Ahwatukee, AZ April 2024

THE INVESTMENT ISS UE

“When passion, expertise and dedication come together, you have a Savvy Partnership!”

— AMY RICHARDSON

SAVVY SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET

Buying and selling a home can be challenging. You need an agent who is laser-focused on your unique needs. Having lived and worked in Ahwatukee and the southeast valley for over 20 years, my passion for this community comes through in my warmth, work ethic, philanthropic endeavors, and connections with a clientele who are as committed to me as I am to them! From staging and prepping, to spearheading renovations, finding contractors and delivering expert market advice, I will dedicate myself to your project as if it were my own.

Give me a call or scan the code for a complimentary market analysis on your home and find out why important decisions demand Savvy Solutions.

real estate report

Building a Rich Life

Investment by definition is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact. We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future generations.

On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets long-term financial goals and secures our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact to not only ourselves but to the people closest to us.

As you may recall from our January issue, I shared that my word of the year is strengthen . And I feel it can be synonymous with investment—investment in the physical, mental and emotional aspects of life. Investing in ourselves, relationships, community and finances can look very different from person to person, and in this issue, we are excited to share some of the ways that we can invest in our homes, our style, our mental and physical wellbeing, and in those who we love.

Here's to the adventure of investing in the most invaluable asset—you!

BETH DEL VILLE, EDITOR @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE

““By adding beautiful new flooring and putting in something that will really last, it will give homeowners a good return on their investment.”

Beautiful stone flooring made from materials including travertine, marble or granite. Eyecatching tile floors, in a wide range of colors. Durable hardwood, offering a timeless and elegant look.

These are just a few of the types of flooring that are available at Gila Floor Coverings, a family-owned business in the East Valley.

No matter what type of materials people select, sales manager Josh Fuhst says new flooring will have a positive impact.

“I definitely believe that new flooring is a great way to invest in a home,” he says.

This investment will typically reward the homeowner in two ways, Fuhst notes.

“By adding beautiful new flooring and putting in something that will really last, it will give homeowners a good return on their investment,” he says, adding that it will also allow people to truly make their space their own.

“It lets you put your own stamp on your home with fresh materials. You can move into a house, and the flooring could be fine. But choosing your own flooring will help transform your house into a home.”

While Fuhst says all of the flooring materials and styles at Gila Floor Coverings are outstanding in their own right, he is especially fond of the laminate options.

“They are not the 1990 laminates that your mom and dad might have had,” he says, laughing.

“Laminates weren’t waterproof, which was a potential downside. But they now have a great 80-hour water warranty, so people don’t have to stress about it not being waterproof.”

In other words, if Fido or Fluffy overturn their water bowl, or company accidentally spills something in the guest room and the homeowner

doesn’t discover it for a couple of days, Fuhst says the laminate will not be damaged.

“We also have really beautiful textures and colors in laminate,” Fuhst says.

In addition to flooring, Gila Floor Coverings can also transform kitchens and bathrooms with its selection of tiles for walls, backsplashes and showers.

“Bathroom remodels are really big for us right now. I’d say about 65 percent of our work is flooring and 35 percent is bathrooms,” Fuhst says.

To make the process of choosing new flooring or wall coverings as easy as possible, Fuhst says Gila Floor Coverings offers a mobile showroom that allows clients to see various colors and materials in their own home.

“People can also come to our showroom in the East Valley,” he says.

Fuhst says he truly enjoys working for a company that values its customers.

“I am very proud of our follow through with our customers. I enjoy building connections with them, and helping them to find the best materials to make them happy,” he says, adding that Gila Floor Coverings has also developed relationships with companies that share these values, including Shaw, Tuftex and Coretec.

No matter what types of flooring or wall coverings a client chooses, Fuhst says seeing their positive reaction to the completed project is always a highlight of his day.

“I love it when we wrap up a project and the people walk into their home and are shocked in a happy way and say ‘wow, this is a really great change!’”

