Brighton Buzz October 2024

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October marks the seasonal transition from the warmth of summer to the colorful leaf-turning days of fall. Although the days grow shorter and the nights longer, it’s not yet time to retreat indoors and prepare for the winter ahead.

Football games, pumpkin patches, and Halloween events still lie ahead for those yearning for a few more days of fresh air and sunshine. Along with a “scary amount” of new advertisers in this month’s Brighton Buzz issue, you will also find a variety of the aforementioned activities. ere are several spots to find that perfect carving Jack-o’-lantern pumpkin. Or, check out the Halloween Pub Crawl on October 26th, hosted by several of downtown Brighton’s businesses where you can gather for a drink (non-alcoholic too) with friends and family.

For the business-minded, the Brighton Chamber continues to assist our local businesses and connect them with all aspects of our community. Join them and the mayor of Brighton on October 23rd for a pancake breakfast and welcome the historic Big Boy Train as it rolls through town.

So, not ready for winter? ere’s still a lot to see and do in our community before the clocks roll back and daylight savings time comes to a close. We hope to see you there, or there, or...

Happy October!

Asanticipated, the Fed cut rates last month. But what does that really mean for the housing market, and more specifically, sellers and potential buyers?

More than likely, not any tremendous immediate shift because, in a nutshell, mortgage rates were already dropping in anticipation of the rate cut.

According to Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, “It’s not about what the Fed does in September, it’s what they say about the future that’s going to provide ongoing rate declines.”

So, considering the Fed’s signal that additional rate cuts are coming by the end of the year, should you wait for lower rates before buying? ere’s no easy definitive answer because there are so many variables. at said, based on research by Kelly Shue, a professor of finance at Yale School of Management, there isn’t really a noticeable benefit to “attempt to time when you get that loan.” All that considered, combined with steadily rising available inventory (Realtor.com), it could very likely mean at least a slightly easier time navigating the housing market in the coming months.

e best advice I can offer, for both buyers and sellers, is to work with an experienced REALTOR®—one who has a proven track record of successes, who you can trust to develop the best strategy possible for your unique circumstances, and advocate for your best interests.

If you have been considering selling or buying a home, give me a call at (303) 520-4340. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have and help you with a solid strategy for the best possible results. We are not just about the transaction—we are your trusted advocate!

Protect Your Family!

(Part 2 of 6)

Bill and Jane learned of Bill’s illness, they sought legal advice. e lawyer told them to put everything in joint tenancy, 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. Bill’s primary objective was to protect Jane after he died. Under Bill’s plan, their savings, his life insurance, and the home would be put in a trust. is would protect the assets for Jane and help Jane protect her own assets as well.

After Bill’s death, Jane began volunteer work to keep her mind off her loss and it became a fulfi lling passion. She met David. ey connected immediately, and she fell in love. He proposed. She accepted. Her family noticed that his focus suddenly turned toward a keen interest in her finances. Blindly in love, she did not.

Bill’s plan left his assets in trust for Jane. As a requirement of receiving benefits, she had to obtain a prenuptial agreement protecting her own assets upon remarriage. e assets Bill left her were protected, but she needed to take action to protect her own assets. David was enraged when she told him that she was required to have a prenuptial agreement to preserve the assets for her children. Realizing that half of the assets were held in trust, and that a prenup would prevent him from receiving the balance upon her death, David lost interest in Jane. While Jane was sad, she also had a comforting feeling that Bill was still protecting her even after he was gone. Jane had wondered if the planning she and Bill had done was worth the effort. All doubts were now gone.

If you have questions about effective estate planning, I encourage you to gain more knowledge about available planning options by visiting www.EstatePlans atWork.com to sign up for a complimentary educational workshop.

Do You Know What Your Home’s worth?

Did you know that having a strong negotiating agent on your side can make a huge difference in maximizing the value of your home?

