The Hamlet
October 2017
1
2 The Hamlet
October 2017
5 Bed I 4 Bth I Estrella Golf View I Basemnt I 4,532 Sq Ft I $559,000
4 Bed I 2.5 Bath I Pool I Estrella Views I 2,713 Sq Ft. I $420,000
3 Bed I 2.5 Bth I Palm Valley I Upgraded I 2,664 Sq Ft. I $334,900
4 Bed I 3 Bath I Estrella Custom w Views I 3,175 Sq. Ft I $515,000
3 Bed I 2 Bath I Great Pool I Estrella I 1,873 Sq. Ft. I $268,000
Scenic Views I Estrella I Custom Lot I 45,925 Sq. Ft. I $145,000
3 Bed I 2.5 Bath I Verrado I Buckeye I 1,926 Sq. Ft. I $246,000
3 Bed I 2 Bth I Pool I North Lake Estrella I 1,805 Sq Ft I $293,000
4805773918 | JJPREALTY@Gmail.com The Hamlet
www.JenniferPolansky.com
October 2017
3
From Me To You... Welcome
to the October edition of The Hamlet magazine.
People who know me well know 3 things about me. I am particular about my chocolate, I can’t order water in a restaurant - not because I don’t want it, but because I never get it. And I love to read. I don’t mean I enjoy a good book, I mean I LOVE to read. At one point I was a member of 4 separate book clubs at the same time and still read for pleasure in addition to those required books. I learn so much from books, things about my surroundings, things from the past, things that could be the future and how other people think. I immerse myself in books and they always become a part of my life at the time. For example, when I read about the Second World War I become more resilient, willing to find a way to make things work and last. I find myself considering darning socks and rationing the milk. Luckily for my family I usually resist the urge to use Spam in every meal - I guess that is one of those foods you need to grow up with to appreciate.
Her are some interesting facts from my reading of that time. Did you know that bananas were in such short supply in England during the war that one banana was auctioned off for the equivalent of $125! See? You are learning things already. My uncle was diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency and had a prescription for the yellow fruit. I am sure if he had been able he would have sold them as he hated bananas! What else was rationed? Nylon stockings. When the war redirected the product to make parachutes women took to using gravy to paint a look-a-like version on their legs, drawing a line down the back with an eyebrow pencil. My dog would have just loved that. The rumor about carrots being good for your eyesight was started by the British government during the war. The Royal Air Force had been using newly invented radar technology with great success. To misdirect the Germans the propaganda machine put out the story that the pilots were eating copious amounts of carrots to improve their eyesight at night. It is amazing what you can learn by picking up a book, or a magazine...
Catherine Uretsky
Editor, The Hamlet magazine info@estrellapublishing.com 623-594-9283
4 The Hamlet
October 2017
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.
Catherine Uretsky Publisher & Editor
The Hamlet
Al Uretsky Publisher & Sales Exec
October 2017
5
Health & Wellness Pancreatic cancer: Know your family, know your risk Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, with a mere 29 percent one-year survival rate. In 2016, pancreatic cancer became the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States, surpassing breast cancer. The time frame between diagnosis and death is often short. Only 7 percent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive five years. This is incredibly small compared to prostate cancer or breast cancer, where more than 90 percent of patients survive for five years after diagnosis. “Most people are unaware of how deadly pancreatic cancer is,” says Jim Rolfe, president of Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. “These chilling statistics can serve as an eye-opener that motivates people to learn more about their risks and contact their health care professional.”