GilaFloorCoverings.com | 480.498.8747

I love it when we wrap up a project and the people walk into their home and are shocked in a happy way and say ‘wow, this is a really great change!’ “ ”

We have the ability to treat the whole person, a holistic approach to the individual and the system; we see individuals, couples, and families We offer medication services, nutritional counseling, and we even provide consultation for professional growth. Contact us today to schedule a brief consultation call to see if we are a good fit for you

The Wealth of Wellbeing

HOW SELF-CARE PAYS DIVIDENDS

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE

It’s always a good time to invest in you time.

Tony Ziolko, licensed therapist, clinical supervisor, co-founder and co-owner of Stories Counseling, has spent his career helping people help themselves. He says investing in self-care is crucial to our wellbeing.

“It all comes down to this idea of nourishment,” Ziolko says. “We invest in self-care to keep ourselves from becoming emotionally malnourished. If we neglect our emotional nourishment, we end up trying to feed our tribe with crumbs. A lot of people reply on us and we have to be able to give to the world. If you want to be able to show up for the people in your life and be present, you have to have something to give.”

He also suggests finding ways to stimulate the four “happy hormones”: dopamine, serotonin, endorphin and oxytocin. Ziolko says you can get dopamine in significant ways, like eating a strawberry, going to a concert or seeing a comedian live. When you have a good night’s sleep or get exposure to sunshine, your brain produces serotonin. Elevating your heart rate, as one does when running, gives you endorphins. And oxytocin, the love hormone, is triggered when you’re near someone you love, like significant others, friends, family, and even pets.

Currently, one of the ways that Ziolko nourishes his emotional wellbeing is through cold plunge.

“I can do a cold plunge in the morning and know I’ve done the hardest thing I’ll do all day,” he says. “Something in your mind shifts. When you put yourself in those extreme conditions and know you’ve done the hardest thing you have to do that day, it reduces a lot of stress.”

And at Stories Counseling, Ziolko and his team offer three other ways to ensure clients take care of themselves—therapy, massage and yoga.

The benefits of investing in yourself through therapy helps to maintain regulation, shares Ziolko. His practice offers many different therapeutic modalities, such as EMDR, sensorimotor, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and others. “In a world where we have so much input in our lives, we don’t often take the time to output, and therapy is a way to help you output,” Ziolko says. “The best way to think about it is a cup. As that cup fills up, if we don’t dump some of the water out regularly, the cup will start to overflow. We are no different. Therapy is a great way to help empty that cup so we can handle more.”

That relaxation felt during and after a massage session? “That is from the literal sense of isolating the muscle group and releasing lactic acid,” says Ziolko. Patients can choose from a variety of massage options—including cupping, hot stone, scalp and more—and the practitioner is more clinical in the way they approach massage; they can access specific isolated muscle groups to release toxins and loosen muscles so it’s not so tense.

Stories Counseling also offers yoga, which Ziolko says is an option for those looking to incorporate movement in the self-care process. At the practice, clients can take yoga Nidra and somatic yoga classes, in both group and private settings, which are more integrative with mental health than classic or hot yoga, according to Ziolko. “It’s a great workout, and in fact takes a lot of mental discipline to main poses—it’s another great way to output.”

Overall, Ziolko suggests finding your “why” and being consistent with self-care. “When you wake up in the morning, you need to know your ‘why’ – you have to know why you are doing it. It’s all about the regularity of bite-sized pieces of nourishment.”

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUILLAUME VAN WYK

Adventure The ROI of

CAROL RICE, FOUNDER AND OWNER OF AHWATUKEE TRAVEL, SHARES HER PASSIONS AND INSIGHTS ABOUT TRAVEL

As the founder and owner of Ahwatukee Travel, a full-service travel agency that specializes in luxury vacations, cruises, destination wedding planning and honeymoons, Carol Rice truly understands how beneficial it is to devote time and money to traveling.

