Kids’ Corner

KIDS’ CORNER GOING TO THE LAKE!

TIPS FOR FUN AND SAFETY AT THE LAKE THIS SUMMER By Jill “Mamabug” Frier of Carefree until you reach Bartlett is known for its boating, trout fishing, ensure that should you be forced under Dam Road. Bartlett Reservoir is and the stunning scenery and canyon the water, you will pop back up to

Summer has arrived in the Valley the second-largest lake in the Tonto walls that surround parts of the lake. the top and stay afloat. Even strong, of the Sun, and the heat in the National Forest and is a state record skilled swimmers can’t stop an underdesert makes it the perfect fishing spot, as well as a great place ROOSEVELT LAKE tow from pulling them under a rock season to head to one of our nearby for camping and picnicking. Continue east on Highway 88 until it or underwater cliff, so don’t take the lakes. Whether you love boating, intersects with Highway 188 and you chance. Being safe means using a life fishing, swimming, water sports, SAGUARO LAKE will arrive at Roosevelt Lake, also in vest, no matter your experience. or just enjoying the beauty of a Saguaro Lake is east of Phoenix, off the Tonto National Forest. Roosevelt • Don’t Drink the Water. Untreated sparkling water oasis in the desert, of the Beeline Highway (Highway Lake is the largest of the lakes in the freshwater often contains some pretty there are many large lakes near the 87) on the way to Payson. The lake is Sonoran Desert region surrounding gruesome microorganisms that can Phoenix area for you to enjoy with located in the Tonto National Forest, Phoenix and hosts boating and camping easily make you sick. Don’t drink lake your friends and family. Here is a list a short drive from Fountain Hills and facilities for visitors. It’s also the gate- water and avoid getting it through your of some of the lakes in the area and Apache Junction and is a favorite for way to the Tonto National Monument, a nose – you never know what kinds of tips to help you have a fun and safe boating and fishing fans. well-preserved site of 700-800 year old bacteria are lurking in the cool depths, trip while you’re there. cliff dwellings with a spectacular view but a trip to the hospital for giardia, E. CANYON LAKE of the lake and surrounding mountains. coli or something worse is a terrible LAKE PLEASANT Canyon Lake is east of Phoenix in the way to find out. Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a Superstition Wilderness, near Tortilla SAFETY ON THE LAKE • Be Aware of Your Surroundings. part of the Maricopa County Parks Flats just off of Highway 88 (also Once you get to the lake, water safety Before you jump into a swimming and Recreation system. Located just known as the Apache Trail). A part is always a priority for people of all hole, be sure you know if there are any north of Phoenix off of highway of the Tonto National Forest, Canyon ages. Here are some important guide- rocks, tree stumps, or debris lurking 74 (Carefree Highway), Lake Lake is a great favorite of water sports lines to keep in mind to help you make underneath the water that can cause a Pleasant is a favorite for local fans, hikers and campers. the most of your lake adventure and serious injury. If you are swimming outdoor enthusiasts and fans of all keep your family safe and sound. near a boat, be sure to stay away from water sports, with boating, fishing, APACHE LAKE • Never Swim Alone. It’s always the motor exhaust and carbon monoxcamping, and trails for hiking, biking Apache Lake is a bit further east of important to keep an eye on your kids ide fumes. And be sure to check water and horseback riding. Phoenix than Canyon Lake along any time they are in the water, but it’s surrounding a dock, as boats and docks Highway 88. Apache Lake is also lo- also important for adults to make sure are powered by electricity, which can BARTLETT LAKE cated in the Tonto National Forest and they stick together when swimming in cause an electric shock when you enter Bartlett Lake (or Reservoir) the lake. It can be easy to lose track of the water. Pay attention to the potential is located northeast of all the swimmers dangers around you and be alert and Phoenix, in the while you’re on aware of your surroundings every time Tonto National the lake so be sure you enter the water. Forest. Take Cave to use the buddy • Wear Sunscreen. Take a Hat. Drink Creek Road east system. Drowning Tons of Water. Every time you go outis a silent killer, so side in the desert, be sure to take steps keep each other in to protect yourself and your loved ones view - a few min- from dehydration and sun exposure. utes can mean the difference between Summer is the perfect time to cool life and death. off and enjoy our almost year-round • Always Wear Life sunshine by the lake or pond. The Jackets. The majority of scenic wilderness and beauty of our lake drownings, some- Sonoran Desert lakes is a great way to where around 80 percent, experience nature, have fun, and enjoy occur because a person the many fun activities available at the was not wearing a life lake. But be sure to plan ahead when jacket. Flotation devices you head for the lake and take steps to be safe and prevent accidents, illness or drowning while you splash around. And be sure to check LadybugsBlog. com for more ideas for having fun outside while keeping your kids safe this summer in Arizona!

