How to Choose 2021 by Missoulian

Your guide to everything

‘Om’ away from home Eight affordable wellness retreats with yoga and more

Spa Hot Springs 5 Calistoga Calistoga, California You don’t have to bust out your passport to have an affordable, restorative getaway. Travelers can head here to plunge into geothermal mineral pools or a humongous whirlpool hot tub under a glass gazebo. The property also holds a full-service spa and warm mud baths using local volcanic ash. The setting in California’s wine country adds another soothing element, as does the local wine. (Hey, grapes are an antioxidant.) If you’re willing to go in March through May, you’ll shave off about $100 from your rate and get more of the pool to yourself.

MARIA TERESA HART

Oyster.com

ellness isn’t just for well-to-do one-percenters. Increasingly, self-care has become accessible to everyone, whether that’s through a free meditation app or a bike-share program. At Oyster, we know that restful, healthy getaways come in all budgets. And there are plenty of properties where you can recharge your batteries for the price of a road trip. Check out our eight favorites. Note: Some hotels may be limiting capacity or not offering certain amenities due to the pandemic. Be sure to check with the hotel before booking, and also follow all travel restrictions.

Sivananda Ashram

PATRICIA CORRIGAN

An old-school retreat with 5:30 a.m. wake-up calls so guests can gather to focus on meditation, chanting, breathing and yoga poses — it’s perfect for travelers looking for a structured reboot. Guests can expect two free two-hour (mandatory) yoga classes, plus sessions of spiritual lessons and meditation daily. Lacto-vegetarian meals are included, with plenty of homemade yogurt and granola at brunch and soups and salads at dinnertime. And there’s still time to put your toes in the sand, take a dip in the pool or book a Thai massage. Rooms are basic, translating to extra low rates, particularly in dorms, which are under $100. An even cheaper option is to pitch your own tent for half the price.

The whirlpool hot tub at Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

The Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort

Costa Rica Costa Rica’s Nosara region could rival Los Angeles for number of yoga studios per capita. This surﬁng mecca has drawn the healthy-living set in droves, and this resort offers no fewer than six yoga shalas, a modern ﬁtness center with classes like barre and Pilates, and a restaurant and juice bar serving up organic foods. Guests can also doze by the pool or grab a hammock for the afternoon. Double and triple rooms with shared bathrooms keep rates lower than a roadside inn.

Aqua Wellness Resort

Nicaragua Nicaragua might not be the ﬁrst destination that comes to mind when you’re hunting for a healthy getaway, but this affordable, eco-friendly resort should change that. The property itself is a “Swiss Family Robinson” fantasy complete with treetop rooms and a white-sand beach. Group yoga classes, included in rates, make the most of this backdrop with a platform overlooking the coast. Freshly squeezed juices and plant-focused dishes are served at Bromelia Restaurant, but the on-site bakery turns out banana bread and cinnamon rolls. Guests can also treat themselves to lavish spa treatments such as a scrub made from local cocoa beans, yogurt and honey. Rates are inexpensive enough that a private studio is less than an airport hotel.

Hotel Borinquen

7 Mountain Resort Costa Rica UNSPLASH.COM

Nearly all the getaways listed offer yoga sessions or spa treatments, sometimes both.

It’s easy to spend your vacation at Hotel Borinquen in sleepy tranquility — drifting from your personal hammock to the forested spa and back. But Borinquen also appeals to travelers who prefer to reconnect with nature with horseback riding, zip-lining and hiking. The hot springs pool on the grounds even has a natural “slide” for zooming into the warm waters, although guests are also seen relaxing here after slathering themselves in volcanic mud. Summer rates can be under $100 and include a full breakfast.

Rica Yoga Spa 8 Costa Costa Rica

Natura Cabana

3 Boutique Hotel & Spa Dominican Republic Parked on one of the Dominican Republic’s best beaches, Natura Cabana would be a restorative getaway just for its location. Guests can get active with horseback riding on trails or trekking to waterfalls, or nap on the beach. Fuel up on dishes like pancakes and local coffee for breakfast and ceviche or sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Every room here comes decked out with a hammock or swing, and rates are regularly below the $200 mark.

6 Yoga Retreat Bahamas

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Even the environment in Tulum — lush vegetation, sandy beaches — prompts an exhale.