Even if you aren't thinking about selling anytime soon, it's important to know how

much equity you may have in your home. Getting your free home valuation allows you to stay informed and make better decisions about your financial future. Don't miss out on this opportunity to know the true worth of your home.

Todd Quimby

Valuable Resources

It was a cool Saturday morning in March 1989, life in Lima, the capital of Peru, was strained. e economy was in shambles, with food, water, and fuel shortages. Crime was rampant everywhere, especially home break-ins. In our neighborhood, there used to be a young man probably in his early 20’s, that would simply hang around without much to do. Naturally, my mom was distrustful of such a character and would call him “El Vago”, which translated means the bum, or the vagrant. She used to warn us about “el vago”, “he is up to no good”, she used to tell us. So that’s how we knew him, and we indeed kept an eye out for him. at day, my mom, my two brothers and I were home while my dad was at work. One of my brothers noticed from the backyard a pile of smoke coming out of a second floor window. We all ran up to find flames bursting out of a closet, and in the blink of an eye the entire second floor was enveloped in a thick black smoke. We called the fire department, and my mom ran out the door yelling for help.

A host of neighbors ran in, and assembled a makeshift fire fighting brigade. Also, running in, but stopping by the door, “el vago” put his hand on my mom’s shoulder and said to her: “Señora, no se preocupe, yo le voy a salvar su casa” (Ma’am don’t you worry, I will save your house). He ran in with the rest of the volunteers, strapped his wetted t-shirt around his face and climbed the ladder set outside the second floor window, bucket in hand.

Without water pressure, it was bucket after bucket, hand to hand, up the ladder and dumped blindly into the smoke through the bedroom window. After about three hours of water buckets, the flames subsided, the smoke slowly lifted, and the folks left without fanfare but with our deepest thanks and gratitude.

Fortunately our home was made of brick and concrete, so the structure held, although everything on the second floor was a complete loss. It was a tragic day, one of our dogs died from smoke inhalation and we had no insurance, so our financial losses were substantial. But the one thing I remember was this young man we didn’t really know - and had derided for so long - coming in and helping us in our hour of need.

I think about this event quite often, and what stays with me is not the loss, but the lesson. Realizing how many people we can summarily dismiss either because of our own preconceptions or for some apparent personality flaw of theirs; and then, coming to understand that most folks need only the right mentor, an opportunity, and self-confidence in order to shine.

rough this experience, and many years as a Martial Arts instructor, I have learned to look beyond the surface, to help realize a student’s - sometimes hiddenpotential. In fact, the most difficult task can be having them see the same potential I find in them. My job, I figure, is simply to allow them to flourish, to allow them to believe in themselves, as I believe in them. To be the one who sees them beyond their own expectations.

So I ask the same of you, is there someone you could mentor, someone who just needs you to believe in them? To give them an opportunity? Can you look beyond the obvious? Go ahead, take the chance. More often than not, you will be amazed at what you find. I sure hope that, unlike with me, it doesn’t take a fire to have them prove you wrong.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, the fire truck did arrive... (in Peruvian time) three and a half hours late.

Willy Strohmeier - Colorado Karate Club

When you bring in or mention this offer. First come, first served while supplies last. No obligation to buy. Serious quotes with actual information required. Offer can end at anytime without notice.

Medicare Enrollment:

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is officially upon us, running from October 15 to December 7. is is your annual opportunity to review and update your Medicare coverage to ensure it meets your needs for the coming year. Whether you’re looking to switch insurance carrier, add new benefits, or simply review your current coverage, now is the time to act.

To get started, take a moment to review your existing health plan and assess whether it still aligns with your needs. Your Annual Notice of Changes outlines how your coverage will change. Consider any updates in your health, medications, or preferred providers that might affect your decision. Be sure to consider if the changes to your current coverage warrant looking at other options. e big consideration this year is Rx coverage and the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act on most coverage. We are local and have resources such as plan comparison tools and trained advisors here to assist you in making an informed choice.

