Main Street
May 2017
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From Me To You... Welcome! to the May edition of Main Street magazine!
I went to the mailbox with a sense of anticipation, a feeling similar to childhood birthdays washed over me. What would I get? Would I like it? Would it change my life? I am sure you too have seen or enjoyed the recent rash of subscription box services that have popped up. You can subscribe to a box of make up, clothing, dog toys even your family dinners. Some of these are time savers, others just pander to our childhood love of presents. Because that is what it feels like. Sure I put down my credit card to enjoy this present, but someone else picked it out for me and took the time to wrap it and send it to my door. I will admit that I have, in the past, enjoyed a box of food that I wanted to use to expand my family’s dinner repertoire. The measured
and decanted oils and vegetables promised a new experience that we could all enjoy making together. That lasted for the first meal. My imagined evenings of bonding over cooking and sharing meals we prepared together fell to the wayside as the food languished in the fridge. The box delivered on its promises but what it did not give me was more time and energy to gather the troops and organise the cooking project. Plus, some of those meals were downright weird. As for the box of dog treats and toys... Well that always delighted my four-legged friend, and he pretty much ate everything that arrived (toys included). The downside of that particular box is that now he thinks every package is his and goes nuts trying to get at my Amazon deliveries. Will I subscribe again? I am sure I will. After all, who doesn’t love getting a present in the mail?
Catherine Uretsky
Editor Main Street magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623-594-9283 Please patronize our advertisers, they are the reason you get this magazine for free every month! Don’t forget to visit our website for puzzle solutions, restaurant reviews, coupons, and business directories! www. EstrellaPublishing.com Estrella Publishing is a proud member of the South West Valley Chamber of Commerce and Local First Arizona. And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for... We have our winners of the Cutest Kids in Verrado competition. Congratulations to Christian (16), Ethan (11), Kaylee (8), Jillian (7), and Lily (5)!
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May 2017
Where To Look 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 2009-2017 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.
Life As A Caregiver ~ pg 5 Face Reality Furry Friends ~ pg 9 Rattlesnakes! The Bug Guy ~ pg 10 Black Widow Spiders Living With Faith ~ pg 12 Mothers Day Chasing The Truth ~ pg 14 Life After High School Money Matters ~ 21 529 Day
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
Main Street
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
Puzzles & Games ~ pg 22 Business Directory ~ pg 23
May 2017
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May 2017
Face reality
Life As A Caregiver
Mom has shown numerous changes since we’ve been in Arizona these last four years. But especially in the last year. Deteriorating changes. When we first moved here, she was able to do various activities in spite of her condition: word puzzles, fold laundry, wash the dishes, do a little ironing, and set the table. She really was into the tv shows she liked and laughed out loud at their stories. But now, there has been what seems to be a consistent decline. She is getting very hard of hearing which makes things even more challenging. She does none of the above-mentioned activities and her focus in general is short and scattered. She now must be told what to do: like brush her teeth, wash her hands, flush the toilet and what clothes to put on. And when told to do these things, she must be told several times because she forgets. Because her focus has diminished, she
gets lost in the tv programs and becomes oblivious to all that surrounds her.
But what she STILL has is her sense of humor, her ability to laugh at funny things and have interesting conversations. Her opinions are still strong. And so is her love for Buddy…and me. She tells me how much she loves me all the time. I think what I miss the most throughout this journey is her inability to remember what is going on in MY life: where I’ve been or what I’ve done, if I’ve been sick, if I’ve met someone new. The things we used to share all the time. That is the hardest part! Here is a big decision the doctor and I made together. Everyone’s situation is different, of course. But what he and I both felt was best for mom was to lock her inside her casita when she’s there alone. One of the characteristics of Alzheimer’s is wandering. Fortunately, mom doesn’t have
the tendency to wander. But if she did, that would be a horrible thing to deal with. There are so many stories about elders with Alzheimer’s walking aimlessly through their neighborhoods (or beyond), often in their pajamas, not knowing where they are, how they got there or how to get back home. Some have fallen; some have been attacked. That would probably send me over the edge if something like that happened to my mother. So the doctor and I felt that locking her inside was for her own safety (and my pieceof-mind)…especially since she sleeps most of the day, doesn’t walk steadily any longer and lives in a stucco building (with little or no chance of fire). It might sound harsh, but she feels safe and isn’t scared that someone might open the door and come in. The main point to all of this is to know what to expect as a family member battles through Alzheimer’s disease. This is happening to my mother. But, in addition to our elders, it could happen to your husband, your wife, your sister or your brother. Knowing what to do and understanding what you will be faced with in the future can help both your family member AND you! Be prepared….to the best of your ability. Denial is NOT your friend! Submitted by Kathy Linton, Sun City Grand Resident
Main Street
May 2017
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The Doctor Is In Are your Brain and Bacteria Too Hungry?
