Albuquerque, NM August 2023

Family

We are a family

You are amazing! Thank you for showing up for yourself and your extended family. Following your own unique heart and feeling proud of your community is how you are making a difference in this world. Lead with and follow your truth. Create spaces with people you can make mistakes with and then do it all over again! Your next project is waiting for you!

Give extra thanks to our storytellers this month who are business owners, photographers, writers, social influencers, change makers, service providers, creators, volunteers, lovers of Albuquerque, supporters of good news stories, and positive people. I love sharing space with you.

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Jeanette Ferri | jeanette.ferri@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jeanette Ferri | AlbuquerqueCityLifestyle@gmail.com

EDITOR

Ronald J. Tomaino, Jr.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Richard Lakin, Cassandra Rose Cooper @yochowdaa, Jeanette Ferri

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Richard Lakin, MayLi Bachard @maylibach, Matt Pecasting @mattpecasting, Amy Luna Photography, Jeanette Ferri

JEANETTE FERRI, PUBLISHER @ALBUQUERQUE_CITY_LIFESTYLE

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

THE MARKET IS HEATING UP!

2023 is almost over and home buying in central New Mexico is rapidly changing. Call Alexis Hassley at Equinox Realty to discuss what the real estate market means for you.

ALEXIS HASSLEY • OWNER/BROKER

505.485.2881

alexis@equinoxrealtynm.com

@equinoxrealty.com

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

1-7: The Albuquerque 48 Hour Film Project awards ceremony July 1, 2023 at Fusion Theatre Company @abq48hfp

Photography by MayLi Bachand and Matt Pecasting

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @Albuquerque_City_Lifestyle

8-14: The Albuquerque 48 Hour Film Project awards ceremony July 1, 2023 at Fusion Theatre Company 12: After party at Tractor Brewing Company for the 48 Hour Film Project Screenings. 13: Local filmmakers watching their movies at Guild Cinema, sold out! 14: The “Best Under Pressure Award” presented by Albuquerque City Lifestyle. Photography by MayLi Bachand and Matt Pecasting

JEANETTE FERRI

JEANETTE FERRI

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Musicality, 6201 Pan American West Freeway NE, Suite C Albuquerque

Attention music students! Musicality is the place for instrument rentals and the largest selection of sheet music for every instrument, including band and orchestra. Musicality offers rent to own student level brass, woodwind, string and percussion instrument rentals for everyone from elementary grade students to adults, at competitive prices. (Yes! we rent to adults, too.) We feature director approved instruments from Yamaha, Bach, Bundy, Eastman, Holton, Selmer, Jupiter, Giardinelli, Gemeinhardt, Pearl and Vic Firth. musicalitynm.com

Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Albuquerque

local experiences

The kids are going back to school already! Here is a list of places you can visit in between your regular routines for some fun and chill time.

Our Picks for Family-Friendly Fun

HINKLE FAMILY FUN CENTER: Ready? Set? Fun!! Attractions, Game Rooms, and Parties! 12931 Indian School Rd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87112

ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC LIBRARY: Visit abqlibrary.org to learn about events and  workshops for all ages all year long!  501 Copper Ave NW, Albuquerque , New Mexico 87102

CREATIVITY WAREHOUSE: Walk ins are welcome to paint your own pottery! Now booking birthday parties!  1950 Juan Tabo Boulevard Northeast Albuquerque, New Mexico 87112

I SCREAM ICE CREAM: I Scream Ice Cream: This sweet and chill ice cream parlor has been a fun place to visit for many years!  2000 Carlisle Blvd ne, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

ELECTRIC PLAYHOUSE: They believe that play is not just for kids! We combine the physical and digital worlds in unique and engaging ways. 5201 Ouray Road Northwest Albuquerque, New Mexico 87120

A New Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY JEANETTE FERRI, CASSANDRA ROSE COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY LUNA

CASSANDRA ROSE COOPER @YOCHOWDAA

Cassandra Rose Cooper is a model, photographer, social media and local influencer, who finds herself naturally connecting to people. Already raising awareness in everything she believes in, she never imagined that life would throw her family what felt like every challenge that would have her sharing scary and intimate moments that changed the trajectory of her purpose.

Today this family of six is thriving and healthy “strengthened through experience of trial and suffering”. Cassandra describes her husband as the rock of her family and her daughter took being a big sister to the highest level. Five years ago her youngest twin brothers were born very early at only 3 lbs 11 oz and 3 lbs 12 oz. Waiting for everyone to be home together, they also lived at the hospital and the doctors and nurses became their extended family. Both boys at that time could not come home together as the family learned that little Levi had developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), thankfully caught early. Little Logan was born with multiple holes in his heart and fully healed on their own. Cassandra and her husband working and also taking care of each other was a huge challenge that was met with support.  Cassandra to all of the nurses:

“I’ll never forget the attention to detail.

I’ll never forget watching you guys dart across the room when the monitors went off.

I’ll never forget the small talk.

I’ll never forget the encouragement to keep pumping even though I barely ever got to breastfeed.

I’ll never forget walking into the NICU looking for each one of you every day wondering who I’d get to see.

I’ll never forget the way you all fought hard to keep my boys in the same space when they were put on opposite sides of the room.

I’ll never forget the little rules you broke for me.

I’ll never forget you guys having my back and kicking visitors out when I was overwhelmed and just needed to cry alone.

I’ll never forget the morning Kristen and I both bought each other a chai tea latte.. and we ended up with 4 chai tea lattes.

I’ll never forget you guys teaching me how to put the wires and monitors on just so I could spend more time touching them.

I’ll never forget the way you handled my babies.

I’ll never forget the way you handled ME.

You guys are literally the best, most beautiful human beings on the planet. I can’t even begin to express how much I love and appreciate each one of you. Thank you for what you do every day.”

Only one year later and a year after experiencing symptoms, the next phone call from the doctor was for her. “You probably have thyroid cancer.” Instantly and instinctively she experienced one of her favorite quotes, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option”. In June 2019, Cassandra would have to get a full thyroidectomy. I never expected that a consistent flutter in my heart would turn out to be something so serious. I never expected a thyroidectomy would be my first surgery (besides getting two babies cut out of me, that counts, right?)”

Embracing her scar and with a clean body scan with no more signs of cancer, it felt impossible to celebrate while

now her other son Lincoln was getting treated for B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. That’s right, little Lincoln got diagnosed with cancer on July 4th, 2020, a few weeks after his 4th birthday! Sometimes finding joy in things like going out for ice cream after chemo treatments helped celebrate the small victories that would pave the way forward. At that time she said “I think one of the hardest parts of dealing with childhood cancer is balancing it all. Our whole life stopped, but it didn’t. It’s been 5 weeks since Lincoln got diagnosed and managing time between siblings has been a huge challenge. Leia is the kindest, most gracious big sister on the face of this planet. She has been nothing but tender, loving and understanding but I see her struggling. I see her anxiety and I know when she asks to spend time with me it’s more emotionally backed than ever.

Yesterday Leia and I put on some matching dresses and went through the McDonald’s drive thru and to Walmart. It wasn’t planned, but it was enough!” The family also learned that Childhood cancer is only 4% of the research done for cancer due to lack of funding. What came out of this?  “Astonishing generosity” from prayers from strangers and followers to support from an entire community of families going through similar struggles. How she spends her time now to let others know how “everything can be ok” is admirable and extraordinary. “When you heal, you move on with your life” and she wants to help others do the same instead of “desperately googling” the answers like she did.

ABOUT CASSANDRA:

“I currently sit on the board of a nonprofit organization called Camp Enchantment. We are a local camp dedicated to children who’ve had cancer in the past, or who currently have cancer. We are fully equipped with a medical staff capable of handling any situation these unique children might face during the week of camp.

I am on the committee for the biggest annual fundraiser Make A Wish NM, that holds an event called Wine & Wishes. I filmed, directed and edited the entire social media marketing campaign (starring Lincoln) leading up to the 2023 gala. I had the unique opportunity to share our Wish story by taking the 300+ people in attendance through Lincoln’s cancer story frame by frame in a carefully curated video presentation.

I have held multiple fundraisers in person and on social media for a nonprofit organization called Cookies 4 Kids Cancer and have plans to accomplish more in the future.

I have used social media to organize countless hospital drops for Presbyterian Hospital Downtown including snacks for children to eat outside of cafeteria hours and toys and activities to make the hours and days more bearable.

I also lead and organize a huge Christmas present drive with the help of a local church. Together we brought every

single child in Oncology at Presbyterian hospital downtown a Christmas present.

I work actively with the New Mexico Dream Center on fundraisers and raising awareness related to human trafficking. The NMDC is dedicated to serving women and children coming out of the darkness of sex trafficking.

I’ve worked on multiple projects with NMDC including taking on the role of table caption for their annual fundraiser event and using social media to furnish an entire home for a family exiting a trafficking situation”.

Cassandra and her family encourage you to reach out to local organizations like these if you can.

“So many people have reached out to talk to me, check on me and take care of me in every way. Not only my close friends and family but so many of you who don’t even know me personally have reached out to check on me (some even more than once lol) and it’s honestly blown my mind completely. I’ve never been so thankful for this platform in my life. I’ve made so many true friends and I’ve had the privilege of connecting with SO many people who are going through the exact same thing as me and it’s been an insane blessing. I will continue to share my story as it unfolds and if you’re going through the same thing I hope you’ll share yours with me too.

Please hear me when I say: THANK YOU.”

LUXURY TRANSPORTATION IN NEW MEXICO

ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN, ALBUQUERQUE CITY LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD LAKIN

ELEGANCE LIMOUSINES LLC

Demetrio says “We do a lot of weddings. We do a lot of bachelor and bachelorette parties. The wedding business has gotten really big after COVID went away. Families can have big gatherings again. We do ‘date nights’ for anniversaries. We do party buses.”

Elegance Limousines is a member of the National Limousine Association which connects it to a national and international network of affiliates. Demetrio says “I have a lot of friends and acquaintances in different parts of the country. In fact, that’s one of the things that I’m really proud of...our affiliate program. We can transport you to the local airport, then we can arrange for a black car service at your final destination as well.”

Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride

Whether you’re looking for transportation to the airport or a limo for a bachelorette party, you want the service to be safe and dependable and in an up-to-date, clean, and stylish vehicle. Demetrio Lee, founder and owner of Elegance Limousines in New Mexico, says “The biggest thing is attention to detail and knowing what the customer’s expectations are. You have to know why they are choosing you instead of some other company. There’s a very big need in Albuquerque for this type of service.”

Originally from Colorado, Demetrio was working in a corporate job and driving for a limo company on the weekends. Once he got a feel for the business, in 2021 he decided to start his own company with his particular approach to service and detail. Currently, he has 11 employees. He told us “We get bookings 24/7, so it’s important to have plenty of reliable drivers and vehicles available to fit the customer’s schedules.”

The association also avails continuing education and training to drivers, ensuring safe and attentive transportation for the customers. Additionally, Demetrio does extensive background checks and regular assessments on employees. “Our vehicles limousines are meticulously maintained, expertly driven by professional chauffeurs, and fully insured for your convenience.”

Another part of Elegance Limousines service is discretion. Demetrio says “Entertainers, sports stars, and politicians often want confidentiality when they’re traveling. Our staff is well versed in transportation that requires a higher level of privacy.”

Upon meeting Demetrio, you immediately know that he is very engaged with every aspect of the customer experience. A self-described “car guy,” he has a good sense of what customers are looking for in luxury transportation. He says “We strive to create an environment where our service is beyond reproach. We handle special requests...champagne on ice, chocolates, flowers...whatever the client needs.”

Elegance Limousine, in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, continuously works to be the best and wants to prove it. They provide premium vehicles and premium service at competitive prices. Your ride is elegant, reliable, and comfortable.

If you have guests coming to town, you might want to show them the best places in town and your favorite sites to visit in style. Your friends and family and visitors will be taken care of. Elevate their experience by choosing the transportation service that they deserve. Reliability and comfort is the last thing you want to worry about. It is hard to find the right business to trust and depend on, especially when you are busy or have too many options. It is great to know who you can rely on.

Services and Vehicles: Limousine, Party Bus, Charter Bus, Airport Transportation, Wedding Service, VIP Service, Birthdays, Proms, Graduations, Sporting Events, Shopping, Quinceanera, Special Occasions, Private Transportation, Special Day, Ride Service, Black Car Service, Mercedes Sprinter, Lincoln Town Car, Business Trips, Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties, 24 Hour Service

“Sit back, relax, let us elevate your journey” eleganceli mosnm.com @elegancelimousinesllc Call 505.918.8002

IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.

2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

™

Advice from an experienced Pelvic and Organ Health Specialist

MOM’S GUIDE TO RETURNING TO EXERCISE

ARTICLE BY KALENA CHAN, MANGOSTANA LLC | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

As A Pelvic and Organ Health Therapist, one of the most asked questions is how soon can I return or start exercise. Typically, most moms get a go ahead to return to activity after their 6 week appointment with their birth practitioner without any guidelines or regard to the impacts of injury to birth like perineal tears, tailbone injuries, c-section scars etc.  The term “fourth trimester” is gaining traction a period where moms continue to go through physical recovery from childbirth.  Social media sometimes pressures moms to ‘get their body back’ without recognizing every birth is different.

SOME COMMON PHYSICAL CHALLENGES THAT MOM EXPERIENCE:

Diastasis Recti (DR) - Diastasis recti are the separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles by the linea alba, the connective tissue holding the two muscles together stretches and creates the gap.  At least 60% of women have Diastasis Recti during pregnancy and after. The amount of separation and injury to the tissues during pregnancy is natural but varies so greatly.  A well informed pelvic health therapist can help you assess it and specialized manual therapy and graded core exercise can help significantly.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) -  A prolapse happens when the pelvis muscles and tissues can no longer support these organs because the muscles and tissues are weak or stressed. In moms, this can happen from pregnancy and the birthing process.  Not bearing down with

bowel movements, lifting your baby carrier without holding your breath etc. can help.  Diaphragmatic breathing techniques can also help to alleviate the pressure.   An expert pelvic health therapist trained in specialized manual therapy like visceral mobilization and manipulation can help significantly.

Bladder Incontinence -  Bladder leakage is a common symptom after having a baby.  Sometimes it may be temporary after birth or it can develop over time and occasionally be long lasting. It is not always weakness in the pelvic floor muscles that can cause this problem based on popular belief but a combination of restrictions that occur from bearing down,  scar tissue from tearing, SIJ dysfunction, c-section scarring,  internal muscle trigger points around the bladder, etc.  It is very helpful to seek treatment from a pelvic health professional who specialized in soft tissue mobilization internally and externally, breathing techniques,  body movement and exercise tips to assist these tissues maximize their recovery.

Bowel changes – Constipation or changes in stool consistency. This is also a common problem after having a baby.  Many moms can be depleted from birthing the baby, even losing a lot of iron due to bleeding.  Having a baby is very time consuming and you may be ‘eating on the go’ and not hydrating well.  Using good breathing techniques and using a ‘squat’ posture with a stool or Squatty Potty can improve bowel movements that decrease pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and organs.

PELVIC MUSCLE WEAKNESS:

Many physicians and midwives recommend Kegels as a way to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and can be a helpful way of strengthening muscle after birth.  However, it is not always clear how to perform them efficiently. There’s not usually much instruction to perform them except to “squeeze the pelvic muscles” or “stop yourself from peeing”.  Pelvic floor muscle engagement works much better if you include diaphragmatic breathing and core engagement; these muscle groups are synergistic in the way they function. A pelvic health therapist performs a pelvic exam to determine what areas are restricted, what muscles are not engaging well and what areas are weak.

So if you would like to return to yoga/ running/ crossfit etc, there are no specific rules but a few signs and symptoms to keep in mind are when you are performing a certain activity.

• Do you have bladder or bowel leakage  (even if it’s just a little)

• Do you get heaviness/ pressure/dragging in the pelvic area

• Do you have pain with intercourse

• Do you have constipation that is persistent

• Do you have separated abdominal muscles, the abdomen feels weak,  you have difficulty feeling the muscles engage etc.

• You have back pain or SI pain with or without activity

Some of these symptoms are indicators that you may not be fully ready to return to your activity.

As a general rule, it is that low impact exercise is recommended for the first 3 months.

Begin to introduce higher impact exercise between 3-6 months.

Running with a stroller is not recommended until 6-9 months due to the heavier load that you’re pushing.  Other things to consider is if you are breastfeeding the is a higher chance of having laxity in your ligaments,  pre-existing  pelvic floor or back problems, surgery i.e. c-section or perineal scarring, pre-existing hyper-mobility conditions (Ehlers-Danlos).

If you can complete these activities without pain, heaviness, dragging or incontinence then you may be ready to progress to higher level activities:

• Walking 30 minutes

• Single leg balance for 10 seconds

• Single leg squat 10 reps each side

• Jog in one spot for 1 minute

• Forward jumps 10 reps

• Hop in one place with 10 reps on each leg

• Single leg ‘running man’ opposite arm and hip ( flex and ext) with bent knee ( 10 reps)

(Source: Returning to running postnatal – guidelines for medical and fitness professionals managing this population – Tom Goom, Grainne Donnelly and Emma Brockwell – March 2019)

Publishers Picks for Paws

ARTICLE BY JEANETTE FERRI

Hey animal lovers and pet owners! There are multiple organizations in Albuquerque that care for our pets and strays whether it be adopting, rescuing, fostering, or finding forever homes. If you are lucky enough to have a fur baby or many, you understand the community of caregivers that it takes to even attempt to give back the love these animals give to you. Here are a few places you can go to learn about:

The Eastside Animal Shelter - Have you found a pet or lost a pet? Are you looking to adopt a bunny rabbit or a senior dog? Visit cabq.gov to find out about adoptions and other animal shelters. If you have extra supplies, they take donations!

Boofy’s Best for Pets - Located on Cutler Ave NE and Golf Course Rd NW, Boofy’s is the place for all of your pet supplies and healthy pet food! They have online ordering, delivery, nutritional counseling, and outstanding customer service. This local pet store continuously gives back to the community by helping surrendered and abused animals and rescues.

The VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center on Montgomery -  Specializing in Preventative and Primary Care, Advanced Care and Emergency Services, the VCA staff go above and beyond to ensure every patient receives the highest quality veterinary care available. “We feel that preventative medicine is the backbone to keeping your family member free from disease and that early detection is the key to managing long-term illness. Our goal is to keep your pet happy and healthy for as long as possible.” vcahospitals.com Paws Thrift Store, 1830 Juan Tabo Blvd NE - You can shop at, volunteer, or donate items to this local thrift store that cares for its customers and loves our animals. Visit their cool collection of items in person because you never know what you will find! Or call 505-544-7776

“THERE ARE MULTIPLE ORGANIZATIONS IN ALBUQUERQUE THAT CARE FOR OUR PETS AND STRAYS WHETHER IT BE ADOPTING, RESCUING, FOSTERING, OR FINDING FOREVER HOMES.”

DOG gone GOOD

Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

|

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup milk or half and half

• 3 cups oatmeal

Directions:

In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.

Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 2 eggs

• 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).

jeebs & Zuzu, llc Share

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

AUGUST 4TH

NM Jazz Workshop 32nd Season of Music Under the Stars

ALBUQUERQUE MUSEUM

7:00 PM

Charanga del Valle has a traditional flavor and flair with a varied repertoire of rhythms including salsa, bolero, cha-cha, and merengue and contemporary Cuban timba. Under the musical direction of Rodolfo Gonzalez, the band features vocalist Annette Aragon, along with violins, flute, and a three piece horn section. It's the right combination for dancing under the stars! All ages! NMJazz.org

AUGUST 5TH

Mac and Cheese Festival

BALLOON FIESTA PARK | 1:00 PM

The Mac & Cheese Fest will feature gourmet Mac & Cheese from local chefs, restaurants, and eateries as they compete to be "The Big Cheese". LIVE music by Animated Jukebox, DJ J Steele, and DJ Cut. Age 21+ Rain or Shine, this event will not be canceled.

AUGUST 12TH

Turquoise Gem Show

ALBUQUERQUE CONVENTION

CENTER | 10:00 AM

We’re excited to host the 2nd Annual ALL Turquoise Show! Dealers selling all sizes of turquoise at the only ALL TURQUOISE gem show. The annual show is a must for turquoise collectors and dealers.

AUGUST 12TH

High Desert Screening

SOUTH BROADWAY CULTURAL CENTER | 12:00 PM

High Desert Screening, 7th annual one day event, is showcasing New Mexico's artistic community. This collection will entertain, educate, and inspire attendees. Network with local photographers, artists, and businesses alike that are committed to and invested in the elevation of the film and the creative arts industry in New Mexico. Follow us @highdesertscreening

AUGUST 15TH

Amp Concerts Presents

Ally Venable

FUSION THEATRE COMPANY |

7:30 PM

Ally Venable is that rare musician who can take her old-school influences like Guy and Stevie Ray Vaughan and creates music that brings their spirits to today's listeners where they live. She gives audiences an entertaining show packed with musical muscle and relatable songs about living, growing, and evolving. Visit FusionNM.org

AUGUST 25TH-28TH

Mindfield Film Festival

GUILD CINEMA

Mindfield Film Festival - Albuquerque is a film festival from the land of enchantment, it showcases features, shorts and music videos by filmmakers from around the world, celebrating and supporting independent, new and alternative filmmakers not just during our annual Film Festival but throughout the year with our bi-monthly online competitions.

Anything But Predictable.

Usually, banks make you pick between high yields and rewards. At RGCU, you’ll find things you won’t find anywhere else. We’ve combined two reward programs into one. We pay high dividends on balances. Plus, you’ll earn rewards with each debit transaction and get more ways to cash them in.

We’ve earned our stripes with this one.

RioGrandeCU.org/Zia

Federally insured by NCUA. We don’t make you jump through a bunch of cumbersome hoops to earn rewards or dividends. You don’t have to do things like have a bunch of transactions, or eStatements to qualify. You’ll earn dividends on balances $500 and greater. There is a monthly fee if you don’t keep a daily balance of $500. You can waive that if you’re over 55 years of age. So, if you don’t plan to keep $500 in the account and you’re younger than 55, get our Free Checking account. It pays rewards too.