Second Quarter Recap
Life’s Best Moments Happen Here
Self-Confidence: The Quiet Strength That Changes Everything
Self-confidence is one of life’s greatest gifts. It is not arrogance, self-importance, or pretending to have all the answers. Instead, it is the quiet assurance that says, “I can face whatever comes my way.” It is the foundation upon which courage, resilience, leadership, and healthy relationships are built.
Individuals with genuine self-confidence carry themselves differently. They are willing to speak up with an idea, volunteer for a new challenge, or introduce themselves to someone they don’t know. They understand that failure is not a verdict on their worth but simply part of learning and growing. They can accept constructive criticism without feeling personally attacked because their identity is not built on perfection. Confident people celebrate others’ successes because they do not see another person’s victory as their own defeat.
In contrast, those who lack self-confidence often live under the weight of constant selfdoubt. Every decision becomes overwhelming. Every mistake feels catastrophic. They frequently compare themselves to everyone around them, assuming others are smarter, more attractive, more talented, or more successful. Opportunities pass them by because fear whispers, “You’re not good enough.” Being online exacerbates this self-doubt because it appears that those who post about their lives have it all together. Think about two equally qualified employees in a conference room. The manager asks for ideas to solve a difficult problem. One employee confidently raises their hand, offers a thoughtful solution, and earns recognition, not because they are the smartest in the room, but because they believe their voice matters. The other employee has an equally brilliant idea but stays silent, terrified someone might criticize it. No one ever knows what valuable insight was lost. The same contrast appears throughout life. A confident teenager auditions for the school play despite knowing rejection is possible. An insecure teenager never auditions, later convincing himself he “wouldn’t have gotten the part anyway.” One experiences growth regardless of the outcome. The other allows fear to make the decision.
I remember my mom always telling me I could do anything. She emphasized excellence over any particular career path. “Whatever you do, Sweetheart, make sure you do it with excellence and integrity.” She would also say, when I accomplished a goal, not “I am proud of you,” but rather, “you must be so proud of yourself.” That being said, early and often gave me the gift of self-confidence, knowing I could accomplish anything I set my mind to.
Self-confidence also transforms relationships. Confident individuals can apologize sincerely because admitting a mistake does not threaten their sense of self-worth. They set healthy boundaries because they recognize their own value. They encourage others rather than tearing them down. Insecure people, however, may become overly defensive, controlling, jealous, or desperate for constant approval. Their fear of rejection often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, damaging the very relationships they desperately want to preserve. Perhaps the most heartbreaking cost of low self-confidence is not what individuals fail to accomplish but who they never become. Countless inventions go undiscovered because someone
fears speaking up. Businesses are never started. Books remain unwritten. Friendships never begin. Acts of kindness are withheld. Dreams quietly fade, not because they were impossible, but because doubt convinces someone not to try.
The truth is that self-confidence is not something people are born with or without. It is built one courageous decision at a time. Every difficult conversation, every new skill mastered, every setback overcome, and every small promise kept to oneself adds another brick to the foundation. Self-confident people have a growth mindset and learn from every failure and every success. When individuals believe they have value, they stop merely surviving and start flourishing. Self-confidence does not guarantee success, but it gives individuals the courage to pursue it. Often, that courage is what changes the course of a life. It is the quiet strength that changes everything. joneen@narme.org
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary and Colorado marks its 150th year of statehood, we have every reason to pause, reflect and celebrate the remarkable journey of our nation and our state.
Watching the Independence Day celebrations in Washington and the spectacular fireworks display reminded me how fortunate we are to live in the United States. It also reminded me how proud I am to have spent my career as a newspaper publisher.
Long before radio, television, the internet or smartphones, America’s first publishers carried the news of a growing nation. Working with hand presses and handset type, they printed newspapers one page at a time, often under difficult conditions.
Those newspapers carried the debates, declarations and ideas that shaped a new nation. Today, community newspapers remain vital to democracy by informing citizens, fostering accountability and strengthening civic engagement at the local level.
Among those early patriots was Benjamin Franklin,
a printer, newspaper publisher and our nation’s first Postmaster General. Franklin understood that a free people depend upon the free exchange of ideas. Newspapers became the thread that connected the colonies, carrying information across great distances and helping unite citizens in the cause of liberty.
BY BOB SWEENEY PUBLISHER
That tradition continues today.
While Americans have more ways than ever to communicate, we also face an overwhelming flood of information, opinion and misinformation. It is often difficult to separate fact from fiction. That is where community newspapers continue to serve an essential purpose. Today’s hometown newspapers have embraced modern technology, allowing readers to receive local news wherever they are—on computers, tablets and smartphones, as well as in traditional print. While the methods of delivery continue to evolve, our commitment to honest, accurate local journalism remains unchanged.
Equally important are the
readers who choose to subscribe. A paid subscription is far more than the purchase of a newspaper. It is a vote of confidence in the value of local journalism and an investment in a well-informed community. Subscribers make it possible for hometown newspapers to continue covering city halls, county commissioners, school boards, local businesses, nonprofits, churches and civic organizations. Their support helps preserve one of the fundamental pillars of our democracy—a free and independent local press.
Publishing a newspaper has never been easy. Rising production costs, higher newsprint prices, increasing postal expenses and the loss of printing facilities across the country continue to challenge local publishers. Yet newspapers endure because informed citizens remain essential to a free society.
Our nation’s founders understood that truth. Recognizing the importance of newspapers, the early Congress established favorable postal rates for periodicals so news could reach citi-
zens throughout the young republic. They believed an informed public was essential to preserving self-government.
Benjamin Franklin is widely credited with reminding his fellow Americans that they had been given “a republic, if you can keep it.”
Those words remain just as meaningful today.
Keeping our republic requires informed citizens, engaged communities and a free press willing to report honestly and fairly. Community newspapers continue to fulfill that responsibility every week in towns and cities across America.
As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday and Colorado’s 150th anniversary, let us also celebrate the hometown newspapers that have chronicled our history from the beginning and continue to tell the stories of our neighbors today.