Maya Tulum Resort

Mexico Tulum is tops when it comes to wellness retreats, with top resorts, top beaches and often top prices. But here, sunny seclusion doesn’t come with hefty nightly rates. Everything at Maya is set up for maximum relaxation. Even the grounds — lush vegetation with thatched-roof huts — prompt a deep exhale. Traditional temazcal saunas give a spot to sweat out the stress, and the on-site spa doles out the usual treatments along with Mayan medicine. Yoga classes (for a fee) are held regularly, with free loaner mats and props.

This mountaintop resort has daily yoga classes and plant-powered meals included in the rates. When they’re not heading to the teakwood yoga pavilion to kick off a round of sun salutations, guests can be spotted swaying in hammocks, journaling or indulging in massages. The surrounding wildlife refuge encourages unplugging — as does an absence of in-room TVs or phones. Bunk rooms with shared bathrooms can accommodate up to four guests, keeping rates suitably low so everyone can get their “om” on. Oyster.com investigators visit, review and rate each hotel.

Sound Support From Your Local Audiologist Do folks always seem to be mumbling? Does talking on the phone feel more like a pain than a joy? Are you experiencing ringing or buzzing in your ears? Are loved ones complaining about your TV volume?

If any of these are a “yes,” you might be among the estimated 466 million people with hearing loss. Fortunately, this common public-health issue can be effectively managed with the help of an audiologist. Here are five ways audiologists can support your wellness:

s )DENTIFYING (EARING $IFl CULTIES An audiologist can evaluate your hearing health and diagnose any hearing issues, including

identifying the type, extent, and cause of your hearing difficulty.

s 4REATING (EARING ,OSS Audiologists use their expertise, advanced hearing technology, and understanding of your lifestyle and hearing challenges to find the right solution for your specific communication needs.

s 4ACKLING 4INNITUS

hand with hearing loss and could be reduced through a treatment plan developed with your audiologist.

s !DDRESSING "ALANCE )SSUES If you’re feeling dizzy or having a tough time staying steady on your feet, an audiologist is trained to investigate vestibular issues and help you return to better health.

That ringing in your ears may be tinnitus, which can go hand in

s 0ROTECTING !GAINST .OISE Excess noise is one of the most preventable causes of hearing loss, but an audiologist can help you guard against it at home, work, or play with hearing protection customized to your ears. Partnering with an audiologist can help ensure you stay connected to the people, places, and activities that matter in your life by hearing your best!

Let’s Get You Smiling Ear to Ear

Hearing Care Fit For Your Life

Why Us:

ccurate testing and diagnosis ertified hearing care providers lear goals and expectations Custom treatment plan ppropriately fit technology p

Stay Vibrant

Call us today! 406.552.0099 Missoula • 317 S Orange St Hamilton • 330 N 10th St Polson • 6 13th Ave E Plains • 10 Kruger Rd

www.vibranthearing.com

How to Choose Granite Countertops How to choose a

a Physical Therapist

You are the most important member of your own health care team, and you are entitled to choose the most appropriate health care professional to meet your goals. Below are five things to consider when choosing a physical therapy provider.

These terms can be confusing but the PT clinic you choose can help explain your benefits for PT services based on your insurance provider. You can also call your insurance representative to find out the answers to these questions so that you are informed of your out-of-pocket cost for PT care before getting started.

,OCATE A PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC NEAR YOU Finding a clinic that is conveniently located near you is an important first step. Ultimately, commuting a bit to receive the best care available is worth it, but having to commute too far might hurt your ability to commit to your appointment schedule.

!SK WHETHER A DOCTOR S REFERRAL IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE TREATMENT

#ONTACT THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST S CLINIC TO DETERMINE THE SERVICES OFFERED All physical therapists have extensive training and experience. However, some PTs treat specific patient groups (vestibular, sports, dance, women’s health, etc) or practice specific treatments (dry needling, advanced manual therapy, lymphedema, etc). Find out if the clinic offers convenient alternatives to in-clinic

appointments such as telehealth or off-site visits, and if they have access to a full-service gym or pool if that is important for your rehab needs.

!SK IF THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST S CLINIC PARTICIPATES WITH YOUR

INSURANCE COMPANY Receiving care from a preferred provider should minimize your financial responsibility.

