Main Street
February 2018
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From Me To You... Welcome! to the February edition of Main Street magazine!
Every month I sit down at my computer to write this piece and I usually have an idea of what I will say. A general theme, some lines thought out in my head. Then I let it fly. Sometimes it is pretty close to my original plan, sometimes I go off on a tangent. The majority of my articles have an example or a snippit from my life, usually involving my children. Let’s face it, kids do say the darnedest things! Growing up in England, my childhood was mostly bucolic. I had my moments, trials and tribulations you could say, but it was pretty nice all in all. Except for Sunday mornings. Yes, church. Not because the pews were uncomfortable - they were. Not because the singing was painful - it was, my mother is tone deaf but refuses to let that stop her from belting out the hymns. Not because the world was beckoning from outside, begging me to play and be free - of course it was. My problem was that my father was the vicar, or minister. He was great at it. His voice rang with conviction, he was kind and gentle with his flock and always sang beautifully. The problem was his sermons. To get inspiration he looked at his life, and in particular his children. Whatever stupid thing we had done that week was sure to be brought up as a humorous anecdote that he could use to teach the lesson of the day. It was
mortifying. We lived with these people and as well meaning as they were, they would always chuckle over our misadventures and talk to us about them later. One time I remember Dad told the story of our one and only attempt at clock maintenance. He had on old clock that I believe he found at a yard sale, intending to wind it up and put it on the mantelpiece. It must have needed more than winding so he gave it to us to see what we could learn from it. As the story goes we gave it back to him pretty quickly in pieces. Many pieces. It filled a large cardboard box that we found somewhere. I don’t remember the meaning behind this sermon, perhaps that there is more inside us that is apparent on the surface, or not to judge the outside of people as what is inside is so much more. Or don’t give your children a clock to play with. What ever it was I remember squirming on my pew as the congregation chuckled along. Now I find myself on the other end of the story. Remembering my childhood I try to be sensitive to my children’s feelings but let’s face it, they will most likely never read this, and as 3 out of 4 are now grown with their own lives they might like to hear these stories. It does, however, remind me of a TV show I used to watch. Perhaps you did too. Here is one of my favorite quotes from Friends that seems appropriate in this situation: “Oh my God. I’ve become my father. I’ve been trying so hard not to become my mother, I didn’t see this coming.” — Rachel Green, The One With Phoebe’s Cookies
Catherine Uretsky
Editor Main Street magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623-594-9283
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February 2018
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 day 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. 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
Main Street
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
February 2018
3
Home Sweet Home Belmont, What You Need to Know
An extensive amount of land on the western edge of the West Valley has drawn an $80 million investment from a group that includes Microsoft founder Bill Gates’ Cascade Investment LLC. This is a move that could change the region’s (and Verrado’s) future growth and home values. The group recently bought a significant stake in the 24,800-acre “Belmont” development near the White Tank Mountains, according to property records. With the plans we are hearing for the future of this property, we feel it will push the growth in the West Valley
ahead. Few people live in the area now, but plans for Belmont call for as many as 80,000 homes, 3,800 acres of industrial, office and retail space, 3,400 acres of open space and 470 acres for public schools according to Arizona-based, Belmont Partners, the real estate developer behind the project. The anticipated Interstate 11 is slated to pass through Belmont when completed. The proposed freeway will run from Reno, Nevada, to Mexico. This will open another travel corridor to and from the West Valley which will bring growth as well. The West Valley is clearly the expansion direction for the Phoenix Valley. With so much land, amazing views and a closer proximity to California, it holds many opportunities for both investors and families. We expect to see much growth out this way and believe “Belmont” is an indication of the future that is coming to the West Valley. It will be exciting to see the project develop and the other companies and investment groups that follow suit. We live in an exciting time, in an amazing location! Submitted by Brennen Kent, Realtor, Verrado Realty
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February 2018
On Our Cover
On our cover this month we have the Klimek family, Tim, Michelle, Harrison and Frankie. Tim has lived and worked in Verrado for 12 years, moving here from Michigan in December of 2005. Michelle moved to Verrado from California in 2011 and they married on March 9th, 2012.
They enjoy golf, Arts and Crafts, Melodies & Me at Anderson School of Music, Swim Classes at AquaTots, Story time at the Coyote Branch Library, Park Hopping Around Verrado’s 77 Parks, outdoor activities, and travel. Also as a Michigan State Alumni they enjoy all Spartan sporting events.
So why Verrado? “We love the small hometown feel, the tree-lined streets, green grass and parks remind of us the Midwest. It’s a perfect place to raise a family.”
“We love all the community events and pride. Christmas time in Verrado is the BEST, we enjoy the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and how it brings the community, neighbors, friends and family together, so we can show off our beautiful community all decorated for the holidays. Founders day is another great time to be a Verrado Resident, we’ve rocked the night away to some pretty spectacular bands over our 12 years. It has been nothing short of memorable.”
You may recognize Tim as a Realtor and Associate Broker at Verrado Realty where he has worked for 12 years. In 2015 he also started TK Luxury Group, a team of real estate professionals that specialize in Verrado. “Prior to working for Verrado Realty I worked as an Assistant Golf professional at The Santaluz Club in San Diego for DMB Associates the developer of both communities. I have been working in and around DMB Communities my entire adult life.” In their free time between work and caring for 2 young children, the Klimeks are very busy.