A free press remains one of the cornerstones of a free nation. May it continue to inform, inspire and strengthen our republic for generations to come.
To find the solution, one must first identify the problem
Monetary policy mistakes we are suffering today, started in 2008. Fed Chair Ben Bernanke embarked on a new, unproven and dangerous policy called Modern Monetary Theory or MMT. The Fed Reserve’s FOMC abandoned Austrian Economics and embraced its opposite, MMT. Chairs Yellen and Powell followed. The new Chairman of the Fed Reserves, Kevin Warsh, says he will not. I pray he will reduce the amount of liquidity in the economy.
in the purchasing power or strength of the dollar.
More dollars in circulation, leads to less purchasing power of those dollars. Devaluing the dollar’s purchasing power leads to price inflation.
The Fed Reserve’s first objective is to hold the value of the dollar, do not let it decline. Excess money supply devalues the dollar’s purchasing power. That is the root of inflation.
MMT’s Achilles heal is the failed belief that the Fed Reserve could create unlimited amounts of currency (US Dollars) with no repercussions. The Fed embarked on Quantitative Easing in 2008 and created $8 Trillion new “dollars.”
What happens to a commodity when there is too much of it? Its value declines. Dollars are no exception.
When the Fed Reserve ballooned its balance sheet from $800 Billion to $9 Trillion, the end game was set. Economist Brian Wesbury calls this “abundant reserve.” Bankers call it excess liquidity. Bottom line: the number dollar in circulation makes a difference
As the value of the US Dollar declines, it can buy less. This caused price inflation (the buyer must give more dollars for the same commodify). Today’s inflation is not caused by scarcity but by dollar devaluation.
There are three parts to the MMT and QE puzzle: the Federal Reserve “printed” US Dollars (actually increased the amount of liquidity), the Treasury Department issued Treasury debt (bonds, bills and notes) and Congress spent the excess money on more government programs. Instead of living within our means, politicians decided to go into debt. They don’t pay that debt back, we do. So, why elect a politician that puts you into crushing debt?
The solution is simple, painful and absolutely mandatory. The Fed Reserve must reduce its balance sheet by destroying excess US Dollars (reducing Liquidity or money supply).
And now for the rest of the story…the Fed can’t just “print” a bunch of dollars, they need a counter entry provided by the Treasury Department. Each dollar created using Quantitative Easing (QE) is counter balanced by a Treasury Bond, Bill or Note. Debt.
Ergo, when the Fed destroys excess liquidity in the economy, the Department of Treasury must also redeem and retireTreasury debt instruments. We should rejoice because that means we citizens have less debt to pay off. Yes, we pay the debt when Treasury issues bonds and notes.
The third leg is Congress. It must severely reduce spending. The current, and past, level of federal spending is absolutely not sustainable. Everyone’s favorite pork project has to be cut. The size and scope of our government must be constrained.
Over the past century we have become addicted to deficit spending, going into debt more and more just to continue our profligate spending habits. Our politicians must
also live within its means. We individuals have this discipline in our own lives, now we must demand the same discipline of bureaucrats and politicians, of both parties.
Even with $38 Trillion in hard debt and another $40 Trillion in unfunded commitments, our private economy is strong enough to pay down this massive debt in a decade if we start now, by severely reducing spending and retiring federal debt instruments when they mature.
The formula is simple, limit federal spending to 2% below GDP and dedicate another 2% of tax revenue to actively paying down the debt. Neither bureaucrats nor politicians can be trusted to limit their spending on themselves. We citizens must do it. Future generations will appreciate this. We will have done our duty to pass along a Constitutional Republic.
Jay Davidson is founder and CEO of a commercial bank, a student of the Austrian School of Economics and a dedicated capitalist. There is a direct connection between individual right and responsibility, our Constitution, capitalism, and the intent of our Creator.
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The
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.
– Marcus Tullius Cicero
Western Conservative Summit is back! New location – CCU Campus
This summer, the future of American conservatism takes center stage at the Western Conservative Summit July 30-August 1, 2026, at Colorado Christian University (CCU).
This milestone Summit will consider A New Birth of Freedom: Reigniting the American Dream. As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and look toward the next 250 years of American exceptionalism, we will reflect, recommit, and rearticulate the intellectual foundations of American conservatism, rooted in the self-evident truths of the Declaration: that our rights come from God, not government; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and that government exists to secure these rights, not to grant or redefine them.
The weekend kicks off Thursday evening with the William L. Armstrong Award Dinner, followed by two full days of incredible programs and speakers, including Ben Sasse, Mike Pence, Daniel Hannan, and more.
Of special note are leading female voices spanning advocacy, legacy and new media to tout the pro-America message. Western Conservative Sum-
mit is bringing together some of the most recognized and fastest-rising female voices in American media – from legacy news stars to the podcasters reshaping how conservatives get their news. The lineup includes: Host of Saturday in America on FOX News and former White House Press Secretary – Kaleigh NcEnany; Host of the Sage Steele Show and former host of ESPN’s Sports Center – Sage Steele; Wall Street Journal columnist and Potomac Watch co-host Kimberly Strassel; Former NCAA swimmer and leading voice in the fight to preserve
fairness and safety for female athletes –Riley Gaines; Conservative commentator and digital media personality known for reaching young audiences – Isabel Brown; Founder and CEO of XX-XY Athletics, former national champion gymnast and Levi’s executive who left corporate life to build a brand defining women’s sports – Jennifer Sey; Founder of Stop Gender Ideology and Executive Director of Protect Kids Colorado after she discovered her 12-year-old daughter was socially transitioned at school without her knowledge – Erin Lee as well as Detransitioner and leading national advocate in the debate over youth gender medicine – Chloe Cole. See the full list of speakers and register now at WesternConservativeSummit.com.
Centennial Institute is Colorado Christian University’s think tank, mobilizing ideas on faith, family and freedom to strengthen America’s future. Colorado Christian University is a nonpartisan 501 (c) (3) organization that does not endorse or oppose and candidate or party for public office.