The hypothalamus is an important, primitive area of the brain and among its many functions is its role in regulating hunger, sugar metabolism, and body fat production. In animal studies, the hypothalamus can be damaged in as few as 6 weeks when animals ingest the same proportion of omega-6 fatty acids found in most vegetable oils and grain fed animals that we commonly consume. Excessive omega-6 fatty acids in the diet increases our sense of hunger, increases body fat deposition under abdominal muscles or the hips, and triggers insulin resistance which causes pre-diabetes. We may also be too hungry from an imbalance of gut bacteria. A large proportion of the population are lacking a full range of intestinal bacterial species and some people have an imbalance of intestinal bacteria. The imbalance occurs primarily when bacteria that normally live within the colon are also living in abundance in the small intestine. This imbalance is often referred to as dysbiosis or bacterial overgrowth. Interestingly, transplantation of bacteria from
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thin, healthy men into obese diabetic men resulted in some improvement in their diabetes and obesity.
cells in under the abdomen or hips expand abnormally and can contribute to the inflammatory burden of the body.
The abnormal distribution of bacteria can increase the sense of hunger through a variety of mechanisms. Bacterial overgrowth can worsen low brain blood pressure from Autonomic Nervous System damage, compelling some people to snack between meals. Bacterial overgrowth can also alter the normal functioning of leptin and ghrelin, our normal hunger suppressing and hunger initiating hormones.
Damaged fat cells also increase hunger because they may not release energy correctly between meals and result in a gradual hypoglycemic state. The cells will take up energy but not let it go. The brain compensates for the downward trend in blood sugar by inflating hunger even further.
Normalization of intestinal bacteria biodiversity and distribution with non-absorbable antibiotics and prebiotic fibers are all being studied as methods to reverse this form of increased hunger. Hypothalamic damage can occur with consumption of advanced glycation end products or AGEs, which are present in high concentrations in commercially processed foods. Excessive AGEs and omega-6 consumption disrupts the endocannabinoid system of the hypothalamus, leading to broken fat cells. Some
Understanding hunger triggers may help you be healthier. If your brain or bacteria are making you too hungry it is possible to improve Autonomic Nervous System dysfunction, eat less omega-6 and AGEs, choose grass fed meat, and manage intestinal overgrowths. Š 2017. Dr. Patrick M. Nemechek and Jean R. Nemechek. All Rights Reserved. Patent Pending.
Submitted by by Dr. Patrick M. Nemechek, D.O. Verrado resident
May 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!