Early detection is important Although pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, early detection can significantly impact survival rates. The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer approaches 25 percent if cancers are surgically removed while they are still small and have not spread to the lymph nodes. Know your family, know your risk Family history is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. When you know more about your genetics and which members of your family have been affected by pancreatic cancer, you can better manage your own health. To make the process easier, the Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation has introduced a new series of online tools. Visit www. KnowMyRisk.org to download a worksheet and access other helpful tools that let you explore your family history and become your own health advocate. Print out the worksheet and call or visit your grandparents, parents and other extended family members. You may not be aware that someone a few generations removed from you was affected by cancer. Having this conversation can
6 The Hamlet
be empowering, because once you know your risks you can take charge of your future. Consider genetic counseling When considering how personal a cancer or disease diagnosis can be, it is no surprise that medicine is looking at our DNA to uncover information. This makes genetic counselors an important part of the health care team, helping you ask the right questions and uncover familial genetic risk factors. If you learn you have a history of pancreatic cancer in multiple family members, you should consider meeting with a genetic counselor to assess your level of risk. From there, the counselor and your doctor can decide on a course of action. To learn more about genetic counseling and find a local certified genetic counselor at the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ database, visit www. KnowMyRisk.org. Take charge and be empowered “Don’t take a backseat when it comes to your health,” says Rolfe. “The first step toward early detection of pancreatic cancer is understanding your family history. From there, you can make informed decisions that help you live a full, healthy life.” October 2017
School Zone 3 easy DIY STEM projects To get started, visit https:// shop4-h.org/ to order an for kids STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These subjects are critical for all students to learn because they are required for so many careers in the future. In fact, STEM jobs are growing faster than any other U.S. sector, according to Wired magazine. If you’re looking for fun, handson STEM projects to do with your child, 4-H is a tremendous resource! 4-H utilizes exciting topics like robotics, rocketry, computer science and even electrical engineering to teach youth problem solving, creative and critical thinking, and build excitement for technology and STEM careers. To reach more youth with STEM programs, the National 4-H Council has partnered with HughesNet, to help introduce youth to hands-on, community-based STEM learning. HughesNet is a national sponsor of 4-H National Youth Science Day, the world’s largest youthled STEM challenge. 4-H NYSD projects can be used by local clubs, families, homeschoolers and teachers to give youth a fun way to learn about STEM. Here are three exciting NYSD STEM projects that are so much fun, your child will think it’s playtime, not work time. Project 1: Incredible Wearables The FitBit and Apple Watch craze have inspired “Incredible Wearables” - the 2017 NYSD experiment. Designed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, this project teaches students how circuits, sensors and health data can be blended with fashion to create a wearable tech product.
The Hamlet
affordable kit that provides everything needed for up to eight kids to make their very own wearable fitness devices. These wearables can track heart rate, steps and more! Best yet, the kits are reusable so they can have fun building, designing and testing their tracker time and time again. Project 2: Drone Discovery For children excited by aeronautics and design, Drone Discovery enables youth to explore how drone engineering and remote sensing can be used to solve real-world problems, such as helping a community develop climate change resiliency and energy sustainability. To succeed in this challenge, youth need to think like an engineer as they design, build and test drones. There are many different kinds of engineers and different ways to approach a challenge. What kind of engineer do you think you’ll need to be to master drone technology? The engineering design process has three basic steps: define, design and optimize.
build a rocket that could be used to transport food and deliver supplies to disaster victims. This project, which is incredibly timely with major storms hitting the United States, teaches engineering concepts, math skills, nutrition and how to help solve a relevant, global issue. From simple building blocks to tackling science kits and constructing robots, there are plenty of STEM projects guaranteed to pique your child’s interest. Not only are you spending quality time with them having fun, but you’re also helping them learn critical STEM skills that will positively impact their future. To learn about other fun STEM activities, visit www. hughesnet.com/4h and www.4h. org.
Project 3: Rockets to the Rescue Rockets to the Rescue is a competitive project, enabling youth to design and October 2017
7
Furry Friends
My Experience with Dog Flu: A Dog’s Point of View Recently, I got really sick. I had just spent a fun-filled week with all my friends at doggie daycare while my family was on vacation. Shortly after they brought me home, I started coughing a lot. It was really hard to breathe and I started vomiting. I didn’t feel like eating anything and I was tired all of the time. I was miserable. One of my family members missed a couple days of work to try to nurse me back to health. One time we spent the whole night in the bathroom hoping the steam from the hot shower would help my nasty cough. I know it was hard for her as she has a busy job, but she was as scared as I was. When it was clear I wasn’t getting any better, my family decided to take me to my veterinarian, who ran some tests and found that I had contracted H3N2, a new strain of canine influenza (CIV), also known as dog flu. We were surprised to learn that even though a lot of people don’t know about it, H3N2 has been spreading rapidly across the United States since the first case was reported in 2015. My vet also shared that: * Social dogs like me, who go
8 The Hamlet
to doggie daycare, dog parks, groomers, or really anywhere that dogs, cats and humans come into contact with one another, are at the highest risk for exposure to and contracting dog flu * Because most dogs have no natural immunity to this highly contagious disease, nearly every dog who comes across it will become infected * In most dogs, dog flu manifests as coughing, a runny nose and a slight decrease in appetite and energy * H3N2 can also cause respiratory problems and vomiting, and serious cases of either strain can lead to pneumonia and even death in severe cases * The common kennel cough vaccine doesn’t protect against dog flu One of my favorite things in the whole world is running around and playing with my friends at doggie daycare and at the dog park, as well as when I go get my bath, haircut and nails trimmed. My vet told us that this was probably how I got sick. Because we can have trouble letting our families know when we’re not feeling well, people may accidentally take contagious dogs out and about, inadvertently causing CIV to spread between dogs that come into contact. Even drinking out of the same water bowl or chewing on community dog toys can expose us to the disease.