Don’t miss this important opportunity to optimize your health benefits. e deadline for making changes is December 7, so taking the time now can ensure that you have the coverage you need for a healthy and secure year ahead. We expect a BUSY season with plan changes this year: Call or email to get on the schedule to review your coverage.

Valuable Resources

Job change?

Whether retiring or changing jobs, you’ll want to know your retirement account options.

There are four potential options for your 401(k) when leaving an employer:

• Leave it in your former employer’s 401(k) plan, if allowed by the plan.

• Move it to your new employer’s 401(k) plan, if you’ve changed employers and your new employer plan allows for it.

• Roll the account over to an individual retirement account (IRA).

• Cash it out, which is subject to potential tax consequences.

We can talk through your financial goals and find the option that works best for you.

21 N 1st Ave Suite 290

Brighton, CO 80601

303-659-2301

IRT-1948M-A AECSPAD 23203463

Ifyou’re planning to retire in a few years, are you looking forward to it? Or are you somewhat apprehensive? Are you asking yourself: “What sort of retirement can I afford?”It’s a good question — because the answer can make a big difference in your ability to enjoy life as a retiree.And retirement can indeed be enjoyable, exciting and fun. Consider this from a recent survey by Edward Jones and AgeWave: A majority of respondents said retirement should be looked at as a whole new chapter of life, and not just a time for rest and relaxation. In other words, people are viewing retirement as a chance for new experiences and new opportunities, rather than a time to simply wind down. But if you’re going to make the most of your retirement — which could last two or even three decades — you need to be financially prepared. is preparation can involve many steps, but here are some of the key ones:

• Decide what your retirement lifestyle will look like. How you choose to spend your retirement years can make a big difference in the financial resources you’ll need. For example, if you plan on traveling the world, you might need more income than if you were to stay close to home and pursue your hobbies. If you can envision your retirement lifestyle and estimate how much money you’ll need to support it, you can help reduce some of the uncertainties you might face once you do retire.

• Review your income sources. During retirement, you’ll likely need to draw on all your income sources, so it’s a good idea to know what you’ll have available, such as your IRA, 401(k) and other investment accounts. You’ll also need to decide when to take Social Security — if you wait until your full retirement age (probably between 66 and 67), you’ll get much larger monthly benefits than if you started taking them at 62. And here’s another variable: earned income. Even if you’ve retired from your career, you might, if you desire, use your acquired skills in a consulting or part-time position. e more you can earn, the less you may have to withdraw from your investment accounts and the better position you’ll be in to delay taking Social Security.

• Consider adjusting your investment portfolio. For most of your working years, you may have invested mostly for growth — to increase your assets as much as possible. But growth-oriented investments are also, by nature, riskier, so when you retire, you should review your portfolio to determine whether you need to move it toward a more conservative position. Also, more conservative investments may provide more current income in the form of interest payments. However, even in retirement, you may need some investments with growth potential if you want to keep ahead of inflation. Retirement is certainly a major milestone in your life — and adjusting to it can take some time. But there will be much less to fear — and much more to enjoy — if you’ve done what you can to prepare yourself financially.

by: Tim Roberts - Edward Jones

Who You’re Going To Call

Medicare’s Annual

Let the craziness begin! It’s that time of year when all the Medicare commercials come out in full force and your mailbox becomes overrun with advertisements for Medicare Advantage Plans.

Please don’t let this Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7) go by without checking on your coverage.

is year is one of the most critical years I have seen to look over your plan changes since I have been an agent. e changes that Medicare has brought about for 2025 are impacting the way prescription coverage is going to be. at will trickle down to other benefits in your Medicare Advantage Plans as well as your premium for the Prescription Drug Plans.

I will be holding Annual Notice of Changes Seminars the first two weeks in October. Please feel free to come to any of them that you would like. You can see a list of these dates and what insurance carriers I will be going over on my website: JenniferBellBenefits.com/seminar

If you would like to go over your personal medication list and see what options you have for coverage in 2025, please contact us. Maya or I would be happy to review your list and see what carriers estimate to be most economical.

