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 Talia Uretsky, Assistant Editor Al Uretsky, Publisher and Sales Executive 623.398.5541
Although this summer seemed to drag on for years, we have finally entered the blissful ‘My weather is better than yours!’ phase of Arizona life.
Up north, people are stockpiling supplies as if preparing for nuclear winter whenever the forecast whispers “snow flurries.” Here in Arizona, my biggest winter challenge is remembering where I stored my light jacket last March. That’s it. That’s the preparation. I remember how northern weather forecasts sounded like military operations. “Winter Storm Thor approaching! Expect 8-12 inches of accumulation, wind chills of minus ridiculous, and absolute chaos at every grocery store!” In Arizona, our severe winter warnings are more like, “Alert: Temperature might dip below 60°F. Locals may experience mild confusion about appropriate outfit choices.”
The financial differences are laughable too. My northern friends budget for winter like they’re financing a small nation: snow tires, heavy coats, heating bills that could fund a semester of college, and endless car washes to remove that mysterious gray salt crust that appears every winter. Meanwhile, I’m using
my “winter savings” for golf rounds in January. But perhaps the most satisfying moment is when I send them sunny selfies in February, usually featuring a pool or palm tree in the background. It’s petty? Perhaps. Enjoyable? Absolutely. The responses typically include colorful language and creative suggestions about where I can store my sunshine.
So here’s to you, Arizona winter, you beautiful, mildmannered season. You may not give me snow angels, but you also don’t give me back pain from shoveling, the existential dread of starting a cold car at 5 AM or the sweat inducing olympic level sport of shoving children into snowsuits they despise. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
P.S. To my northern friends reading this - yes, I know I’m insufferable. No, I won’t stop bragging. Come visit anytime... preferably between November and February.
Holiday Plans
Here’s a guide to gracefully handling family holiday gatherings:
When you first arrive, read the room before diving in. Some relatives might be tired from traveling, while others are bursting to share their latest news. Start with light greetings and offer to help with any lastminute preparations – it’s an excellent way to ease into conversations naturally while scoring points with the hosts.
Master the art of the strategic float. Like a social butterfly with a game plan, move between different conversation clusters. When Uncle Bob starts his third rendition of the same political rant, suddenly remember you need to check on those sweet potatoes. If Aunt Linda begins probing about your love life, spot your cousin across the room who “desperately needs your pie-cutting expertise.”
Keep a few universal conversation lifelines handy. Ask about vacation plans, share a funny (but inoffensive) story about your pet, or bring up that new restaurant downtown. Think of these as your conversational escape hatches – when things get tense, deploy them like a social airbag.
Remember that food can be your friend. A full mouth is a perfectly valid reason not to immediately respond to probing questions. Plus, complimenting the cooking can instantly change the subject and make someone’s day. If you’re really stuck, offer to do a coffee run or grab more ice – instant escape plan!
Position yourself strategically. Sitting at the kids’ table might seem like defeat, but it could be a tactical victory. Children rarely ask about your five-year plan or why you changed jobs. Plus, they’re usually delighted to explain their favorite video games or show you their latest art projects.
When sensitive topics arise, deploy the gentle deflectand-redirect maneuver. “That’s an interesting perspective on cryptocurrency, Grandpa. Hey, didn’t
you have some amazing stories about your first job? I’d love to hear those instead!” Sometimes the best way to handle hot topics is to reach into the past.
If you feel overwhelmed, it’s perfectly fine to take short breaks. A brief “bathroom break” can actually be a five-minute breather in the spare room to scroll through your phone or do some deep breathing. Think of them as social intermissions – necessary for pacing yourself through a marathon of family time.
Remember, most relatives are just trying to connect, even if their methods are as subtle as a foghorn. Sometimes nodding along and saying “interesting!” while thinking about your grocery list is the wisest path to family harmony. After all, the gathering will end, but screenshots of your social media rants last forever.
Consider it anthropological research – you’re not dealing with difficult relatives, you’re gathering material for future stories. Sometimes reframing the experience makes it more bearable, even entertaining. Plus, there’s usually pie, and pie makes everything better.
Money Matters
Cutting spending can help boost retirement savings
Like most of us, you may someday want to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Your ability to achieve this goal will depend on how much you save — but it also matters how much you spend. And saving and spending are certainly related: Over many years, even relatively small amounts diverted from spending to saving and investing could add up substantially.