weeks, it was important that I stay home for a while. My vet said that there is no specific treatment or medicine for dog flu, so the best protection is vaccination. Most veterinarians recommend the dog flu vaccine. There is even a combination vaccine that helps to protect against both strains of dog flu, H3N2 and H3N8, which means one less shot for me! Before we left my vet, she told us about the If This Dog Could Talk: Tour to Prevent Dog Flu and we downloaded a copy of the new tour album, created in collaboration with Merck Animal Health and The Dogist photographer Elias Weiss Friedman. The album contains hundreds of beautiful pictures of dogs and shares important information with pet parents about the dog flu. My family and I had so much fun looking at all of the photos and sharing them with our friends-many of whom also had never heard of dog flu before. We all learned about dog flu the hard way, but hopefully you won’t have to! Visit dogflu.com to download the free tour album for you and the dog you love to see some amazing doggie photos and learn how to keep your pup safe, happy and healthy!
However, my vet told my family that because of how contagious the dog flu is and because it can be contagious for up to three October 2017
The Hamlet
October 2017
9
Live Your Best Life Facing Our Mortality You’ve heard the phrase ‘ Nothing is certain but death and taxes.’ It refers to burdens which are difficult to avoid. I won’t go into the politics of repealing taxes. That would take the fun out of talking about death. When you read the word “death,” does an image of a shrouded figure holding a large sickle pointing a skeletal finger suddenly pop into your thoughts? Movies portrayed Death as a Goth-looking creature from another world. In the upcoming Thor movie, actress Kate Blanchett portrays the character Hela. Even though the character is known as the Goddess of Death, she’s kinda hot. Not everyone can wear a headdress made from six-foot elk horns and make it work. In 1900, the average life expectancy in the United States
10 The Hamlet
was 47 years. Today, we have people living over 110 years old with the average at 85 years. Wait until scientists start making even bigger breakthroughs in robotics, bionics, and genetic modifications. Not only could you become the $6 billion person, you might be able to change your DNA to make you part cat or dolphin. It would be cool to be turned into a Thundercat. You might have a chance to live for two hundred years. Would you want to live forever? It would make for a very long bucket list. I bet many people will still say that life is too short to get everything done. I cringe to think how many more duck-faced selfies will be forced upon us, but my bucket list as a Thundercat would be amazing. Let’s get back to the here and now: the average lifespan is 45
million minutes, which includes sleep time. Since we can’t avoid death and taxes it’s up to you to make the best life possible for yourself. You need to determine the definition of ‘best life’ and not someone else’s idea. The best life, I believe, is finding a balance between having a purpose and having fun. Make the most of every day! Incidentally, if you’re looking for some family fun, the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual trick-or-treat event, A BOOtiful Night at the Chamber, is Thursday October 26, 5:307:00pm. Bring the kids in costume for some safe treats and a SPOOKtacular evening. Submitted by John Safin, Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.