What makes their family unique? The fact that Tim’s parents live just blocks away from them and their grandchildren, giving them the opportunity to be a part of their everyday routine and growth. (Plus, they babysit for free.) The Klimeks look forward to continuing to live the dream in Verrado. In Tim’s words “The best community in Arizona!”
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February 2018
5
The Doctor Is In Coat Hanger Neck Pain
Many individuals with chronic or intermittent neck tightness and pain are misdiagnosed. They are told their vertebrae are out of alignment, have muscular injury from an accident, have a pinched nerve, “carry their stress there”, or have arthritic changes noted on an x-ray. While certainly some individuals may have nerve compression from a serious degree of vertebral or disc issues, many others have been incorrectly diagnosed. They are actually suffering from a common cause of neck pain and tightness called coat hanger neck pain.
is an indication that they have coat hanger pain from Autonomic injury. Physical activity improves oxygen delivery into the neck and alleviates symptoms, whereas inactivity tends to worsen the pain because of inadequate delivery of oxygen into the muscle. Mechanical sources of pain, by contrast, often worsen with activity since movement of the body often moves the neck which aggravates the mechanical defect and increases pain. Coat hanger pain is suspected when an individual can play tennis or work in the yard without noticing pain, but they feel increased pain when sitting at their desk or in a car for extended periods of time.
Coat hanger neck pain is the result from a lack of proper blood flow and oxygen delivery into the muscles of the shoulder and neck. Lack of oxygen into muscle is very painful; just asked anyone suffering from a lack of oxygen into their heart muscle (angina) or their legs (claudication).
Knowing this important fact about neck pain and tightness may help you get the right treatment for your neck.
But unlike those examples, coat hanger pain is not from a narrowed blood vessel due to atherosclerosis, it is the result of prior brain injury to the Autonomic Nervous System. The Autonomics can be injured by a physical blow to the head (concussions, sub-concussive events), intense emotional experiences (bankruptcy, betrayal, combat), or inflammatory traumas (vaccines, surgery, fractures, chemotherapy, radiation).
Submitted by by Dr. Patrick M. Nemechek, D.O. Verrado resident
© 2018. Nemechek Consultative Medicine. All Rights Reserved.
The body is designed to completely recover from these types of brain injuries within a few weeks but mounting evidence suggests that potentially 6080% of the population can no longer completely repair their brain traumas due to a chronic inflammatory condition called inflammaging. As a result of inflammaging, brain injuries are not completely repaired and result in residual brain injury. As the damage from successive injuries accumulates, the dysfunction of the Autonomic Nervous System grows. Autonomic injury makes it difficult to drive blood upwards into the head and neck leading to poor oxygen delivery and tight, painful neck muscles. The blood delivery may be improved with the movement of the leg muscles, and this fact helps diagnose coat hanger pain. If neck pain improves or is absent with activity, this
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February 2018
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Main Street
February 2018
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February 2018
Life As A Caregiver I am a pretty positive person by nature. I tend to view things with the glass half full. That doesn’t mean I’m a Pollyanna. But it means I would rather be happy than sad. But dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease sometimes makes being happy a challenge. It not only impacts your day-to-day existence, but in can creep into how you react to other issues that come up. Take this week, for example. The husband of a very good friend of mine had a severe stroke early in the week. The prognosis is unclear, but he has a very long road ahead of him, if he makes it at all. His wife is just devastated. They both are just wonderful people whom I adore. And there’s nothing I can do to fix this. Oh yes…..I am there for her. I call and comfort and pray and support. And I will make meals and run errands and whatever else I can do to assist. But that’s about it. Doesn’t seem like very much. But I know it is. I am so sad and very teary. Then a day later, I found out that a dear friend of mine is under hospice care and is unresponsive. She had cancer about 2 years ago, beat it and moved back up to Washington state with her husband to be closer to family. Then the bloody cancer came back…with a vengeance. Treatments haven’t worked and all I’ve been able to do (with the help of our two other friends who all paled around together as a group) is declare my love and support through sending cards and texts. There is nothing I can do to fix this. I am so sad and very teary. And then today I learned she died. My dear friend died….way too soon. But at least she is out of her pain and with the angels.
time coping with them because they pile up inside. I am lucky that I can get through them. God truly made me strong in many ways. But I am also quite emotional at the same time. Not the fall-apart emotional. But the teary and heavy-heart kind. I wasn’t able to cry my eyes out over the loss of my friend until my mom was settled and ready for bed. I wasn’t able to be quiet and pensive and deep in my thoughts over the stroke my friend had until mom was comfortable and secure for the night. But that’s the way it is. I must be strong for her and not visibly sad or it will only make her sad. For the moment anyway. She won’t remember why I’m sad, but like I said, she & I live in the moment. So what’s the solution to help keep my sanity and allow me to take care of myself? Working out is good. Taking short respites is also good. And I do both. But my love for my mom is unconditional and watching her go through this brings tears to my eyes as fast as I can snap my fingers! Which is what I wish I could do to rid her of this horrible disease! Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
Also today, as I was giving my mom her breakfast, she tried to find a word to express what she wanted me to do. And it wouldn’t come. And she broke down and cried out of total frustration. The inability to find words to express yourself is an effect of Alzheimer’s. She hasn’t had that problem very often, so this could be a sign of continued deterioration. I settled her down, was kind and soft with her and explained that this was a symptom of Alzheimer’s, not about her being stupid (which she claims she is). She snapped out of it quickly and she resumed breakfast. But I couldn’t fix it. And when I left her room, I was sad and teary. And that’s what happens to caregivers. They take on all the natural burdens of life and have a harder Main Street
February 2018
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Furry Friends Breaking News… Dogs Allowed!
noses in everything!