!SK WHETHER THE PHYSICAL THERAPIST S CLINIC WILL SUBMIT CLAIMS ON YOUR BEHALF TO YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY

Montana is a Direct Access state, meaning that individuals can receive treatment from a Physical Therapist without a referral from their primary care doctor. However, it should be noted that some insurance providers will only pay for Physical Therapy with a physician’s referral. The physical therapy clinic should be able to help you determine if a referral is needed or not.

Voted Missoula’s best Physical Therapy Clinic - Post-Op - Injury Rehab - Vestibular - Oncology Care - Lymphedema - Women’s Health

Your PT is your choice. Ask for Alpine.

Missoula Locations

How to choose a

a Senior Living Commmunity 10 Tips for Choosing the Best Senior Living Community for You Community Living ,OCATION ,OCATION ,OCATION As with any move, location is key! Many aging adults would like to stay in the town they currently reside in, or move closer to family. Consider your preferences for the peace and quiet of being in nature, or access to cultural activities such as the theater, shopping and excursions. Committing to where you want to live is a great first step.

3IZE OF THE #OMMUNITY The smallest assisted living facility in the U.S. has only four licensed beds; the largest has almost 500, according to The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). Size matters in a staff-to-resident ratio as well as the types of services and amenities offered. Larger communities may be more likely to offer amenities like movie theaters and swimming pools, or include multiple living options from independent and assisted living to memory care. In addition, there may be a general “vibe” you enjoy more — knowing everyone you see each day, or being more autonomous.

3ERVICES /FFERED Many assisted living facilities offer dining services, housekeeping, medication management, exercise and wellness programs, and some provide tailored services based

on specific health needs. For instance, NCAL reports that nearly 60 percent of communities offer programs for dementia and diabetes care. Keep a list of the most important services to you as you evaluate each community.

it feel warm and comfortable, or cold and sterile? We recommend visiting the community, talking with the staff and residents, eating at their restaurants and experiencing the overall environment.

4RANSITIONS TO (IGHER #ARE 3AFETY AND 4RACK 2ECORD OF THE #OMMUNITY The idea of moving from total independence to a residence with care can be daunting, but it’s important to look down the road at what might be coming up. Some assisted living facilities are part of a larger continuing care retirement community where residents can move from independent living to assisted living and memory care as their needs change over time.

#OST OF ,IVING Just like buying a home, it’s important to know what you can afford. Savings, long-term care insurance, home equity life insurance, benefits for veterans and other resources are some of the ways people pay for assisted living. Communities differ in their pay structures too, so make sure to ask what services and amenities are included in the base rent.

#ULTURE OF THE 2ESIDENTS AND THE -ANAGEMENT You can’t really know what it’s like to live in an assisted living facility until you do it, but you can get a sense of it by visiting. Does

Safety is one of the most essential areas to investigate. When visiting a community, ask how residents contact the nurse, medication technician or caregiver if they need anything. Do they have pull cords in the rooms? Do residents wear pendants? Ask if there is a registered nurse on staff, or on call 24/7, and how they staff their building during the day as well as in the evening. Ask how the staff will care for your specific needs.

3TAFF %XPERTISE AND &RIENDLINESS Pay attention to how the staff interacts with residents. This will be your home, so it’s important that you feel respected by everyone you’ll come in contact with. Sitting down with the management and asking questions will give you a better idea of their commitment to hiring the right people.

!CTIVITIES AND 2ESIDENT ,IFE Before you visit, check their activity calendar. Is there a good

balance of internal activities and outings away from the community? Are there religious services if that’s important to you? Schedule a visit during an activity so that you can experience it firsthand, then pay attention to how many people are participating and how engaged the staff and residents are.

-EAL 3ERVICES AND 0LANS Come for lunch or dinner! The dining experience is very important. Most retirement communities will allow you to enjoy a meal free of charge. Visit with the dining services manager and find out about dining options. Do they have diabetic entrees? Do residents order off a menu or are their choices limited each day? Is it mandatory to eat in the dining room or can residents have meals delivered to their room? How many meals are served per day?

"ONUS 4IP !SK AROUND Talk to others you may know who have loved ones living in the community you are visiting. If you know any of the residents, stop by for a visit and ask how they feel in their community. Ask your doctor their opinion if they have referred people there. In the end, trust your instincts. You’ll know the right community when you find it. If you are currently searching for yourself or a loved one, we’d be happy to answer any questions you have.

