease. At your annual check-ups, your physician should check your blood pressure, order an EKG, and perform other tests. If you fall under common high-risk factors, alert your doctor immediately for more testing. In addition, switch to a heart-healthy diet — think lean proteins, juicy fruits, and tasty vegetables — and increase your active minutes. FALLS For as common and dangerous heart disease and skin cancer can be for older adults, these may not be the deadliest. In fact, that danger could be lurking in your home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 30,000 Americans will die as a result of a fall, and 30 million older adults fall each year. Yet, falls can be preventable! Regular exercise improves your mobility and balance. Also, keeping your hallways clear, wearing proper shoes, and scheduling regular health screenings can decrease your chance of a fall. CELEBRATE MEN’S HEALTH MONTH WITH THESE WELLNESS TIPS 50 AND THRIVING

PALEO SAUSAGE FRITTATA

INGREDIENTS

Inspired by SarahFragoso.com

• 3 tbsp coconut oil • 1 lb mild Italian sausage • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and grated • 4 green onions, diced • 10 eggs, whisked • Black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat coconut oil over medium heat. 2. Crumble sausage into the skillet and cook until browned. 3. Add sweet potato and cook until tender. 4. Add green onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes. 5. Spread this mixture evenly throughout the skillet. Pour eggs over mixture and sprinkle black pepper over top. 6. Cook without stirring for 3 minutes or until bubbly. 7. Transfer skillet to oven and cook under broiler on low until frittata is cooked through.

For more aging resources, visit the National Council on Aging’s website at NCOA.com.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Noah Turns 1! PAGE 1

How to Feel Renewed at Any Age PAGE 2

Retirement Lessons From COVID-19 PAGE 2

Paleo Sausage Frittata PAGE 3

Stay Healthy With These Tips for Aging Wellness PAGE 3 Have the Olympics Ever Been Postponed Before? PAGE 4

TIMES THE OLYMPICS WERE CANCELED AND THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE 2020 TOKYO GAMES

In late March, amid the global spread of COVID-19, the International Olympic Committee announced the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games. They were slated to take place in Tokyo, Japan, this summer, but they will now happen in the summer of 2021. While this is an unprecedented decision, it’s not the first time that major global events have affected the Olympic Games or which countries participated. Since the inception of the modern Olympic Games in 1896, they have been outright canceled three times — 1916, 1940, and 1944. The first cancellation of the Olympic Games happened during World War I. The German Empire was supposed to host the

host when they invaded China in 1937. The games were then rebooked for Helsinki, Finland, but after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939 and started WWII, those games were scrapped as well. Since the fighting hadn’t ceased by the time the games were supposed to happen in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, in 1944, the Olympics were canceled again. Though the Olympics have happened on schedule since the end of WWII, the United States has not always participated. In 1980, when the U.S. boycotted the Olympics that were held in Moscow, Russia, in protest of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, 64 other nations followed suit. However, those games still went on as planned and 80 countries participated. The fact that major global conflicts are the only other events that have been catastrophic enough to affect the Olympics might be distressing and elevate anxiety about our current global health crisis. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Olympics have only been postponed this time, not canceled. We’ll still get to cheer on our favorite Olympians next year.

games in Berlin, but by the time 1916 rolled around, Europe was deep in the trenches of WWI. Many nations had sent their athletes to fight in the war, so the games were canceled.

World War II caused the next two cancellations. The 1940 Olympics were initially scheduled to be held in Tokyo. It would have been the first time the games were hosted by a non-Western country, but Japan forfeited the right to

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