October 2017
In God’s Name Many times I hear, or read that another spokesperson explains that only he or she understands what God wants. And just as many times I learn that words spoken and written millennia ago are distorted but these very same people. I have witnessed from the time I was a child, the hatred that spews from so-called messengers of God. Perhaps God is now crying because the love and connection preached by the righteous members of God’s legions seem to be drowned out by ignorance and deceit. My memory wanders to the 1940’s and 1950’s when religious fanatics used the mass media to demonstrate their hatred for those who appear to be different. Throughout history there have been those who use this convenient scapegoating to denigrate, murder, all in the socalled name of God. Century upon century the history books contain such evildoers - the degenerate Roman Empire, people like the sinister Haman found in the Book of Esther, and the evil of all evils perpetrated by a man named Hitler. There is no debate that can take place that would result in further understanding all people of closed minds and hate in their hearts. •We can and should bring to the discussion love and connection that is the hallmark of Scripture. •We can and should bring to the discussion thousands of years of history in which the development of the human understanding of togetherness and compatibility are the messages found in our relationships with all people. •We can and should bring to the discussion the willingness to forget and forgive, which is representative of what Scripture emphasizes time and again. •We can and should bring to the discussion the ability to stand The Hamlet
Living With Faith
firm and denounce hatred in any form, to anyone. Why? Because, simply stated, we were all created in the image of God. Having the same origin, establishes the undeniable fact that we are all alike in spirit even as we are different on the outside. This same essence of who we are can be found in Moses, Jesus, the Prophets, the Disciples, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela, the list is endless. Nowhere on this list will we ever find the apostles of destruction. While we may all have the same beginnings, the perpetrators of evil certainly do not have the same endings. These demons love to quote Scripture to embrace their contempt, but what they are doing is showing their contempt for God. When Scripture enjoins us to “Love they neighbor as thyself,” it does not specifically say that only white people should love white people, or black people should love only black people, or Catholics should love only Catholics, or Protestants should only love Protestants, or Jews only love Jews. It is declarative, not suggestive and is universally understood by all people of goodwill as a sacrament.
combat the calamity of intentional division and separation, especially in the time in which we live. A resurgence of these destructive forces are again alive and well, and here in our own backyards. Words that once were erased from human exchanges are now, once again, surfacing and with them age old bigotries. Are we so numb from the past that we refuse to confront the present? What should we do or say? Let us join together to perfect the flaws in our troubled world, not add to them needlessly; to end the shameful and ignorant ranting’s of madmen for no other reason that to create sensationalism and notoriety. Then truly we will be speaking in God’s name. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation National Chaplain, Jewish War Veterans, USA
We were taught that silence is golden, but silence is not the way to October 2017
11
Learn why Real Estate Executive Magazine named local Goodyear Agent
MARTIN SEARS
ONE OF ARIZONA’S 100
MOST INFLUENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENTS 2016
12 The Hamlet
Hundreds of your neighbors — and their friends — have trusted me when it was time to buy or sell a home; you can, too! Commitment to my clients resulted in 17 million in gross sales for 2016 and ongoing high client satisfaction* Over 600 homes sold in West Valley since 2006 — Experience matters! Top 1% of agents in Maricopa County, 2012 - 2016 Arizona Association of REALTORS Presidents Circle Award Winner, 2012 - 2016 * 5-Star reviews on Zillow.com and Redfin.com Longtime resident of Goodyear
FREE, NO PRESSURE, BUYER & SELLER CONSULTATION
Contact me today to get started! 623-853-3380 or martin.sears@cox.net
Martin Sears
Realtor, Co-Owner WestUSA, Estrella Mtn. Office 17750 W Elliot Rd, Ste 116 Goodyear, AZ 85338
FOLLOW ME!
AzWestValleyRealtor
$17,000, 000 in business in 2016 @AzWVRealtor
MARTINSEARS.COM | HOMETEAMESTRELLA.COM
October 2017
Road Safety 6 simple steps to avoid distracted driving
car, I could then make it work for our entire company.”
Mobile phones have become an essential part of life for most people, helping them stay connected and increase productivity. However, this technology can also be a distraction when driving, which puts everyone on the road at risk. More than one-quarter of all car crashes involve phone use, both with handsets and handsfree, the National Safety Council reports. Considering many states and countries don’t yet compile and report data on cellphone use following a crash, this number is likely much higher.
Based on his experience, MacLennan offers these six simple steps for anyone looking to eliminate distracted driving yet stay productive and responsive to your job.
