The Investment Issue
BREATHE EASIER
Investing in Ourselves
We are oftentimes conditioned to frequently put others ahead of ourselves. However, I think it’s important for us to question this notion.
I’m not advocating for people to be totally selfish or to entirely disregard other people’s wants and needs. But I don’t believe we should completely sacrifice our own well-being and needs in the process. You know how the saying goes: you can’t take care of others without first tak ing care of yourself.
I challenge you all to think about how you are prioritizing yourself. How are you investing in yourself and your self-care? Maybe that’s joining a gym and regularly exercising. Maybe that’s looking ahead and building up your retirement funds. Or maybe it’s seeing an integrative medicine practitioner for any health concerns.
The one person we will always live with is ourselves. So, how do you feel about yourself? How do you treat yourself? Are you doing everything you can to create the fulfilling life you want during your time in this physical realm?
As we progress further into 2025, I hope we all take the time to pause and reflect on the various ways we can invest in ourselves and start building the lives we desire.
SHEN WU TAN, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @LOVELANDANDSOUTHLIFESTYLE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Desiree Gustafson | desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Shen Wu Tan | shenwu.tan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Joshua Lewis, Shen Wu Tan, Adriana Karagozian
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Monica Jean Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Enroll in Power Peak Rewards
HOW IT WORKS
When everyone is using electricity all at once, like during hot summer afternoons, we call on our Power Peak Rewards members to reduce strain on the grid while keeping you comfortable.
YOUR REWARDS
Earn one $50 bill credit for enrolling. Receive an annual $30 Participation Reward after the cooling season.
Must be a PVREA member with central air conditioning or a heat pump and working Wi-Fi to participate.
Get incentives to use less energy when others are using more.
Learn more & enroll online at www.pvrea.coop/power-peak-rewards
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN
1: Pulse Fiber Internet’s mascot, Glow, visited the Little Fairy Tales Story Time at Forge Campus. 2: Fossil Ridge High School students assembled computers for their classes under the Empower Grant program. 3: Little Miss Valentine & Little Mr. Cupid Contest 4: Little Miss Valentine & Little Mr. Cupid Contest 5: Layman Lewis Financial Group hosted the "Psychology of Retirement" movie at the MetroLux Dine-In Theatre. 6: Layman Lewis Financial Group hosted a lunch educational event about tariffs, taxes, and trade wars. 7: Hearts around the HUB
KINSTON CENTERRA
MONICA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY
MONICA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY
POUDRE VALLEY REA
PULSE FIBER
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Healing with Intention Hosted Its First Community Grief Circle
Healing with Intention Integrative Medicine held its first community grief circle at Resilient Soul Yoga. The event allowed attendees a chance to deep dive into and honor their grief – “one of the equalizers of human experience” as no one is immune to it – in a collective setting.
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Local Sheriff's Deputy Recognized as "Law Officer of the Year"
Deputy Andrea Maxwell of the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office won the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s “Law Officer of the Year” award. Last year, she became widely recognized for her work on several animal abuse and neglect cases within the area’s agricultural community. She also helped develop partnerships with Colorado State University and its veterinary diagnostic team, which assisted with agricultural crimes.
From Scratch Farm Celebrates Lots of New Wins
Dan Karagozian is the new Chef de Cuisine and Head of Operations at From Scratch Farm. The business also recently established the From Scratch Farm Academy, a chance for interested individuals to participate in farm and cooking classes offered semi-monthly. Those interested can visit scratch-farm.com/education. Additionally, From Scratch Farm has been accepted into the Larimer County Farmers Market and will be launching its new farm wear.
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Photography by Healing with Intention Integrative Medicine
Photography by Colorado Cattlemen's Association
Photography by From Scratch Farm
Ouzel Creative Certified StoryBrand Coach
Ouzel Creative's StoryBrand certification recently updated from guides to coaches. Ouzel Creative builds value into your brand and increases your revenue as a certified coach by using StoryBrand framework to create a winning marketing strategy. Your customers' experience will be transformed in a way that accelerates your business growth. Book a free 15-minute coaching call at OuzelCreative.studio to start getting the customers you want. - Katy Delehoy Scan to read more
Photography by Ouzel Creative
Healing with Intention Integrative Medicine
Dr. Sonny Miles
"Your body is speaking. Are you listening? Learn to trust your inner wisdom and transform your health from within."
Get your free guide to whole health here!