Please join us on Friday, February 9th for a Movie in the Park! The Junior Division of Community Paws will be hosting this family-friendly event at the Village Green in Verrado. This event is free to the public. Please bring your favorite fur-friend to watch a screening of Disney’s classic family film 101 Dalmatians. Hot drinks and a delicious bake sale will be available as well. Bring your pennies… all prices will be $1.01. Hope to see you there!
Now is the best time to train. Community Paws offers Rattlesnake Training each spring. Last year, there were 39 canine graduates. This year, our training takes place at Crescent Park in Verrado on Saturday, February 24th from 9am to 1pm. Reservations are required. There are 10 available training slots per hour.
It’s That Time of Year Again… Sometimes our furry friends can allow their curiosity to override their instincts to stay away from potentially dangerous things, like rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes tend to be more active in the spring when they first come out of hibernation and also in the late summer/ early fall when they breed. They typically find shade on sunny days, coming out at dusk when the temperatures are cooler. Although, accordingly to ViperVoidance.com, there is no true hibernation season for rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes can be active ANY time of year, especially here in the desert. Dogs can be trained to stay away from rattlesnakes. Proven techniques teach your dog to avoid rattlesnakes and to warn you of their presence. Unfortunately dogs don’t learn to avoid rattlesnakes after they are bitten. The pain from a rattlesnake bite can take up to 30 minutes to develop so dogs don’t associate this pain with the bite. This means that dogs can be bitten more than once, especially if their curiosity makes them want to stick their
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Jim from Voidance Viper will be teaching this invaluable course. Dogs will be led through a specified course where they will learn to identify the scent of the snake. The cost is $82. If you would like to have your dog retested, your dog would need to have been previously trained with Jim. The cost for a retest is $42. For more info and to register for this training course, please visit: www.CommunityPaws.org. Did you know? The March of the Fallen takes place on Saturday, February 3rd: This 4.5-mile ruck through the Verrado Trailhead honors our fallen brothers and sisters. Community Paws will be offering support and water stations along the way. We hope to see you there! Submitted by Kristin Robinson, of Community Paws, Verrado resident
February 2018
2017 Verrado Market Recap ALL Verrado Homes SOLD VERRADO All Verrado Homes SOLD Average List Price Average List - $/sqft Average Sold Price Average Sold - $/sqft Average Days-on-Market Average Square Footage
2016 279 homes $311,304 $128/sqft $303,818 $125/sqft 110 days 2,478 sqft
2017 % CHANGE 295 homes +5.7% $334,847 +7.6% $131/sqft +2.3% $329,172 +8.3% $129/sqft +3.2% 106 days -3.6% 2,610 sqft +5.3%
Verrado Single Story Homes SOLD VERRADO Single Level Homes SOLD Average List Price Average List $/sqft Average Sold Price Average Sold $/sqft Average Days-on-Market Average Square Footage
2016 140 homes $308,270 $138/sqft $300,638 $134/sqft 107 days 2,270 sqft
2017 % CHANGE 153 homes +9.3% $333,971 +8.3% $142/sqft +2.9% $327,482 +8.9% $139/sqft +3.7% 118 days +10.3% 2,382 sqft +4.9%
Verrado Two Story Homes SOLD VERRADO 2016 Two-Story Homes SOLD 139 homes Average List Price $314,361 Average List $/sqft $118/sqft Average Sold Price $307,022 Average Sold $/sqft $116/sqft Average Days-on-Market 113 days Average Square Footage 2,687 sqft
279 Homes Sold
2017 % CHANGE 142 homes +2.2% $335,791 +6.8% $119/sqft +0.8% $330,992 +7.8% $118/sqft +1.7% 94 days -19.8% 2,857 sqft +6.3%
295 Homes Sold
Verrado Homes with Pools SOLD VERRADO Homes with Pools SOLD Average List Price Average List $/sqft Average Sold Price Average Sold $/sqft Average Days-on-Market Average Square Footage
2016 64 homes $390,829 $132/sqft $379,527 $129/sqft 131 days 3,030 sqft
2017 % CHANGE 69 homes +7.8% $413,685 +5.8% $134/sqft +1.5% $405,619 +6.9% $132/sqft +2.3% 97 days -26.0% 3,143 sqft +3.7%
ALL VICTORY Homes SOLD VERRADO All Verrado Homes SOLD Average List Price Average List $/sqft Average Sold Price Average Sold $/sqft Average Days-on-Market Average Square Footage
2016 15 homes $417,967 $179/sqft $406,602 $174/sqft 205 days 2,344 sqft
2017 % CHANGE 19 homes +26.7% $440,719 +5.4% $201/sqft +12.3% $426,062 +4.8% $195/sqft +12.1% 136 days -33.7% 2,161 sqft -7.8%
ALL Verrado Homesites SOLD VERRADO Custom Homesites Sold Average List Price Average Sold Price Average Days-on-Market Average Size
2016 16 Lots $100,705 $92,419 415 days 0.96 acres
16 Homesites Sold
2017 % CHANGE 24 Lots +50% $104,208 +3.5% $92,302 -0.1% 381 days -8.2% 0.90 acres -6.3%
24 Homesites Sold
www.TKLuxuryGroup.com | 623.688.4447 We’re defined by the Luxury Experience we offer The #1 Team in Verrado – TK Luxury Group And the #1 Brokerage in Verrado – Verrado Realty Averaging – ONE sale EVERY 4 days Tim Klimek
Main Street
February 2018
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READY. SET. GOddard! We help children explore and discover their interests through play in a safe environment. We provide ample opportunities for fun learning experiences, promoting a lifelong love of learning in literacy, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
$100 OFF FIRST MONTH’S TUITION!* BUCKEYE (VERRADO®) • 623-255-3290 GoddardSchool.com *Offer valid for new Goddard families at the above location only. Some program restrictions apply. Not valid with any other offer. The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2017
Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! You don’t have to live with them. A maintenance program can reduce or stop an infestation in its tracks! Call Larry Cash, to schedule your inspection today! 623.680.6619
For Verrado Residents www.estrellamtnpest.com Your full service Pest and Termite control company Ask for your new customer discount today! Check out “The Bug Guy” article in Main Street Magazine!
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February 2018
The Bug Guy Positive communities may differ in what they encourage and how their values get implemented into policy, but, overall, these groups share common characteristics: Work Together for a Common Goal The most effective communities share similar values and belief systems that cooperate to help accomplish one or several goals. These goals can vary radically depending on the community in question. For example, one community may value environmental goals such as promoting recycling and making forest areas friendlier to wildlife while another community may put more value on improving the education system. Allow for Freedom of Expression Central to developing a positive community is comfort among citizens when it comes to speaking their minds and expressing what is important to them. Individuals who feel encouraged to give their input about an issue, who feel heard when they do speak their mind are more likely to feel connected to their community. Promote Fairness Diversity is abundant in all communities. However, among every group containing diversity, there are always individuals who fall in the minority. Positive communities work to ensure that those who fall in minority populations are not treated differently. These communities give a voice to
minority populations through frequent consultation with members of those societies about how the community can improve to meet their needs better. Set Clear Policies and Obligations Positive communities do not set rules. Instead, they work to encourage community members to fulfil their obligations. This may include things as simple as attending community meetings or paying taxes to support the public-school system. Maintain Sensitivity Towards Members In addition to feeling heard, members of positive communities should also feel as though their concerns are adequately addressed and that they are cared for by the community. Positive communities should prioritize the well-being of every member of the community and address concerns in a timely and sensitive manner when they arise. Promote Interaction Among Members Positive communities work to foster a feeling of genuine connection among members by providing plenty of opportunities for interaction. Creating a feeling of connection works to make members more motivated to meet their obligations and work towards the established goals of the community. Let’s make our community a better place for all of us, be positive. Submitted By Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control
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Main Street
February 2018
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Health & Wellness
you are meeting all of your nutritional needs consistently,” states Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, and spokesperson for Swisse Wellness. When choosing a multivitamin, not just any option will do. “Look for brands that have been clinically tested to ensure they can be utilized and absorbed by the body,” points out Palinski-Wade. Practice belly breathing.
Top ways to boost health in 2018 in under 5 minutes per day A new year brings new opportunities to focus on health and fitness. The following are four easy ways to boost your health in less than five minutes per day. Drink water before each meal. Drinking enough water each day helps to boost hydration, improve energy and aid digestion. But drinking before meals may offer another benefit - it can help you to eat less and lose more weight. One study found drinking 16 ounces of water in the half hour before meals led to nearly three pounds of weight loss on average over a 12-week period when compared to those who did not drink before a meal. Make it a habit to take your multivitamin every morning. No matter how healthy your diet, you may fall short on essential nutrients day to day. “Taking a multivitamin is one of the best ways to ensure
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High stress levels can increase blood pressure, affect your immune system and cause you to pack on the pounds. To instantly fight stress, remember to breathe. Practicing deep breathing exercises, such as belly breathing, can reduce heart rate and lower stress hormones quickly, helping to prevent stress from having a negative impact on health. To practice, place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe in slowly through your nose into your belly. You should feel the hand on your stomach being pushed outward while the hand on your chest remains still. Hold the breath for a few seconds, and then push it out through pursed lips, like you were whistling. Repeat for three slow, deep breaths to instantly feel less stressed. Pick up the intensity of your workout - for one minute. Finding time to exercise can be a challenge, but there is good news for those with maxed-out schedules. A recent study found that just one minute of high-intensity exercise may be equivalent to 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. Although you shouldn’t ditch your workout routine completely, when you are short on time, aim to fit in small bursts of exercise throughout the day. Just make sure your doctor clears you for intense exercise before getting started.
February 2018
Savvy hosts and hostesses know that the keys to a successful soiree are a room filled with laughter and delicious treats served. If you’re hosting a special event with friends and family, impress and delight your guests with fresh, new takes on the classics. Here are some ideas for a simple, yet indulgent, chip buffet: * Vary the chip choices. It’s hard to beat the classic potato chip at any snacking occasion. Make your snacks special by adding crispy kettle cooked chips to the mix. * Play with presentation. Bowls are a tried-andtrue way to serve chips, but try some Pinterestworthy ideas like glass jars for guests to see all the delicious flavors, mini apple baskets with metal scoops for a rustic look or individual take-out boxes for your guests to quickly grab. * Do it up with dip. Dips and spreads dress up a
Main Street
Yum Yum
potato chip and when you’re entertaining a crowd, the more the merrier! Serve the classics like French onion, spinach and artichoke and baked brie, all of which are simple to prepare and can even be prepped a day ahead of time. To really impress your guests, mix in a few out-of-the-ordinary recipes such as a Jalapeno Pimento Cheese dip. Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Ingredients: 1 bag Lay’s Kettle Cooked Chips 8 ounces jalapeno cheddar cheese, grated 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 4-ounce jar of pimentos, drained and chopped 1/4 cup Greek yogurt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 cup pickled jalapenos, drained and chopped 1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper 2 teaspoons lemon juice Directions: Using a food processor or grater, shred cheddar cheese. Add chopped pimentos, chopped jalapenos, cayenne powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mayo and 1/4 cup thick Greek yogurt. Mix until combined. Depending on texture you want, add more Greek yogurt. Stir in lemon juice.
February 2018
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Bergen Financial Group Presents Power & Protection Strategies For Retirees - - Avoid 10 Pitfalls Made By Retirees!
Using Different Insurance Options Learn How To: ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
Keep your retirement dollars safe with proven strategies Benefit from market ups without any risk to your principal Potentially earn double-digit returns with NO market risk and zero loss of principal Reduce RMD’s on your IRA Earn tax deferred and/or income tax-free2 earnings on your savings Stop or reduce taxes on your social security checks Get long term care and/or home health care without writing a check for it Increase your heirs benefits by 10%, 30% or even 100% Differentiate annuities: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Avoid common mistakes made with wills & trusts3 Get payout rates on annuities as high as 6.75 % and compound rates as high as 6.75% 4 by using income riders
IRA Rollover 10.461 gtd. 1st year
This entitles the holder to RSVP for up to 4 people A COMPLIMENTARY MEAL Verrado Golf Club - Banquet Room 4242 N Golf Club Drive., Buckeye, AZ 85396 Tuesday, February 6th at 5 PM followed by Dinner NOTHING WILL BE SOLD AT THIS FREE WORKSHOP! Your Speakers: Darcy L. Bergen AZ License #155178 Darcy L Bergen is a fiduciary and the founder of Bergen Financial Group. Darcy is an experienced television and radio personality, having hosted radio shows including “Smart Money” and “Safe Money & Income Radio Show with Darcy & Heather.” He has presented hundreds of seminars dealing with all aspects of money, and now focuses on matters associated with retirement. Darcy is a Certified Retirement Financial Advisor (CRFA) and is a NAFA member (National Association for Fixed Annuities).
Bryan Little AZ License #23626 Bryan Little is a fiduciary and specializes in retirement and income planning. Since 1995, Bryan has had a goal in helping his clients achieve their ideal financial retirement. Bryan is a licensed insurance agent, licensed to sell life insurance and annuities. Being an independent advisor, he strives to find the best companies and products to help clients achieve their goals.
Seating is Limited... Call to RSVP 1-800-915-2502 Bergen Financial Group • 20542 N. Lake Pleasant Road, Suite 111 • Peoria, Arizona 85382 This is not intended to be a sales seminar. The purpose of this seminar is to provide you with general information on retirement planning. Neither Bergen Financial Group nor any agents acting on behalf of Bergen Financial Group should be viewed as providing legal, tax or investment advice. Consult with and rely on your own qualified advisor. Annuities: “A surrender during the surrender charge period could result in a loss of premium. Surrender charge structure may vary by state. Please consult your Disclosure Statement for details specific to your state. However, some products have a Return of Premium Guarantee. Issuing companies that have Return of Premium products are Midland National, EquiTrust, National Western and Sagicor. Life Insurance: “Income and growth on accumulated cash values is generally taxable only upon withdrawal. Adverse tax consequences may result if withdrawals exceed premiums paid into the policy. Annuities grow tax deferred and life insurance is tax free under certain circumstances. Withdrawals or surrenders made during a Surrender Charge period will be subject to surrender charges and may reduce the ultimate death benefit and cash value. Surrender charges vary by product, issue age, sex, underwriting class and policy year. 1Interest is based on 10.46% effective August 22, 2017 and is subject to change without notice.” 10.46% First-Year Yield reflects 8% Premium Bonus plus a 2.9%, Fixed Account Rate, and assumes no withdrawals, net of fees. This yield applies only to premiums in the Fixed Account. The Fixed Account Interest Rate is based on current rates and subject to change at the Company’s discretion and based on $250,000 premium.” 2Tax-free refers to income tax3Daniel Mazza is our Attorney for Wills and Trusts. His license number is 029570. 4Secure income annuity offered through Security Benefit Life. Insurance products may be presented by Bergen Financial free life insurance. Main Street February 2018 Group, a company that provides insurance products for clients. Fixed annuities guarantee that your money will earn at least a minimum interest rate. Fixed annuities may earn interest at a rate higher than the minimum but only the minimum rate is guaranteed. The issuer of the annuity sets the rates.
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Rent vs. own: Which is right for you? If you’re thinking of buying your first home, you’ve probably wrestled with the decision to rent or own your home - and for good reason. Owning a home is a big commitment. With it comes a lot of responsibility and a long-term financial relationship. But which is right for you? To answer that, let’s lean into the facts. The improving housing market Good news! Since the depths of the recession, the housing market has made a heroic comeback. That can be attributed to a number of factors, including a drop in unemployment and a stronger economy. But as the housing market has recovered, it has experienced some growing pains. With a sharp increase in demand, housing supplies are being strained. This means, among other things, that prices are going up. For families and individuals still recovering financially, finding affordable housing options can be difficult. This applies to home sales and rentals. Making the decision With rental and sales markets heading toward record highs, the decision falls back to what is best for you. Specifically, what is financially feasible. Let’s look at the basic numbers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median gross rent paid from 2012 to 2016 was $949 monthly. Compare that with the median selected monthly owner costs
Rent vs Own with a mortgage, which was $1,491 over the same time period. Then there are utilities. The median monthly electricity cost for renters in 2015 was $82, with owners paying $117. For piped gas, the median amount renters pay monthly is $42, while owners pay $58. For renters, it is wise to carry renter’s insurance. Some landlords will also charge maintenance and other fees. Utility costs will also vary depending on the quality of the structure and materials used as well as size of the rental space. Homeowners will pay property taxes, insurance and an estimated $500 annually for routine maintenance, according to the Census Bureau. The benefits of homeownership At a glance, it may seem that renting is the lower cost option. But there are certain benefits to homeownership that may offset the additional regular costs. According to the Tax Policy Center, the primary benefit to owning a home is imputed rental income. Simply put, making a monthly payment on a home that you own is like paying rent to yourself. While that money is not taxed, it comes with another benefit - potential tax deductions. When you file your federal taxes, you may be able to deduct a portion of the mortgage interest you pay. Talk to a tax professional for more information on the expenses you can deduct and the limits for those deductions. Beyond the numbers Homeownership provides a variety of benefits beyond the numbers. For many people, a home is the largest investment they will ever make. The upgrades, work and care put into the home that you own can add value to your investment. It also adds a sense of pride knowing that it is yours. “Having a place to call your own, a place to return to at the end of the day, makes life better,” said Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. President Eric Hamilton. “You can see it from the moment they make the decision - that sense of pride. It’s a life-changing event and a memory that will last a lifetime.”
Main Street
February 2018
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Shut-Eye While few people like daily workout routines or kale salad, most everyone loves sleep. And a good night’s sleep loves you, too: It boosts mental and physical well-being. This year, more than 30 percent of Americans reported they slept worse than in 2016. A big culprit here is television. Nearly half of all respondents said that television often cuts into their sleep. In fact, 24 percent of millennials and 14 percent of all Americans report that binge watching before bed prevents them from getting enough rest. Nearly 70 percent say worry and responsibility are preventing them from getting the sleep they need. A racing mind keeps many Americans from getting rest, particularly among Gen Xers. Worries about taking care of others - aging parents or young children - can often lead to neglecting yourself. However, putting your own self-care first is often the best way to care for others. Those who sleep well say they have a healthy balance of taking time for themselves and helping others that need them (39 percent versus 26 percent). Of course, if you’re having difficulty sleeping, this might sound easier said than done. How do you get there? How do you achieve that wonderful, restorative eight hours of sleep?
There’s not one right way to do this, but according to the survey, there are several habits good sleepers have: * Ditch the device: Forty-six percent of selfdescribed “good sleepers” never or rarely bring a device to bed. * Have a laugh: Those who sleep well are more likely to watch a comedy before going to sleep. * Keep it cool: Forty-five percent say that cooling down the bedroom temperature is the No. 1 thing they do to improve sleep. * Stay tidy: Those who make their bed every morning are less likely to struggle with sleep. A good night’s sleep can mean the difference between having a wonderful or a horrible day. More and more Americans are realizing this. Over half (54 percent) of those surveyed are making “improving the quality of their sleep” one of their New Year’s resolutions, which is up 30 percentage points from 2014. Sleep is so individualized, and there’s no one right way to do it. The more you know about how you’re sleeping, the more you can learn what adjustments you should make to sleep better.
VERRADO RESIDENT
K&R DESIGN CONSULTANTS Kim Rasmussen I N T E R I O R D E S I G N C O N S U LT I N G S E R V I C E S PROJECT MANAGEMENT
623-399-3491 kimrasmussendesign@gmail.com
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February 2018
Are You Ready?
