Brighton Buzz December 2022

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO

O ered by: Susan Kline The Brighton Buzz

As

we put the finishing touches on 2022, December offers a month to look back at a year that seems to have jettisoned by at a rapid pace.

It’s a perfect time to reflect on all of our favorite times and make peace with those that weren’t as good. The blessing in our Holiday celebrations is the ability to spend time with friends and family enjoying good company, excellent food, and the joy that giving and receiving gifts brings.

Those memories bring an incredible warmth that’s undeniable. They’re somewhat like putting a bow on all 2022 moments and preparing us for another year to come.

Our December issue is filled with a variety of ways our advertisers have provided to make your Holiday Season bright! There are ideas for shopping, dining, and resources for all aspects of your lives. Pay special attention to our Downtown Business Directory on pages 23-25. We encourage all our readers to Shop Local This Holiday Season in order to support our local businesses and our communities.

Showing Gratitude During the Holidays

of Chiropractic

The holidays can be full of so much indulgence. We indulge our families and often indulge ourselves! e holidays are also full of many “I wants.” We hear it from our kids and it’s magnified by the constant media messages that portray the newest gadget that we must have. One of the ways that we find some fulfillment, and often true joy, is through focusing on what we already have and what we are grateful for. Our favorite way to do this is through snail mail ank-You cards and notes. Have you written a ank You note recently? Do you have a mental list of people that you have been meaning to send a note to? Here’s a few suggestions of how we make ank Yous work for us:

• Have a supply of ank You notes or cards handy at all times. Buy some on Amazon or the store and keep them readily available.

• Have stamps available and ready near your ank You supply.

• In the note tab of your phone, record names, thoughts and impressions as they come to you. You will be so glad you have recorded their names as to not miss anyone.

• Keep addresses in your phone of businesses or people that you know you will want to mail a note or something special to.

• Repeat bi-weekly or monthly and put it in your calendar with a reminder. As you express gratitude this season, we know you will feel the love of what the season is really about. Good luck in your gratitude adventure and Merry Christmas to each of you!

O ered by: Dr. Eric Anderson DC and Heidi Anderson Brighton Clinic

While we should be thankful all year long, anksgiving is a designated time of year to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. I can’t thank you enough to those who have come in and shown their love and support and have given wonderful feedback on my products! With that being said, I know you all have loved ones you would like to show your love and thanks to by giving them something special – whether it be for a birthday, holiday, anniversary or simply just because.

e holidays are coming up and shopping for loved ones can be a task! Come in and I’ll help you put together the perfect bath and body gift set. Maybe some wine soap with a wine themed goat milk bath bomb and body butter to go along with it. I’m also working on ready-made gift sets so you can grab and go! Let go of the stress and relax with some luxurious goat milk bath and body care products and let me help you help your loved one relax and soak their cares away this holiday season.

Hey all you husbands out there, come in and let me make it easy for you! You’re wives with be thrilled to get luxurious handmade high quality relaxation!!

Tidings of Joy and Good Cheer!

Aswe greet the close of 2022, I can’t help but remark on the fact that this era of 2020s thus far has felt a bit like what I imagine being the ball in a classic pinball machine might feel like—ricocheting from one challenge and experience to the next. It also reminds me of the importance of focusing on the good things— collecting the experience points of the game if you will—because even with the challenges, there are so many good things. 2022 has been an incredibly memorable and impactful year for me, both professionally and personally.

Being recognized as a Five Star Legend in the October/November edition of Forbes Magazine was, of course, an incredible highlight in my career. It’s an experience I will cherish always, not only because of the prestige of that level of recognition, but more because it represents the decades and hundreds of clients who’s lives I’ve positively impacted over those years. I’m humbled and honored by the trust and confidence of all those who have entrusted me to help bring their dreams and goals to reality. “ ank you” barely scratches the surface of fully expressing my gratitude!