Nathan Yip Foundation hosts annual Sushi Party at AMG Dome in Greenwood Village
The not-be-missed summer party benefiting the Nathan Yip Foundation drew a crowd of sushi lovers and fans of Jimmy’s famous rum cake. Lynn Kitt and Melly Kinnard were surprised with being honored for their generous support of the Foundation.
Honorees each received an elegant bouquet from Bouquets
Drs. Larry and Cynthia Chan flank Zach Thomson
Gayle Ray, Deborah Dies and Mieko Nakamura
ABOVE: Janet Kritzer with Dr. Richard Cohn and his wife Susan Cooper
RIGHT: Stephanie and Kevin Tung, Honoree Lynn Luce Kitt, Honoree Melly Kinnard and Nathan Yip Foundation CoFounder Jimmy Yip
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of moisture and oxygen, and something magical occurs – rich organic soil.”
He continued, “It’s how everything has been recycled, since the beginning of time. Until we humans came around and started to put things we no longer wanted, into a landfill. That turned what was a circle of nature into a line, breaking the cycle.”
More than half the contents in today’s landfills are organic material, and that material, deprived of oxygen, rots, and results in methane gas, a larger contributor to the earth’s greenhouse gases than all the emissions from airline fuel. Besides reducing methane gas in the atmosphere, composting also traps carbon and helps the earth retain crucial moisture. Compost Colorado recently merged with two other local companies, Wompost and 5280 Waste Solutions. Together, they provide the only compostable waste collection service available today in Greenwood Village. They
also serve most of the Denver Metro Area, describing their mission as “to provide the opportunity to individuals, communities, businesses, cities, churches, schools, any number of organizations to easily divert their organic waste from landfills and get back the benefits of compost,” adding, “Our members get compost dividends every spring, after contributing their organics. You can make your own compost or give us your organic materials, and we will make it for you. Pick-up includes both kitchen organics and yard waste of varying amounts, depending on your need, and can be weekly or bi-weekly. If you’re out of town, you can get a credit by responding “skip” to a text message alert from Compost Colorado sent as a reminder the day before collection.”
Kaplan came to this field after teaching at Denver’s East High School. As the coach of the Speech and Debate team, he said, “I spent a lot of time finding out what young people were thinking about. They spoke a lot about the environment. They wanted to be a part of protecting the planet. Eventually, it always came down to the same question—kids wanted to know, ‘What are the adults doing about it?’” He named two publicly available movies that people can watch to learn more about composting: Carbon Cowboys and Kiss the Ground. At the close of the meeting, Doyle explained that his family collects organics in a
SCOTTIE IVERSON
BY FREDA MIKLIN SENIOR REPORTER
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9-time Colorado Press Association award winner Former Greenwood Village City Council Member GV resident since 1992 Mother of five graduates of Cherry Creek High School and college FMiklin.Villager@gmail.com
Election update
GOP nominee for governor looks to be Victor Marx
As of Monday, July 6 at 3:32 pm, Victor Marx had 206,477 votes statewide, compared to 204,527 for Barbara Kirkmeyer in the race for the Republican nomination for Colorado governor in November. While their totals were only separated by 1,950 votes out of 518,490 cast (including 107,486 for Scott Bottoms) that have been processed, those results will not generate an automatic recount of this race, although one can be performed if the party who wants it done is willing to pay for it.
The applicable state law provides for a recount if the difference between the two candidates whose vote totals are close is less than 0.5% of the total number of votes recorded for the candidate who is in the lead, in this case, Victor Marx. That calculated difference, for an automatic recount, based on the totals through July 6, would have had to be no more than 1,032, which is 0.5% of 206,477. The actual difference, using the prescribed method of calculating it, is 0.9%.
Looking at where Victor Marx’s support came from, it appears to be the state’s
GV
largest county and a slew of its smaller ones. Marx’s organization, All Things Possible Ministries, is based in El Paso County, which has the state’s largest population at 743,000 people. There, Marx bested Kirkmeyer, 42% to 34%, gathering 35,850 votes to her 28,512. Bottoms also made a respectable showing in El Paso County, picking up 20,362 votes, constituting
24% of those cast. In Denver, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Douglas, and Larimer Counties, five of the state’s seven largest by population, Kirkmeyer was the winner, mostly by ten points or more. In Adams County, Marx and Kirkmeyer were separated by just over 400 votes. What skews these results is that many of the counties with larger populations don’t nec-
essarily have large numbers of Republicans or Republican-leaning unaffiliated voters. What is clear from looking at the vote totals from across the state is that Marx had his strongest support in the rural areas, while Kirkmeyer bested him by at least ten points in Weld and Larimer Counties, which she has long represented.
The Villager will continue to report on this race until its results are official.
Description
of Coloradans who participated in the primary
As of July 6, 1,470,118 Coloradans voted in the June 30 statewide primary, constituting 37% of our state’s 4,027,400 active voters. Of the 1,345,131 ballots which had been processed as we went to press, 503,283, or 34% were cast in the Repub-
lican primary, and 837,868, or 57%, were cast in the Democratic primary. There were still 124,987 ballots that had been received but were not yet processed, according to the Secretary of State, and 3,980 that were voted for smaller political parties.
Of the 1,345,131 ballots that were processed, 478,726 came from the state’s 2,072,121 unaffiliated voters, who had the option of voting either of the major parties’ ballots; 27% of the unaffili-
ated voters who participated in the primary submitted Republican primary ballots and 73% submitted Democratic primary ballots.
Keeping with longstanding tradition, especially in primaries, of all the ballots cast by Democratic, Republican, and unaffiliated voters, 15% of the processed ballots through July 6 came from
those age 34 or younger and 41% came from those aged 65 or older.
Arapahoe County Commissioners hold serve Two Arapahoe County Commissioners seeking the Democratic nomination to run for a second four-year term claimed victory. In Arapahoe County District Two, incumbent Jessica Campbell beat back a challenge from former Cherry Creek School Board President Angela Garland handily, nearly doubling Garland’s vote total.
The other race for the Democratic nomination for county commissioner was in District Four, where incumbent Leslie Summey held off a respectable challenge from Maya Wheeler, who got 47% of the votes cast, compared to Summey’s 53%.