A recent study by the Center for Retirement Research suggests an alarming state of awareness about retirement readiness. Understanding the behaviors associated with good retirement planning, in turn, can help you get a better sense of where you stand. Consider the following behaviors, which are more likely to be modeled by those who are well prepared for retirement. A high-level approach to ensuring adequate retirement assets is to save a minimum of 10 percent of your gross income each year. You may need to save even more depending on your asset accumulation goals and how many years you have left to save before retirement. If you would rather have a dollar goal, multiply your annual income goal by 25 to arrive at the amount you should try to save. For example, if after considering Social Security and any pension payment, you want $30,000 more of annual income in retirement, you will need to save $750,000. Many of us are saddled with personal debt from college and graduate school. This debt has also had a domino effect on the ability to save for retirement. Paying down personal debt should be job one. Other personal debt, such as for a car purchase, should be avoided, minimized or paid down as quickly as possible. Credit card debt, which carries high interest rates, should be avoided entirely.
Health care is the single greatest cost in retirement, and various studies estimate the cost to be $250,000 or more for a healthy 65-year-old couple. The cost of health care will be even greater to the extent one retires before age 65 and Medicare eligibility. Moreover, health care costs can vary and may come sooner than expected. The best plan, then, is to work until at least age 65 and understand that health care is a unique challenge in retirement. No later than 10 years before your planned retirement, you should be translating your retirement assets into an annual or monthly retirement income stream. Start with your Social Security and any pension plan payments as your income base, and then consider how much income your other assets can safely generate. Consider also that many of your retirement assets have an embedded tax liability. Only by seeing your aftertax income can you decide if you have enough to live on. Modeling such behaviors will make it more likely you will be well prepared for retirement.
It used to be commonly accepted that you pay off your mortgage before retirement, but more and more retirees are entering retirement with mortgage debt. The old rule remains the best approach, since any indebtedness in retirement will limit your ability to react and adjust to poor investment return on your assets. With traditional pension plans less commonly offered by employers, Social Security has become an even more important source of guaranteed lifetime retirement income. By waiting to age 70, you can increase the benefit payment significantly, which is also the base for annual Social Security cost-of-living increases for the rest of your life. That increased Social Security benefit may also increase the benefit that a surviving spouse will receive after you die. Unless you have a health care issue that could reduce your life expectancy and no spouse who might need a spousal benefit based on your earnings record, claiming Social Security early is the greatest retirement planning mistake made.
Main Street
February 2018
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Hearing Aids In the past several months, there has been significant media coverage and social media discussion about the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which will make certain types of hearing aids available over the counter in the next several years. At the same time, there are many advertisements about devices called Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs) - which are not hearing aids and are not designed to treat hearing loss - adding to the confusion. BHI recommends that anyone who is ready to address their hearing loss keep these points in mind: 1) Addressing hearing loss promptly and appropriately is important for health and quality of life. Research shows that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia, depression, an increased risk of falls and hospitalization, and greater health care costs. 2) Hearing loss is a complex sensory loss. It involves brain function and frequency losses specific to the individual. Human hearing involves a multifaceted interplay between specific parts of the ears and brain. For this reason, hearing aids - which are designed specifically to compensate for hearing
20 Main Street
loss - must be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure safety and efficacy. 3) Hearing aids need to be custom-fitted and programmed specifically for the individual so they correctly address those specific frequencies the individual has trouble hearing. 4) Consumers need to be careful not to confuse hearing aids with PSAPs, which simply turn up the volume - sometimes to dangerously high decibel levels - regardless of the individual’s specific hearing needs. Over-amplifying in this way may put the consumer at risk of greater hearing damage. 5) Going to a hearing care professional helps ensure that any underlying medical issue behind a hearing loss is identified and addressed. The safest thing consumers can do for their hearing is to seek professional hearing health care advice from the start. For information on types of hearing loss, visit http://www.betterhearing.org/news/ heres-what-you-need-know-about-different-typeshearing-loss.
February 2018
Money Matters
Valentine’s Day - Consider Financial Gifts for All Your Valentines
Valentine’s Day is almost here – and it’s a pretty big business. In fact, U.S. consumers spent about $18 billion on their valentines in 2017, according to the National Retail Federation. Of course, recipients certainly appreciate flowers, candy, jewelry and so on, but this year, consider going beyond the traditional favorites to give your loved ones something more long-lasting – a financial gift. And, while you’re doing so, why not also go beyond the traditional definition of a “valentine”? After all, not all that $18 billion went to spouses or significant others. A sizable amount also went to non-romantic connections, including children, parents, friends, teachers – even pets. So, in the spirit of ecumenical Valentine’s Day gift-giving, here are some suggestions for financial gifts for your loved ones: For spouse or signficant other – One valuable gift to your spouse or significant other might be an IRA contribution. While you can’t directly contribute to someone else’s IRA, you can certainly write a check to that person for that purpose. This gift is particularly valuable because many people have trouble coming up with the maximum annual IRA contribution, which, in 2018, is $5,500, or $6,500 for individuals 50 and older. As an alternative to an IRA contribution, you could give shares of a stock issued by a company whose products or services
Investing is about more than money. At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you the question: “What’s important to you?” Without that insight and a real understanding of your goals, investing holds little meaning.
are enjoyed by your spouse or signfiicant other. For your children – It’s never too soon to start saving for college for your children. Fortunately, you have a few attractive college-funding vehicles available, one of which is the 529 Savings Plan. You can generally invest in the plan offered by any state, even if you don’t live there. If you do invest in your own state’s plan, you might receive a tax incentive, which could include a deduction, match or credit. Plus, all withdrawals from 529 Savings Plans will be free from federal income taxes and, in most cases, state income taxes as well, as long as the money is used for qualified college or graduate school expenses of the beneficiary you’ve named. (If a withdrawal is taken from a 529 Savings Plan but not used for a qualified expense, the portion of the withdrawal representing earnings is subject to ordinary income tax and a 10% federal penalty.)
