In the age of Instagram-or-it-didn’t-happen, I’ve become an accidental photographic rebel. Picture this (pun absolutely intended): I’ve just returned from a trip with a grand total of five photographs. FIVE. In a world where most travelers return home with enough digital memories to crash a cloud storage server, I’m looking at a collection that would make Marie Kondo weep with joy.
I realize that may seem tragic to some of you but I like to think that I was so present and engaged during my holiday that pictures were not necessary. Not once did I interrupt the moment to ensure my followers get visual proof of my adventures. Of course it could have been the fact that my friend of over 25 years and I were gabbing away so much we didn’t have time to stop and snap a memento.
I am not the first in my family to follow this path. There was a famous (in our family) holiday we took to France when I was a teenager. We spent a month driving to famous sites, traipsing around countless cathedrals, and soaking up all the culture you could want as a bored 14 year old. Only to find that my Dad had forgotten to load the film in his camera.
“I thought I got a lot of value in that roll!” he is quoted as saying when he discovered the problem, turning a potential photographic disaster into a legendary family joke. We’ve been laughing about it for years - a memory far more vivid than any perfectly staged vacation snapshot.
If I have trouble picturing my recent holiday all I have to do is think of the sunburn I got on my shoulders. My mind is flooded with memories of an afternoon spent laughing and enjoying myself so much that I forgot to reapply my sunscreen.
So here’s to the unphotographed adventures, the memories stored in our hearts rather than our camera rolls. Sometimes, the best vacation souvenirs are the stories we’ll tell - not the pictures we’ll scroll through.
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, Main Street Magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623.398.5541
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On Our Cover
Enhance Your Focus and Heal at The Spa at Victory Club
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life. This not only leads to higher stress levels but can also impact our productivity and personal relationships. However, taking time for self-care—whether through a relaxing spa day or regular massages—can help reduce stress, regulate the nervous system, and improve sleep. When we feel our best, we perform our best, leading to greater mental acuity, focus, and overall productivity. A spa day is not just a treat—it’s an investment in your well-being. It’s also a thoughtful gift for anyone in your life who struggles to prioritize themselves. Many of us feel we need permission to take a break and relax, and a spa gift card offers the opportunity to experience true care and rejuvenation. For those who need an extra push to unwind, the gift of a spa experience can be a reminder that self-care is essential.
Why Choose The Spa at Victory Club?
The Spa at Victory Club is open to the public and offers a luxury day spa experience. Our team of professional therapists is passionate about providing exceptional service, ensuring each guest enjoys a clean, welcoming, and relaxing environment. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality treatments tailored to meet individual needs.
Boost Your Confidence with Luxurious Treatments
Our appearance plays a significant role in how we feel about ourselves. A beautifully manicured set of nails and glowing, radiant skin can enhance confidence and make us feel more self-assured. At The Spa at Victory Club, we offer a variety of services
designed to help you look and feel your best. Our signature Hydrafacial treatment and other skincare services promote collagen and elastin production, cleanse the pores, and infuse the skin with much-needed hydration and nutrients. These treatments can help address blemishes, reduce signs of aging, and restore your skin’s natural radiance. For those seeking a flawless manicure without the dust and fumes of traditional acrylics, we specialize in Luminary nail services. This technique gives you the look and feel of acrylics, while maintaining the health and integrity of your natural nails.
Prevent and Heal Injuries with Therapeutic Massage
Massage therapy is more than just a relaxing treat—it’s an essential part of maintaining a healthy body. Increased blood circulation from massage delivers more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, which helps prevent injuries and promotes faster healing. Massage also improves flexibility, reduces scar tissue, and increases mobility. Did you know that massage is also detoxifying? It helps flush out toxins from your body, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Our boutique features a curated selection of premium items, including Voluspa Candles, Elan clothing, Jane Iredale makeup, Jan Marini skincare, and Lollia fragrances. Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for the perfect gift, we have something special to offer!