Distracted driving isn’t just an issue for young adults. High technology use means this is a problem across generations. For professionals in particular, the expectation to stay productive and reachable means a constant temptation to use cellphones when driving. Recognizing the ethical and liability issues that arise when employees drive while distracted, employers across the country have begun implementing distracted-driving policies. Typically, these policies prohibit employees from using mobile phones while driving on company time. In January 2017, the NSC reported that Cargill was the largest privately held company to prohibit the use of mobile devices, including hands-free technology, while an employee is driving on behalf of the company. David MacLennan just marked the one-year anniversary of following the policy. “I had to try the policy myself first,” says MacLennan. “Once I knew what it would take to go completely cellphone free in my The Hamlet
1. Auto response Use a free automated response app to let callers know that you’re driving and can’t take the call. You can personalize the response so incoming calls or texts receive a text message saying you’re on the road. 2. DND If you’re driving a vehicle outfitted with communication technology, use its “do not disturb” feature to unplug from calls and texts while behind the wheel.
5. Pull over If you must take a call while on the road, let it go to voicemail and pull over in a safe location to return the call. Plan pull-over “cellphone stops” along your route if needed. 6. Avoid all distractions Cellphones aren’t the only cause of distracted driving. Eating, grooming and reading are activities people try to tackle while driving. Be smart and simply stay focused on the road. Driving safely should be everyone’s top concern when behind the wheel. These simple steps can make it easier to resist the temptation to pick up the phone or do another activity that can wait until you’ve arrived, safely, at your destination.
3. Block drive times Just as you schedule meetings, use shared calendars to block times you’ll be driving. This alerts anyone else connected to your calendar when you’ll be out of touch. 4. Out of sight, out of mind A study by AT&T found that 62 percent of drivers keep their phones within reach in the car. Put yours where you can’t see or reach it, such as in the back seat. October 2017
13
12
14 The Hamlet
October 2017
Being Normal...
Life As A Caregiver
I remember when my father was struggling through cancer. My mom used to say that one of the most frustrating things that would occur was when she’d ask him what he wanted for dinner, he’d tell her, she’d make it, and then he didn’t want it or wouldn’t eat it. He didn’t mean to be difficult, but in his case, it was the chemo that would change his taste buds and food often just didn’t taste good nor was his appetite normal. That would frustrate her terribly because there were so few things she could do to make him comfortable….she was hoping good food would be one. Food was also something she felt she could control as far as quality of life (she was always a great cook and dad was always a good eater). But that was not the case. That same scenario happens for Alzheimer’s patients, as well. They often lose much of their appetite in the later stages of the disease. In my mom’s case, she still HAS a good appetite most of the time and will eat
just about anything. But there are those times when she says she’s hungry, I cook her dinner, and she only eats a tiny bit of it. It’s very frustrating to me at times, just like it was for her with my dad. And like my dad, she doesn’t not eat it to be mean. So I have learned to try and let it go. Granted, there aren’t many things we can control about Alzheimer’s, and food is most always a positive element in someone’s life, but we just can’t always expect to get the reaction we hope for in serving their favorite foods. (sigh).
Now, I am generally a strong woman and am always busy. That has certainly been tested in moving to a brand new place as well as caring for my mom. But….stress, frustration, depression, and uncertainty has a way of sneaking up on you (no matter HOW strong you are), and we don’t even see it coming. Which is exactly what happened to ME. About two years ago, I noticed that I seemed to cry for absolutely no reason. No apparent reason, that is. I knew the feelings I was having weren’t typical for me, even though I consider myself to be an emotional person. So I went to the doctor to check it out. As soon as he walked into the room and I began explaining what I was feeling, I began to cry. That’s when he told me I was normal.
He explained that the stress and the other above-mentioned things I was feeling often don’t impact a person right away. They build-up over time and when we start to feel more in control, that’s often when they hit us. I was experiencing what millions of women experience each and every day: performance anxiety. He prescribed a wonderful medication called Lexapro. My first response was: what are the side effects? He laughed and said that with the low dose he was prescribing there wouldn’t BE any side effects.