For your parents – You can probably find a number of thoughtful and valuable financial gifts for your parents. You could, for example, offer to pay a month’s worth of their premiums for their auto or health insurance. Even if they are on Medicare, they may still be paying for a supplemental policy, so your gift may well be appreciated. But you might want to go beyond helping them with just a single component of their financial situation and instead provide them with assistance for their “big picture.” To do so, you could arrange a visit with a trusted financial professional, assuming your parents aren’t already using one. This person could look at all issues, including investments, retirement accounts, long-term care and estate-related financial strategies, and then make appropriate recommendations and even referrals to other professionals. Everyone likes the hearts, flowers and sweets of Valentine’s Day. Nonetheless, give some thought to making financial gifts – they can make a difference in your loved ones’ lives long after the chocolates are eaten and the roses have faded.
Contact your Edward Jones financial advisor for a one-on-one appointment to discuss what’s really important: your goals.
Wayne Polk, AAMS® Financial Advisor MKD-8652A-A
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4252 N Verrado Way Suite 202 Buckeye, AZ 85396 623-386-2821
Main Street
www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Submitted by Wayne Polk, of Edward Jones Investments, Verrado resident
February 2018
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Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck! Solution is on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
Sudoku Solution 9
Sudoku for February
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Valentine Riddles Q: What did the stamp say to the envelope on Valentine’s Day? A: I’m stuck on you! Q: What travels around the world but stays in one corner? A: A stamp. Q: Why is lettuce the most loving vegetable? A: Because it’s all heart. Q: What do squirrels give for Valentine’s Day? A: Forget-me-nuts. Q: What did one volcano say to the other? A: I lava you. Q: What is a vampire’s sweetheart called? A: His ghoul-friend. Q: Why did the banana go out with the prune? A: Because it couldn’t get a date. Q: What happens when you fall in love with a french chef? A: You get buttered up. Q: What did the caveman give his wife on Valentine’s Day? A: Ughs and kisses! Q: Why did the boy put candy under his pillow? A: Because he wanted sweet dreams. Q: What did the paper clip say to the magnet? A: I find you very attractive.
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February 2018
Business Directory AUTOMOTIVE Desert Princess Car Service Leading Edge Detailing Litchfield Auto Repair
602.300.7076 602.554.6152 623.882.8700
EDUCATION
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LANDSCAPING / POOL CARE
The Goddard School
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REAL ESTATE Main Street Lofts Main Street Property Management - A King Main Street Property Management - K Pellerin W USA Realty - Budge Team Verrado Realty - T Klimek Verrado Realty
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Where our attention to detail is the leading edge. Call for an appointment today!
602-554-6152
www.leadingedgedetailingaz.com
Main Street
February 2018
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Your Hometown Real Estate Experts, Located on the corner of Verrado Way and Main Street in the Heart of Verrado.
CENTEX HOMES – $229,900 2873 N Claire Dr. – Verrado 1,756 Sq. Ft. • 3 Beds • 3.5 Baths Listed by: Pat Redfield and Holly McGinty
ASHTON WOODS HOMES – $286,500 21040 W Elm Way Ct. – Verrado 2,242 Sq. Ft. • 3 Beds • 2.5 Baths Listed by: Chuck Disney
PULTE HOMES – $339,000 2936 N Point Ridge Rd – Verrado 2,975 Sq. Ft. • 4 Beds • 3.5 Baths Listed by: Joe Russ
ENGLE HOME – $479,900 20415 W Lost Creek – Verrado 3,371 sq. ft. • 4 beds • 3.5 baths Listed by: Tim Klimek
TW LEWIS – $549,000 20758 W Main Street – Verrado 4,315 Sq. Ft. • 5 Beds – 4.5 Baths Listed by: Diane Simpson
CUSTOM HOME – $649,000 19808 W Amelia Ave – Pasqualetti Ranch 3,620 sq. ft. • 4 beds • 3.5 baths Listed by: Tim Klimek
Your neighborhood experts focusing on New Homes, Resale Properties, Custom Homes and Homesites. Dedicated to providing exceptional real estate services in this extraordinary community.
Tim Klimek
Pat Redfield
Aaron Lighter
Diane Simpson
Pam Disney
Jennifer Cline Designated Broker
Brennen Kent
Bette Popiel
Tessie Davis
Holly McGinty
Chuck Disney
Joe Russ
24 Main Street
GREEN STREET
VERRADO WAY
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Call 623.792.5900 or visit VerradoRealty.com to buy, sell or lease property at Verrado Located in the center of Verrado on the corner of Verrado Way and Main Street 4236 N. Verrado Way, Suite 102 Buckeye, AZ 85396 Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm - Sunday 11am - 4pm
MAIN STREET
February 2018