In House District 41, which includes parts of central and southwest Aurora, incumbent State Rep. Jamie Jackson bested challenger Anne Keke by eight points. Incumbent Democratic Majority Caucus Co-Chair Mandy Lindsay lost the primary to retain her seat to challenger Sarah Amelia Woodson by a two-to-one margin in House District 42, located in north-central Aurora.
will no longer allow citizens to honor loved ones with park bench plaques; future recognition will be limited to former city council members
Just over 30 years ago, Greenwood Village adopted a formal policy allowing donations to fund trees and benches in city parks “to memorialize a departed family member or friend, or to commemorate a special occasion.”
Sometime after 2007, the city began placing plaques on park benches and trees to honor former elected officials in its parks and along its trails. In 2024, GV created an internal guideline putting its policy of honoring former elected officials with plaques in writing.
At the July 6 Greenwood Village City Council meeting, Council Member Paul Wiesner introduced, and Council Member Ann Nelson seconded, “A Resolution Sunsetting the Memorial Tree and Park Donation Policy,” and replacing it with a new policy to “establish who qualifies for the Appreciation Tree and Park Bench dedication.”
The new policy states that “No further donations will be accepted for the placement of a bench or tree in Greenwood Village Parks or Trails.” It also says the city will continue allowing term-limited mayors and city councilmembers to choose either a bench or tree in recognition of their service.
During the discussion, GV Parks, Trails, and Recreation Director Suzanne Moore told council the city receives about six requests each year from residents seeking to donate a bench or tree in memory of a loved one. She said the city has 162 park benches, about 63 of which have memorial plaques, including 12 honoring former GV elected officials.
Council Member Bob Doyle said he did not object to honoring former mayors and council members but questioned why they should be the only people eligible
for recognition. He suggested the city “engage our community” by asking the GV Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to review the policy, starting with an inventory of benches in the city. Doyle said the review would take time, but that “The PTR Commission welcomes the opportunity to be involved more.” He added that there was no urgency to change the current policy and suggested the city should consider a more inclusive approach that could recognize longtime employees, residents, business leaders, and others who have made important contributions to the community.
Several council members said they agreed with much of Doyle’s point, including Council Member Donna Johnston, who noted, “We have some significant people in our community who weren’t even on city council,” and suggested that “some
more thought should be given.”
Mayor Pro Tem Libby Barnacle disagreed, saying, “I think there needs to be a way we sunset [the current memorial policy] and further limit things…We do not want our parks turning into cemeteries…I wouldn’t necessarily be open to members of the public. I think the highest level of public service is serving. We’re certainly not paid big bucks. We work our tails off. So I think eight years is absolutely deserving.”
Council Member Katrin Mezger said she did not believe the current policy was sustainable and should be sunsetted, noting that council could adopt a new policy later. Council Member Tom Stall concurred. Wiesner also agreed, adding, “If you guys want to come up with a more comprehensive plan [in the future], have at it.”
Doyle proposed the idea
of amending the proposed resolution to allow council to designate someone other than a council member for a plaque to recognize their contributions to the city. He said this was the time to add such language because, once adopted, the Resolution would likely be “out of sight and out of mind.” Mayor Lantz agreed the issue would likely be forgotten after passage of the proposed Resolution but said council could still act to honor someone later if it chose. Since it did not appear to have the necessary support, the amendment was not formally offered.
With seven council members present, Resolution 202026, Sunsetting the Memorial Tree and Park Bench Donation Policy and limiting future honors to term-limited GV elected officials, passed 6-1. Wiesner, Nelson, Barnacle, Johnston, Mezger, and Stall voted yes; Doyle voted no.
GOP candidate Victor Marx Commissioner Jessica Campbell
Commissioner Leslie Summey
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Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, the Democratic nominee for governor, has announced $12 million in grants to 27 organizations across the state from opioid settlement funds. The grants are for increasing Colorado’s rural and underserved behavioral health workforce, building recovery and re-entry systems for individuals caught in the justice system, preventing youth from falling into addiction by encouraging connections and healthy behaviors, supporting families, caregivers and children. Recipients include YMCA of Metropolitan Denver, Colorado FullCircle Recovery Centers, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, and Catholic Health Initiatives Colorado.
Cherry Hills Country Club will hold the 2027 Arnold Palmer Cup June 7-13, 2027. It is the second time CHCC will host the world’s top collegiate golfers in the tournament’s 31-year history, having previously done so in 2009. The prestigious Ryder Cup-style tournament features both U.S. and international teams comprised of the top men and women collegiate golfers. The event is distinguished by its inclusive format, with men and women competing together as teammates in mixed foursomes, singles, and four-ball matches. It is the only major golf competition of its kind, and includes 12 men and 12 women. The golf course at CHCC was revitalized in 2022. The last two major tournaments held there were the U.S. Amateur in 2023
and the BMW Championship in 2014.
The City of Greenwood Village has appointed the law firm of Michow Guckenberger Mcaskin LLP as its contracted Interim City Attorney. Kathie Guckenberger, who fills that role for the City of Cherry Hills Village, will also fill it for GV on an interim basis. Former GV City Attorney Tonya Haas-Davidson retired on April 30. Several weeks later, the other member of the GV law department, Assistant City Attorney Shannon Chambers-Nelson, resigned to accept a similar position with Commerce City.
PNC Bank, which took over FirstBank in Colorado on June 22 with a rocky start that
Upcoming
District 1 Meeting
We invite you to our upcoming District 1 meeting on Monday, July 13 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the YMCA Center of Generations, located at 6972 S. Vine Street #366.
Our agenda will include the following topics:
Budget Education Outreach
SPARK Centennial Streets at SouthGlenn and Festival Center Updates We look forward to seeing you!
resulted in multiple complaints from longtime FirstBank customers and long lines at branches, will close 18 branches in Colorado and Arizona, but all are PNC Bank locations. No FirstBank branches are being closed.