PLAN YOUR best future
JUST LIKE A DREAM VACATION, YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE NEEDS PLANNING— INVEST IN YOURSELF TODAY!
ARTICLE BY JOSHUA LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN JOHNSON
As the summer season is quickly approaching, many Americans are turning their attention to the upcoming travel season. There are numerous articles and statistics illustrating that planning a vacation can be a time-consuming ordeal. However, when vacation time becomes increasingly valuable, most recognize that dedicating time before the trip can certainly maximize our time away from home. According to Travelwires.com, in the 45 days prior to booking a trip, travelers spent an average of 303 minutes per day perusing travel-related content before booking their trip. That’s more than 5 hours a day, and the average American views over 277 pages of travel-related materials in those preceding 45 days. It’s clear that when things are important to us, planning becomes paramount.
When you unpack these numbers, I draw some interesting conclusions. Based on the averages, we spend 13,635 minutes, or over 227 hours, planning a vacation that lasts, on average, one week. In other words, we spend almost 9.5 days planning for a 7-day vacation. Statistically, the average American receives approximately 14 days of vacation time per year, equating to almost 19 days of planning, comparing, and scrolling through the internet to make the most of our coveted vacation time. This highlights a paradox: we’re willing to dedicate significant time, energy, and resources to plan for a relatively short period.
I don’t say this to admonish this behavior—vacations are important. They represent a significant investment of time and money, generating invaluable returns in the form of memories and experiences. We all deserve that break, whether it’s a tropical getaway, a weekend road trip, or a family reunion. The effort involved is worthwhile. However, when viewed through the lens of an investment advisor—someone focused on planning for the retirement years of individuals nearing the workforce exit—I see some stark contrasts between the time spent on vacation planning and financial planning.
According to a recent article from The Motley Fool, only 3% of Americans engaged in any type of financial planning on an average day in 2022. This figure has steadily declined since the early 2000s, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Some of this can be attributed to
age and what we deem more pressing in our lifetimes. The average 30-year-old may regularly take vacations but might see retirement as a distant proposition without urgency. So, when viewed from an age demographic perspective, it’s not surprising that just 2.2% of Americans aged 35 to 44 engage in some form of financial planning, compared to 5.8% of those 65 and older.
This trend becomes more evident: as we get closer to retirement, we dedicate more time, energy, and resources to financial planning. But life rarely adheres to the ideal timeline. According to The Motley Fool Ascent survey, 24% of respondents engaged in “crisis budgeting” or urgent financial planning when faced with unexpected expenses or loss of income. This reactive approach to financial planning is a significant source of stress. Additionally, several surveys indicate that less than 50% of Americans can afford a $1,000 emergency expense, and this number is rising. Inflation, property tax increases, and rising fuel costs contribute to this. The decline in time spent on financial planning all adds up—pun intended. So, I ask: if rising costs are stressing us, why aren’t we responding by committing more time and resources to ensure financial stability when unexpected things happen? That’s what an emergency fund is for.
This is where investing in yourself becomes paramount. Just as you dedicate time to planning your vacation, consider dedicating time to your personal growth and financial well-being. Investing in yourself can take many forms—whether it’s developing new
skills, furthering your education, improving your health, or increasing your financial literacy. Learning about budgeting, understanding investment strategies, and setting long-term goals are essential to enhancing your future stability. When you allocate time and resources to improving your knowledge and financial preparedness, you’re not just securing your retirement; you’re giving yourself the confidence and peace of mind to navigate life’s uncertainties.
Now, I recognize that many of you are doing your best to juggle all the tasks of the day while still putting dinner on the table. But we’re heading down a path of increasing financial fragility. Much of this can be attributed to how we view spending versus saving. Unfortunately, society is fixated on social media and showcasing highlight reels to strangers on the internet. But if we continue to spend money we don’t have on things we don’t need to impress people we don’t know, the course will never be corrected. These activities become habits, then patterns, and ultimately shape our financial behaviors. Changing this mindset isn’t easy, but longterm success requires long-term planning. For some, this means embracing the concept of delayed gratification.