We hope you enjoy the first few weeks of fall! As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out: 720-665-6015. We can help!!

With the increase in popularity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts, some with dubious credentials have sought to cash in by opening their own gyms. At Zingano Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we believe that outstanding results come only from an outstanding training program taught by dedicated, qualified instructors.

5 Spooktacular Tips

O ered by:

As the leaves turn orange and the air chills, entrepreneurs everywhere feel the eerie thrill of starting a new venture. But fear not brave business pioneers! e path to success need not be haunted by the specters of uncertainty and doubt. With these six bewitching tips, you’ll be equipped to tackle the entrepreneurial underworld with the courage of a knight facing a dragon. So, light your jack-o’-lanterns and prepare to embark on an adventure that’s less nightmare, more dream-come-true. Let’s demystify the entrepreneurial journey and turn those ghouls of trepidation into friendly guides towards prosperity.

1. Conjure a Business Plan Potion: Mix a pinch of market research, two tablespoons of clear objectives, and a dash of competitive analysis. Stir until well-blended. is potion will help you see through the foggy path ahead.

2. Carve Out Your Niche Like a Jack-o’-Lantern: Find that sweet spot where your business can shine brightly, casting away the shadows of doubt and illuminating your unique value proposition.

3. Ward Off Evil Spirits with a Cash Flow Crucifi x: Keep the vampires of debt at bay by managing your finances with the precision of a garlic garland. A well-prepared budget is your sanctuary.

4. Don’t Be Scared to Say ‘Boo!’: Let your presence be known. Market your business with the confidence of a full moon on a cloudless night. A little bit of noise can make a big impact.

6. Summon the Spirit of Collaboration: Even the Lone Wolf howls for company. Partner with other businesses or entrepreneurs to create a pack that supports each other. Together, you can face the haunted forest of enterprise with a brave howl!

Remember, the only thing scarier than starting a business is letting the fear of the unknown stop you from chasing your dreams. So, grab your broomstick, put on your entrepreneurial hat, and fly into the night sky of opportunity! Happy Haunting!

Who You’re Going To Call

Who You’re Going To Call

Recently I was asked to speak at the International Hearing Society Conference held in Lousiville, Kentucky. While there I was able to meet industry leaders from all over the United States and Canada. In addition to speaking, I was able to attend classes and was introduced to, or reminded of, multiple practices, processes and procedures that lead to better outcomes for patients with hearing loss.

One major thing that stood out was how important patient education is to improved outcomes with hearing aids. is made me very happy to hear that much of what we have been doing at Blue Ribbon Hearing & Tinnitus Centers since we first opened is being touted as best practices in the industry. When I made the decision to finally open my own practice and made that change seven years ago, I committed to spending more time educating the public on the topic of hearing loss. In addition to scheduling longer appointments and more time for the education of patients in the office, the articles that I have written nearly every month for the Brighton Buzz have been part of that commitment.

One of the most important things that was reinforced at the conference was the number of other health conditions that are related to hearing loss. e connection between hearing loss and dementia is one that is becoming more well known every day. As I have written about before, failure to treat hearing loss increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Also, untreated hearing loss leads to an increase in anxiety, depression, and tinnitus. In turn, tinnitus can lead to increased anxiety and depression.

Also, I learned even more about the relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular (heart and lung) disease contributing to hearing loss as well as dementia. is knowledge reinforced the idea that overall health and hearing health are closely connected and many different health problems increase the

likelihood of developing hearing loss. So, in addition to wearing hearing protection to help prevent hearing loss, healthy eating, exercise and avoiding toxins all decrease the likelihood of losing hearing. Healthy living also decreases the need for medications, many of which are ototoxic (toxic to the ear), and other negative side effects.