ANB Bank is running ads, trying to entice former FirstBank customers, pitching its local roots and even that it has attracted former FirstBank management to ANB. With 26 locations statewide, including four in Grand Junction, you can find ANB in this area at 8088 E. Union Avenue in Denver, in Cherry Creek on First Avenue, and at 7950 W. Alameda in Lakewood.
Happenings at Belleview Station:
Saturday, July 11
Live Music at Saverina from 5 pm – 8 pm
DJ Night at The Beer Garden at 7 pm
Live DJ at Halo Rooftop Bar 8 pm – 12 am Every Fri & Sat
Sunday July 12
People + Produce 9 am – 1 pm Every Sunday
Gun owners need to be aware of changes to the state’s gun laws passed by the general assembly.
HB26-1144 is now in effect, making it illegal to manufacture 3D-printed firearms or gun components. HB25-1133, passed last year, in also now in effect, requiring store that sell ammunition for firearms to keep it locked up. It also prohibits the sale of ammunition to anyone under 21, with specific exceptions.
Starting June 1, kids 0–18 can visit Arapahoe Libraries to choose a free book to keep. Find summer events at arapahoelibraries.org/ summer-reading
SCOTUS cleared way if Colorado OKs 109
WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that states can ban transgender women and girls from playing on female sports teams . . . . Twenty-seven states limit school sports for women and girls to athletes whose biological sex is female. In the remaining states, transgender athletes can compete on teams that align with their gender identity.
The court’s decision effectively upheld the state bans, but it doesn’t require other states to impose such restrictions.
President Trump on Tuesday hailed the opinion, saying in part that the court “just RULED AGAINST MEN PLAYING IN WOMEN’S SPORTS.”
—The Wall Street Journal, July 1, 2026
Donald Trump wasn’t the only supporter of the sanctity of girls and women’s sports to rejoice last week when the U. S. Supreme Court ruling upholding the right of states to protect female athletics was announced.
But his comment suggests a more sweeping decision than actually was reached.
Twenty-three states—including Colorado—still allow transgender females to share locker rooms with biological females and to utilize their biologically male advantages in competition with them.
Proponents of allowing transgender girls and women who compete with biological females argue that those trans athletes deserve an equal chance to participate. They ignore the obvious advantages of being biologically male.
Colorado voters—as liberal as they are—could settle the matter in favor of biological females later this year.
They’ll individually take positions in November on Initiative 109, which if passed, will add the state to the 27 already covered by last week’s Supreme Court ruling.
A “Yes” vote would nullify a Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) policy adopted in 2019 titled, “Transgender Inclusion Bylaw & Policy”. It reads, in relevant part:
“(CHSAA) recognizes the right of transgender student-athlete to participate in interscholastic activities free from unlawful discrimination based on sexual orientation. In order to insure (sic) appropriate gender assignment for purposes of athletic eligibility, a transgender student-athlete’s home school will perform a confidential evaluation to determine the gender assignment for the prospective student-athlete . . . “
Colorado Public Education Watch, which monitors and reports on K-12 and higher education policies, legislation and political movements within
the state, has produced a timeline of challenges to CHSAA’s transgender athlete policy, which effectively is the state’s position.
To date it traces a succession of failed attempts to protect female athletes:
The first effort came in March 2020 when HB 201273, termed the “Equality and Fairness in Youth Sport Act” is introduced in the Colorado Legislature. This attempt to override CHSAA’s policy fails to attract enough votes to pass.
In early 2023 House Bill 23-1098, called the “Women’s Rights in Athletics” is proposed. The House Committee on State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs indefinitely postpones consideration.
Early is 2024, Protect Kids Colorado tries to advance several anti-LGBTQ+ and restrictions-based initiatives. But the Colorado Title Board rejects them for various technicalities.
Fast forward to May 2025, and El Paso County School District 49 approves a policy named “Preserving Fairness and Safety in Sports” that bans transgender middle and high school students from girls’ sports teams.
At the same time District 49 files a lawsuit in federal district court arguing that CHSA’s transgender inclusion policy forces the district to choose between violating state non-discrimination law or violating federal Title IX guidelines. Seven other school districts and charter networks quickly join as co-plaintiffs.
Also in 2025, Initiative 109 is approved for signature-gathering, which if successful will put the matter of transgender athletes competing in girls sport to a vote. (Earlier this year, the citizen-driven solicitation— which collected almost 169,000 signatures—passes muster.)
Imitative 109 restricts participation in K-12 and collegiate school sports to a student’s biological sex and requires schools and athletic associations to designate teams and sports as girls, boys or co-ed.
In addition, Initiative 109 establishes an exception that allows a female student to participate on a male team if there is no female team available. It also prohibits a government entity or athletic association from investigating a school over maintaining separate sports for females.
In late March this year, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups launched a multimillion-dollar voter education campaign in opposition.
Election Day is November 3.
Denny Dressman writes a weekly sports column for The Villager. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@comcast. net.
Restaurant Reviews and Recipes with Food Columnist Jessica
jessbcarrington@gmail.com
250
MARINADE RECIPE
1 large clove garlic
3
1.5
1tsp. ground white pepper chopped green onions or chives
1/2 tsp
I double and triple this recipe depending on how many guests I’m serving, and the secret is to marinate your steaks up to 3 days in advance. The flavor is outstanding, Enjoy and happy 4th of July to all!
The Villager Newspaper has been awarded the BEST Public Notice Section 5 years running by the Colorado Press Association
1st place - 2018, 2021, 2023, 2024
2nd place - 2022 and the 2018 BEST Public Notice Section by the National Newspaper Association
DISTRICT COURT ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, CO 80112
Plaintiff: CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC,
v.
Defendants: David Alberto Wachsmann; Scott Turner in his official capacity as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; The Farm at Arapahoe County Homeowners’ Association, Inc.; and Michael R. Westerberg in his official capacity as the Public Trustee of Arapahoe County, Colorado.
Intervenor-Plaintiff: Guadalupe Soto, an individual,
v.
Intervenor-Defendants:
David Alberto Wachsmann, an individual, CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, Scott Turner in his official capacity as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; The Farm at Arapahoe County Homeowners’ Association, Inc.; and Michael R. Westerberg in his official capacity as the Public Trustee of Arapahoe County, Colorado.