Main Street
May 2017
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May 2017
As a lifelong New Englander, this will be my first summer as an Arizona resident. I’ve heard a lot about the heat here, much like we New Englanders talk about the snow! However, there are plenty of reasons to love summers in Arizona… pool parties, less traffic, Chase Field’s retractable roof… to name a few. Yet with the Arizona heat, there are some summer safety tips you may want to take into consideration, especially pertaining to your furry friends. Rattlesnakes are a hot topic (pun intended) for this season. Rattlesnakes tend to be more active in the spring when they first come out of hibernation and 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. Rattlesnakes cannot hear you but are alerted to your presence through the vibrations of your step. Dogs can be trained to stay away from rattlesnakes. Community Paws offers Rattlesnake Training each Spring. This year, there were 39 canine graduates. If you missed this informative training, check out www.ViperVoidance. com for upcoming sessions. Never, ever leave your furfriends in the car, not even for a
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Furry Friends
quick coffee stop. It only takes minutes for your car’s internal temperature to quickly rise. Heatstroke can lead to brain damage or death. Leaving the windows down does not help. If you see an animal in a car exhibiting signs of heat stress, call your local animal control or police department immediately and take the following steps: 1. Get the vehicle’s license number and enter the nearest store or business to request an emergency announcement be made about a pet left in a hot car. 2. Go back and wait for help to arrive at the vehicle. Think Fluffy needs a summer haircut? Not necessarily… Shaving your dog doesn’t keep him cooler. It may even make him more susceptible to being sunburned. Dogs’ coats provide insulation from both hot and cold weather. They also protects their largest organ, the skin, from the hot summer heat. When in doubt, always check with your local veterinarian and trusted groomer for their expert opinion on your dog’s unique breed. When considering sunscreen, also ask your vet, as human-grade sunscreen may not be the best option for your
canine companion.
All in all, make sure your family pets have access to plenty of fresh water, shady reprieves, and are wearing proper ID tags at all times. Consider buying your dog his very own kiddie pool for your backyard too… that’s a sure way to make a splash and beat the summer heat! Did you know? Community Paws has a Junior Division! To learn more about how these talented young members of our community are making a difference in the lives of rescue animals, including their upcoming shoe drive, please visit: www. communitypaws.org. Please join us on Sunday, May 14th at The Center on Main for a special Mother’s Day English Afternoon tea party. For tickets and more info, please visit our website. Submitted by Kristin Robinson, of Community Paws, Verrado resident
May 2017
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The Bug Guy Black Widow Spiders
Everything You Need to Know About Your Neighborhood Spider Black widow spiders are the creatures of scary stories told on Halloween night – deadly females that kill and eat the males and who are poisonous to anyone that dares come near. While there are elements of truth to these stories, the habits of black widow spiders aren’t any different than the habits of other species of spiders. However, of the spiders that interact with humans, the black widow’s characteristics coupled with its health risk make it one of the most dangerous spiders that can be found in or around the home. Being aware of where to find these spiders and the risks they pose can help protect you and your family from being bitten. How dangerous are black widows? Black widow spiders are one of a small number of structureinvading spiders that have both fangs big enough to pierce human skin and venom potent enough to cause severe side effects. The black widow is the most venomous spider in North America. However, bites are very rarely fatal as the amount of venom injected is so small, and very few people have interactions with black widows in which they
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are bitten. What do black widows look like? The good thing about black widows is that they have a very unique appearance. They can be recognized by most people and are easily identified by an expert. Their characteristic all black body is very round and there is a red hourglass under their abdomen. Where are you likely to find a black widow spider? Black widows are primarily found outdoors. They prefer sheltered and protected areas where potential prey can be caught in their webs. These webs are very irregular and can be about one foot in diameter. Black Widows are partial to protected areas and man-made structures are ideal places for black widows to seek shelter. Common places around your home for these spiders to live are along the foundation wall. How can I recognize a black widow spider bite? A bite from a black widow spider feels like a pinprick. Pain is usually immediate, but bites are not always felt. If it is not felt, the only evidence will be a slight swelling with two tiny fang marks. Are all black widows bad? Most bites
from black widow spiders occur when a spider’s hiding place is discovered or a female is protecting her egg sac. Although they are dangerous, these spiders use their bite as a defense. Black widow spiders do not bite humans instinctively. If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed Pest Management professional immediately. This is the safest way to get rid of black widow spiders around your home and keep your family safe. This information has been provided by the National Pest Management Association and Larry Cash, owner Estrella Mountain Pest Control. Submitted By Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountian Pest Control
May 2017
WHERE YOU START THE JOURNEY CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
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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
Main Street
May 2017
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Living With Faith There is nothing sweeter than a mother’s love. In fact, there is nothing more precious than the attachment that began in the womb and was then drawn into light, still attached. And when the cord is severed a different connection materializes: loyalty, devotion and affection. And that is what is known as a mother’s love.