This is why, when we meet a new family at our office, we ask about their goals—both short-term and long-term. If you don’t have any goals, it’s time to set them and define them with deadlines. Goals need to be attainable and meaningful. Establishing a budget is a key driver of how much you can spend, but more importantly, CONTINUED >
how much you can save. Not to belabor the point, but planning for emergencies and preparedness reduces the financial impact and emotional toll of those emergencies. Managing debt is also crucial, as debt is a tool—improperly used tools can be harmful. As these elements come together, they can be refined, and you can begin investing for the long term—saving for retirement and planning for taxes. All of these actions will sharpen your financial literacy, so as you build wealth, you’ll be better equipped to maintain and grow it.
Let me ask you this: if the average American spends just 1.8 minutes on financial planning per day, that’s about 632 minutes over the course of 351 days. Why 351? Because the other 14 days are spent on vacation, not thinking about financial planning! That’s less than 5% of the time we spend planning our one-week vacation. Meanwhile, the average retirement in the U.S. can last upwards of 25 years. If we shift our focus to long-term goals and break them into manageable pieces, planning for retirement becomes less daunting. Additionally, starting to invest and save sooner allows our money to appreciate and benefit from the 8th wonder of the world—compound interest.
In conclusion, I encourage you to invest in yourself, define your goals, and put a plan in place. Then, sit down with a financial professional to put all your goals, income, investments, tax liabilities, and legacy plans into context with a written retirement plan that you can understand and work toward for long-term financial success. This way, you can enjoy the longest vacation of them all—retirement!
"Investing in yourself can take many forms—whether it’s developing new skills, furthering your education, improving your health, or increasing your financial literacy. When you allocate time and resources to improving your knowledge and financial preparedness, you’re not just securing your retirement— you’re giving yourself the confidence and peace of mind to navigate life’s uncertainties."
This article is meant to be general and is not investment or financial advice. Please consult your financial advisor before making financial decisions.
Investment advisory products and services are available through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is no indication of future results. Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. Neither AEWM nor its agents or representatives provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult a qualified professional before making purchasing decisions. Layman Lewis Financial Group is not affiliated with the U.S. government or any governmental agency. 2911686 - 3/25
Navigating the Labyrinth to Self-Care and Wellness
Healing with Intention Integrative Medicine Aims to Guide Patients to Well-Being and Joy
ARTICLE BY SHEN WU TAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY
The trek to optimal health and joy is like a labyrinth, filled with a contorted network of paths.
Dr. Sonny Miles, physician and founder of Healing with Intention Integrative Medicine, navigated through this complicated maze herself prior to opening her integrative medicine practice.
After earning her medical degree, she worked as a doctor in the traditional healthcare system for years. While working with seriously ill patients, she realized she wanted more out of life and work than she was able to have working full time in that environment. However, starting her own practice brought up significant financial worries, anxiety, and even grief over the fact that this medical career wasn’t exactly what she envisioned.
But with a lot of coaching, deep inner work, and her support networks, Dr. Sonny learned to
trust herself again and dreamed up her current practice. She established Healing with Intention Integrative Medicine as an LLC in August 2022. About a year later, she opened the doors to her brick-and-mortar business in downtown Loveland. In April, her podcast “Your Life Is the Medicine” will go live on various platforms.
With Dr. Sonny, it’s about working through an individual’s wounds and exploring what treatment modalities resonate with each person. These modalities could include breath work, movement, mindfulness, herbs, nutrition, sleep, and more.
“I’m a bridge between conventional and complementary medicine. I’m here to say here’s a different way to think about your health or here’s a different modality. While we work on your body,
we also work on your life, to help facilitate healing and restore wellness,” she says. “My approach to healing is that healing is the journey, right? We don’t arrive at ‘healthy.’… So, working with me is really investing in that process.”
The healing journey with her may be a longer, more thorough process as she directs clients to discover what’s essential for their self-care.
“My approach is I’m the guide, but you’re really the only one who knows what feels good in your body,” Dr. Sonny says. “It is a co-creative process of a healing journey. So, the investment is time, it’s money, it is your energy to say I’m actually going to do something different, and I’m going to go on a healing journey.”
The physician takes an inner world and outer world approach to healing backed by a belief that our mental health is strongly connected to our physical health.
So, where does the path to healing start with Dr. Sonny?
It begins with an in-depth initial consultation with her where she dives into patients’ medical records, allows them to share their stories, and hears what needs healing.
Then clients will stop and reflect on where they are and what works for them and what doesn’t, which naturally leads them to think about what changes they could make.