The Deer Valley Unified School District invites your child to join the Big Kid Book Club! Let us help your child cultivate a love for reading – and get ready for kindergarten. We will periodically send your child a free book in the mail along with helpful advice for parents of 3-5 year olds. You do not need to live within the Deer Valley Unified School District to participate. All children ages 3-5, who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten, are eligible to join the Big Kid Book Club. Sign up now and start receiving your free books today! www.DVUSD.org/BookClub Who Wants Free Books? The Deer Valley Unified School District invites your child to join the Big Kid Book Club! Let us help your child cultivate a love for reading – and get ready for kindergarten. We will periodically send your child a free book in the mail along with helpful advice for parents of 3-5 year olds. You do not need to live within the Deer Valley Unified School District to participate. All children ages 3-5, who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten, are eligible to join the Big Kid Book Club. Sign up now and start receiving your free books today! www.DVUSD.org/BookClub Who Wants Free Books? www.dvusd.org/kindergarten www.facebook.com/dvusd The Deer Valley Unified School District invites your child to join the Big Kid Book Club! Let us help your child cultivate a love for reading – and get ready for kindergarten. We will periodically send your child a free book in the mail along with helpful advice for parents of 3-5 year olds. You do not need to live within the Deer Valley Unified School District to participate. All children ages 3-5, who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten, are eligible to join the Big Kid Book Club. Sign up now and start receiving your free books today! www.DVUSD.org/BookClub Who Wants Free Books? www.dvusd.org/kindergarten www.facebook.com/dvusd The Deer Valley Unified School District invites your child to join the Big Kid Book Club! Let us help your child cultivate a love for reading – and get ready for kindergarten. We will periodically send your child a free book in the mail along with helpful advice for parents of 3-5 year olds. You do not need to live within the Deer Valley Unified School District to participate. All children ages 3-5, who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten, are eligible to join the Big Kid Book Club. Sign up now and start receiving your free books today! www.DVUSD.org/BookClub Who Wants Free Books? www.dvusd.org/kindergarten The Deer Valley Unified School District invites your child to join the Big Kid Book Club! Let us help your child cultivate a love for reading – and get ready for kindergarten. We will periodically send your child a free book in the mail along with helpful advice for parents of 3-5 year olds. You do not need to live within the Deer Valley Unified School District to participate. All children ages 3-5, who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten, are eligible to join the Big Kid Book Club. Sign up now and start receiving your free books today! www.DVUSD.org/BookClub Who Wants Free Books? www.dvusd.org/kindergarten www.facebook.com/dvusd The Deer Valley Unified School District invites your child to join the Big Kid Book Club! Let us help your child cultivate a love for reading – and get ready for kindergarten. We will periodically send your child a free book in the mail along with helpful advice for parents of 3-5 year olds. You do not need to live within the Deer Valley Unified School District to participate. All children ages 3-5, who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten, are eligible to join the Big Kid Book Club. Sign up now and start receiving your free books today! www.DVUSD.org/BookClub Who Wants Free Books? www.dvusd.org/kindergarten www.facebook.com/dvusd The Deer Valley Unified School District invites your child to join the Big Kid Book Club! Let us help your child cultivate a love for reading – and get ready for kindergarten. We will periodically send your child a free book in the mail along with helpful advice for parents of 3-5 year olds. You do not need to live within the Deer Valley Unified School District to participate. All children ages 3-5, who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten, are eligible to join the Big Kid Book Club. Sign up now and start receiving your free books today! www.DVUSD.org/BookClub Who Wants Free Books? www.dvusd.org/kindergarten www.facebook.com/dvusd www.dvusd.org/kindergarten www.facebook.com/dvusd www.facebook.com/dvusd

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COVER STORY SWEETEEZ: A LEGACY OF SWEETS & TREATS

The boom of the delivery service industry in the last few years has led to a slew of new ideas on how to make your life more convenient. The days of Chinese food and pizzas being the only items available for delivery are long gone. Today you can count on everything from groceries to McDonalds. Not to be left out of the booming quick delivery industry are fresh baked desserts and topping the list of the dessert deliveries are cookie baking startups. No newcomer to the list is the team behind Sweeteez. Over the past year, Sweeteez has been delivering their homemade treats throughout the valley. From the east valley to the west valley, Sweeteez has quickly become the name in soft, delicious homemade cookie delivery to over 20 zip codes. Thanks to the success of their delivery business, the team quickly pushed to get their first food truck up and running. Many of you are familiar with its widely recognizable cherry on top logo. Why is family so important? The masterminds helping others to do the same was not only a believe that “Family, friends, neighbors and a

www.sweeteezsweets.com (623) 734-6082 1985 W Happy Valley Rd, Phoenix

Buy three cookies, get one

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Must present ad With a little smart marketing, the group introduced Wanting to support local businesses, the team had an overwhelmingly popular ‘Mobile Monday’ their mind set on using only fresh ingredients and pop-up event, creating a whole new following of locally sourced dairy to create their confections. Sweeteez fanatics. Not a group to take success sitting down, Sweeteez has jumped headfirst into the next step in dominating the sweet tooth industry by choosing the Deer Valley community as home to their first brick and mortar location. Grabbing a “sweet” spot along the highly trafficked Happy Valley road, they are now located at 1985 W Happy Valley Rd. in Phoenix. The team has created an environment that takes you back to a time when soda shops, sock The Sweeteez menu includes their all-time favorites including frosted sugar, chocolate chip, snickerdoodle and chocolate peanut butter cookies. But to keep their creative juices flowing, ” “ The Deer Valley Airpark and Norterra area felt like home. The support from local families and businesses has been invaluable to us in confirming that this was the right choice. hops and family barbeques ruled. and keep you coming back for more, each month Sweeteez introduces a specialty brownie and When asked why they chose our community, the cookie. In May, devotees were delighted with a team all agreed that the most important component Frosted Carmel brownie and a Lemonade cookie. was family. “The Deer Valley Airpark and Norterra Your “can’t miss” for June is an Oreo Stuffed area felt like home. The support from local brownie. In celebration of their one-year food families and businesses has been invaluable to us truck anniversary, they intend to wow you with in confirming that this was the right choice.” their Happy Birthday Cookie decked out with behind all these delicious recipes are long-time What are the future plans for Sweeteez? The sky caterers and sisters (Gourmet Girls Catering), is the limit! They have been experimenting with a Brooke, Hilari and Chelsea. The sisters had nationwide delivery service by parcel post. “The a family history of creating superb food that key is making sure the quality of the product is brought everyone running for a spot at the dinner not compromised. If we can’t ensure that, then table. Mom was their inspiration when it came to we won’t do it.” Is this the first of more brick and cooking. She truly believed it was the cornerstone mortar locations? That’s the plan. Whether by to keeping everyone together. franchise or company owned stores, the team plans As they grew older, the sisters decided that the valley, state, country and beyond. calling, but a fantastic business model. For over If you’re looking to take the kids out for a little 18 years they amazed clients by turning events bonding time or just need your fix for some into culinary experiences. One such couple, delicious, fresh and warm treats delivered straight Deborah and Court, were so impressed that they to your door, Sweeteez is the answer! The gals can became fast friends. After some careful planning, also work with you to create perfectly packaged they partnered with Brooke, Hilari and Chelsea treats for any celebration through their catering to create the Sweeteez brand of desserts. They division. signature sprinkles! to bring their version of heaven to families around good cookie are the key to creating a community Check out their menu, delivery areas and more you want to come home to.” online at SweeteezSweets.com

Pre-retirement Planning Blueprint

By Vincent Esparza, CFP, CLU, NSSA

Having a retirement income strategy with the capacity to meet your financial needs during your golden years is a goal that most retirees wish to achieve. Unfortunately, without confidence in your financial decisionmaking, your strategy could become stagnant or even begin declining in value.

While in your younger years, you were focused on accumulating wealth, now things are changing. When you retire, your steady paycheck – your normal stream of income – will stop, and it’s time to think about how you can use what you have accumulated and how you are going to make it. Here a Tips you can use when looking at your plans. are defined as your utilities, auto, home and health insurance, home maintenance costs, long term care and food, etc. Discretionary expenses are defined as entertainment, charity, travel, costs for your 2nd home and any other items on your “Bucket List”.

4. Assets for Retirement

Update the assets you plan to use for your retirement income plan such as your IRA, Roth IRA, Pension or 401K Plan, Social Security, Real Estate investments and your savings or any other holdings such stocks or bonds.

1. Limit Risk in Your Retirement

Strategy

Your portfolio should be re-evaluated to reduce or eliminate all potential downside risk 3 to 5 years prior to your retirement. This is especially important if the stock market has been on a Bull Run.

A correction in the stock or bond market can be very devastating to your plans. The effect could delay your retirement date or substantially reduce the income you desire. There are at least 15 to 20 risks that could affect your plans. Longevity is the mother of all risks, since the longer you live the more likely you will experience most of the potential risk associated with an investment portfolio.

Reduce or eliminate your debts.

This is very important during your retirement when your income is used to service your debts. This puts less strain on your budget, cash flow needs and your investments.

Cash Flow Expenditures

Determine all of your fixed expenses and discretionary expenses. Fixed expenses

5. Establish the Retirement Income Plan

Preparing your retirement income plan should be based on your income needs, goals, both lifetimes and legacy. Determine the best strategy for this plan using a Safe Max, Bucketing or Annuitization Strategy or a customized combination of all of three. Your plan should take in consideration both inflation and cost of living increases.

6. Stages in Retirement

Your Retirement Income should be prepared to handle your “Go Go Stage”, your “Slow Go Stage” and finally your “No Go Stage”. Each stage may require additional funding and larger distributions from your portfolio.

To help design your personalized retirement income plan please call my office at (480) 4739450. I work with pre-retirees and retirees and have the experience and education to support my practice. I offer a complimentary second opinion to review your current plans. Your retirement income plan deserves a second opinion!

Vincent Esparza, CFP, CLU, NSSA

23335 N. 18th Dr. #136 Phoenix, AZ 85027

480-473-9450

www.vincentesparza.com

Registered Representative offering securities through American Portfolios Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC Investment Advisory services offered through American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., and SEC Registered Investment Advisor - Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable and are subject to change without notification. The information presented is provided for informational purposes only and not to be construed as a recommendation or solicitation. Investors must make their own determination as to the appropriateness of an investment or strategy based on their specific investment objectives, financial status and risk tolerance. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Investments involve risk and the possible loss of principal.

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