In the Bible, Sarah, the mother of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, gives birth to Isaac in the winter of her life, a time when all things sleep and wither and even die. Her vision of continuity was fulfilled with laughter and tears. And her immortality was ensured because she completed her role in determining the future of the human experience that was woven in the promise of a relationship with the Divine. In the ancient writings there is a story, emphasizing this connection, about a dialogue between Sarah and an image of her son Isaac in which she inquires about the happening
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with his father Abraham. Isaac relates the whole episode of how Abraham took him to the top of a mountain, built an altar, arranged the wood, bound him and took a knife to slaughter him. And then God prevented this from happening. Before the dialogue ends, Sarah dies.
communicate with a loved one because of something that really is insignificant. And then like Sarah, we are no more. It is a broken heart that finally creates the need for her story to be told, and particularly at this time of the year when we remember our mothers.
There is nothing more heartrending then to witness the death of a child. It is not hard to imagine the despair she felt. Not only had she sacrificed so much to give birth to Isaac, but also now she saw her dreams of the future shattered in an instant of uncompromising faith. The binding of her son was more that her heart could carry.
The call to sacrifice Isaac was not a test of faith but rather a calling to a higher purpose. It wasn’t the sacrifice of a person that was its message but an entrance to a spiritual awakening: to love each other and treat each other with dignity and to stand in awe of each other.
This detail of a mother’s anguish and pain speaks to the suffering we all experience as we journey through life, trying to find our purpose for being. Yet we must all answer the Divine in us. Some more than others. Some with sacrifices beyond imagination. Sarah talks to me in a way that no other human being can. She represents the goodness and kindness and love that a mother has not only for her own but also for all of humanity. Her lesson for us is simple: Sometimes we go through experiences that require us to search for new meanings because of disappointment, a tragedy or an illness, not being able to
Sarah could not cope with the thought that God would want such a sacrifice. Her knowledge that human relationships are the foundation of creation causes her to doubt, and it is this doubt that causes her defeat. And this defeat she could not reconcile with her faith. Yes, there is a chapter set aside in the Bible called “The life of Sarah,” because from the moment she dies, Abraham changes and understands that faith in God requires a human vision of life. Perhaps that is the lesson we should take with us on this Mother’s Day. Life is not death. Life is to live. And a mother’s love brought us to this understanding.Happy Mother’s Day to all. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
May 2017
HOME SWEET HOME Choosing a Custom Homesite in Verrado When considering purchasing a homesite, there are many factors to consider. Allow me to share with you the reasons why making the right decision when selecting a custom homesite is vital to the custom home building process. The homesite you select is the only thing that cannot be changed when building your dream home. Changes may be made to the interior and exterior features including architectural design, cabinet color, flooring and various other features and appointments that make your home uniquely yours. The homesite you chose will never change. I encourage buyers to discover all they can about a particular homesite and visit the site during different times throughout the day to best understand where the sun is rising and setting, where the optimal views lie, setbacks and where future neighboring homes will be built. Identify the key characteristics of each homesite and make sure the site complements the design you are envisioning. When choosing a custom homesite, it is essential to
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assemble a knowledgeable team of professionals. Working with a realtor that understands the current market conditions, design guidelines and building requirements for each site is a must. Interviewing an experienced builder and architect is also paramount. There are a number of realtors, builders and architects to choose from, however, working with someone experienced in the community you wish to build is important to the success of the project. The team you choose will need to keep your budget in mind every step of the way and your homesite choice is a large part of the budget. While you have the option to hire your own qualified architect and builder, there are several builders and architects that are proven within Verrado and offer a high level of commitment and expertise to our custom homeowners.
Currently there are 49 custom homesites for sale within our great community. Each site is unique, offering various views, location and accessibility to all Verrado amenities. There are several homesites that are priced under $100,000 and premium golf course homesites ranging from $139,900 to over $300,000. Meet with a qualified and experienced realtor, builder and architect from the very beginning to achieve the best results as your custom home will be a legacy for you, your family and your community. Submitted by Tim Klimek, Associate Broker at Verrado Realty, Verrado Resident
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Planning for your custom home in Verrado has never been more attainable.