Personally, 2022 has been a year of new exploration and reveling in creativity and nature. With travel opportunities opening back up I have thoroughly enjoyed adventures to some of the most beautiful state and national park areas. Being able to share my experiences and the beauty of these national treasures through my photography is icing on the proverbial cake. But more than that, it’s a reminder of how truly blessed I am. I will close this month by wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a bright holiday season fi lled with an abundance of joy!

For proven expertise in establishing your home value and/or searching for a new or existing home, please call Jan at (303) 520-4340.

O ered by: Jan Hepp-Struck, Hepp Realty

An Exciting Announcement About Early Education Options!

O ered by: Tobbi Monroe, Hills Academy Director

Exploring early education options for your little one’s early years can be a challenging, stressful, and overwhelming process for families. ere are many important pieces to consider when making a decision about their early learning years such as class size, curriculum, staff, location, and cost, just to list a few. Knowing that this decision and the need for early childhood education are such a prominent need and focus in our community, I am excited to announce the launch of Hills Academy in January 2023!!

Hills Academy is a ministry of Northern Hills Church which is located on Highway 7 in Brighton. Our vision at Hills Academy is to provide a Faith-based educational environment where your child can explore, imagine, learn, and grow into the beautifully and wonderfully made person God has made them to be.

For our January launch we will be offering a 3 year old class on Tuesdays and ursday and a 4 year old class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with both half day and full day options. I encourage you to visit our website at, https://hills.academy/ , to check out all the wonderful things that we have coming, to learn more about enrollment, and to schedule a tour.

I am very excited to see all the amazing plans that God has in store for Hills Academy and cannot wait to meet you and your family!

Merry Christmas

Brighton Edward Jones Office Supports Toys for Tots Drive

Tim

Roberts, a local Edward Jones financial advisor, is supporting the local Toys for Tots program by using his office as a drop-off location for this year’s toy drive.

Local residents may help make a difference for children in the area by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy to the office, 129 South 4th avenue Brighton, CO 80601, during regular business hours beginning anksgiving through December 16th. Monetary gifts cannot be accepted.

“With the holiday season around the corner, we are all getting ready for the festivities,” Roberts said. “And as this is the season of giving, now is a great time to remember the less fortunate in our community.”

Edward Jones is a leading financial services firm in the U.S. and through its affi liate in Canada. e firm’s nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 8 million clients with a total of $1.6 trillion in client assets under care. Edward Jones’ purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society.

rough the dedication of the firm’s 50,000 associates and our branch presence in 68 percent of U.S. counties, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them. e Edward Jones website is at edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

Fortune 500, published May 2022, data as of December 2021. Compensation provided for using, not obtaining, the rating.

experience with Lindsy Keeler and Michael

was great! They assisted us throughout the entire process and followed up on all aspects of the sale of our house and the purchase of our new house. They even pitched in packing and loading boxes for us. They made the process easy and enjoyable. They explained our options throughout the process

advised us as to the pros and cons of each option. I can’t thank them enough for what they did for

Seller’s Guide

DELICIOUS DINING:

Anthony’s Pizza 119 W. Bridge St. 303-659-0804

Bubba Chinos 201 S. Main St. 303-654-0360

Berry Blendz 275D Pavilions Way 303-862-7554

Bougie Boba 236 E. Bridge St. 303-386-4264

Buffet City 50 N, Main St. 303-558-0268

Coldstone Creamery 245 Pavilions Place 720-685-0364

El Camaron Loco

218 N. Main St. 303-659-1239

El Pollote Mexican Restaurant 75 S. Main St. 720-365-0435

Kikos Authentic

Mexican Food 290 N. Main St. 303-659-0262

La Estrellita 45 N. Main St. 303-654-9900

Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant 75 West Bridge 720-639-9651