Attorneys for Intervenor-Plaintiff
Guadalupe Soto: Daniel C. Nelson, #49904
Tyler D. Meurer, #56551
Goodspeed Merrill 9605 South Kingston Court, Suite 200 Englewood, CO 80112
Phone: 720-943-9033
Email: dnelson@ goodspeedmerrill.com
tmeurer@goodspeedmerrill.com
Case No. 25CV32383
Div: 31
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT DAVID ALBERT WACHSMANN:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of IntervenorPlaintiff Guadalupe Soto’s Amended Complaint filed with the court in this action, by filing with the clerk of this court an answer or other response.
You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after service of this summons upon you. Service of
this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of Intervenor-Plaintiff Guadalupe Soto’s Amended Complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.
If you fail to file your answer or other response to the Amended Complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be entered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the Amended Complaint without further notice.
This is a C.R.C.P. 105 action for judicial foreclosure in real property regarding the following real property.
LOT 25, BLOCK 1, THE FARM AT ARAPAHOE COUNTY, FILING NO. 7, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO,
known and numbered as 6598 S. Telluride St., Aurora, CO 80016. Dated June 5, 2026. Published in The Villager. First Publication: June 11, 2026. Last Publication: July 9, 2026. GOODSPEED MERRILL
s/ Tyler D. Meurer Daniel C. Nelson, #49904
Tyler D. Meurer, #56551 9605 S. Kingston Court, Suite 200 Englewood, CO 80112
Phone: (720) 473-7644
Email: dnelson@ goodspeedmerrill.com tmeurer@goodspeedmerrill.com
This summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4(g), Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.
Published in The Villager First Publication: June 11, 2026 Last Publication: July 9, 2026 Legal # 31401
DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 303-645-6600
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, Petitioner, IN THE INTEREST OF: ALEXIS THARP, Child, and concerning JACKLYNN THARP AND JAMES THARP, TRAVIS LEE
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE
Notice of Contractor’s
Pursuant to C.R.S. 38-26-107, notice is hereby given that on/or after the 11th day of June 2026 final settlement with Western States Reclamation LLC will be made by the City of Cherry Hills Village, for the 2025 Quincy Farm Pond Restoration Project, and that any person, co-partnership, association, company, or corporation who has an unpaid claim against any of the contractors for or on account of
COURTS
NORTHROPE, CHRISTOPHER ALLEN MARTIN AND BRANDON MASSEY, Respondents.
Katie Barnes, Reg. #35901
Assistant County Attorney 14980 E. Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 303-636-1883 (F) 303-636-1889
Case No: 23JV269 Division: 34
NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT
REGARDING RESPONDENT FATHERS, TRAVIS LEE
NORTHROPE, CHRISTOPHER ALLEN MARTIN AND BRANDON MASSEY
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an Adjudicatory Hearing and Default Judgement regarding RESPONDENT FATHERS, TRAVIS LEE NORTHROPE, CHRISTOPHER ALLEN MARTIN AND BRANDON MASSEY is set for August 3, 2026 at 8:45 a.m. in Division 34 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112. You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you.
In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and time indicated, the Petitioner, the People of the State of Colorado, will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child dependent and neglected in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code.
Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link:
•https://judicial.webex.com/meet/ D18-ARAP-Div34
•Enter your name and email address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.
•Select your audio setting. If the audio on your computer or tablet does not work, please use the alternate audio option of calling in to the number below.
If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-6507664. When prompted enter Access code: 2594 408 0614
then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed).
Dated July 5, 2026.
Katie Barnes, Reg. #35901
Assistant County Attorney Office of the County Attorney Arapahoe County Department of Human Services 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012
kbarnes@arapahoegov.com
Phone: 303-636-1289
Published in The Villager
Published: July 9, 2026 Legal # 31409
DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO 7325 South Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 303-649-6355 Telephone
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Petitioner,
In the Interest of:
KOA GUZMAN, Child, and concerning, BRITTANY GUZMAN AND JOHN DOE AND GRANT C. ALEXANDER, Respondents.
Katie Barnes, Esq. #35901
Assistant County Attorney Attorney for the People 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012 kbarnes@arapahoegov.com
Case No: 24JV391 Division: 34
NOTICE OF DEFAULT
ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND DISPOSITIONAL HEARING CONCERNING GRANT C. ALEXANDER
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Default Adjudication Hearing and Dispositional Hearing regarding GRANT C. ALEXANDER is set on August 12, 2026 at 10:45 a.m. in Division 34 at the Arapahoe County District Court, 7325 South Potomac Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112.
You have the right to be represented by an attorney during these proceedings; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. In the event you fail to appear for said hearing at the date and
time indicated, the Petitioner, the People of the State of Colorado, will request that the Court enter a default judgment against you and adjudicate the child dependent and neglected and adopt the prepared treatment plan for you in accordance with the Colorado Children’s Code, or to determine that there is no appropriate treatment plan.
The Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco WebEx Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link:
•https://judicial.webex.com/meet/ D18-ARAP-Div34
•Enter your name and email address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.
•Select your audio setting. If the audio on your computer or tablet does not work, please use the alternate audio option of calling in to the number below. •If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-650-7664. When prompted enter Access code: 2594 408 0614 then press #, # (no attendee ID is needed).
If you elect
FOXFIELD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Board of Directors of Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA) at 1:30 p.m. on July 15, 2026, in the office of SEMSWA, 7437 South Fairplay Street, Centennial, Colorado 80112, to consider the adoption of certain regulations as they relate to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) issued Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Permit. The hearing shall consider the approval of a revised Grading, Erosion, and Sediment Control (GESC) Manual. Any interested elector or property owner within SEMSWA’s boundaries may attend and comment on the proposed standards and regulations which may be inspected at the office of SEMSWA or on its website www. semswa.org.