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May 2017
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Chasing The Truth Life After High School This Fall millions of high school seniors will continue their education at university, community college, a vocational training program or trade school. While this new step will not occur until August, the preparation for it began a year in advance; at least it should have. As a high school senior heading to college, I have a prescient knowledge of what many others will require in order to not panic as senior year unfolds. With Friday night football games, seniors nights, Homecoming, and Prom; senior year is loaded with once in a lifetime events. It is important to note how fleeting these events are, but it is necessary to have one’s priorities in order before enjoying the last year of high school. College will give a graduate a precious diploma, connections, and a whole lot of debt; $30,000 worth on average, and with federal interest rates at 6.8%,
a college loan has a higher rate than a new car or house loan. It is a major risk, yet it is a risk that provides significant lateral mobility. Given these reasons, college students should try and be as prepared as possible entering college life. Begin researching colleges in the Summer before senior year because applications sent in October and November will not have an answer until January and February. When looking at the sticker price of a college, especially private universities, realize that the listed price will not be what a student pays unless the family’s income is six-figures. Private universities like Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania have endowments that are given to students each year. A $40,000 tuition price tag is usually less
than half of that. File your FAFSA as soon as possible. The application opens up on October 1 of every year and it requires a parent’s tax transcripts as well as the child’s. The application is a first come, first serve. For parents with young children, create a 529 savings account as soon as possible. This account can be used at any accredited university, tax-exempt. Life begins after high school. Whether that involves immediately going into the workforce, going to community college, or taking a year off to travel; nobody wants to be unprepared. Submitted by Chase Hunter, Verrado resident
Rick Seiler
Ricardo D. Seiler
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When it’s time to sell your Verrado home, consider HomeSmart, The #1 Real Estate Brokerage in the Valley.
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May 2017
Main Street
May 2017
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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 9.07%1 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 Drive, Buckeye, AZ 85396 Wednesday, May 10th at 5 PM followed by Dinner NOTHING WILL BE SOLD AT THIS FREE WORKSHOP! Your Speakers: Darcy L. Bergen AZ License #155178 Darcy is a well-known television and radio personality, having hosted “Smart Money” and “Senior Money Matters” radio shows along with “The Money Doctor” television show where he taught listeners how to save money, accumulate assets and reduce taxes. Darcy has presented hundreds of seminars dealing with all aspects of money. He now focuses only on matters associated with retirees. Darcy is a licensed insurance agent licensed to sell life insurance and annuities. Darcy and his wife, Heather, currently co-host “The Safe Money & Income Radio Show”; a local financial talk radio show heard every Saturday at 10:00 AM on 1100 AM KFNX.
Bryan Little AZ License #23626 Bryan Little 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 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 9.07% effective November 21, 2016 and is subject to change without notice.” 9.07% First-Year Yield reflects 8% Premium Bonus plus a 1.55%, 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 tax-free life insurance. 3Daniel 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 FinancialMain Group, a Street 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 a2017 rate May higher than the minimum but only the minimum rate is guaranteed. The issuer of the annuity sets the rates.