Main St. Cafe 161 N. Main St. 303-558-0874

Main St. Grill 165 N. Main St. 303-835-2604

Papa John’s Pizza 126B W. Bridge St. 303-659-9000

Pho 81 275F Pavilions Way 303-835-2479

Pinocchio’s

Italian Eatery 177 E. Bridge Street 303-655-7777

Qdoba Mexican Eats 275 A Pavilions Way 303-637-0028

Santiago’s

128 W. Bridge St. 303-654-1447

South Philly Cheese Steaks 220 Pavilions Place 303-558-0905

Starbucks 59 Bush St. 303-659-1167

Sunrise Sushi 245 Pavilions Place 303-498-0934

Tacos Chihuas 248 N. Main St. 303-637-0933

Tacos Orientales Chihuahua 105 E. Bridge St. 720-512-5307

Fish Tail Cuisine of India & Nepal 305 Pavilions Place 720-458-6644

GREAT LIBATIONS:

Big Choice Brewing 21 S. 1st Ave. 303-498-0150

Copper Rail Bar & Grill 174 S. Main St. 303-655-9933

Flood Stage Ale Works 170 S, Main St. 303-654-7972

Jerry’s Bar & Grill 130 N. Main St. 303-659-3788

Jordinelli’s Sports Bar & Grill 25 N. Main St. 303-659-1055

Main Bar & Karaoke 20 N. Main St. 720-496-9882

Something Brewery 117 N. Main St. 720-939-3883

RETAIL THERAPY:

A Mattress and More 119 W. Bridge St. Unit W-B 303-902-9777

Bee & Thistle Marketshops 43 N. Main St. 303-241-1211

Brighton Bulldog Tires 100 W. Southern St. #6 303-659-5007

Enviro Gas 125 W. Bridge St. Ste. F 303-637-7873

Game Trader 2 S. Main St. 303-637-7503

Goat Bubbles Bath & Body 240 E. Bridge St. 720-636-3078

Heather’s Front Porch 18 N. Main St. 303-835-2318

Just Rustic

125 W. Bridge St. 303-324-4342

Kismet Starrz 29 N. Main St. Suite 101 303-659-4428

RETAIL THERAPY:

(continued)

Kum & Go

70 W. Bridge St. 303-659-9546

Main St. Creatives Gallery

36 S. Main St. 303-655-2176

Mraz Boots & Accessories 204 S. Main St. 720-688-0453

On Pins & Needles

39 N. Main St. 720-667-4086

Paisano Liquors 126A W. Bridge St. 720-685-0306

Prestige Design 117 N. Main St. 720-933-2590

Shades of Divine 155 E. Bridge St. 303-952-9138

The Naked Hanger Boutique

121 N. Main St. 720-328-6428

Truckwerks

300 Bridge St. 303-955-6443

Wireless Solution

290 N. Main St. 720-372-8540

Yami’s Boutique 116 Strong St.

Shop local this

ENTERTAINMENT:

AMC Brighton 12 250 Pavilions Place 303-655-1591

Armory Performing Arts Center 300 Strong St. 303-655-2026

Fiesta Time Rentals 234 N. 4 th Ave. 303-659-0419

Lizzie’s Axe Throwing 343 S. Main St. 303-954-9838

PERSONAL SERVICES:

A Nu Do Salon

119 W. Bridge St. 303-835-2375

Art of Hair Salon 10 N. Main St. 303-655-7385

Autowash @ Platteview 124 W. Bridge St. 303-927-9061

Beauty Zone 148 N. Main St. 303-654-2600

Belles & Beaus Boutique 75 ½ S. 3rd Ave. 303-659-0354

Bob’s Barber Shop

169 E. Bridge St. 303-659-3389

Branch Out Studios 21 S. 3 rd Ave. 720-634-6793

Colorado Kustom Kulture 324 Walnut St. 303-357-9766

Fina’s Salon 124 N. Main St. 303-659-1617

Imagen Salon 301 N. Main St. 303-637-7108

Jay Jay Barber Shop 274 E. Bridge St. 303-862-6081

Lashit Loft 12.5 N. Main St. 720-280-9084

Legendary Barber Studio 49 S. 3rd Ave. 720-408-8172

Pretty Nail Spa 245B Pavilions Way 303-659-0863

Prophecy Barbershop 113 E. Bridge St. 720-926-3259

Saba Beauty 29 N. Main St. Ste. 106 720-421-1335

Salon de Belleza Perla 290 N. Main St. 720-685-7888

Salon Rene De Belleza 176 E. Bridge St. 303-654-0430

Silk Medical Aesthetics and Spa

117B N. Main St. 720-287-2067

Style Zone 18 N. Main St. C 303-659-3355

Stylish Nails 122 N. Main St. 303-637-0772

The Mane Image Salon & Spa

208 S. Main St. 303-659-9292

The Pink Door Boutiques & Nail Salon 25 S. Cabbage Ave. 303-498-0489

The Wax Shoppe 119 E. Bridge St Ste. 240 303-332-1508

Working Class Ink 27 S. 4 th Ave. 303-498-0066

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:

1st Choice Driving Academy 220 Pavilions Pl. Unit E 303-654-8277

Aguirre’s Professional Services 29 N. Main St. #102 303-655-7635

Allstate Rippy Agency 220 Pavilions Place 303-219-1470

American Family Insurance - James Hood 70 N. 4th Ave. 303-659-0190

Army Career Center 220 Pavilions Pl. Unit B 303-637-0277

ATLAS CPAs & Advisors

21 North 1st Ave. Ste. 200 303-659-3951

holiday season!

Ayuda Financial Group

112 N. Main St. 720-389-8377

Axiom Realty 321 Walnut St. 303-385-3550

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

245D Pavilions Way 303-289-7009

Colorado Prestige Insurance

55 S. 4th Ave. 303-659-4744

Dave Simon Agency 420 Court Place 303-659-9065

H&R Block 66 S. Main St. 303-731-1021

Key Team Real Estate 25 S. 3 rd Ave.

NY Life 123 S. Main St. 303-655-1234

Premier Group Insurance 124 N. Main St. B 720-685-8602

Primerica Financial Services

29 N. Main St. 720-841-4735

Provident Residential Mortgage, LLC

119 E. Bridge St. 303-654-7956

State Farm Insurance John Stringer Agency 21 N. 1st Ave. #120 303-659-9077

Strong’s Agency Inc. 51 S. 1st Ave. 303-659-3762

The Margolis Team Inc. 410 Strong St. 303-835-4526

BUSINESS SERVICES:

Brice Steele Law Offices

25 S. 4th Ave. 303-659-3171

Brighton Chamber of Commerce 269 E. Bridge St. 303-659-0223

Cox Ranch Originals 117 E. Bridge St. 303-875-2881

Elwood Staffing 275C Pavilions Way 303-857-2358

Gary L. Hulett CPA

119 E. Bridge St. #240 720-392-1040

Synergetic Staffing, LLC 109 E. Bridge St. 303-647-9496

Tiara PrintingMinuteman Press 260 N. Main St. 303-654-1700

U.S. Post Office 90 N. 4th Ave. 800-275-8777

Wilkinson Graphics Inc. 200 S. Main St. 303-659-1397

HEALTH & WELLNESS:

Anytime Fitness 225 Pavilions Way 720-609-9200

Beast RX 14 North Main St. 720-408-9547

HIIT Box

5 S. 1st Ave. 720-551-4448

Revive Beauty & Threading 119 E. Bridge St. #230 720-341-4226

Right Fit Nutrition 119 W. Bridge St. Unit W-A 720-275-9588

Surge Spin

300 E. Bridge St. 720-603-1047

Vibrant Jiu Jitsu 244 E. Bridge St. 720-561-0867

The Yoga Loft 161 E. Bridge St. 720-301-7531

Unwind Massage Therapy & Spa 330 Walnut St. 303-835-8829

EVENT CENTERS:

Alli Event Center 100 S. 3rd Ave., 303-659-7775

Bella Sera Event Center 45 Strong St. 720-937-6337

HOME IMPROVEMENTS:

ERS Concrete 323 Walnut St. 303-659-4263

K&G Solutions

119 E. Bridge St. Ste 220 720-883-1267

Lobato Construction 123 N. Main St. 720-708-6534

TRAVEL & LEISURE:

Around the Park RV Rentals

327 Walnut St. 720-432-9698

KIDS DANCE LESSONS:

Dancer’s Edge 24 N. Main St. 720-236-7644

My Child Won’t Listen…to Me…

O ered by: Colorado Karate Club

Some years ago my daughter and I were training to compete at the US National Karate Championships. My daughter was in her teens while I was approaching the sunset of my competition days. By this time, I had been competing successfully for decades, getting to be part of the Peruvian National Karate Team, and many years later, also part of the USA National Karate Team.

For some reason, I thought that I knew what I was talking about when I was coaching my daughter. But, did I mention that she was a teenager? Right, every time I gave her direction, I got an eye roll, some huffing and puffing, and my directions were mostly ignored. I wanted to say “Hey, I know what I’m doing, why are you fighting me on everything I say?” But I knew better, I knew that taking that route would get me nowhere. Instead, I asked another instructor whom she held in high esteem to act as my “translator”. Without my daughter’s knowledge, I told him to coach my daughter by simply relating my instructions to her. Amazingly, she now welcomed the feedback, she listened and happily applied my coaching… as long as it was not coming from “dad”.

I often tell this story to parents that come to me asking why their children listen to “Sensei” (me), but not to them, even though we are all saying the same thing. So I tell them not to take it personally, many children simply need to hear the message from a third party to actually be received. When children, youth, or even adults find a good role model (aside from their parents), someone they can trust, we are much more receptive to listening and learning from them.

Try this technique when you encounter resistance from your child. Enroll a third party, someone the child looks up to, to relate the information and see magic happen. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child, I just think it takes committed parents and good role models who will help you along the way.

Jennifer Bell Insurance Agent

LegalShield Independent Assoc. 720.626.6524 Jen@JenniferBellBenefits.com www.JenniferBellBenefits.com

Medicare Advantage OEP Begins Jan. 1 – What You Should Know

O ered by:

Happy Holidays!! I hope you had a great anksgiving and are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas and New Years. I love this time of year. It’s my favorite!

Now that the Annual Election Period is over (or almost over ending Dec. 7), you should be in a plan that will suite your needs for 2023. So now what??

If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you are in a calendar year contract. ere is one enrollment period that you may not be aware of though, the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). is is from Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 each year. is OEP applies to folks who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan on January 1. If you have joined a plan and then discover that your MD is not in network or your medications aren’t covered as predicted, you can make a one time plan change during the OEP.

is is not a period of time that can be Marketed to you by your agent, however it is there for you to use if needed.

is OEP is also for folks who missed their Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare and still need to add Part B. If you haven’t enrolled in Part B and you no longer have Employer Health coverage through active employment, then you can apply to add Part B the first quarter of the year. Social Security will delay the start of Part B until July 1.

is is the only time you can add Part B each year so be sure to take advantage of it. Remember, retiree coverage is not credible coverage for Part B so if you are on a Retiree Benefit and don’t have Part B, you will need to add it during the OEP.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

I’m just a phone call away: 720-626-6524

a legacy of love.

Protect Your Family!

Estate planning is more than avoiding probate and saving taxes. A properly designed estate plan can provide so much more to protect your family. Most of these protections are ignored in cookie-cutter, form-driven estate plans. For example….

Mary and Bill were good parents, and their son John turned out to be a great person but a poor money manager. John grew up, got married, completed college, and had a good job. But John spent every dime he earned, often before he ever earned it. John had to have the latest things, and thought using a credit card to get them was a better approach than saving for them. If John got a dollar, he spent two.

Bill and Mary sought legal advice before their deaths. e first lawyer they spoke with said they did not need estate planning because their estate was less than the estate tax exemption. She told them to designate John as the beneficiary on all the assets, because “it is simple and avoids probate.” ey weren’t comfortable with that advice and sought advice from a counseling-oriented attorney who took the time to learn more about them, their estate, and their goals.

eir primary objective was to protect John from squandering his inheritance after their deaths. erefore, Bill and Mary left their assets in trust for John, not directly to him. As a result, John could not spend his inheritance unwisely. ey designed a system to help John learn how to properly manage his inheritance so it could support him for the rest of his life.

Bill and Mary had sometimes wondered if the planning they did was worth the extra time and effort. Clearly it was.

If you would like to learn more about an estate planning process that is producing great results for families, visit www.EstatePlans atWork.com to sign up for a complimentary educational workshop.

The Joys of December

December

is a time when we reflect on the past year and review the good, the bad and the challenges in which we can grow from. It’s also a good reminder to review your insurance policy and ensure that your replacement cost is adequate to rebuild your home in the event of a total loss. We recommend reviewing the home policy at least once a year but more if there are any construction changes that would affect the value. Contact the Rippy Agency by phone or text at 303.219.1470 to schedule a complimentary insurance review.

In the month of December, we also think of children and the sheer joy they have on their faces during the holiday seasons. It’s a magical time, fi lled with wishes and dreams of children. Two of the children on our Angel Tree have asked for a belt as a wish item. You read that right; a belt. We have 28 children total on our tree this year. If you’d like to fulfi ll their holiday wishes, please stop by 220 Pavilions Place Unit D, Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 5:30 to read the wishes and select the child or family in which you’d like to adopt.

We’ll be taking Elsie the Little Free Mobile Library to two events in December – one with CASA and another with Almost Home. e families served by these organizations will be receiving gifts donated for the holiday and will also be picking out books they get to keep from Elsie, our 1966 Vintage Trailer that was converted to a Little Free Library. If you’d like for Elsie to visit your school or neighborhood, please email melissarippy@ allstate.com.

Happy New Year and be safe!

O ered by: Melissa Rippy - Rippy Insurance Agency / Allstate

Dr. Hannah Callen Dr. Hannah moved to Colorado Springs from Saratoga Springs New York. She has a big heart. While in dental school, Dr. Hannah participated in several outreach trips to provide free dental care. She is committed to delivering compassionate care to all the kiddos of Brighton and beyond! She is so happy to be working at Trinity Kids Dental and has been welcomed with open arms by her team and patients. In her free time she enjoys trying out new recipes and hiking with her dog, Coco.

Are you or someone you know suffering from Long COVID symptoms?

After recovering from COVID-19, a significant portion of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals develop what has come to be known as “Long COVID”. Symptoms of Long COVID may include fatigue, brain fog, not feeling yourself, asnomia and/or ageusia - a diminished or complete loss of smell or taste respectively, or worse – your sense of taste or smell has gone rancid! You may have Long COVID if these symptoms seem to last long after you have tested negative for COVID-19. Fortunately, the team at Pain Specialists of Brighton may be able to help!

Trials have been conducted using a stellate ganglion block (SGB) that have improved, and in some cases even reverse, symptoms of Long COVID. SGB is an injection of a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a nerve bundle in the neck connected to the fight or flight system. e injection interacts with the sympathetic nervous system to help restore normal biological function. SGB injections have been used for years to help treat and manage PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, depression, and sleep disorders. is procedure is minimally invasive, often takes less than 20 minutes, and can be performed right here in our office in Brighton!

Call Pain Specialists of Brighton today to discuss if SGB can help you feel like you again.

O ered by: Je Toups CRNA, NSPM-C | Pain Specialists of Brighton

RSV has been all over the news lately since Children’s Hospitals are currently flooded with RSV patients. Most children get RSV at least once before they turn 2 years old. RSV generally presents as a cold and lasts 5-7 days. As with any cold, the most important role for a parent is supportive care for their child. This includes fluids and frequent feeding, saline drops in the nostril and suctioning frequently (as often as every 2 hours as needed), humidifier, holding the child in the bathroom with the steam from a hot shower, and acetaminophen as needed for fever (you can give ibuprofen if your child is older than six months). If your child is over one year old and coughing, honey is recommended.

In some children, especially between day 3-5 of illness, they can develop difficulty breathing. In this circumstance, they may need hospitalization. Symptoms for which you should seek immediate care for your child include: fast or short breaths, grunting, chest caving in with breaths, notches above or below their ribcage, skin turning blue or purple, symptoms of dehydration (fewer than one wet diaper every 8 hours), and significantly decreased alertness and activity levels.

Infants at highest risk for RSV include those 12 weeks old and younger at the time of illness, premature and low birth weight infants (especially those born before 29 weeks of gestation), chronic lung disease of prematurity, and heart defects. We recommend parents, especially with at-risk infants, to try to keep your child away from anyone sick, clean surfaces that anyone sick has touched over the past 6 hours, and frequently wash

hands.

GWEN STEFANI

Medicare Enrollment

After working and paying into Medicare, most people are entitled at age 65 to Part A at no cost. This is because you or your spouse already paid the Medicare tax(10 years) when you were working. (This is part of the FICA deduction on your paycheck.) If you did not previously work or did not work long enough, you can still get Part A but you may have to pay a premium. Or if you are very low income perhaps you qualify for the state to assist with Part A. I can help with this process, the next opportunity to begin Part A requests opens in January.

Medicare rules for signing up can be difficult to understand. It is important to determine your eligibility and enrollment periods, so you can take advantage of the Medicare benefits you’ve earned. Even if you are continuing to work and have employer group health insurance don’t overlook the need to understand your coverage options and enrollment periods. Planning 6 months ahead of your 65th birthday, is not too early to plan. Avoid the penalties that can result from late or delayed enrollment!

Being informed about how your group coverage works once you attain Medicare age and knowing what to expect as you transition from group health coverage to Medicare will give you peace of mind.

You will not be automatically enrolled in Medicare at age 65 unless you are already collecting Social Security. I can share the enrollment steps and what to expect. Your situation is unique, you need personalized assistance based on your current coverage and plans for the future.

Lisa Asmussen is a licensed certified Medicare Insurance Broker, local in Brighton.

Lisa Asmussen 303-887-8584

Inflation, home prices, and interest rates were higher in 2022 than they’ve been in years, but if you’re planning to become a homeowner in 2023, you’ve got time to improve your buying power.

eMortgageReports.com recommends talking to a mortgage lender, even if you aren’t ready to buy until later in the year. ey can “review all aspects of your financial picture” and help you find sources for a down payment, help you raise your credit score to improve your future borrowing rate, and help you find ways to reduce your existing debt without triggering costly inquiries into your credit history. Most important, they can help you understand the differences between conventional (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac) and governmentguaranteed (FHA, VA, USDA) loan programs and help you choose the right loan so you can work toward qualifying for the most favorable terms.

Your goal for the near term is to save as much as possible toward a down payment. With VA or USDA loans, no down payment is required, but for other loans, you’ll need at least 3.5% of the purchase price of the home you plan to buy as a down payment. At the same time, you want to pay down debts, beginning with the least expensive credit card balances to improve your credit scores. Don’t close any accounts or incur new debt. Keep your revolving loan balances to 30% or below your credit limits. e higher your credit score, the more loan options are available to you.

Your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate Forever Agent can connect you with a mortgage lender and help you take the first step in becoming a homeowner. Visit BHHScore.com or call us at 303-9058850 to talk with someone who is knowledgeable about real estate in your neighborhood.

Offered by: Scott and Lora Nordby, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate

Gary Clothier

Gary Clothier

NMLSR ID: 760321

Mortgage Consultant Cell: (408) 614-6275 Email: Gary.Clothier@phmloans.com

Lucy Veirs

NMLSR ID: 2155452

Mortgage Consultant Cell: (202) 941-4690 Email: Lucy.Veirs@phmloans.com Web: LucyVeirs.phmloans.com