“If we think about your life as the medicine, what’s the first thing we need to start shifting?” Dr. Sonny says. “My approach is that little changes over time create transformation…. And this idea that we can make these small shifts, so one percent
“I think the question for everyone is: how are we investing in ourselves? Health wise? Growth wise? Happiness or joy wise? What do we need to be better, to live better, to thrive?”
or one degree of shift today and maybe one degree of shift next week or next month, and if we can stick with those because they are small…you can end up in a totally different place over time.”
Yet, if it’s challenging to make these shifts, then oftentimes people need help.
Now, Dr. Sonny doesn’t just merely advocate for investment in health and self-care for her patients, but also practices it herself.
She finds balance and well-being by creating a life that allows her to ride her horses, walk or hike outside, participate in women’s circles, prioritize sleep, and eat three meals a day, among other things. She invests in her own self care, such as treating herself to massages or seeing a chiropractor.
“I think the question for everyone is: how are we investing in ourselves? Health wise? Growth wise? Happiness or joy wise? What do we need to be better, to live better, to thrive?” Dr. Sonny asks rhetorically. “Think of how you are investing in your physical health, but also how are you investing in your overall joy in life?”
While people might not be able to meet their needs all of the time, the goal is to strive to meet them the majority of the time and realize how to get to that place. To reach that destination, it’s possible that Dr. Sonny might be a part of steering patients out of the labyrinth.
“My hope is to serve more people, to really help people connect to themselves and find sort of a home in their bodies,” she says. “We often have an adversarial relationship with our bodies, so really finding some ease with our bodies and creating lives that fulfill and sustain us.”
“My hope is to serve more people, to really help people connect to themselves and find sort of a home in their bodies.”
FlyFitness
ARTICLE BY ADRIANA KARAGOZIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY
An Investment in Strength, Community, and Self
For many, fitness is more than a workout—it’s an investment. It’s an investment in health, in community, and, perhaps most importantly, in oneself. At Fly Fitness in Loveland, Owner Staci Lawson and Chief Financial Officer Lauryn O’Donnell have built a space where members don’t just break a sweat—they break barriers, push limits, and find support in an environment that welcomes everyone, regardless of where they are on their fitness journey.
“Community is a huge part of what we do,” Staci shares. “We want to build a community. We want everybody to feel welcome no matter where they are in their fitness journey, whether they’ve never worked out, or whether they’re a lifelong fitness person.”
At Fly Fitness, the philosophy is simple: “Everyone is someone.” It is a space where authenticity is embraced, and each person is welcomed as they are.
“We want everyone to feel welcomed and come as their authentic selves and be accepted in the space,” Staci says.
For Staci, opening Fly Fitness was about taking a leap—an investment not only in a business but in herself. After 30 years as a hairstylist, she was ready for a change. With her children grown, she decided it was time to step outside of her comfort zone and pursue something that had always been a passion: fitness.
“I wanted to make a change in my life and do something different. This was a really big leap for me as a personal investment, just in investing in myself, taking that leap of trying to do something different for me that was outside of my family or my kids.… As a mom, you spend years doing things that revolve around how this is going to impact your kids. I think it was kind of the first time since before I had children that I looked beyond that. It was my investment in myself, doing something out of my comfort zone.”
For Lauryn, Fly Fitness’ CFO, it represented an investment in the Loveland fitness scene, bringing something fresh and necessary to the area.
“There was definitely a gap in the Loveland fitness arena. When Fly opened, it was such a great community. It was super welcoming.”
Beyond personal growth, Staci and Lauryn see Fly Fitness as a meaningful addition to the Loveland community. They believe in giving back and creating an inclusive space where people feel supported beyond just their physical health.
“It’s always our goal to bring in the outside community,” Lauryn shares. “One thing that we just did in December, we had a Fly’s Weekend of Giving. Instructors were able to pick a charity of their choice, and they dedicated their time and taught a class for free, allowing the class to be donation based.”
CONTINUED
“OUR ENERGY IS POSITIVE. OUR VIBE IS ELECTRIC. WE MAKE EVERYBODY FEEL LIKE SOMEBODY. WE LET GO OF THOUGHTS THAT DON'T MAKE US STRONG. OUR TRUTH IS AUTHENTICITY. WE HAVE NOTHING TO PROVE. WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO ASPIRE TO BE AWESOME, SEEKING OPPORTUNITIES AND REJECTING EXPECTATIONS TOGETHER AND AS INDIVIDUALS, WE ARE AMAZING. WE ARE FLY.”