Published in The Villager Published: July 9, 2026 Legal # 31413
available for public inspection by contacting the Town Clerk at 303-680-1544 or clerk@townoffoxfield.com. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS MAY ATTEND
Published in The Villager Published: July 9, 2026 Legal # 31412
CITY OF CENTENNIAL OFFICE MOVIE NIGHTS
Applications open for the Neighborhood Engagement Grant, and residents can rescue movie night kits. Apply at Centennialco.gov/ movies for use between May 22 and Sept. 4. A $250 refundable deposit is required.
MUSEUM OF OUTDOOR ARTS
MADDEN GALLERY “BEYOND THE WESTERN HORIZON”
MARCH 19-JULY 31. Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat. to be announced.
CENTRAL CITY OPERA AMERICA
2026
The Festival runs JUNE 27-AUG. 2 in the 550-seat opera house in Central City. This is the 70th Anniversary of the Ballad of Baby Doe World Premiere. The season features three MainStage productions - Mozart’s the Marriage of Figaro, the Ballad of Baby Doe and Master Class - alongside the return of CCO in concert and the debut of the St. James Chamber series. Tickets: Call 303-2926700.
2ND ANNUAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM OF THE ROCKIES GOLF TOURNAMENT
MON., JULY 13. Info: Call 303-488-0018
SECOND ANNUAL AMERICA’S MILITARY HEROES GOLF EVENT
MON., JULY 27, Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course benefiting Semper Fl and America’s Fund. Be a golfer, non-golfer, sponsor a hole or District Challenge. Call 301-404-2706 or militaryheroesgolf@gmail.com
WESTERN CONSERVATIVE SUMMIT
Join the Centennial Institute for the 2026 Western Conservative Summit, JULY 30-AUGUST 1, 2026, at Colorado Christian University, as we reflect, recommit, and rearticulate the intellectual foundations of conservatism for the next 250 years of American exceptionalism. The weekend kicks off Thursday evening with the William L. Armstrong Award Dinner, followed by two full days of incredible speakers and workshop sessions. Register now at WesternConservativeSummit.com.
QUEEN’S TEA 2026 BENEFITING THE MS. COLORADO SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT
SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 2 –5 p.m. Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course – Antero Ballroom. 23155 E. Heritage Parkway, Aurora 80016. Enjoy an afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches, sweet
treats, live entertainment, and silent & live auctions. Wear your favorite tea party attire and fabulous hat while supporting the nonprofit Ms. Colorado Senior America organization. Tickets: $40 General Admission | $50 VIP. Tickets: https://mcsap2026queenstea.eventbrite.com.
Info: Terri Mongait (720) 467-4143 terri@ beginagainranch.com
CLUB NEWS
OPTIMIST CLUB OF MONACO SOUTH
FRIDAYS from 7-8 a.m. for the pasts 49 years. American Legion Hall, Yale & I-25. Call Frank 303-759-9232 for a free breakfast. Have fun meeting new friends and an opportunity to give back to the community.
DENVER LIONS CLUB MEETINGS
Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 12 noon at the American Legion Hall, I-25 & Yale. Interested in joining? Call Bob, 720-313-9741.
ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB MEETINGS
Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 a.m. At Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway,Englewood. Info: Gail 720-3777682.
WHAT’S NEW?
ARAPAHOE COUNTY HIRING BIPARTISAN ELECTION JUDGES
For the June & Nov. elections. Flexible schedules, variety of positions open, open to citizens from any county. Go to jobs. ArapahoeCo.gov or call 303-795-4511
SIGN UP FOR JOB ALERTS
Arapahoe County is hiring. Visit jobs. arapahoeco.gov. This is a new site.
“BLACK BASEBALL’S HEYDAY”
Capturing an Era in Art and Words, Written by Villager author Denny Dressman and Art by Anthony High. Pre-Order Now! https:// www.mcfarlandbooks.com/product/BlackBaseballs-Heyday/
RENEW YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Renewal kiosks are fast, easy and issue you tags on the spot? Go to COMVExpress.com to find a location near you.
BUSINESS NEWS
OLIVER’S HOST A CELEBRATION
Host a celebration on the full-private terrace.
Accommodates 60 guest seated for dinner or up to 85 guests for a cocktail reception.
RSVP: nicole@oliveritalian.com
ASH & AGAVE RESTAURANT
NOW OPEN
Inspired by the shores of the Mexican Riviera-bringing coastal Mexican flavor to the table where smoke, salt, and citrus lead the way. Fresh seafood and fire-kissed meats. Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Lower Level near Neiman Marcus. 720-464-3819.
RODIZIO GRILL “THE BRAZILIAN STEAK HOUSE”
LOCATED IN THE DTC AT 125 & Dry Creek and Downtown Denver, 18th & Wynnkoop
FIRST AMERICAN STATE BANK
Locally Owned and operated. 8390 E. Crescent Parkway, Suite 100, Greenwood Village.
MOVET - PRIMARY CARE
VETERINARY SERVICES
In Home, In Clinic or Virtual. Locally woman owned business. 4912 S. Newport St., Denver. Call 720-507-7387 MovetCare.com
NEED AN ATTORNEY?
Call Donald Peterson for a free telephone or video consultation. 303-758-0999.
Email: Donald@PetersonLaw.Co. Located at 5675 DTC Boulevard, Suite 250, Greenwood Village.
AISLYN DERMATOLOGY
Dr. Aislyn Nelson MD, PhD dermatologist is located in Lincoln Medical Center, 11960 Lioness Way, Ste. 225, Parker. 719-9920127. www.aislynderm.com “We Do It All.”
JOSHUA TREE EXPERTSCERTIFIED ARBORISTS
Schedule a Winter Arborist Inspection to develop a tree care plan for the winter time.303-229-8777. www. joshuatreeexperts.com/denver-south-co
ROGERS & SONS INC.ELEVATED CLIMATE CONTROL
Curated Cooling & A/C Services; Radiant Heating & Snow Melt Integration; WholeHome Humidification and more. Private Consultations: 720-408-7411. https:// rogershvac.com
CARLA’S A CLASSIC DESIGN
From unique gifts to festive decor. Shop small and local at The Streets at Southglenn, 6851 S. Gaylord St., Centennial. 303-6830372
GE TREE SERVICE
Trusted & Reliable for 20 years. A Certified Arborist, Licensed & Insured, Family Owned & Operated.Free estimates. Call 303-5002017. www.coloradotreeremoval.com
COWBOY MOVING & STORAGE
Commercial & Residential Moves - Also, load & hold. Call 303-789-2200.