And finally, thanks to increased education and improved technology, the average time a person waits to get hearing aids from the first time they are diagnosed with hearing loss has decreased from around seven to ten years, down to just under five years. is is leading to much better outcomes in the short run for those who get hearing aids, as well as better outcomes later in life as the auditory system is better preserved through use of the hearing aids.

e first step to knowing why someone is struggling to hear is to look in their ear. With our video otoscopes, we are able to show you right on the monitor what the ear canal looks like. It may be as simple as earwax blocking the canal. e second step is to perform a simple screening to determine if there is hearing loss, followed by a complete audiometric evaluation if there is hearing loss. If you already have a hearing test, we can also give a second opinion on the results. Please call if you or someone your care about is struggling to hear or understand.

Who You’re Going To Call

Home Improvements

Home Improvements

O ered by: Joseph Smith, MD - Premier Pediatrics

Premier Pediatrics is excited to welcome Jaime Short, PA-C to our team! Jaime states that working with children has been her passion, even before becoming a physician assistant. She is incredibly excited to begin her career in pediatrics! She grew up in Colorado and attended CSU in Fort Collins for undergraduate (Go Rams!). She is thrilled to be able to stay local to care for the next generation! She enjoys traveling, yoga, hiking, and skiing. She loves bringing her miniature dachshund, Wrigley, along for as many new adventures as she can.

“My goal is to keep your children healthy while also making going to the doctor’s office a more enjoyable experience for them,” Jaime says. “I hope to have each kid leave feeling heard and happy. I’m excited to be working in this community and can’t wait to meet your kids!”

www.premierpediatrics.us • 303.655.1685

Top: Ellen McCormick, M.D. | Michele Tuepker, M.D. | Debra Campbell, D.O. | Janine Lechleitner, CPNP
Bottom: Jamie Campbell, M.D. | Joseph Smith, M.D. | Caroline Albert-Martin, M.D.

Community Living

Oct. 16, 6 - 8 PM

Armory Performing Arts Center

300 Strong Street

JUNIORS AND SENIORS WELCOME! Parents encouraged to attend.

Chat with colleges, trade schools and apprenticeship programs

FAFSA presentation in English AND Spanish

Get hands on help lling out the FAFSA/CASFA

Explore local scholarships

Eat at a food truck on us!

More information at brightonco.gov/growinggrads

Community Living

With fall and winter approaching, it’s a good time to have your home’s heating systems professionally inspected and serviced, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. A trained technician can check chimneys, central heat, gas heaters, heat pumps, electric heaters, and more to make sure the systems are working properly and not producing deadly carbon monoxide (CO). ey can also install electrical or battery-operated CO detectors throughout the house to ensure the personal safety of all occupants.

Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to human noses, making unprotected homes hazardous. CO poisoning can be mild or severe, depending on the levels of CO in the home and the duration of exposure. Unfortunately, CO poisoning can be mistakenly attributed to other causes such as the flu. Lower levels of CO exposure can cause headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. High levels can cause mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness, and in the worst cases, death.

e CPSC.gov and the Environmental Protection Agency have a number of recommendations to prevent CO poisoning, many of which are simply common sense:

• Install interconnected CO alarms. When one sounds, they all sound.

• Never use portable generators indoors. Keep them at least 20 feet away from the home with the exhaust facing away.

• Never use cooking appliances to heat the home.

• Open the fireplace damper before starting a fire. Keep it open until ashes are cool.

• Semi-enclosed spaces like garages or sunrooms aren’t safe for barbeque grills.

Your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate Forever AgentSM is always here to help with your real estate needs and questions. Call us at 303-905-8850 or visit BHHScore.com.

O

Schedule Your Mammogram

When detected early, breast cancer is treatable and saves lives. Why not schedule your annual mammogram to get peace of mind for yourself, and for the ones you love? Whether it’s your partner, kids, family, or friends, you want to be with them for many, many years to come. Because early detection saves lives. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Scan the QR code or text “MAMMO” to 32037 to schedule your mammogram today.

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