Lauryn’s passion for wellness isn’t focused solely on physical health. “I have a passion for keeping people healthy, whether that’s physically or mentally. I think it’s really important for our community. Life is hard, and people struggle in different ways, and it’s a great place for people to come together and get what they need to help them maintain their health goals.”
With boutique fitness studios often requiring a financial commitment, Staci and Lauryn understand the importance of value. What sets Fly Fitness apart is the personal attention, the variety of workouts, and the ability to disconnect from daily stress while working out.
“There is going to be a little bit of a financial commitment, but you’re getting so much more personal attention in the classes and support,” Lauryn explains. “You can go into a class and turn your brain off. You don’t have to think about one thing.”
For Staci, Fly Fitness isn’t just about the physical benefits—it’s about the mental and emotional ones, too. “The mental health component is huge.”
From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to carefully crafted class patterns that hit all major muscle groups, Fly Fitness is designed for efficiency and effectiveness. But beyond the workouts, it is a place of connection, belonging, and strength in all forms.
At the heart of Fly Fitness is a belief system that isn’t just all about physical fitness. It’s about self-improvement, confidence, and empowerment.
“We want everybody to really get out of their head and be able to come into this space and just enjoy the space for the hour that they’re here, and leave their phones behind,” Staci says. “We don’t bring phones in unless we’re doing some video in the studio.”
For those seeking a place to grow stronger— physically, mentally, and within their community— Fly Fitness is more than a gym. It’s an investment in self, connection, and a lifestyle that fosters strength in every way.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
VARIOUS DATES FROM APRIL 10TH - JUNE 8TH
Bright Star
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr., Johnstown, CO 80534 | 6:00 PM
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. – Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
APRIL 2ND
Wildlife Window with Kevin Cook
Loveland Public Library, Gertrude Scott Meeting Room, 300 N. Adams Ave., Loveland, CO 80537 | 10:15 AM
This educational workshop with Kevin Cook will discuss how maps integrate Colorado’s lifescapes and landscapes. It will explore how these ecosystems play into the development of these maps.
APRIL 5TH
Poudre Valley REA’s Annual Meeting
John Q. Hammons Conference Center, Embassy Suites, 4705 Clydesdale Pkwy., Loveland, CO 80538 | 7:30 AM
Poudre Valley REA welcomes all members to attend the local electric cooperative’s annual meeting on April 5 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland. PVREA members are invited to the meeting, which includes a free breakfast, live entertainment by The Parlor Pickers, and the opportunity to engage with their cooperative and fellow members. Attendees will hear from local, statewide, and regional utility leaders and have the chance to win the $3,000 vacation voucher grand prize. - Poudre Valley REA
APRIL 27TH
NoCo Half Marathon & 10K
Boyd Lake State Park, 3720 N. CO Rd. 11C, Loveland, CO 80538 | 6:00 AM
Why not welcome in the spring season by racing outside in the fresh, crisp air of the beautiful outdoors? Join other running enthusiasts in either a 10K (6.2 miles) or a half-marathon (13.1 miles) race! Event attendees will get to enjoy a course mostly on smooth paved walkways, views of wildlife and a picturesque lake, and fun post-race activities!
APRIL 28TH
BuzzWords
Verboten Brewing, 127 E. 5th St., Loveland, CO 80537 | 6:30 PM
Drop on by this informal nonfiction book discussion and beer group! The group will be discussing “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson. The narrative is centered on two men: an architect who has built some of the country’s iconic structures and a murderer who is a young doctor equipped with torture devices.
APRIL 29TH
Humdinger Trivia
City Star Brewing, 321 Mountain Ave., Berthoud, CO 80513 | 6:00 PM
See how clever you are at Humdinger Trivia at City Star Brewing! The free trivia event, hosted by Berthoud residents, Erin and Jacob Crabtree, is held in the beer garden. Trivia participants are limited to six members per team and have the chance to win $30 in City Star beer! During the event, Stick Around Skewers food truck will be serving dinner out front.
In a new place where home matters. Nature is essential. Good co ee or dinner with friends is footsteps away at the newly opened Hub Café. And community still means people getting together. Two new builders have added to the variety of single-family and paired homes for sale and new models are now open for tours. The time is now. The place is Kinston Centerra, in Loveland.
EXPLORE NEW HOMES FROM THE $400 S Have a bite. Take a tour.