I went home and took the first one. Within 4 days I felt much more in control of my emotions AND with the tasks at hand. No side effects. Not one. I mentioned it to a few of my girlfriends over the course of several weeks and came to find out that THEY took it, as well. Wait. What?? You mean, I was trying to deal and cope with everything ON MY OWN when others had been much smarter and sought help much earlier than me???? So…the lesson here is this. Women are amazing creatures. We take on enormous amounts of challenges and work hard to balance all the pieces of our world. And if we even suspect a crack in our armor, we begin to freak out and beat ourselves up (which only compounds the situation) instead of asking for help! Asking for help is NOT a form of weakness….it is absolute strength! And very smart. And we are both!! Submitted by Kathy Linton, West Valley Resident
The Hamlet
October 2017
15
On Your Table
5 food trends impacting what, and how, we eat
Today’s consumers market view their food choices with a more critical eye than ever before, and this pressure is placing higher expectations on food manufacturers, not only in terms of how consumers’ food is made but what it’s made from, where it’s sourced and how it’s delivered. Investors, scientists and food makers recently gathered at the Future of Food Tech summit to talk about what’s behind the trends in food innovation and investment. Of all the topics discussed at the summit, these five key takeaways stood out the most. 1. Personalization is key There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to food. In fact, today’s consumers are starting a movement toward personalization, which in turn is changing the way people shop. 2. Ethical production matters Consumers continue to seek
16 The Hamlet
products that align with their values and are responsibly produced. The same goes for investors looking to participate in the food industry. In fact, many investors today are choosing projects based on ideology and a drive toward ethical food consumption.
field or the animal from which it came. That’s the potential promise of blockchain technology, which could essentially create a digitalized traceability system for food. From supply chain management to food safety, the potential for this technology is nearly limitless.
3. There’s growing interest in alternative proteins A burger made entirely from lab-cultured meat and sushi made from eggplant are just two of the innovations showcased at the summit. “There’s a lot of excitement around alternative sources of protein, but consumer acceptance is key,” said Dominique Harris, business development adviser for Cargill’s protein business. “We want to provide what consumers want, and in protein that means offering a variety of options. It doesn’t have to be either/or.”
5. Food start-ups are on the rise As more entrepreneurs get into the food business, they’re looking for investors of all kinds. Likewise, traditional consumer packaged goods companies and ingredient suppliers are keeping their eyes on the newcomers for opportunities to connect. “I would encourage start-ups to seek out strategic partners in the food industry,” said Chris Mallett, corporate vice president of research and development at Cargill. “Together we can create and sustain a healthy ecosystem for innovation in the industry.”
4. Consumers want to know where their food comes from Imagine being able to trace any food product back to the
These five trends are grabbing 2017 by storm. As the calendar rolls toward 2018, it will be interesting to see what the future of food has in store.
October 2017
Money Matters 3 steps to help freelancers and gig economy workers avoid a tax blunder More and more people are earning extra cash by freelancing in the sharing economy. That may mean playing music on the weekends, driving for ridesharing services or selling handmade jewelry on Etsy. No matter how the money flows in, gig economy earners must be aware of the related tax obligations and potential pitfalls. It can be difficult to correctly calculate and report to the IRS how much tax you owe. Taxpayers who miscalculate taxes owed are likely to get a form called a CP2000 from the IRS. According to the agency, that form means, “the income and/ or payment information the IRS has on file doesn’t match the information on your tax return.” That could result in issues with your tax bill. The best way for gig economy workers to avoid a tax misstep is to be diligent and plan ahead now. 1. Get organized Whether you work full time and earn a little extra cash from a side hustle or you’re a full-time contractor, meticulous record-
keeping is a must. One option is to keep track of all business expenses and related receipts in one large folder. Once a quarter, as you determine what you’ll owe for quarterly tax payments, make note of which of those receipts are deductible. 2. Keep track of your income When you’re freelancing, you’re your own accounting department. Not only are you responsible for generating invoices and collecting payment, you must also keep track of all income earned and accurately report it to the IRS. That can get complicated when multiple income streams are at play. For example, gig economy workers who make money freelancing for multiple clients should track all income and expenses separately. That means keeping accurate records of any money paid directly by clients and keeping track of income reported on documents such as Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-K. Come tax time, fill out a Schedule C for every company or client who
has paid you to report all of the income you earned. 3. Make estimated tax payments The IRS requires independent contractors to file and pay taxes on a quarterly basis, even if you anticipate getting a refund at the end of the tax year. Use a tax calculator to help determine whether you should make estimated tax payments. As a rule of thumb, if you will owe at least $1,000 in taxes, you should plan to pay estimated taxes during the current tax year. Earning extra money from your freelance work or side gig may not make you feel like you’re selfemployed, but in the eyes of the IRS, you are. By planning ahead you can avoid tax missteps and stay focused on what matters most: earning income on your own terms!
INSURE CAREFULLY, DREAM FEARLESSLY. CALL ME TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE. American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison WI 53783 006441—Rev. 11/15 © 2015
The Hamlet
Mark Gama Agency 250 N Litchfield Rd Ste 115 Goodyear, AZ 85338 (623) 535-5836 MARKGAMA.COM
October 2017
17
Puzzles & Games Sudoku for October
Solution
Numbers from 1-9 must appear only once in each row, column and box. Good Luck!
4
4
1
1
8
2
4
7
6
6
3
8
2
5
9
7
6
9
5
5
9
8
3
4
1
3
4
2
7
8 3 7 4 5 6 1
5 2 6 1 9 7 8
6 3 7 1 5 2 9 4
5 9 4 3 2 8 1 6
4 2 6 8 9 7 5 3
8
3
4
4
2
18 The Hamlet
6
5
1
2
9
8
9
3
9
8
6
7
6 2
1
7
7
3
8
6
5 4
7
5
4
2
5
9
3
6
9
2
4
3
1
5
8
8
7
October 2017
Business Directory AUTO SERVICES Desert Princess Carriage Service Litchfield Auto Repair
602.300.7076 623.882.8700
BUSINESS & EDUCATION Estrella Partners Group
623.594.9283
FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES American Family Insurance - M Gama Edward Jones - Chris Carlton Estrella Bookkeeping Kramer & Kramer Estate Planning State Farm Insurance - T Gremillion The Insurance Lady
623.535.5836 623.386.1940 623.377.3996 623.974.1966 623.386.7767 602.799.8410
HEALTHCARE & BEAUTY Active Life Pain Center Healthy Life Family Medicine Skincare Extraordinaire Up Close Skincare
623.535.9777 623.889.3477 623.826.3726 602.515.1146
HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Al’s Plumbing Beckham Electric Cluff Mechanical Heating & AC Desired Handyman Dirt Busters House Cleaning Estrella Mountain Pest Control JBS Roofing J&H Appliance Repair Merry Maids
623.329.5170 480.370.1014 602.765.COOL 623.910.5183 623.977.6725 623.680.6619 623.247.9252 623.925.5427 623.738.1789
The Hamlet
Proficient Pest Control The Window Cleaner AZ Urgent Air Younger Brothers Exterminating
623.933.2847 623.738.6064 602.377.1999 623.487.3147
LANDSCAPE & POOL CARE Pool & Landscape AZ Xpress Pools
480.9993348 623.853.6859
PET CARE See Spot Clean
623.882.9595
REAL ESTATE Realty One Group - J Polansky West USA Realty - M Sears West Valley Homewatch
480.577.3918 623.853.3380 623.594.9283
RECREATION Elutheria Wellness Center
623.986.5110
RETAIL SERVICES Estrella Ordnance Foot Solutions Pure Patio Steel Shield Security Doors
623.262.2154 623.536.6676 623.299.8000 623.977.3277
October 2017
19
DON’T BE TRICKED!
Your Residential & Commerical Roofing Contractor Will Be Your Treat!
Serving the Valley for Over 30 Years!
“Let Our Family Cover Yours” “Let Our Family Cover Yours” New Construction, Repairs, New Construction, Repairs, Recovers, Maintenance Recovers, InstallationMaintenance of Gutters & Attic Insulation of Gutters Attic Insulation Installation Shingles, Tile, Built Up,& Single Ply, Shingles, Tile, BuiltMetal, Up, Single Foam & Coatings, ShakePly, Foam & Coatings, Metal, Shake We’re We’re Here Here To To Answer Answer Your Your Questions. Questions. Give Give Us Us A A Call! Call!
623.247.9252 20 The Hamlet
www.JBSroofingAZ.com www.JBSroofingAZ.com
October 2017