“Travel is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make in your life,” Rice says, adding that she views it as an invaluable journey toward self-discovery, cultural enrichment and personal growth.

“It goes beyond mere sightseeing and offers a profound education in diversity, fosters empathy, and simply expands one’s worldview.”

In addition, Rice notes, traveling often inspires self-reflection, challenges comfort zones, and builds confidence.

“The memories forged become a lifelong asset, contributing to a rich tapestry of life experiences. I have yet to encounter someone who regretted taking the time and money to travel.”

Rice, who has worked in the travel industry for over 40 years, also has plenty of firsthand knowledge about the joys of traveling, both within the United States and internationally.

“I am passionate about getting people out and traveling around the world as I know, and have experienced, what a life-changing experience it can be,” she says.

Rice’s most recent adventure took place in the fall of last year, when she enjoyed an exhilarating trip to South Africa.

“I had always heard that Africa was a magical place but didn’t understand what that truly meant until I experienced it for myself, and it did not disappoint. I had traveled to Kenya in 2021 which was my first trip to Africa and by the very last day I knew I would be back.”

After booking her trip through Great Safaris, Rice started preparing for her journey, including packing plenty of things to keep her busy during the 17-hour flight from Atlanta to Cape Town. CONTINUED >

Although she admits that being on a plane for such a long time felt a bit overwhelming, the books, blanket and pillows she brought along helped the hours literally and figuratively fly by  –as did the in-flight movies and food service.

“It’s a long journey to get to Africa but well worth it,” she says.

Despite the long journey to get there, Rice wasted no time in getting out to experience the beauty and culture of the area.

“On our first day we went to Table Mountain by cable car. The view from the top showed all the beauty and wonder of the town of Cape Town,” she says, adding that she enjoyed delicious meals that day at Silo Rooftop and the Kloof Street House.

“The next day we visited the famous wine region known as Lanzerac Taphuis. This region of Africa compares to Napa Valley for its quality of wine.”

On her last day in Cape Town, Rice went to Cape Point to see the Boulders Penguins and visited the Kirstenbosch Gardens.

“We then flew from Cape Town to Botswana and took a safari vehicle to Chobe National Park, where we stayed at Belmont Suvate Elephant Luxury Tent Lodge,” she says.

“This region had a water hole in which dozens of elephants gathered by day and night. I sat on my patio for hours watching the elephants interact with one another and watched the mothers protect and nurture the young. It was incredible.”

Rice’s last stop was Victoria Falls, where she stayed at the Palm River Hotel, which was just a few miles from the falls.

“There we saw the beautiful waterfalls, did an elephant encounter, and enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.”

While Rice thoroughly enjoyed her adventures in South Africa, she wants to remind and reassure people that they don’t have to travel thousands of miles and be away for a long time to have a memorable adventure.

“Whether you’re able to take three weeks off or only have three days, any time spent traveling is an investment in yourself or your family.”

Photo provided

“[Travel] goes beyond mere sightseeing and offers a profound education in diversity, fosters empathy, and simply expands one’s worldview.”

“Whether you’re able to take three weeks off or only have three days, any time spent traveling is an investment in yourself or your family,” she says.

“We are lucky to live in a country with a vast array of landscapes, cultures, and foodscapes – in addition to easily being able to hop the border to Canada or Mexico for a quick, and often affordable, getaway.”

For people who would like to invest in traveling, but aren’t sure what to do first, Rice has plenty of helpful advice.

“First things first – if you're planning to travel internationally, go dust off your passport and ensure it will have at least 6 months of validity from the date of your departure,” she says.

If people don’t have a passport, Rice suggests applying for one as soon as possible.

“Wait times can vary, depending on the time of year, such as seasons of high travel like spring break and summer.”

If deciding where to go is challenging, due to not having a lot of travel experience or perhaps wanting to go everywhere, Rice says Ahwatukee Travel provides expert destination advice at no charge.