THE AUDIOLOGY METHOD
Schedule a hearing test. 7180 - E. Orchard Rd., Ste. 302, Centennial. 720-457-5113.
HOST YOUR EVENT AT THE JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT FREE ENTERPRISE CENTER In Greenwood Village. Events @ JARockyMountain.org
CHERRY HILLS ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE 6325 S University. Blvd., Centennial. Call for
Tour 720-592-0252
PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION + MORE
5 Star Google Reviews. Transportation Executive Services LLC. Call 720-969-5386.
ST. ANDREW’S VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING
Upscale dining, engaging events and activities. Call 720-684-5913. Located at 133801 E. Yale Ave., Aurora.
SEMION BARBERSHOP FOR ALL - MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN 5910 S. University Blvd., Greenwood Village. 720-531-3998.
THE EYEWEAR COLLECTION
Owner Aaron Mozes is a CCHS graduate. Comprehensive Eye Exams, Eyeglasses, Contacts. 5910 S. University. Blvd., Unit D4, Greenwood Village.
BKC KITCHEN & BATH
Free consultation & estimate. Visit showroom at 4151 S. Natches Ct., Englewood. 303-7617477.
FALL PARTIES/EVENTS? BOOK TODAY
Rocky Mountain Valet. Visit www. rockymntvalet.com
KIMPTON CLARET HOTEL
Host your next special event at The Kimpton Claret. www.clarethotel.com
PARKSIDE VILLAGE
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
14501 E. Crestline Drive, Aurora. Lunch is on us - schedule your tour today. 720-315-7778 or visit ParksideVillageRetirement.com
5 rules for investing in retirement
Managing your portfolio with new risks and priorities in mind takes careful planning and regular monitoring. Here are tips from Merrill on how to get started.
Heads up: Investing in retirement is not the same as investing for retirement. All the smart strategies you used to accumulate enough for retirement will likely need adjusting as you enter the next chapter of your life.
Think of it as a shift in perspective from investing for the really long term to being much more prepared for shorter-term risks. “If anything, investing in retirement is a bit more complex, given the variety of potential risks and uncertainties,” says Anil Suri, a managing director in the Chief Investment Office (CIO) for Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank.
So where do you begin? It can start with a thorough portfolio review with your advisor, ideally at least three years before you retire. After you retire, plan to revisit your portfolio quarterly and keep these five investing guidelines in mind.
1. Review your asset allocation with new risks in mind.
In mid-career, you could afford to be aggressive with your portfolio. When you are drawing down those assets after you retire and have less time to recover from market drops, a more conservative approach may make sense. Still, being too conservative heightens the risks of outliving your money and failing to keep pace with cost-of-living increases. Consider that even a modest annual inflation rate of 2.5% would erode the spending power of a dollar by 46% over a 25-year period, according to calculations by the CIO.
Ask your advisor whether your current fixed income and dividend stock investments are sufficient to supply you with the income you will need, given the potential for inflation and market volatility. Will your current asset allocation provide enough potential growth to cover another 20 years or more? Finding the right balance for your personal situation is key.
2. Prioritize your immediate cash needs.
If your noninvestment income (Social Security, a pension, income from a part-time job) covers all or most of your essential expenses healthcare, housing and so on you can take on more investing risk. If not, you may want to have more of your investments in lower-risk assets, such as U.S. Treasuries, high-grade corporate bonds or annuities.
“You want a high level of certainty around the investments that are supporting your essential lifestyle,” Suri says. “Beyond that, you need to pursue more growth.” Keep in mind that you may end up spending more than you anticipated in retirement. Some 45% of retirees report spending more than they had expected, according to the 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey from the Employee Benefits Research Institute and Greenwald Research.1
3. Do not abandon stocks. While stocks are susceptible to shortterm price swings, they also give you the best chance of staying ahead of inflation and helping your money last. While you may have previously felt comfortable with an aggressive equity allocation, you and your advisor could now find that a more balanced allocation, say 50% to stocks and 50% to bonds, offers the greatest likelihood of providing you with the growth you need, according to the CIO. An all-cash portfolio leaves you at greater risk of running out of money.
4. Prepare for volatility, especially early in your retirement. Volatility can be especially damaging early in retirement. When you are investing for retirement, you are likely contributing regularly to your retirement plan. Once you retire, however, you are not only withdrawing funds, but you are also no longer making fresh contributions.
1 EBRI and Greenwald Research, “2025 Retirement Confidence Survey,” 2025. money sense
You need to guard against what is called sequence of returns risk. It is what happens when a steep market drop in the first few years of retirement forces you to draw down stocks at depressed prices. Withdrawing more than you had intended could have an outsized impact on your remaining wealth. Having cash and short-term bonds on hand can help you navigate down markets, says Nevenka Vrdoljak, a managing director in the CIO. “Adding more guaranteed income could also help minimize sequence of returns risk,” she adds.
5. Stick to your plan and review it regularly.
Creating a solid retirement investment strategy is one thing. Sticking to it is another, and our emotions can sometimes cause us to act too hastily when markets get volatile, particularly in retirement. In fact, because investors tend to buy and sell at inappropriate times, their actual returns often lag the overall market.
An advisor can help you avoid emotional mistakes, and reviewing your plan regularly with your advisor can also help you feel more in control. “One of the greatest threats to a secure retirement is the failure to have a plan,” Vrdoljak says. Developing a retirement investing plan and sticking to it may be the most important rule there is.
For more information, contact Merrill Financial Advisor Andrew Neal in the Greenwood Village, CO, office at 303.689.8043 or andrew.neal@ml.com.
Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).
MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.
Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.
This information should not be construed as investment advice and is subject to change. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be either a specific offer by Bank of America, Merrill or any affiliate to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service that may be available. The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered brokerdealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). Investment products offered through MLPF&S, and insurance and annuity
through MLLA.: