The HamletÂŽ From Your Neighbors, For Your Neighbors
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
April 2019
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Published by Estrella Publishing LLC, PO Box 6962, Goodyear AZ 85338. Additional copies and article reproductions can be obtained for a fee by contacting info@EstrellaPublishing.com Catherine Uretsky, Publisher and Editor 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.594.9283 info@EstrellaPublishing.com All contents Š 2010-present Estrella Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission from Estrella Publishing LLC is prohibited. Estrella Publishing accepts freelance contributions, there is no guarantee that materials will be used or returned. Some content is provided by Brandpointe and Family Features. Estrella Publishing is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Advertisers. Estrella Publishing reserves the right to restrict all advertisement to their proper classification and to edit or reject any copy at its sole discretion. Neither this publication nor Estrella Publishing is an agent of or in any way affiliated with the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association, or any of their respective affiliates. This publication has not been approved by, sponsored by, or endorsed by the associated Developer nor Homeowners Association in any way.
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
The Wellness Center Yoga & Therapies
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Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
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April 2019
From Me To You... Life stages are an interesting thing. I am constantly checking myself against some arbitrary scale as to where I am in my life. Because let’s face it, although I am officially in Middle Age, I still feel like a late teen-early twenty something trying to figure out what to do every day of my life. I am constantly amazed to see my adult and almost adult children striking out into the world. Thinking that I had some small part to play in that amazing-ness is a sobering thought.
The latest life stage is one that I did not choose for myself and it has brought up many strange emotions. It has me balancing precariously on the edge of a wonderful precipice. I am soon to become a grandmother. Oh boy, there is that vertigo again. I am thrilled at the thought of a new baby in the family. I am beyond thrilled that there will be a new life to cuddle and love, I am even looking forward to the hard parts (non stop crying anyone?) So yes, a baby is a wonderful thing. Here’s the rub though. I am going to be shoved into becoming someone’s Grannie. Nana. Bubbie.
What kind of grandmother will I be? Will I start knitting things and finding crinkly wrapped candy in my purse? Will I have to start calling it a pocket book? I am not crafty by nature, well I am capable of starting many crafts but finishing them, well, ahem... cross-stitch in the closet that I started at 16 and have not completed? Baby jacket I was knitting for a child who now has her own baby, still short one sleeve? Paint by numbers scene of a rainy day in London not even recognizable as London yet? Check, check and check again. So do I have to finish all those items and gift them to my granddaughter to be? I think it may be time to clear the decks and ditch all those half completed promises to myself. A new baby brings a fresh start, and with this not being my baby I get to enjoy all the fun stuff and leave out the sleepless nights and panic at 3 am when she whimpers. I do have the advantage of experience. I know what to do with babies and can help the parents as much as they want me to. I will be there for all the questions and ready to step in and let the parents sleep when they just can’t see straight anymore. But this is not my child and I think that is where the balancing on the edge feeling is coming in. I can’t be ‘all in’ in the way I have in the past with my own children. I have to be able to step back and detach, enough to let my children become the amazing parents I am confident they will be. I want to be a wonderful gran, and I aim to be the best support for my children, even if that means finishing a project or two. Now, who wants a Butterscotch? I am sure I saw one in my purse just a minute ago.
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, The Park Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.594.9283
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
April 2019
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How To Get Ahead Being recognized and landing a promotion can provide a variety of perks such as more money, increased influence and more control over your daily routine. So how do you land that promotion? It comes down to building key skills such as self-development, listening and communication. Fortunately, online learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning can help you develop these skills to get to the next level in your career. Here are a few secrets to taking the reins and getting noticed - and promoted - in your career. 1. Prove that you’re capable of self-development The difference between being a “high-potential employee” versus a “high-performing employee” means everything to your advancement, and to the company where you work. A highpotential employee shows a willingness to push themselves to learn new skills, take on more responsibilities and be open to lateral moves. How do you become a high-potential employee? Demonstrate your capacity for self-development by actively soliciting feedback from others to learn how you can grow and improve, and take on opportunities to increase your skill set.
ideas and solutions, and to persuade others to come on board. Active listening is an art - it is underrated and takes significant practice to master. You can also master this skill by taking a course on active listening as part of your own career development. 3. Communicate with purpose Boosting your communication skills is critical to being both a leader and a team player. Demonstrate to your manager and your team that you know how to address the bigger picture, and show how your work ties to the overall company strategy. Now’s the time to be proactive and focus on growing your skill set. Show what you’re learning by actively taking on new challenges and communicating with purpose and confidence. To learn more about mastering the skills you need to advance in your career and get that promotion, visit www.linkedin.com/learning.
Freedom
2. Be a strong listener Being a good listener is vital to being a strong leader, and a crucial component to earning that promotion. By taking the time to understand others’ perspectives, needs and concerns, you’ll be better prepared to communicate your
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April 2019
One Tank Trips Are you planning a classic American road trip? With a tank of gas, the right attitude and some smart supplies, you can explore amazing locales on a budget.
“The great American road trip is still very much alive, and we’re not just talking long endurance cross-country trips. Places you can go from your own hometown and return on just one tank of gas,” said Peter Greenberg, Emmy-awardwinning producer, writer, radio broadcaster and TV correspondent. “If travel can be defined as an experience that is absolutely meant to be shared, then the road trip is still very high on my list. It offers shared adventure, shared experience and shared storytelling.” Start planning your next affordable road trip with these smart tips and tricks:
windows are sparkling clean to take in the views, pack car-friendly snacks and drinks, and bring along cozy pillows or blankets. Technology can create comfort, so charge those digital devices and utilize your vehicle’s features. . 4) Pack smart Whether you’re on an impromptu or well-planned road trip, you can ease costs and streamline fun by packing wisely. Sunscreen, sunglasses and comfortable shoes are must-haves for any road trip. After all, you never know what adventures will come your way. Consider packing sandwiches - the ultimate road trip food - which are great for eating in the car or on a picnic so you don’t have to buy full meals. “Some of my most amazing travel memories are from one tank road trips,” Greenberg said. “I think everyone should make these excursions part of their travel plans. They are fun, affordable and great for people of all ages.”
1) Discover one-tank destinations You only need one day to get away, so research destinations you can get to on one tank of gas. This keeps fuel costs down, and because you don’t need to stay overnight, you won’t have to budget for a hotel. People tend to forget the beautiful spots just a few hours away from home, so bring a map and see which direction catches your attention. 2) Fill up the tires Of course you’ll want to check your fluid levels, wiper blades, and spare tire before you leave. One of the best ways to maximize your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is to make sure tires are properly inflated. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can improve your gas mileage by 0.6 percent on average and up to 3 percent in some cases simply by keeping your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. 3) Create comfort Remember the journey should be as much fun as the destination. Clean out your car, make sure Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
April 2019
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Help Your Kids With Credit
Today’s millennials face starkly different financial realities than their parents did at their age. As a parent of a young adult, how can you help your children understand their financial options to build a foundation for their futures? Consider these recent findings about millennials and credit from VantageScore Solutions before advising your adult children. 1. Millennials and Gen Z young adults face hurdles when judged by traditional credit scoring methods Now more than ever, credit scores impact everything from getting an apartment or home, acquiring loans with decent interest rates and more. What you can do: Explain that establishing good credit now will increase their ability to borrow later. Help them find a good revolving credit account by checking out sites that assess credit cards in terms of interest rates, annual fee (if any), rewards programs and more.
3. Millennials are likely to put off major milestones Because of millennials’ reluctance to assume debt, they may put off major life events such as buying a home until their student loans are paid off.
What you can do: Reassure your adult children that, while some larger life goals may seem out of reach now, their responsible actions such as paying down their student loans will pay off, sooner than they might expect. Encourage them to make more than minimum payments on their student loans to save on interest and eradicate that debt sooner. While you may be eager to see your adult children settling down in a home filled with grandchildren, they are actually trying hard to put their financial ducks in a row.
2. Millennials are averse to debt Most millennials carry higher amounts of student loan debt than their parents did. As a result, they are reluctant to acquire more debt. This behavior is actually smarter and less financially risky on their part, but it results in them having a “thin file,” the term for a history with three or fewer credit accounts. In fact, many thin-file millennials have average income levels and assets similar to their thicker-file counterparts.
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Litchfield Rd
I-10
W Auto Dr
W Test Dr
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What you can do: Tell your adult children to utilize credit in a safe and sound manner, and to apply for new credit carefully in order to build a more robust credit history. Stress that they should never spend more on the card than they can afford. But also advise that they can - and should - pay more than the minimum each month, and in full whenever possible.
April 2019
Yum Yum
Sneaky ways to get your kids eating healthier Try this family favorite recipe: Baked Chicken Nuggets Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Preheat oven to 450 F.
Yield: 6 servings
In a shallow bowl, whisk together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and seasonings.
Recipe by: TermiNatetor Family Kitchen Ingredients 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (roughly 1 pound total), cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works too!)* 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 cup all-purpose flour* 3 eggs (large) Cooking spray
In two separate bowls, add the flour in one and whisk the eggs in the other. Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly coat rack with cooking spray. In batches, coat the chicken in the flour, shaking off excess, then in the egg wash, then in the bread crumb mixture, pressing to adhere. Place on rack. Bake until chicken is fully cooked, about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. *Dawn’s Healthy Swap: Use whole grain instead of regular bread crumbs and all-purpose flour!
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
April 2019
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Refresh Your Deck As seasons turn, your focus begins to shift to the outdoors. Your deck or patio becomes your new living room - an ideal setting for memorable moments with friends and family. If you look at these spaces and long for a refresh, the time to start planning is now. You have options, and many you can do yourself with minimal effort. To refresh your deck with style and functionality, consider these five trending outdoor-living projects: Planter boxes: If you want to add beauty and functionality to your deck, construct planter boxes and put them in sunny spaces. From small boxes that house herb gardens to larger boxes that allow vegetables to thrive, you can have a bounty of fresh flavors right outside your door. No need for a garden plot! Planter box designs come in a variety of sizes and can be built low to the ground or at waist height for easy tending. Outdoor sectionals: Built-in sectionals are becoming a focal point and favorite hangout spot on the deck. Perfectly set into a corner, these multi-directional couches can be built as large or small as you desire. Use Real Cedar for your project because it is pitch- and resin-free, so accepts and holds a wide variety of finishes beautifully so you can customize the look to your tastes. Finish with cushions for that decorator touch and you’ll have your new favorite cozy outdoor corner.
Pergolas: These beautiful semi-shelters can be built in a number of useful configurations depending on how much shade you require, what you wish to situate beneath it (A dining set? Outdoor couches and chairs? Grilling equipment?) and whether you want to incorporate climbing plants. For complete project plans and instructions on how to make your own pergola over a weekend, visit www.realcedar.com. Lighting: When the sun goes down that doesn’t mean the fun should stop. Add lighting to extend the functionality and enjoy special moments under the stars on your deck or patio. Stair, railing and pathway lighting add a necessary safety feature, while under-table lighting and deck-post sconces provide the perfect illumination for the space without being overwhelming. For a touch of twinkle, add a few outdoor string lights in white, or for a more festive atmosphere, go for the color of your choice. These five outdoor living ideas are sure to enhance any size deck or patio space. Make plans today so you can enjoy many seasons of fun outdoors with loved ones.
Water features: As homeowners look to make their decks and patios a true retreat from the stress of everyday life, they want to add elements of Zen, which is why fountains and water features are becoming so popular. New decks are often built to incorporate these features, including pathways where water provides a calm ambiance. If a pond is too significant an undertaking, fountains provide a more affordable alternative that can be used in any size space. 8 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
April 2019
Empowering Women Female entrepreneurs make up approximately 1/3 of all entrepreneurs worldwide, and it’s always a great time to highlight, support and applaud women in business, in your community and across the globe. Here are a few easy ways you can celebrate and support businesswomen and female entrepreneurs. Shop women-owned businesses. Know about a restaurant, shop or service-oriented business in your area that’s owned and operated by women entrepreneurs? (If you don’t, do a little online research to find some.) Go out of your way to shop at their location, refer friends and family members to their businesses and be sure to let them know that you support their efforts in your community. Give them a boost by posting a positive review of their business on social media.
Helping female-owned businesses thrive is a great way to empower women in your own backyard.
Mentor women and girls in your industry. Find ways to offer female students and younger employees a chance to learn more about educational and employment opportunities in your own field. Contact career counselors at high schools or local colleges and offer to let students shadow you at work, or give them a chance to do an informational interview with you to learn more about your business. Help them get connected within your business network and share your experiences. If your employer is willing, develop an internship or on-the-job training program to encourage and empower up-and-coming women in your industry. Support companies actively involved in projects that empower women. Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S. and Dove Chocolate have pledged $1 million to CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, specifically to empower women in West Africa. Dove Chocolate and CARE partnered to empower women in the cocoa growing communities of Cote d’Ivoire after an assessment of women’s involvement in West African cocoa farms found that women were not benefiting from cocoa production, even though they participate in more than half of cocoa-farming activities. The first stone was recently laid on a new marketplace for women-led businesses in the village of Gueyo, a centrally located commerce area nestled among the cocoa fields of Cote d’Ivoire. Consumers can help support these efforts, as $5 will be donated to CARE with every online purchase of qualifying Dove Chocolate Promises. This year, find special ways to celebrate and support the women in your neighborhood and around the world who are working hard to create better lives for themselves, their families and their communities.
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April 2019
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Brain Health
From diet and exercise to making time for selfcare and relaxation, you might be taking steps to make your health a priority. But when it comes to overall wellness, don’t forget about your brain! Simple lifestyle choices can have a profound impact on brain health. Exercise: Physical activity is as important for the brain as it is for the body. It changes the brain in ways that protect memory and thinking skills, while also improving mood and reducing stress. So, what are you waiting for? Whether it’s walking, dancing, yoga or even mopping the kitchen floor, find an activity that works for you. It’s most important that you get your heart rate up and break a slight sweat. Get your ZZZs: While you sleep, your brain is hard at work restoring information and memories and preparing you for another day. Sleep deprivation has been found to disrupt the brain cells’ ability to communicate with each other, leading to mental lapses and perception and memory problems. To ensure you get a good night’s sleep, stick with a routine and be sure to limit exercise, caffeine, alcohol and screen time close to bedtime. Eat right: Emerging evidence suggests an association between dietary habits and cognitive performance. Research shows that
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a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fish, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, olives and nuts helps maintain brain health. Additionally, cutting back on foods high in saturated fats, such as red meat and butter, may help ward off a variety of degenerative diseases affecting your heart and your brain. Look for science-backed supplements: When choosing a dietary supplement, be sure to look for those with research-backed ingredients and demonstrated cognitive benefits. Certain supplements, such as fish oil rich in DHA, phosphatidylserine (PS), coffee cherry extract, B vitamins and folic acid, have shown potential brain health benefits. Neuriva is a new brand of brain health supplements using clinically proven natural ingredients to help fuel five indicators of brain performance: focus, memory, learning, concentration and accuracy. It will be available as of April 2019 in stores nationwide but you can pre-order on Neuriva.com or Walgreens.com. The supplement itself is part of a holistic eco-system, which includes assessments, exercises and educational materials, tailored to help your brain fitness. Try new things: De-stress with activities you find enjoyable and find support in your loved ones and social network, but don’t get stuck in a rut. Becoming a life-long learner will enhance intellectual stimulation and help keep you - and your brain - healthier and happier. The most important thing to know is that no matter how old we are we can take simple, and even fun, steps to improve our brain performance.
April 2019
Falls & Fractures As we age, we begin to learn - sometimes firsthand - how devastating a fall can be. It isn’t quite as easy as it once was to hop back up and continue on our way. While the majority of falls are non-life-threatening, they can take a serious toll on quality of life and independence. The good news, however, is that most falls are preventable. Read on for important risk factors and tips for avoiding falls: Lower-body strength - People who have weaker lower bodies or have trouble with balance and walking should take extra precautions. Do exercises that can strengthen your legs and improve balance. Medication - Any time you get a new prescription, ask your pharmacist or doctor about side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. These can affect your balance. Footwear - Pay attention to foot pain as it may be a symptom of poor footwear. Make sure your shoes fit appropriately and are comfortable. Wear low-heeled shoes with rubber soles for good
traction. Generally, avoid wearing slippers, shoes with leather soles or high heels. See a doctor if you are experiencing foot pain. Clutter - Most falls happen at home. Rugs or objects in your way can be problematic. Remove clutter, fix steps that are uneven and make sure there is adequate lighting throughout your home. Physical support - If you don’t already have them, install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom and on stairways. Use a cane, walker, crutches or anything else that will help make walking easier. Hearing and vision - Get your vision and hearing checked regularly. Problems with hearing or sight can throw off your balance and coordination. Ask your doctor if you could benefit from some vision or hearing aids. “Falls are more common than many people think, and all of us are susceptible,” said Dr. James Metcalf, a medical director with UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. “So be aware of risks from your medications, stay active, clear your home of trip hazards and talk to your doctor about strategies you could try to avoid a potentially devastating fall.”
We can help with: • Buying/ Selling a home? Melissa West • Bare Land? 602-989-0492 • New Build? melwes97@gmail.com • Foreclosure? What we offer: • Our own in-house marketing to get your home sold! • Over 100 years local Real Estate experience on our team Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
April 2019
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Opioid Alternatives News of opioid abuse, overdoses and reports that 90 percent of addictions start in the teen years could make any parent worry. Yet parents remain conflicted about opioids: While more than half express concern their child may be at risk for opioid addiction, nearly two-thirds believe opioids are more effective at managing their child’s pain after surgery or a broken bone than nonprescription medication or other alternatives. That’s according to a nationwide survey commissioned by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). A physician anesthesiologist can create an individualized plan to best address patients’ pain based on the condition or type of surgery and decrease the risk of opioid misuse and addiction. Read on for insights from the survey regarding opioids and pain management. 1. Parents aren’t asking about effective alternatives While opioids can help with pain management for a few days after surgery or injury, effective
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alternatives do not have the side effects and risks of opioids. But the survey results suggest parents often don’t ask about alternatives, or aren’t aware of the options. Beyond medications, non-drug therapies can help with ongoing pain, including nerve blocks, physical therapy, biofeedback, meditation, virtual reality, massage and acupuncture. 2. Parents are unaware that safe storage and proper disposal are key More than half of people who misuse prescribed opioids get them from a friend or relative. Safe storage and proper disposal of the drugs are important to help curb the epidemic. 3. Parents understand importance of communication When a child is prescribed opioids, parents need to have an open and honest discussion about the potential side effects and risks - not only with the child taking the medication, but other family members as well. Visit ASA’s website at asahq.org for information about all aspects of pain management.
April 2019
Home Buying It is a common misconception that a 20 percent down payment is required to buy a home. Advice to wait and save a large down payment is often based on the theory that the cost of mortgage insurance, which is required when you buy with a smaller down payment, should be avoided. This may not be the best advice according to the National Association of Realtors. Yes, you can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a down payment as small as 3 percent of the purchase price. It is also true that you can reduce your monthly mortgage payment by paying for discount points at closing, but that can be 5 or 10 percent of the purchase price - not 20. And because every buyer’s situation is unique, it’s important to do the math. In today’s market, it could take a family earning the national median income up to 20 years to save 20 percent; a lot can change during that time. How can buying now save you money later?
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Consider you want to purchase a $255,000 home. A 5 percent down payment is $12,750 versus $51,000 in cash for 20 percent down. With a 740 credit score at today’s MI rates, your monthly MI payment would be about $110, which is added to your monthly mortgage payment until MI cancels. MI typically cancels after five years; therefore, you will only have this added cost for a short period of time versus waiting an average of 20 years to save for 20 percent. With home price appreciation, today’s $255,000 home will likely cost more in the years ahead and this will also have an impact on the necessary down payment and length of time required to save for it. The savings a borrower might calculate today could be altogether negated by waiting even a few more years. So, do the math and let the numbers guide you. There are many online mortgage calculators that can help. Check out lowdownpaymentfacts.org to learn more.
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6/30/19
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April 2019
Car Seat Safety
For many parents, you buckle up your kids and off you go to day care, school or the park. You trust their car seat or booster seat will keep your child safe should something happen, but are you sure the seat you installed months or years ago is truly secure? One of the most common mistakes parents and caregivers make is moving children to the next car seat too soon. No matter their age, you need to make sure that the car seat you use is the right one for your child’s age, as well as their size.
Newborn to 3 years The youngest passengers should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height of their seat. This positioning better absorbs the force of an impact, making it a better option for small passengers whose necks and spines are still developing. In fact, car seats have been shown to reduce fatal injury by 71 percent for infants (under one year old) in passenger cars. Keep in mind, even if your child’s feet touch the back of the vehicle seat, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready for a forward-facing seat. Parents shouldn’t move their toddlers into a forward-facing car seat until they’ve hit the maximum height or weight limit of their current car seat. 4-7 years old At this age your child will likely use a forwardfacing car seat with a harness. One critical step for installing this car seat correctly is making sure to secure it with its tether, not just a seat belt. The tether is an adjustable strap with a hook that can be found at the top of most forward-facing car seats. When you secure the tether to the tether anchor in your vehicle, it keeps the car seat from moving forward in a crash, helping protect your child from head and neck injuries.
Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
Additionally, always make sure the chest clip is secured across the chest rather than on the belly. These clips have a tendency to move down, so it’s up to caregivers to align it properly. Make it a habit to always slide the clip up to the appropriate place after buckling your child in to their seat. 8-12 years old After a child exceeds the age and size limits of their forward-facing seat, they can transition to a booster seat. A booster seat lifts a child up and helps their body properly align with the vehicle’s existing seat belt. Kids should stay in a booster seat until they are big enough to sit properly with the lap and shoulder belt securely buckled. That means the lap belt is snug across their upper thighs, not their stomach, and the shoulder belt is snug across their shoulder and chest, not their neck or face. Once your child is big enough to ride safely without needing a car seat or booster seat, keep in mind the back seat is still the safest place. All kids 13 and under should ride in the back, even if they try to convince you the front is the “cool” place to be.
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CBD Beauty
Short for cannabidiol, CBD is grabbing headlines every day. Long known to be a beneficial ingredient for health and wellness, now it’s coming to the beauty industry. Why is it grabbing headlines? Because of its antiinflammatory, soothing and anti-aging properties, which make the oil an ideal solution to transform your beauty routine, from hair products to lotions to facial oils. If you’re thinking, “Wait, cannabis? That’s marijuana, right?” Wrong. Though it is found in cannabis, it is legal, it won’t get you high and you will pass your drug test with flying colors. That’s because it does not contain THC, the ingredient in cannabis that produces the “high” effect. Still confused? Kevin Wachs, CEO and cofounder of Earthly Body, offers some of the beauty areas where this oil is having the biggest impact. Super skin care We already know that inflammation can spell serious skin woes, but what you might not know
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is that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can do wonders to help soothe low-level irritation. The oil, such as CBD Daily’s Serum, moisturizes and soothes skin thanks to the high levels of Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids it contains. These acids deliver important nutrients to the skin while protecting against environmental and other daily stressors. Happy hair CBD promotes healthy hair growth and good scalp health and protects your hair from daily environmental stresses because it is antioxidant rich. It also strengthens your hair and reduces breakage thanks to the high levels of amino acids and offers color protection thanks to tyrosine, too. In addition, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it works to calm and nourish beneath the surface by deeply penetrating and conditioning in conjunction with a blend of ingredients like lemon grass, chamomile and Japanese matcha green tea. The new look of beauty products The beauty industry is constantly changing, and as new products and trends enter the market, CBD-related solutions are poised to dominate. To learn more, visit emerhaircare.com or cbddailyproducts.com.
April 2019
Money Matters We’re getting close to the tax-filing deadline. For many of us, this means it’s that time of year when we get our biggest financial windfall – a tax refund. If you have recently received a refund, or are expecting to get one in the next few weeks, what should you do with it? Of course, you could just spend the money on something you want, but if you’d like to maximize the financial benefits from your refund, you might want to consider other options, including the following: • Invest the money. In 2018, the average tax refund was about $2,700. If you were to receive in the neighborhood of $2,700, you’d be almost halfway to the annual IRA contribution limit, which, in 2019, is $6,000. (If you’re 50 or older, you can put in up to $7,000). If you have already “maxed out” on your IRA, you could use your refund to fill in gaps you may have in other parts of your investment portfolio. • Pay insurance premiums. Let’s face it – nobody really likes paying insurance premiums. Yet, if you have anyone depending on you, you will certainly need life insurance, and possibly disability insurance as well. Your tax refund could help pay for some of these premiums, boosting your cash flow during the months you would normally be making these payments. • Contribute to a college fund. It’s never too soon to begin saving for college, which has grown increasingly expensive over the last several years. So, if you have young children, you may want to think about investing some or all of your refund into a college-savings account, such as a tax-advantaged 529 plan. • Pay off debts. You might be able to use your refund to pay down some debts – or perhaps even pay off some of your smaller ones. The lower your monthly debt load, the more money you will have available to invest for the future. Keep in mind, though, that you might not want to Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
look at all debts in the same way. For example, putting extra money toward your mortgage might help you pay it off faster, but you’ll also be funding an asset – namely, your house – that might not provide you with the same liquidity as you can get from investments such as stocks and bonds. • Help build an emergency fund. By building an emergency fund containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, you can help yourself avoid dipping into your long-term investments to pay for large, unplanned-for bills, such as a major car repair or an expensive dental procedure. Your tax refund could help build such a fund, with the money ideally being placed in low-risk, liquid vehicles. Clearly, you can help yourself make progress toward a number of your financial goals with your tax refund – so put it to good use.
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Holly Nott: 203-981-5731 HrNott@VerradoRealty.com Pat Redfield: 203-912-3995 PRedfield@VerradoRealty.com We are defined by exemplary service and professional expertise
April 2019
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Puzzles & Games
2 Sudokus for April - Easy & Medium
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
Easy
Medium
7
4
8
6
6 1 3 6 8
5
4 2
7
4
9
1 5
5
7
3
3 6
7
5
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T houghtfully chosen ingredients, assembled with experience. 3100 N. 91st Avenue • Phoenix, AZ 85037 • 623.233.2594
18 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
April 2019
Business Directory ADVERTISING
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Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
April 2019
19
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20 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
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April 2019