Patriot Wealth - March 2020

Patriot Wealth - March 2020

MARCH 2020

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PATRIOT WEALTH

HONORING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

March is Women’s History Month, and I can’t help but reflect on the woman who has inspired me the most over the years, my mother. One of my favorite quotes comes from an iconic historical figure, Maya Angelou. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” When reflecting on Women’s History Month, this quote serves as a guiding light for me personally. As I reflect on my childhood, I remember how my mom made me feel. Unfortunately for me, I wish I didn’t forget what she sometimes said. (Momma certainly does know best!) I can

hopped off the school bus. What I genuinely remember most is the comfort she provided. As a parent, I think it can be tough to wonder if you’re doing a good job. Perhaps we wish we would have been a little more encouraging or in the present more often. However, to me it all comes back to how someone makes you feel. Mom, you are a wonderful mother, and I cannot thank you enough for the endless sacrifices you’ve made for me! My mom is undoubtedly a person who puts other people first. I love that about her, and it is something I try to bring to the Patriot Wealth family. She is very friendly and loves to meet new people! I think sometimes

recall numerous instances throughout my childhood where her love for me was on full display. Her nurturing ways came naturally to her. It could be a home-cooked meal she prepared before a game (I can assure you I never went to play anything on an empty stomach) or the calming words of encouragement before a big test. I also loved seeing her smiling face when I eagerly

the financial industry tends to reduce everything to numbers. It is important to me that I always remember this business is so much more than numbers. My mom and Maya Angelou understood the power of human connection. It will forever serve as a wonderful reminder to me as I continue my journey with Patriot Wealth!

–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.

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RETIRE IN STYLE 3 PLACES TO RETIRE INTERNATIONALLY

Even if you’ve always planned for a comfortable retirement in the United States, choosing to live internationally could be a smart alternative to improve your standard of living in retirement. International Living Magazine’s Retirement Index has tracked objective retirement metrics — like the cost of living, democratic stability, and health care — for the last 40 years. They also take into account reports of correspondents actively living abroad. Here are some of their top picks for international retirement destinations. PANAMA Panama ranks No. 2 in International Living Magazine’s list of best places to retire internationally. With its tropical climate, proximity to the United States, excellent health care, and low tax burden, it’s easy

to see why. In Panama City, you can expect to pay at least $2,600 a month in living expenses, but housing costs are substantially lower outside of major metropolitan markets. Panama also offers excellent discounts, up to 25% off of things like airline tickets, hotels, and energy costs through its Pensionado program. COSTA RICA If it’s a textbook paradise you’re looking for, look no further than Costa Rica. Thanks to a 1948 decision to abolish their military and direct all of those funds to health care and education, Costa Rica is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Central America.” Known for its stable democracy, safety, and socialized health care that’s only available once you’ve obtained residency, Costa Rica also offers climates for just about everybody

— from the lush jungles of the south to the hot, dry beaches of Guanacaste in the northwest. Expect to find large communities of expats to help you acclimate. MEXICO The first things that come to mind for most people when you mention Mexico are margaritas and beach umbrellas, but this country offers a lot more than that. For starters, Mexico features an enticingly low cost of living. International Living estimates a couple could live in Mexico on anywhere from $1,500–$3,000 per month, depending on location, including health care expenses. Once you’ve obtained residency status, you can sign up for national health care plans that offer full coverage for just a few hundred dollars annually.

WHAT DOES THE SECURE ACT MEAN TO YOU? UNDERSTANDING THE MOST SIGNIFICANT RETIREMENT LEGISLATION IN DECADES

The SECURE Act is one of the most significant changes to happen to retirement legislation in at least a decade, and it went into effect Jan. 1, 2020. There are many changes in the SECURE Act, but one of the changes that will most directly impact our clients at Patriot Wealth is what is being called the death of the stretch IRA. This change will have the largest impact on people who have nonspouse beneficiaries who want to take precautions to protect their assets at the time of inheritance. Prior to the passage of the SECURE Act, if you inherited a lump sum, you could take disbursements from the account

over the long term, meaning that, if so desired, you could continue to benefit from the tax advantages of an IRA. However, the SECURE Act has changed this. Now, nonspouse beneficiaries have just 10 years to withdraw — and pay taxes on — the full value of the account within 10 years. Without proper plan adjustments, the rollout of the SECURE Act could lead to large scale, inter- generational losses of familial wealth. But the SECURE Act has sweeping implications for retirement planning beyond just how the inheritance you leave will be taxed. The legislation also raises the age for when people are required to start taking disbursements

from retirement accounts from 70 1/2 to 72 years of age, includes provisions that make it easier for employers to offer annuities, and includes legislation aimed at making it easier for more businesses to offer retirement accounts to more people. The most reliable way to ensure your retirement plan is optimized around the new regulation put into place by the SECURE Act is to meet with a planner and explore your specific scenario. Visit PatriotWealthNC.com to learn more about how we can help assure your family’s wealth will be protected for many generations to come.

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SHAKE THE WINTER BLUES OFF THIS SPRING OUT AND ABOUT IN RALEIGH

It’s March, which means it’s time to shake the winter blues out of your hair and get out and enjoy some of Raleigh’s many wonderful events. From St. Patty’s Day to Motown, our community offers a little something for everybody.

DANCING IN THE STREET: THE MUSIC OF MOTOWN

When: March 21, 2020; 8 p.m. Where: Meymandi Concert Hall at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts Cost: $55+ Presented by the North Carolina Symphony, this evening will help you relive the magic of Motown with smash hits by the likes of Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, The Temptations, and Stevie Wonder.

RATATOUILLE

RALEIGH ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL

INGREDIENTS

Inspired by Bon Appétit

When: March 14, 2020; 10 a.m. Where: 300 Fayetteville St. Cost: Free

• 1 eggplant, peeled and chopped • 1 large zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds • 2 tsp salt • 3/4 cup olive oil, divided • 5 sprigs thyme

• 1 large onion, halved and sliced 1/2-inch thick • 1 red bell pepper, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, sliced • 2 pints cherry tomatoes

Come celebrate Irish traditions and Celtic culture in Raleigh at the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. There will be tons of great activities for people of all ages. Check out Celtic inspired jewelry and arts in the Irish Village, traditional Irish and Scottish dances on the Courthouse Steps Stage, and live music on the Shamrock n’ Roll Stage all day long.

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. In a colander, toss eggplant, zucchini, and salt. Let sit for 30 minutes and pat dry. 3. In an ovenproof pot, heat 1/2 cup olive oil. Add half of eggplant mixture, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. Remove vegetables from pot. 4. Tie thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine. 5. In the same pot, heat remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, and cook onion, pepper, garlic, and thyme for 8–10 minutes. 6. Add half the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. 7. Stir in original eggplant and zucchini mixture and top with remaining tomatoes. Do not stir. 8. Transfer pot to oven and bake mixture for 15–20 minutes. 9. Remove pot from oven and remove thyme bundle before serving.

A CELEBRATION OF FEMALE CHOREOGRAPHERS

When: March 5–22, 2020; times vary Where: Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts Cost: Tickets start at $36.15 March is Women’s History Month, and the Carolina Ballet is celebrating by presenting their first evening featuring exclusively female choreographers. This evening will feature Lynne Taylor-Corbetts Bolero and new work by Marianna Oliveira and Adriana Pierce.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Honoring Women’s History Month PAGE 1

Retire in Style PAGE 2

What Does the SECURE Act Mean to You? PAGE 2

Ratatouille PAGE 3

Out and About in Raleigh PAGE 3

Stay Stateside With These Little-Known St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations PAGE 4

STAYING STATESIDE FOR ST. PADDY’S? CELEBRATE WITH THESE LITTLE-KNOWN FESTIVITIES

A LITTLE LUCK IN AMERICA’S HEARTLAND O’Neill, Nebraska, is home to the world’s largest shamrock and more unique St. Patrick’s Day traditions. This Irish community doubles down on its heritage every March with a traditional parade, music, and Irish dancing. But the town also hosts a popular dodgeball tournament and donkey basketball. What could be better than pummeling your opponents in dodgeball and outpacing the competition while riding a donkey in the school gymnasium? Perhaps enjoying a pint or two with your teammates afterward. And O’Neill is just the spot to do it.

There’s no place quite like Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day. What was once a purely religious holiday to honor the legend of St. Patrick chasing all the snakes out of the country has turned into a global celebration. But if a trip to Ireland isn’t in the budget, check out these three little- known stateside destinations that are just as festive.

SHORT AND SWEET IN ARKANSAS Thanks to the clever thinking of some Irish friends meeting for a pint at a bar on one of the shortest streets in the world, Bridge Street in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the First Ever 17th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade will travel 98 feet once again this year. Don’t assume the turnout isn’t robust just because the distance is staggeringly low. The parade lasts for hours, drawing thousands of people to watch celebrities, musicians, bands, floats, and Miss Arkansas glide by. The event also features a Blarney stone kissing contest and a parade king and queen.

OHIO’S LITTLE PIECE OF IRELAND You may not be able to fly to Ireland, but you can visit a little piece of it right in the U.S. Head to Dublin, Ohio, this St. Patrick’s Day for a traditional celebration sure to put a wee bit o’ pep in your step. Partake in a traditional Irish breakfast or enjoy a parade complete with bagpipers and Irish dancers. Boasting one of the largest celebrations in the U.S., Dublin is an affordable alternative for those looking to celebrate the Irish way.

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