How can you go about potentially reducing your spending? Here are a few suggestions:
• Use a budgeting tool. If you’re not already doing so, you might want to consider using a free online budgeting tool. Among other capabilities, these apps can place your spending in categories — groceries, travel, entertainment, and so on — which can reveal redundancies that, once eliminated, could save you money. For example, you might find that you’re spending a not-insignificant amount on streaming services you rarely use. Or you might be surprised at how often you go the grocery store, rather than consolidating your visits and reducing the likelihood of “impulse” purchases.
• Take advantage of employee benefits. If you work for a mid-size or large company, you may have an extensive employee benefit plan, which could include discounts on some products and services. Also, if you are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan through your employer, you might have access to a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), either of which may let you lower your out-ofpocket health care costs by using pre-tax dollars to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and some other qualified expenses.
• Shop around for insurance. Many people stick with their auto, homeowners and life insurance policies year after year, even though they might be able to save some money by switching to another company. But even if you stay with your current company, you might
find ways to save money by taking steps such as adding a home security system.
• Compare credit cards. Ideally, you should pay off the bill each month to avoid interest charges. Sometimes, though, you may need to use your card for other purposes, and it may not always be possible to pay your bill in full. That’s why you’ll want to review credit cards periodically to find one with lower interest rates, a favorable balance transfer offer and a better rewards program.
It’s not always easy to cut down on your spending, but when you do, it can provide more peace of mind — and an opportunity to boost your savings for what could be a long and active retirement.
Submitted by Brian Polk, Financial Advisor, of Edward Jones, Verrado resident
Out & About
Traveling for the holidays? Tips to protect your home while you are away
The holiday season is a time for joy and relaxation, and the last thing you want to worry about is your home while you’re away. To ensure a worry-free trip, it’s essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your property and enjoy peace of mind.
Prioritize your home security:
If you’ve been considering installing security cameras but haven’t gotten around to it, now is the perfect time to act. Investing in home security cameras will help keep you and your loved ones safe, whether you’re traveling far or staying close to home this season.
Stay connected for peace of mind: To stay informed about who’s at the door, a Video
Doorbell allows you to keep a watchful eye from anywhere. Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or at home preparing for gatherings, a smart doorbell offers video both day and night, two-way audio, customizable motion alerts and privacy settings. While you’re away, you can easily manage deliveries and welcome guests, and when you’re home, it serves as an extra set of eyes, ensuring you never miss a moment while multitasking and getting ready for holiday festivities.
Illuminate your property:
For added security, consider smart lights. You can schedule your lights inside to turn on and off while you’re hundreds of miles away, creating the illusion that someone is home. If you’re staying local and hosting at home this season, guests always appreciate a little extra light walking up a dimly lit driveway!
Be discreet about your travel plans:
While sharing your vacation in real-time can be tempting, it can inadvertently make your home a target for unwanted visitors. Instead, inform a few trusted people - like a close neighbor or family member - about your plans in person or by phone. They can help keep an eye on your home and packages. Consider asking the post office to hold your mail while you’re away or have someone you trust pick it up for you.
Gift Giving
Giving gifts is all about showing someone how much you love and care about them, but picking out the perfect present is no easy task. Gift shopping doesn’t have to be stressful; and remember you don’t have to fork over an arm and a leg when holiday shopping for everyone on your list. Whether you’re shopping for your mom or dad, kids or grandparents, teachers, or anybody else on your list, we have gift ideas for everyone. Whether that be practical or sentimental. We’re here to help!
Remember, it doesn’t always have to be a guessing game. When in doubt, ask them what’s on their holiday wish list!
Mom:
Grandparents:
• Framed Family Photos - $15
• Luna Bean Hand Casting Kit - $25
• Personalized Jewelry - $75
Teachers:
• Gift Cards
• Hand sanitizer - $5
• Personalized Spa Gift Basket - $20
All these ideas can be found on Amazon, happy hunting!
• “Mom, I Want To Hear Your Story” Journal - $12
• Tea Sampler - $20
• Automatic Wine Bottle Opener - $30
Dad:
• Meat Shredder Claws - $9
• Retractable Ratchet Straps - $40
• Fanttik Mini Electric Screwdriver
Kids:
• Fidget Toys - $10
$70
• All the Things: How to Draw Books for Kids - $10
• Karaoke Microphone Machine - $20
Laurel Canyon Lennon and Nilsson: Songs from the Lost Weekend
Justa Center
Senior Homelessness
More than 2,000 people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County are 55 and older. Challenges that come with aging can be made worse without the right resources and regular medical care. Justa Center is working to address this as the only nonprofit in Arizona that provides resources and services exclusively to seniors experiencing homelessness.
Judgment-free support, navigation, and hope
“A lot of our Justa Center members have fallen on hard times,” Dean Scheinert, Executive Director of Justa Center, said. “Some of them have jobs but can’t afford rent. Other members have serious mental and physical health challenges or substance use disorder. As you can imagine, a younger person is in a better position to find help than a senior.”
Funding from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement is helping seniors experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County get the right help and care through Justa Center.
“The funding helps us expand the capabilities of our nurse clinic,” Scheinert added. “One of the biggest issues for our members is that they’re getting pingponged around to different places for their care. Part of our expansion is bringing in as much of the healthcare we can provide in-house.”
As they work to expand their healthcare capabilities, Justa Center currently provides over-the-counter
medication to members and helps with wound and burn treatment. They support members in following doctors’ instructions, taking meds as prescribed, and making lifestyle changes. They also do everything they can to meet the unique needs of their members.
“We had a member who was in a wheelchair, and all he needed was a cane,” Scheinert explained. “We had one for him, and he was able to walk out of the Justa Center on his own. We get to change lives here.”
Justa Center member perspective
“You get treated like a person and that’s because all their workers are very nice and kind to everyone who comes in the door,” Marthe Louis said. “I have a pacemaker, and a Justa Center nurse was attentive. She got on the phone with my doctor’s office when I was in pain. She took the initiative and helped me.”
You can help too! Justa Center is looking for donations, visit their page for a list of current needs and ways you can help: www.justacenter.org
Cook With Zona
Oreo Cream Cheese Balls
The holiday season is all about creating memories with family and friends, and these Oreo Cream Cheese Balls are a fun and interactive treat to make together with kids or grandkids. Whether you’re preparing them for a Christmas gathering, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or a cozy evening by the fireplace, these bite-sized delights are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dessert that feels special, without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make a batch of these Oreo Cream Cheese Balls— perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring during the most wonderful time of the year.
If you have a recipe you’d like to share with your community email me at ArizonaCooks71@gmail.com to be featured in the magazine!
Prep time: 10 mins | Cool Time: 30 mins | Total time: 40 mins
Ingredients
1. 1 pack of Oreos - regular, not double-stuffed
2. 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
3. Semi-sweet/dark/white chocolate (your choice; this chocolate is for coating the balls)
4. Toppings of your choice: Candy canes, chocolate drizzle, crushed Oreos
Steps
1. Crush Oreos into fine crumbs. Use a food processor or mash them up in a ziplock bag.
2. Mix in cream cheese until combined.
3. Scoop dough and roll it into small balls.
4. Place them on a cookie tray, lined with wax paper or parchment paper and chill in the fridge for about 10-20 minutes.
5. Remove from the freezer and dip each ball in a bowl of melted chocolate.
6. Optional: Sprinkle some additional crushed Oreos, or crushed candy canes, or drizzle more chocolate on top before the chocolate sets.
7. Allow the balls to sit in the fridge for 10-20 minutes. Enjoy!
We love to see our neighbors’ delicious creations, so send us a picture of your Oreo Cream Cheese Balls or tag us on social media @EstrellaPublishing.
Puzzle Time
This samurai sudoku puzzle is a great way to engage the brain and help develop logic skills. To solve this Samurai puzzle use standard sudoku rules for every 9x9 grid: each digit from 1 to 9 can only appear once in every row, column and 3x3 box. Solutions are on our website www.EstrellaPublishing.com
Difficulty: Easy
Legal Advice
AVOID PROBLEMS WITH IRA DESIGNATIONS
For 401ks, IRAs and other qualified retirement accounts, the designated beneficiary form directs how the funds will be paid on your death. Common problems that arise with beneficiary designations are: When the “Estate” or no beneficiary is listed, so a probate is needed and the IRA will be not be stretched for 10 years and will be taxed at a higher rate. When a beneficiary dies before you, the financial company rules apply to who gets the deceased beneficiary’s share. When a trust is listed as the beneficiary, your directions are applied.
When the designated beneficiary is a minor, not a trust for the minor, then a costly court conservatorship is need and deferred tax benefit is at risk. When your spouse, who is not your children’s parent, does not sign a spousal waiver, then your spouse is entitled to
half or possibly all of funds. Remember, currently, an inherited IRA must be paid in 10 years, if the beneficiary is not a spouse.
Leaving a portion or all of your qualified retirement account to charity can make sense, because the charity does not pay income taxes and will receive more funds than a family member. Other assets which are not taxable can be left to family or friends.
Sharon Ravenscroft, M. Scott Rowan, Attorneys, The Cavanagh Law Firm, PA, Sun City and Phoenix offices, (623) 815-7451 or Sravenscroft@CavanaghLaw.com; legal practice focused on Wills, trusts, probate and trust administration. For more information www.sharonravenscroft.com