“Our goal is to create a trip that checks all our boxes, and there may be destinations that fit your wish list that you've never heard of before,” she says, adding that whether someone is looking for beach therapy, an adventurous hike, or strolling the Irish pubs, she and her staff have the tools and connections to put together a perfect getaway.

No matter where and when people decide to go, and for how long, Rice says the important thing is to make investing in travel a priority.

“Every trip, despite its length, is worth taking. We only get one life, and we have no idea how much time we have on this earth, so make it adventurous, make it fun and make it count.” AhwatukeeTravel.com | 480.464.9889

Nuturing

SIX WAYS TO INVEST TIME IN YOUR FAMILY, FOSTER STRONG CONNECTIONS AND CREATE LASTING MEMORIES

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE

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PLAN A WEEKLY BOARD GAME NIGHT

Unplug from screens and gather the family for a board game night. Board games provide entertainment and promote healthy competition, communication and teamwork. Choose a variety of games that cater to different ages and interests within the family. Whether it’s the strategic twists of chess or the laughter-inducing rounds of Pictionary, board game nights offer a perfect opportunity for bonding.

MAKE DINNER TOGETHER

Transform mealtime into a family affair by involving everyone in the kitchen. Take it a step further by turning dinner preparation into a culinary adventure. Select a theme each week and explore recipes from different cuisines, allowing the family to embark on a virtual world tour through their taste buds. This fun twist on dinner exposes family members to diverse cultures, fostering appreciation and understanding.

CREATE A FAMILY BOOK CLUB

Cultivate a love for reading within your family by establishing a family book club. Choose a book that appeals to all age groups, and schedule regular meetings to discuss the plot, characters and themes. Reading together creates a unique bond and encourages the exchange of ideas within the family.

EXPERIENCE PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS

Immerse your family in the richness of culture by planning trips to museums, historical sites or national parks. These excursions provide educational value and create experiences that will be cherished for years to come. Whether marveling at art in a museum or experiencing the breathtaking landscapes of a national park, such adventures deepen family bonds and offer a chance for exploration and discovery together.

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Explore the great outdoors together through various activities like hiking, biking or camping. Outdoor adventures promote physical health, offer opportunities for family members to connect with nature, and with each other. Strengthen family ties and create memories together by enjoying a weekend camping trip or even an easy hike around our desert foothills.

VOLUNTEER AS A FAMILY

Engaging in volunteer work as a family contributes to the community while reinforcing the values of compassion and empathy within your household. Choose a cause or organization that resonates with your family’s interests and spend time volunteering together. The shared act of giving back creates a sense of purpose and allows your family to make a positive impact on the world.

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE

Signature Style

PIECES TO PURCHASE THAT LAST A LIFETIME

“Certain garments and accessories, wellcrafted and well caredfor, can transform from cherished pieces of your wardrobe into heirloom items treasured by future generations.”

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Fast fashion can be fun, but spending a little more for foundational pieces that last is what truly creates a wardrobe that transcends trends. Think crisp white blouses with a twist, classically tailored handbags and exquisite jewelry that you never take off. These enduring items exude sophistication and promise lasting quality. Certain garments and accessories, well-crafted and well cared-for, can transform from cherished pieces of your wardrobe into heirloom items treasured by future generations.

SHOP THE STYLES

1. Bezel diamond solitaire necklace and Inches of Diamonds necklace from Michael’s Creative Jewelry. MichaelsCreative.com. Photo by Stephanie Slezak.

2. Mansur Gavriel Soft Lady Leather Bag. Nordstrom.com. Image courtesy of Nordstrom, Inc.

3. K.NGSLEY Poplin Shirt. Nordstrom.com. Image courtesy of Nordstrom, Inc.

4. Max Mara Teddy Bear Icon Faux Fur Coat. Nordstrom.com. Image courtesy of Nordstrom, Inc.

RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING: MAXIMIZING WEALTH AND LEGACY R

YOU ONLY GET ONE RETIREMENT

Retirement marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and sound financial choices. It's often envisioned as a period of relaxation, exploration and deep connection with family and friends. However, this dream doesn't just manifest. It necessitates forward-thinking and detailed planning, regardless of one's financial status. Amid global economic changes, evolving life expectancies and intricate tax systems, an all-encompassing and strategic retirement plan is more crucial than ever.

A key element of effective retirement planning is diversifying your income sources. While staples like 401(k)s or IRAs are foundational, it's equally important to branch out. Dividend-bearing stocks can provide regular dividends, bonds offer both periodic interest and principal return and real estate, whether directly or indirectly owned, has potential for both rental income and value growth. Private investments can also yield passive income and impressive returns.

Tax considerations significantly influence retirement strategies. Each financial action, from asset sales to account withdrawals, can carry tax consequences. Knowing these details can greatly influence one's overall retirement income. Tactics such as Roth IRA conversions can help distribute tax liabilities over time, allowing for taxfree withdrawals later on. Using strategies like tax-loss harvesting can balance out capital gains, ensuring proactive steps to reduce tax impact.

SOURCES OF INCOME DURING RETIREMENT

Annuities have long been recognized as a popular retirement income source. An annuity is essentially a financial contract that can offer a steady and predictable income, with options that might even extend to lifetime payouts. Available in varieties like fixed, variable and indexed, they often come with tax advantages. However, retirees should also be aware of certain drawbacks. These might include fees and expenses, issues around liquidity, and potential concerns related to inflation.

Delving into the world of Alternative Investments, retirees can consider assets such as hedge funds, private equity and real assets, among others. These investments may promise higher returns and provide diversification away from traditional stocks and bonds. However, the complexities of these investments mean they often come with challenges like illiquidity, higher fees and the need for a thorough understanding of the investment itself.

Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), while not familiar to everyone, can be a potential retirement income source. Historically rooted, DSTs offer a form of passive real estate investment, which can lead to regular distributions. They also open doors to 1031 exchange possibilities, offering tax deferral benefits. But, just like any other investment, DSTs have their limitations, notably the lack of liquidity and the heavy reliance on trust management.

Introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) were designed to spur economic development. Investing in these zones can lead to deferral, reduction and even the potential elimination of certain capital gains taxes. However, they often require a long-term investment horizon, and retirees must be well-versed with the specifics of the chosen opportunity zone.

Rental income remains a favorite for many looking for consistent returns. Whether through direct property ownership or Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), real estate can offer passive income, tax benefits and appreciation. Yet, the

responsibilities tied to property management, the uncertainties of market fluctuations and other associated costs must not be ignored.

The backbone of many retirement plans, Social Security Income, provides a safety net for millions. Established with the intent of financial assistance, the amount one receives depends on various factors. There are also strategies retirees can employ to maximize these benefits, such as deciding on the optimal time to claim or considering the implications of working while receiving benefits.

ESTATE PLANNING AND PHILANTHROPY

Beyond the immediate realm of retirement, estate planning emerges. This encompasses not just post-retirement arrangements but also asset distribution for future generations or charitable endeavors. Regularly reviewing wills, trusts and beneficiary designations ensures alignment with changing circumstances.

Philanthropy seamlessly integrates with retirement plans. Beyond fulfilling a personal mission to give back, it also carries financial benefits. Using instruments like donor-advised funds or charitable trusts lets individuals make impactful societal contributions while enjoying tax advantages.

You only get one retirement. In the ever-evolving world of finance, staying updated and flexible is essential to ensure the continued relevance and efficiency of one's retirement strategy.

Disclosures

Securities offered only by duly registered individuals of Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals of Csenge Advisory Group, LLC. MAS, Csenge Advisory Group, LLC and Impact Wealth, LLC are not affiliated entities.   Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer and no statement made during this presentation shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency.

Every retirement journey is distinct, and each vision merits expert guidance. Impact Wealth is based in Boulder Colorado. You can contact them at Impact@ImpactWealth.com.