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Positive Parenting 6 tips for decoding college financial aid award letters Whether you’re a high school senior or an adult looking to change careers, a college degree can be the key to a bright future. As acceptance letters arrive in the mail, another important document is not far behind: financial aid letters. “College is a major investment, and many people require financial assistance to pay for it,” says Harlan Cohen, New York Times best-selling author and creator of the Naked Financial Minute. “It’s vital to understand financial aid so you can make informed choices and avoid surprises in the future.” In order to find out what aid you qualify for, you should start by filing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After your information is processed, and you’ve applied to the colleges of your choice, you’ll receive financial aid award letters in the mail with the results from each school where you were accepted. Not all financial aid letters are the same, so deciphering and comparing them can be confusing. To help get you started, the experts at College Ave Student Loans share tips and tricks for how to easily understand your financial aid letter. Look carefully at symbols and terms: College award letters may use different wording and abbreviations. For instance, rather than spelling out the word “loan” you could see “L” or “LN”. You might also see “net price” and “net cost.” Look carefully Main Street
at how each school calculates these amounts. Some schools will subtract loan amounts from these figures. Just remember that loans need to be paid back, usually with interest; loans can help you spread the cost of college over time, but they don’t eliminate the expense. Know the difference between gift aid and loans: Gift aid is money that is awarded to qualifying students that isn’t expected to be paid back. Gift aid includes things like scholarships, grants, and housing or tuition waivers. Not all applicants will qualify for gift aid, but most will be eligible for federal loans. As a general rule, you should expect that you’ll need to pay loans back, usually with interest. Be aware of the impact of outside scholarships: If a student is awarded a private scholarship, the financial aid letter may list its effect on the amount of money offered by the school or in federal aid because the student’s financial need has already been partially covered. This could impact gift aid, loan amounts, or both. Keep an eye out for work-study offers: If you indicated an interest during the FAFSA application, your financial aid letter may list approval for a work-study job that provides money toward your studies and fits with your class schedule. The money you earn is typically applied directly to your school expenses.
Understand your expected family contribution (EFC): Depending on your personal circumstances, there may be a line item for expected family contribution. This is the amount of money your family is expected to contribute toward your college education based on their tax and savings information. This will impact your overall award package. Think about additional costs: Your financial aid letter may not include all of the costs associated with going to school. Think beyond tuition and make sure you have an idea of what you’ll be spending on housing, food, transportation, books, supplies, additional fees, and other living expenses. If you find the amount of financial aid provided isn’t enough, families may want to research and explore private student loans as an option to cover the additional expenses. Finally, if you’re still unclear about the terms and conditions of any college award letter, it’s important to reach out to the school to ask for clarification or discuss your options. You don’t want to leave any money on the table.
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House Proud Tips to reduce your health care expenses Health care costs are in the news all the time. You hear about them at work and when you’re with friends and family. The comments are always the same. Health care is getting more and more expensive and it seems to be outpacing the money you make. Fortunately you’re not helpless when it comes to controlling your health care costs. While some treatments simply have to be done in order to support your health, there are other things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones while looking out for your pocketbook at the same time. Employ these five tips today and you’ll enjoy the care you need without breaking your budget. * Focus on your health first. When it comes to controlling your health care expenses, you actually have more control than you think - a lot more. The decisions you make every day what to eat, whether or not to smoke, how much to exercise - all play a dramatic role in your overall health. So take charge, dine on fruits and vegetables, take a run and kick that nicotine habit for good.
one deductible. Many health plans also cover preventive services in full, without going against a deductible. * Be smart about where you go for care. While health care facilities across the country are all capable of delivering compassionate, quality care, they are not all priced the same. According to a Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Health of America Report, 29.8 percent of emergency room visits were for conditions that could have been treated in retail clinics. The same research also found consumers saved money on outof-pocket costs by visiting retail clinics for routine services when compared to doctor’s offices, and the visits were much more inexpensive than receiving the same treatment in the emergency room, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. * Ask questions. Your provider may know best, but it’s all about your health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, not only about
the procedure itself, but about the price of the procedure and if there is anything you can do to reduce the expense. Sometimes there may be something you can do on your own that supports your health and lessens your costs at the same time. * Embrace an HSA. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) provide a cost-effective way for people who don’t use a lot of health care services, to access care and pay for services up until they reach their deductible. Plus the money you save in your HSA can be used to pay for co-insurance payments or co-pays at your doctor’s office, and it’s also an eligible tax write off, opening the door to further savings. There are ways you can manage your health care spending. Follow the tips above and be an active participant in your role as a health care consumer and you’ll be surprised at how much you save. To learn more about the The Health of America Report, visit www.bcbs. com/healthofamerica.
* Be decisive with your deductible. Your insurance deductible is a fixed cost and one you’ll pay every single year before receiving network coverage support. But once it’s paid, you’ll enjoy the full coverage of your plan. Thus, if you have another treatment or procedure coming up, don’t put it off any longer than you have to. Undergoing additional procedures in the same year means you get more coverage while paying only
18 Main Street
May 2017
Main Street
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Traveling Without an Estate Plan… Why Leaving Your Lights on is the Least of Your Worries Estate Planning is Not Just for Your Parents! •
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Residential / Commercial May 2017
MONEY MATTERS You probably won’t see it on your calendar, but May 29 (5/29) is 529 College Savings Day, or 529 Day for short. This day, named after the 529 plan, a popular college-savings vehicle, is designed to promote people’s awareness of the need to save and invest for the high costs of higher education. And that need has never been greater. Consider the following: College costs just keep rising. For the 2016–2017 school year, the average cost (tuition, fees, room and board) was about $20,000 for in-state students at public universities and more than $45,000 for private schools, according to the College Board. These costs are likely to continue climbing. Of the Class of 2016 graduates who received loans – about 70% of the total student population – the average individual debt was $37,172, a record high, according to a study cited by CBS News. What can you do to help your children graduate from college
without having to provide a big “IOU” in exchange for a diploma? In the spirit of 529 Day, you might want to consider investing in a 529 plan. It’s certainly not the only means of saving for college, but it does offer some attractive benefits. For starters, contribution limits are quite high – you can accumulate more than $200,000 per beneficiary in many state plans. And you can typically invest in the 529 plan offered by any state, even if you don’t reside there. If you do invest in your own state’s plan, you may be eligible for state income tax incentives. Also, all withdrawals from 529 plans will be free from federal income taxes, as long as the money is used for a qualified college or graduate school expense of the beneficiary you’ve named — typically, your child or grandchild. Furthermore, you have complete control of your 529 plan assets.
Straight talk from someone who knows you
You decide who will get the money and when he or she will get it. You can even change the beneficiary to another family member. Keep in mind, though, that your 529 plan will be counted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), although schools typically only consider up to 5.6% of parental assets when calculating financial aid. And distributions from a parent-owned 529 account used for one year’s college expenses will not usually reduce next year’s financial aid eligibility. (For more information on how a 529 plan might affect your child’s financial assistance, you may want to consult with a college’s financial aid office.) Even if you can’t personally take part in 529 Day, give some thought to a 529 plan – it might be part of the solution for helping your children earn a relatively debt-free degree. Submitted by Wayne Polk, of Edward Jones Investments, Verrado resident
VERRADO RESIDENT
Sound financial advice means only making recommendations that line up with your goals and risk tolerance. Thoughtful guidance: It’s how we make sense of investing.
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Puzzles & Games Solution
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Main Street
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Your Hometown Real Estate Experts, Located on the corner of Verrado Way and Main Street in the Heart of Verrado. D UCE D E R CE PRI
CUSTOM – $650,000 19812 West Whitton Avenue – Verrado 3,727 Sq. Ft. • 4 Beds • 3.5 Baths Listed by: Tim Klimek
ENGLE – $519,900 21120 West Sage Hill Road – Verrado 3,773 Sq. Ft. • 5 Beds • 3.5 Baths Listed by: Tim Klimek
CALATLANTIC – $449,900 20750 West Hillcrest Blvd – Verrado 1,770 Sq. Ft. • 2 Beds • 2.5 Baths Listed by: Chuck Disney
CED EDU R CE PRI
ENGLE – $369,900 3151 North Black Rock Road – Verrado 2,996 Sq. Ft. • 4 Beds • 2.5 Baths Listed by: Tim Klimek
MERITAGE – $314,900 3202 N. Evergreen Street – Verrado 2,230 Sq. Ft. • 4 Beds • 2 Baths Listed by: Pat Redfield & Holly McGinty
CACHET – $276,900 3482 N. Hooper Street – Verrado 1,994 Sq. Ft. • 3 Beds • 2 Baths Listed by: Diane Simpson
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
Brennen Kent
Bette Popiel
Tessie Davis
Holly McGinty
Chuck Disney
Jennifer Cline Designated Broker
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
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