For every $100 spent on services or products, receive a $20 gift card to use on your next visit. To redeem, mention this ad upon check out. Services may not be purchased in advance. Offer is valid now until January 31, 2025.
Porcelain Veneers/Cosmetic Bonding
Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
All Crowns & Dentures Made Using A High-Quality, LOCAL Laboratory
Ortho Provided By Olson Orthodontics
Implants Placed By Periodontist
Philips ZOOM!® In-Office Whitening
VELscope® Vx Oral Cancer Screening
Certified Invisalign™ Office
Laser Dentistry & Gum Therapy
Convenient Appointments
Flexible Financing
Kid-Friendly Office
Cook With Zona
Loaded Potato Soup
With the weather getting… slightly cooler I decided it’s officially time to start making soups and stew!
A fan favorite soup in our house is Loaded Potato Soup. How can you go wrong with potatoes, bacon, cheese, and garlic? Whether you’re curled up at home or hosting a cozy dinner, this soup recipe will surely become one of your favorites too!
If you have a recipe you’d like to share with your community email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com
to be featured in the magazine!
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total time: 55 mins
Ingredients
6 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
16 oz bacon, bite-sized pieces
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 med onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup mild or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
¾ cup sour cream
green onions, to serve
Salt and pepper, to taste
Steps
1. Place sliced potatoes into a stockpot and completely cover with 1” of water. Season with ½ tsp salt and cook 10-15 minutes or until potatoes pierce easily with a knife then drain.
2. Meanwhile, saute bacon in a Dutch oven until crispy and then transfer to a plate, reserving 1 Tbsp bacon grease in the pot.
3. Add 4 Tbsp butter and chopped onions then saute until tender. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Quickly whisk in the flour then slowly add 2 1/2 cups milk and 2 1/2 cups broth, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a soft boil.
5. Add drained potatoes and season soup with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper or season to taste.
6. Stir in 3/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and half of your cooked bacon (reserving the rest for serving). Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and serve with your favorite toppings.
7. Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your Creamy, Loaded Potato Soup or tag us on social media @ EstrellaPublishing.
The Bug Guy
Embracing New Beginnings: A Fresh Start for Your Home and Heart
As the calendar turns and a new year dawns, we’re presented with a beautiful opportunity for renewal and hope. Just like we clear out the old to make way for the new in our lives, there’s something symbolically powerful about cleaning house—both metaphorically and quite literally.
Consider the humble act of home maintenance as a metaphor for personal growth. Just as we meticulously seal entry points to prevent unwanted guests from disrupting our living spaces, we can also protect our mental and emotional landscapes from negative influences. Those tiny cracks where doubt and discouragement might creep in? It’s time to seal them shut with determination and positivity.
Pest control isn’t just about keeping insects at bay—it’s about creating a sanctuary of peace and cleanliness. Similarly, the new year offers us a chance to identify and remove the “pests” in our lives: bad habits, toxic relationships, self-limiting beliefs. We can methodically
inspect our personal foundations, patch up weak spots, and create an environment where growth and happiness can thrive.
This year, approach your goals like a professional pest management expert. Be strategic, patient, and thorough. Preventative care is always better than reactive solutions. Whether you’re targeting mice in the attic or obstacles in your personal development, the principle remains the same: consistent, careful effort leads to remarkable results.
As we step into this fresh chapter, remember that every small action counts. Just like how sealing a tiny hole can prevent an entire infestation, each positive choice you make can transform your entire year. Embrace the potential of new beginnings, arm yourself with hope, and get ready to create something beautiful.
Here’s to a year of clean spaces, clear minds, and unlimited potential!
Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
Home Sweet Home
In 2025, home design is all about creating meaningful, sustainable, and personalized spaces that enhance both functionality and beauty. Whether you’re planning a complete renovation or a simple refresh, here are some of the top projected trends that are set to redefine interior spaces:
1. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials
Sustainability continues to dominate the conversation in home design. Expect to see a rise in materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, cork, and recycled glass. These materials are not only environmentally friendly but also bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to interiors. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to furniture and decor that tell a story, with upcycled and vintage pieces gaining popularity.
2. Bold Colors and Patterns
After years of neutral tones, 2025 is set to embrace color with open arms. Rich, jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep plum will add depth and sophistication to living spaces. Complementing these bold colors will be playful patterns inspired by nature, such as botanical prints and abstract designs.
3. Biophilic Design
Bringing the outdoors inside will remain a key trend. Incorporating natural elements like indoor plants, green walls, and large windows that maximize natural light will create serene and rejuvenating environments. This connection to nature enhances well-being and adds a calming aesthetic to the home.
4. Tech-Integrated Living Spaces
Smart home technology is becoming seamlessly integrated into interior design. Invisible speakers, smart lighting systems, and voice-activated controls will ensure that homes are as functional as they are stylish. Expect multi-functional furniture equipped with tech features to accommodate the growing demand for home offices and entertainment hubs.
5. Texture Over Flat Finishes
Textured walls, tactile fabrics, and layered materials will be at the forefront of design. From velvet upholstery to woven rugs and 3D wall treatments, texture will add depth and character to interiors, making spaces feel more dynamic and inviting.
6. Personalized Spaces
Customization will be key in 2025. Homeowners are moving away from cookie-cutter designs in favor of spaces that reflect their unique personalities. This trend includes bespoke furniture, art, and decor tailored to individual tastes and lifestyles.
Submitted by Tara Rutkowski, Realtor
The Doctor Is In
Do You Struggle with Imposter Syndrome?
Do you feel insecure about your worth? Do you doubt your abilities? Do you fear you’ll one day be revealed as a fraud? If so, you may have Imposter Syndrome (IS). Studies suggest 70% of people experience IS at some point in their career. IS stems from self-doubt. Instead of attributing your success to your skills, you might downplay your success and attribute it to luck. Do you relate to any of these patterns?
Perfectionism. You may set high goals for yourself. Or you may feel you have to obsessively prepare for things.
Attributing success to luck. You downplay your success because you don’t believe you deserve it, or you believe you’re just lucky.
Inability to recognize success. Instead of celebrating your accomplishments, you worry that others will see “the truth” about your skills and abilities.
Using charm to win approval. Maybe you feel you have to be charming, witty or funny to divert attention away from areas in which you feel like a fraud.
Procrastination. Maybe you deny being a procrastinator and instead say that you work well under pressure. You may also be subconsciously giving yourself an out for when you think the end product isn’t as good as it should’ve or could’ve been.
Minimization. When you do succeed, maybe you have a tendency to minimize your success and say that you just have people fooled.
Paralysis by analysis. Maybe your perfectionism turns into paralysis and you avoid finishing a project or task altogether. If you don’t perform, you avoid the shame of being criticized. Fear of failure. You might limit yourself because you fear failure. Maybe you stay under the radar or hold
yourself back.
Self-sabotage. Maybe you subconsciously set yourself up for failure by staying up too late, not taking care of yourself or getting involved in more things than you have time for. These things give you something to blame if you don’t perform well.
Difficulty asking for help. You might have difficulty asking for help because you believe asking for help will show that you’re inept, wrong or unqualified.
Experiencing imposter syndrome can limit your confidence to go after new opportunities because you feel that you don’t deserve them.
Submitted by Dr. Bellingrodt
DISCLAIMER: Material is for informational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a licensed professional. Material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with written permission of Dr. Bellingrodt.
Sage Advice
Pool Shopping
Since I am retiring after 32nd years of designing and building pools, I wanted to give some advice to potential pool shoppers out there.
In 1992, pools were much simpler - most were either a play pool with a deeper middle, or diving pools. They came with two feet of Kooldeck around, a robotic cleaner, a sand filter, an electric light, entry steps and maybe a bench. Upgrades included volleyball sleeves, an auto water fill, fiber optic lights, an adjustable time clock, and maybe a water feature. Prices averaged about $13K. In our current market, pools come in a wide variety of shapes with a dozen or more decking and interior options and are operated with wifi technology. And the average cost can easily approach $100K!
My first bit of advice would be to select three companies to interview. Then check with the Arizona Registrar of Cotractors to assure a company is properly licensed. Their site will indicate the number of complaints, type of license and let you know how long a company has been in business. Talk to a couple folks who used the company - a company’s reputation for dealing with issues is important.
Beyond selecting a company, an even more critical item will be the experience of the designer you are meeting with. A qualified designer should consider your lifestyle, how that will be incorporated into the project. Your budget should be discussed, but I caution against being “penny-wise and pound-foolish” - keep resale in mind. There are many options as to how a pool can be built. I have often used the analogy of me doing a painting using the same brushes, canvass and paints as one of the old masters. Because we are using the same “equipment” does not mean the finished painting will have the same value! A pool built with better construction techniques can reduce operating and repair costs while also increasing resale value.
I strongly encourage folks to include updated cleaning, filtration and chemical reduction systems as well as more technologically advanced operating and control systems. You can still include pool vacs, time clocks, back-wash filters and the like, but they are to as functionally obsolete, like a garage door you open and close manually! And if they are obsolete today, what will they be when you go to sell the home in a few years!
Submitted by Mike Roberts
A WALK in the park
AVIANO COMMUNITY PARK
3975 E LOCKWOOD DR
Looking for unique playground equipment? Aviano Park features a zip line, a chance to ride on life size dinosaurs and a rocking boat.
MCCORMICK-STILLMAN
RAILROAD PARK
7301 E INDIAN BEND RD
Not only is there an expansive playground, this park also offers a one-mile train ride around the grounds.
BUFFALO RIDGE PARK
19250 N 16TH ST
For kids and parents who want to take refuge from the sun, there’s a covered playground for children to enjoy, even in the heat.
DESERT HORIZON PARK
16002 N 56TH ST
With several trees available to climb, there is a chance for children to experience old-fashioned fun with nature. A tire swing is part of the playground and adults might be tempted to relive thier childhood, too.
KIWANIS PARK
6111 S ALL-AMERICA WAY
In addition to playground equipment, kids will love to walk the paved paths, fish in the lake and try their hand at the batting cages.
PAPAGO PARK
625 N GALVIN PARKWAY
Spectacular views and nature trails accentuate the playground at this park.
ROADRUNNER PARK
3502 E CACTUS RD
Ample parking is a major plus for this park. Once the kids hit the playground, they will love the colorful structures, climbing walls, and something you don’t see every day at the playground - a duck pond!
RIVERVIEW PARK
2100 W RIO SALADO PARKWAY
Since this is a newer park, there are special features here that kids won’t find in a traditional playground setting. Try either the 50-foot-tall Genesis climbing tower or the 60-foot-long caterpillar mesh climbing structure.
Market Update
836 S 223RD LN, BUCKEYE, AZ 85326 SOLD FOR $339,000
18516
650 E COLTER ST, PHOENIX, AZ 85012 OFFERED AT $1,390,000
2342 N DELANEY DR, BUCKEYE, AZ 85396 OFFERED AT $539,000
W SWEET ACACIA DR, GOODYEAR, AZ 85338 OFFERED AT $515,000
17059 W WINDERMERE WAY, SURPRISE, AZ 85374 OFFERED AT $499,000
2348 N VALLEY VIEW DR, BUCKEYE, AZ 85396 OFFERED AT $380,000
20701 W MINNEZONA AVE, BUCKEYE, AZ 85396 OFFERED AT $556,900
N 207TH DR, BUCKEYE, AZ 85396 OFFERED AT $725,000
5377 E HERRERA DR, PHOENIX, AZ 85054 SOLD FOR $1,500,000
20256 W SAN JUAN AVE, LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ 85340 SOLD FOR $629,000 - NEW BUILD
20590 W DANIEL PL, BUCKEYE, AZ 85396 SOLD FOR $550,000
Blue Line Painting
Cabinet Reeinishing Exteriors Interiors
Money Matters
Now that the calendar has flipped, it’s time for some New Year’s resolutions. You could decide you’re going to exercise more, lose weight, learn a new skill — the possibilities are almost limitless. This year, why not add a few financial resolutions to your list?
Here are a few to consider:
• Reduce your debts. It may be easier said than done, but if you can cut down on your debt load, you’ll increase your cash flow and have more money available to invest for your future. So, look for ways to lower your expenses and spending. You might find it helpful to use one of the budgeting apps available online.
• Build an emergency fund. It’s generally a good idea to maintain an emergency fund containing up to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. Without such a fund, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments to pay for short-term needs, such as an expensive auto or home repair.
• Keep funding your non-retirement goals. Your traditional IRA and 401(k) are good ways to save for retirement — but you likely have other goals, too, and you’ll need to save and invest for them. So, for example, if you want your grandchildren to go to
college or receive some other type of post-secondary training, you might want to invest in a tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan. And if you have shortterm goals, such as saving for a wedding or taking an overseas vacation, you might want to put some money away in a liquid account. For a short-term goal, you don’t necessarily need to invest aggressively for growth — you just want the money to be there for you when you need it.
• Review your estate plans. If you haven’t already created your estate plans, you may want to do so in 2025. If you have already drawn up estate plans, you may want to review them, especially if you’ve recently experienced changes in your life and family situation, such as marriage, remarriage or the addition of a new child. Because estate planning can be complex, you’ll want to work with a qualified legal professional.
You may not be able to tackle all these resolutions in 2025. But by addressing as many of them as you can, you may find that, by the end of the year, you have made progress toward your goals and set yourself on a positive course for all the years to come.
Submitted by Brian Polk, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones, Verrado resident
Healthcare Help
New “GUIDE” Provides No-Cost Healthcare to Caregivers and Dementia Patients
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced that 400 centers nationwide have been chosen to participate in a new Medicare alternative payment program designed to support caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia.
My personal journey caring for my mother with Alzheimer’s disease motivated me to start “Hearts for Dementia”. I know first-hand how frustrating and demoralizing caregiving can be, and how additional services are desperately needed.
Under this new GUIDE model, which stands for “Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience,” participating agencies will receive support to increase care coordination and improve access to services, a welcome relief for round the clock care. The GUIDE Model will also offer a no-cost approach to key supportive services for people living with dementia. This will include comprehensive assessments, a 24hour helpline, respite, and care navigators for clinical and non-clinical services.
This could have significant impact on Medicare families hoping to keep their loved ones in their homes longer, which is often beneficial to the patient. It can also help reduce strain on caregivers who need extra support, and it opens doors for families struggling to afford a personalized approach. This innovative plan also fulfills the Biden administration’s Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers and aligns with the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease.
Remember to ask if you qualify, as participants represent a wide range of facilities: large academic medical centers, group practices, community-based organizations, health systems, and hospice agencies. It’s exciting, as the founder of Hearts for Dementia, to have been selected as one of those participating homecare agencies, with GUIDE services beginning in July 2025. Through GUIDE, help is near, and we hope to bring comfort and support to families in need. For more information: www.HeartsForDementia.com
Submitted by Lolita Tramel, Family & Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner & Founder of Hearts for Dementia
College Football
The Crumbling Gridiron: How College Football’s selection committee might be making the great sport worse.
College Football is standing at a critical crossroad, with the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee looking increasingly like the architects of the sport’s supposed unraveling. What was originally a cherished tradition of regional pride and athletic excellence is quickly turning into a high-stakes financial arms race that threatens to fundamentally alter the game’s landscape.
The current system in place for the playoffs, intending on crowning a true national champion, has instead created a stratified ecosystem where only a handful of elite programs feel they have an opportunistic path to championship contention. Schools like Oregon,
Ohio State, and Georgia have become a privileged class this year due to economic stature, while other programs are suddenly watching from what is now a looking glass.
This concentration of power is not just revolving around winning, but about money. The financial disparities between top-tier programs and... the rest... have never been more pronounced. Television contracts, recruiting budgets, and facility investments create an almost insurmountable gap that the selection committee seems content to perpetuate.
The committee’s selection criteria are increasingly opaque and subjective. Traditional metrics such as the conference champions and strength of schedule are often debated in comparison to the committee’s “eye test” and brand recognition. This approach disproportionately favors programs with established national reputations, which makes it that much harder for an emerging program to break through in the industry.
The recent expansion to a 12-team playoff (which as of mid-December is already being discussed about becoming 14 teams) seems to be a more helpful solution but could actually exacerbate existing problems. More spots could paradoxically mean less meaningful opportunities, with p4 teams still dominating most slots (This is where you root for Boise State University if you are a fan of the underdog).
Smaller conference champions may technically have a path, but the obstacles in their way are extremely difficult, with the team either needing to finish the season undefeated and/or having a Heisman level player to bring in media.
As the 2024 season comes to a close, college football finds itself at a pivotal moment. The selection committee’s decisions will play a crucial role in determining whether the sport can preserve the competitive spirit it is known for or devolve into a closed ecosystem dominated by mega-programs.
Courtyard,
I Resolve To...
In the realm of personal growth, sensible resolutions are the unsung heroes of self-improvement. These practical goals are rooted in realistic expectations and incremental progress. The key is to approach personal development with wisdom, patience, and a genuine commitment to sustainable change.
The most sensible resolutions share common characteristics: they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). They acknowledge human limitations while still encouraging personal growth. A truly sensible resolution begins with honest self-assessment. Instead of declaring dramatic, sweeping transformations, focus on modest, achievable objectives that align with your current lifestyle and capabilities. For instance, rather than vowing to become a marathon runner, consider setting a goal of increasing your daily physical activity by taking a 15-minute walk or choosing stairs over elevators.
Financial sensibility is another critical area for meaningful resolutions. Instead of promising to save an unrealistic amount of money, commit to saving a small, consistent percentage of your income each month or creating a simple budget that tracks your spending. The most
effective financial goals are those that become habitual and sustainable.
Health-related resolutions benefit immensely from a measured approach. Rather than eliminating entire food groups or committing to an extreme diet, focus on incremental nutritional improvements. This might mean adding one extra serving of vegetables to your daily meals, drinking more water, or introducing moderate portion control. Mental health is equally important—consider dedicating just ten minutes each day to mindfulness, meditation, or simply unplugging from digital devices. Professional growth requires a strategic mindset. Instead of setting impossibly broad goals like “get a promotion,” break down your career aspirations into specific, actionable steps. This could involve learning one new skill, networking with one professional contact monthly, or dedicating an hour each week to professional development reading or online courses. Relationship resolutions should prioritize quality over quantity. Rather than making sweeping promises, focus on small, meaningful improvements. This might mean being more present during conversations, expressing gratitude more frequently, or setting aside dedicated time for meaningful connections with family and friends.
By setting realistic expectations and approaching personal growth with compassion and patience, we can actually achieve meaningful progress. The beauty of sensible resolutions lies in their simplicity—they respect our humanity while gently nudging us toward becoming slightly better versions of ourselves.
Be Prepared
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s a critical financial responsibility that everyone should consider, regardless of age or income level. The key is to approach estate planning as a dynamic process that evolves with your life circumstances.
In Your 20s and 30s:
This is the foundation stage of estate planning. While you might feel invincible, creating basic legal documents is crucial. Start with a simple will that outlines how you want your assets distributed. If you have dependent children, this becomes even more critical. Designate a guardian and create provisions for their care and financial support.
Create a basic healthcare proxy and living will. These documents ensure your medical wishes are respected if you’re unable to communicate. Designate a trusted family member or friend to make medical decisions on your behalf. Additionally, consider basic life insurance, especially if you have dependents or significant debt that could burden your family.
In Your 40s and 50s:
As your financial complexity increases, so should your estate planning sophistication. Review and update your
will regularly. Consider establishing a trust to provide more controlled asset distribution and potential tax benefits. This is particularly important if you have children with special needs or want to create specific provisions for inheritance.
Retirement planning becomes critical. Maximize contributions to retirement accounts and ensure beneficiary designations are current. Review life insurance policies to ensure coverage matches your family’s potential financial needs. Consider long-term care insurance as a proactive measure.
In Your 60s and Beyond:
Estate planning transitions from accumulation to preservation and distribution. Work with a financial advisor to minimize tax implications for your heirs. Consider strategies like gifting to reduce estate tax liability. Update your will and trusts to reflect current family dynamics and financial situation.
Comprehensive End-of-Life Planning:
Regardless of age, create a comprehensive document that includes:
- Detailed will
- Healthcare proxy
- Power of attorney
- List of important financial accounts
- Digital asset instructions
- Funeral and burial preferences
Key Principles for All Ages:
- Review documents every 3-5 years
- Update after major life events
- Communicate your plans with key family members
- Keep important documents accessible
- Consider digital asset management
Estate planning is an act of love and responsibility. It provides peace of mind and protects your loved ones from unnecessary financial and legal complications during difficult times.
Green Thumb
January in Arizona presents unique gardening opportunities, balancing the state’s mild winter with strategic preparation for the upcoming growing season. Unlike many regions, Arizona gardeners can actively work in their landscapes during this cooler month, making it an ideal time for planning and selective planting.
Cool-season vegetables thrive in Arizona’s January climate. Now is the perfect time to plant leafy greens like kale, spinach, lettuce, and Swiss chard. Root vegetables including carrots, radishes, and beets also do exceptionally well. These crops appreciate the cooler temperatures and can withstand light frost, making them resilient choices for winter gardening.
or crossing branches, focusing on creating an open canopy that allows sunlight and air circulation. Citrus trees demand special winter care. While they’re relatively hardy, protect younger trees from potential frost by covering them when temperatures dip below 32°F. Use frost cloth or old bed sheets, avoiding plastic coverings that can trap moisture and cause more damage.
Native plants shine in January. Species like brittlebush, desert marigold, and various cacti require minimal maintenance during this time. These plants have adapted to Arizona’s unique climate and can withstand winter conditions with little intervention.
Soil preparation is crucial during January. The cooler temperatures make it an excellent time to amend garden beds. Incorporate organic compost to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Fruit trees require critical attention this month. Deciduous fruit trees like apples, peaches, and plums are dormant, making January the optimal time for pruning. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to remove dead, damaged,
Irrigation requires careful management. Despite cooler temperatures, Arizona’s dry climate necessitates occasional watering. Water deeply but less frequently, focusing on the root zones of plants. Morning watering is ideal, allowing moisture to absorb before potential cold nights.
Pest management continues even in winter. Check plants for signs of infestation, removing any visible pests manually. The cooler temperatures reduce pest activity, making this an excellent time for preventative treatments and inspections.
Ornamental gardens benefit from selective pruning and cleanup. Remove dead annuals, trim back perennials, and prepare beds for spring planting. Consider adding winter-blooming plants like cyclamen or primrose to add color to your landscape.
Local elevation and specific location can dramatically impact gardening strategies, so always consult local extension services for hyper-local advice.
Puzzle Time
This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com Difficulty: Easy