RETIREMENT LIVING is more affordable than you may think This is the Art of Living Well In addition to your spacious apartment, you’ll have access to our amazing dining program called “The Art of Delicious,” a fun gathering place called “Fancho’s Pub,” a 24-hour ﬁtness center, pu ing green and salon. What’s more, you are never alone! Call today for your personal tour and ask about our move-in specials!

406.273.0101 Life is just a li le easier here, and a li le safer, too.

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care 3710 American Way, Missoula | 406.273.0101 | TheSpringsLiving.com

How to choose a How to Choose Granite Countertops

Property Management Company If rental property is a component of your investments, you’ll want to ensure it’s managed properly, responsibly and transparently to protect this important asset. that may not be covered in their monthly rent percentage. Get a copy of their contract and understand all the details. Consult an attorney if necessary.

Keeping renters happy by responding quickly to problems, maintaining landscaping and upkeep of amenities such as pools can only increase the value of property. A good property management firm can easily provide a multitude of valuable services that can make your life as a property investor easier. That said, your property manager will make critical decisions on your behalf making it extremely important that you do your homework during the hiring process. Here’s what you should look for in a property management company.

3ERVICES A property management company can assist with documenting the condition of your properties, coordinating lease agreements, managing clean-up and preparation for renters, creating financial reports, making inspections and dealing with repairs and maintenance. The best property management companies can even assist you in finding good tenants. Depending on your contract, the manager could advertise, accept applications and then select the tenant on their own. They could also collect the applications and

%XPERIENCE

let you choose the one who is best qualified for the lease. A major advantage of working with a property management firm is that they usually work with high-quality contractors who can do repairs at attractive rates. Home repair professionals might work for discounted rates if they know they will be getting steady work from a company that manages multiple properties. The services offered can also be tailored to fit your needs as a landlord. You can negotiate with the property management company for specific services, depending on how hands-on you want to be with your investment.

0RICES Management companies usually charge a percentage of the monthly rent as their fee. This percentage can vary dramatically from location to location and even between different companies in the same city. These differences come from market conditions, state laws that make property management more or less complicated, or the level of services performed. When researching management companies, be certain you know their background. You must also understand what work they will or won’t do for the monthly fee. Inquire about additional charges

State laws and local regulations vary dramatically across the nation, so you’ll need to find a property manager with plenty of experience in your local market. Eviction laws are just one example of where experience and knowledge matter most. The rules and procedures for eviction must be followed precisely. Hire a company that knows exactly what to do to evict a tenant in your locale, and you should also ask what fees will be involved if you have to go through that legal process as a landlord. Evictions aren’t common, but it pays to have a property management company that has experience to handle any issue — no matter how complex or unpleasant — that might arise from leasing your property. A skilled property management company will give you the best benefit of all: the ability to sleep peacefully every night.

Garden City Property Management

Proud to have served Missoula for 41 years! 422 Madison | Missoula | 549-6106 | gardencity.management

Nominate a nurse today! Nursing professionals have faced more challenges in 2020 than ever before due to Covid-19. Celebrate a nurse by nominating one who has made an impact in the lives of others. Ten honorees will be featured in a special section in the Missoulian in honor of National Nurses Week. Nominate a nurse today at go.missoulian.com/NominateANurse

Even if you’re already married, it’s not too late to have a money talk

SHOULD YOU SAY ‘I DO’ TO SHARED FINANCES?

JAMES ROYAL | Bankrate.com

hile arguing about taking out the trash may be one of the sillier disputes a couple may get into, the most serious fights often concern finances. Nothing sours a relationship like thinking your partner is wasting the money you worked hard for. But experts say there’s a simple way to cut many of those disputes off before they happen: have separate financial accounts. “Most couples hate to talk about money and will delay discussing their finances,” says Gina Grippo-Martinez, wealth adviser at ALINE Wealth in the New York City area. “This can lead to some unfortunate surprises down the road,” especially around debt and spending levels. “While it’s not exactly romantic to think about these things, they are the reality,” she says, noting that it’s better to at least consider your alternatives rather than ignore it and regret it later. But doesn’t a separate account damage the trust in a relationship with your significant other? It doesn’t have to, say financial experts, who point to other benefits of separate accounts that can actually strengthen your tie.

Joint accounts: Reasons How separate bank to say ‘I do’ (and ‘I don’t’) accounts could actually Some couples maintain a joint help your marriage bank account because they think it’s a way to maintain their unity as a couple and it can be easier to monitor spending. Others set up a joint account simply because that’s “the thing to do” and don’t really consider the decision with much self-reflection. “Foremost, it is a sign of unity, commitment, and trust in your relationship and your partner,” says Grippo-Martinez. “You are giving each other complete access and control over your money. That is a huge commitment.” A joint account also allows couples “the ability to jointly pay for living expenses and other expenses such as vacations, home projects and expenses for children,” says Skylar Riddle, CFP, financial adviser at Fort Pitt Capital Group in Pittsburgh. Riddle also points to the ability to fund other savings goals, such as IRAs, and says “it creates unity regardless of income differences between the couple.” But those benefits of closeness can also create significant problems, and what looks like a benefit of unity or commitment at first may turn into a straitjacket. “Before joining your finances together, you were never accountable to someone else for your spending decisions,” says Grippo-Martinez. “Now you have someone looking over your shoulder and reviewing the statements.” On top of that you need to be aware of your partner’s spending habits, and a financially unfaithful partner could drain the account in no time, and you’ll have little recourse. But even if your situation is not quite so drastic, fundamental differences in each partner’s saving and spending habits can easily turn into major fights as one partner wants to take a vacation while the other wants to save that money for retirement.

Financial experts won’t deny that joint accounts can have benefits for a couple, but for some experts those benefits can be maintained even with separate accounts. Plus, separate accounts may alleviate some of the fights that occur when a couple have a joint account. “If your views on saving and spending are too divergent, it may be best to maintain separate accounts so spending does not become a strain on the relationship,” says Grippo-Martinez. There’s no question that separate accounts give you more freedom (as they do to your partner). You’ll be in full control of your money and won’t have to review statements to see who spent what. It will afford you some privacy, but you’ll need to be comfortable with your partner having a similar degree of monetary freedom. While separate accounts may alleviate some disputes, they may stoke others, for example, if one partner is “paying for all of the essentials and the other is not contributing,” says Riddle. And of course there’s the perception that separate accounts demonstrate a lack of trust and commitment. In particularly demanding circumstances it could create some problems, too. “If you are paying a shared debt you may have to first transfer funds to your partner’s account,” says Grippo-Martinez. “In the event of an emergency, your partner will not have access to your accounts.” But separate financial accounts don’t necessarily mean the end of commitment. “It’s not the fact that the money is separate or together, it is how you use the money collectively,” says Riddle. “Keeping the money separate can actually increase romance because you are able to do things for the other person without the money coming from a joint account.”

DREAMSTIME

Try a combination of joint accounts and separate accounts Fortunately, couples aren’t forced into an either-or solution here. They can easily use a separate account for their personal spending and a joint account for their joint payments, such as rent or a mortgage, child care, utilities and the like. You and your significant other can enjoy the beneﬁts of both accounts, such as joint bill paying, without so many of the drawbacks. Coordinating more accounts will create more legwork as partners move money between accounts each month for paying bills, but that may just be the cost of a happy relationship. “If someone wants to splurge on golf clubs or shoes every now and then, they should be able to,” says Grippo-Martinez. “Sometimes ignorance is bliss.”

Bottom line “Regardless of how couples title their accounts, all joint, all separate, or a mix of both, it is important for all couples to sit down together at least on an annual basis to talk about ﬁnances,” says Riddle. This kind of open communication itself can help foster a more positive relationship. “Couples can make this a romantic event by having a special dinner or going out to a show and discussing what they want to do together or where they want to travel,” he says. “Like anything else in a relationship, being honest is the best way to make ﬁnances successful.”

Money conversations you should have before marriage With love comes marriage, and marriage is a beautiful, beautiful thing. But, what a lot of people forget to talk about is there is a business to marriage. Sometimes you forget to talk about that business. So, I wanted to give you all some tips on things you should definitely discuss with your partner prior to being married. Talking about money can be a tough conversation to have in general, but it can be a little bit tougher when you’re talking with your spouse about it as well. So I suggest you break this conversation down into digestible chunks. Aligning your financial goals The first thing we need to get on the same page with is: making sure our financial goals are aligned. Or, we’re at least aware of each other’s financial goals. If I want a 25-bedroom, 12-bathroom house; however, my wife is happy living in a trailer, we need to find some sort of common ground going into the marriage so that our spending habits jointly can help us reach that comfort zone for both of us. Within the financial goal conversation will come a number of different topics of discussion. For example, children. Do you plan on putting your children through public school, private school? Do we plan to pay for their marriage or their honeymoon? Do we want to put them through college entirely, or just give them a sizable head start? These are all things that you want to be on the same page about, so that you can both work toward them together. During a marriage, resentment can fester if one partner is working harder toward these goals than the other. So we want to have these conversations beforehand. What’s your joint investment plan? Another topic is your investment plan. Does one partner plan on managing all the finances? Or is this a joint conversation every time a financial move is made for your future? Are your risk tolerances the same? Is one of you more conservative, while the other is closer to a gambler? We should just align on these things prior to entering holy matrimony. If you don’t know this already, when you get married, you tend to share everything: share bathrooms, beds. You also share your credit and debt situations as well. Getting one, three, five years in the marriage and finding out you can’t afford the home that you want because of your spouse’s credit card debt doesn’t make for a healthy conversation around the dinner table. Laying all of this information out, then figuring out how you want to attack these things together, can help you all make the best business plan for you and your marriage. How will the bills be paid? The next thing you want to discuss are bank accounts and bill pay. Do we plan on keeping all of our bank accounts separate? Combining them into one or two joint accounts? Or a mixture? How do we plan to attack our bills? When we go to dinner, is it 50/50? Are we going 25/75? Am I swiping my card? “I saw you order that extra drink, and you know it’s not free refills.” Again, we just want to be on the same page with these things to avoid stress, confusion and negative energy later on in our marriage. These are just a few of the topics you should discuss with your spouse-to-be. But: Married folks, I don’t want you to think that you are barred from these conversations. You can still sit down and talk through these things to be better aligned financially. — Kiplinger Consumer News Service

“Ears” to Hearing Aids! If you think of hearing aids as small, fine-tuned, ear-fitted instruments that make sounds easier to understand, you’ve got a little bit of the idea. There’s much more, however, to these tiny but powerful devices, so let’s take a look at six facts you might not have known about today’s exciting hearing technology.

s 2ECHARGEABILITY

s #ONNECTIVITY

s 2EMOTE #APABILITIES

Some devices come as rechargeable technology or can be retrofitted for rechargeability, giving you all-day sound with a simple overnight charge. Byebye, disposable batteries; hello, convenience.

Imagine being able to stream your phone calls, TV audio, music, and more directly to your hearing aids. With innovative hearing technology, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility, it’s a reality.

Need help fine-tuning your device? With a compatible smartphone and applicable app, some models allow for remote adjustments by your provider — no in-person appointment required.

s )NVISIBILITY

s $IRECTIONALITY

More people wear hearing aids than you may realize, thanks to the discreetness of selected styles. Some fit so deeply in the ear canal you wouldn’t even notice them in a face-to-face conversation.

When you want to focus on the conversation in front of you — not all the noise and background gabbing behind you — that’s exactly what the built-in directional microphones help you do.

s 4RANSLATION !BILITY Busting through language barriers is now even easier with one model of hearing aid that — in tandem with an applicable smartphone app — lets you converse with people speaking other languages.

As you can see, today’s hearing aids aren’t your great-grandparents’ devices of yesteryear. From chats around the dinner table to favorite TV shows to important discussions at work, you don’t have to miss out on the sounds that matter. Consider test-driving new technology to see just how far hearing aids have come!

Stay Connected With CuttingEdge Hearing Technology

Hearing Care Fit For Your Life

Why Us:

ccurate testing and diagnosis ertified hearing care providers lear goals and expectations Custom treatment plan ppropriately fit technology p

Stay Vibrant

Call us today! 406.552.0099 Missoula • 317 S Orange St Hamilton • 330 N 10th St Polson • 6 13th Ave E Plains • 10 Kruger Rd

www.vibranthearing.com

How to Choose Granite Countertops How to choose an

Accountant

Finding a reputable, reliable, and knowledgeable accountant is critical to the success of your business or for helping with your personal tax returns and other matters. There are many factors to consider starting with the services do you really need. different things to each of us. Some thoughts to consider include is there flexibility in meeting with your accountant. Can you meet in person, via video conference, or talk on the phone? Can you bring information and documents to your accountant in person or can you upload electronically? What is most important to you? COVID has changed how virtually every business operates. Does your accountant have options that work for you?

!##/5.4!.4 6%2353 #0! There are many accountants. Not all accountants are Certified Public Accountants. Does this matter to you? That depends on what level of help you need. Certified Public Accountants are licensed and are required to obtain at least 120 hours of continuing professional education every three years to maintain their license. A higher-level education is required to be eligible to take the CPA exam – most CPAs have a masters degree in accounting, taxation, or equivalent field and met a minimum number of work hours to obtain their license. CPA’s are subject to a code of professional conduct. Most CPAs have experience in public accounting. This usually means they have broad experience in a wide range of industries and have experience in different facets of the profession. In public practice, CPAs often spend time helping businesses and individuals file their taxes. They likely spend time auditing business and non-profit financial statements. This extensive range of experience can be valuable in assisting with your current or future needs.

,/#!, /2 ./4 '//$ &)4 #/-&/24 ,%6%, What makes someone a good fit? There are many factors to consider, such as personality, hobbies and interests, backgrounds, and shared experiences. There are many good choices in Missoula. Questions to consider are “do you have a good relationship with your current accountant?” Do you believe your accountant understands your business, industry, or profession?

Is your accountant interested in helping your or making a dollar? Your accountant may be very professional and competent, but you should feel comfortable asking questions or reaching out for help. Establishing a good personal relationship is an important factor in selecting a competent and honest accountant.

3%26)#%

Montana is a large and diverse state. Are you working with an accountant who lives and works in your neighborhood and makes their living from your community? Is your accountant part of a larger regional or national firm? How accessible are they? Understanding the professional services you really need or what will help guide you in deciding if a local firm is adequate to meet your needs or if a larger firm is a better fit.

Service is more important today than ever. Service means

Certified Public Accountants

Large enough to meet your needs, small enough to know your name. Our five-member group ensures professional service with specialties that complement one-another. The group is noted for financial reporting such as audits, reviews, and compilations. The group does tax preparation for individuals, businesses, and non-profits. Our commitment to listening and caring about your concerns distinguishes us.

www.petersoncpamt.com

•

705 S. Reserve St, Suite B

•

T: (406) 926-1800

Dedicated to care and service excellence Schedule a tour today! 406-728-9162

REHABILITATION | LONG-TERM CARE | MEMORY CARE

2651 South Ave W | Missoula, MT 59804 | villagehealthcare.com

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE SERVICES

Community Nursing Inc. d/b/a The Village Health & Rehabilitation complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected status. Spanish

ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-844-674-8457 (TTY: 711).

German

ACHTUNG: Wenn Sie Deutsch sprechen, stehen Ihnen kostenlos sprachliche Hilfsdienstleistungen zur Verfügung. Rufnummer: 1-844-674-8457 (TTY: 711).

How to choose a

Credit Union Credit unions are cooperatives in the truest sense of the word. They have existed for more than 100 years, springing from the idea that serving a group of unserved or underserved people as a group could prove economically feasible and offer an alternative to traditional banks. Today, they rank among the best micro-finance organizations available to large swaths of the population. Unlike big banks, which are owned by shareholders or conglomerates, credit unions are typically nonprofit operations owned by their members. Credit unions charge fewer and lower fees than for-profit banks. Ans any dividends go to the members instead of shareholders. In short, credit unions are a good deal. They usually offer better interest rates on savings accounts and competitive rates on various loans. You might get a fantastic rate on a student loan, mortgage, auto loan or credit card. And, like bigger banks, the federal government ensures credit union deposits up to $250,000. The first step in selecting a credit union is to research those in your community and their membership requirements. Some credit unions are available to employees of specific companies, groups of public service or school employees. But offers extend

eligibility to anyone willing to follow their membership requirements. You may be asked to join a food co-op or other organization in order to qualify for membership. A simple internet search is an excellent starting point. Develop a list of credit unions in your area. Then narrow your possibilities by researching eligibility, services offer and fees charged by each credit union. Verify the current interest rates on their accounts. If you can’t find the rates online, call and ask them for the percentages Find out if there are any fees

associated with the accounts you want to open. As with traditional savings and loan banks, you might be required to pay a fee if you fall below a minimum balance. Check about other requirements. You might need to use your debit card a certain amount of times each month. If you are in the market for a specific loan, research to see if the loan is issued by the credit union. Once you have found several credit unions offering that type of loan, compare interest rates and specials to see who has the best deal. Of course, convenience is

something to keep in mind. Check for availability of online services, weekday and weekend hours, where branches and ATMs are located. You should also understand any fees associated with ATM or debit card usage. If you use ATMs frequently, those charges can add up fast. Some credit unions belong to a nation network of credit unions for shared services. It might mean more access to ATMs and other services in case you move or go on vacation. If you have children attending college in other cities, this can be useful. Once you have completed your research, make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each credit union. You can easily compare them. Upon choosing your credit union, visit the branch so you can understand all of the services. Learn more about the benefits of membership.

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Choosing to be

Organically sustainable in Missoula!

TOM BAUER/Missoulian

Did you know that you have a composting facility right here in Missoula? For 44 years, our facility has been in the business of recovering resources and diverting organics from the landfill. At Garden City Compost, we accept vegetative & organic materials including things like leaves, grass clippings, dead flowers & plants, brush, trees, dirt, roots, wood shavings, sawdust, unpainted or untreated lumber, wasted food and of course, Christmas Trees! We also accept certified compostable materials like bags, plates, cups and utensils. Composting these items rather than sending them to the landfill aids in carbon sequestration and provides a naturally sustainable and exceptional quality compost for use in ANY application.

4HESE PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC YEAR ROUND s ,AWN 4OPDRESS s #LASS ! #OMPOST s 0REMIUM 0ERLITE 0OTTING -IX s %NRICHED 4OPSOIL For more information, visit our website today! http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/2089/Garden-City-Compost

Natural Sustainable Local

Class A Compost • Enriched Topsoil • Topdressing

How to Choose a

Painting Contractor Adding a fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the look — and value — of your home. It will also help protect your home from harmful elements as older paint chips and erodes of time

A great paint job can provide all of these transformations. Likewise, a poor job can end up damaging your home at added expense — not to mention the disappointment. So if it’s time for a fresh coat of paint on your home, shop around and make sure you’re working with a reputable painting company. Here a few things to keep in mind as you vet potential painters.

0REVIOUS WORK When looking for a painting contractor, one of the first things to consider is their previous work. It will give you a good indication of the quality you can expect. For exterior paint jobs, ask the contractor for a list of buildings

he has painted in the past. You can easily inspect his work yourself by visiting the location. A quality paint job should last for several years without showing signs of deterioration. Samples of interior work can be more difficult to review. Paint contractors may offer photos of their previous jobs, but it is usually better to ask your friends and family who have painted the interiors of their homes. When you see work you like, try to get contact information for the contractor. You may also get references from realtors or builders in your area, since they have relationships with contractors.

$ESIGN HELP The best painting contractors

LLC

will help you avoid the costly mistake of choosing wrong colors for your home. A shade that is too light, dark or just “off ” can ruin an otherwise good paint job. True professionals will be patient with you. They will put several options on the wall so you can decide the best color and sheen. They will develop good relationships with you and an interior designer, if you’ve hired one. Some painters are as good at design as they are at applying the paint, so it helps to find one with these extra skills as you plan your project.

$ETAILS Consider all the details before signing a contract. You should have all the

specifications in writing. This contract should include deadlines, along with specifying costs and materials to be used. When you have narrowed your choices down to one or two contractors, ask plenty of questions. Inquire about what kind of insurance policy they carry, who will be doing the work at your home and what kind of preparations need to be made. If they are working on the interior of your home, you will likely need to move or protect your furniture before they arrive for the job. After these questions have been answered satisfactorily, you can be confident you’ve chosen the right painting contractor. Then you can relax while your home gets an updated, fresh new look.

Ask about our exterior Painting Specials! Best Bids on Repaints.

Residential • Commercial • Farm & Ranch Mobile Pressure Washer

We want to be your painting company! Serving Missoula and the Surrounding Areas – 3 Generations Free Estimates • Senior Discounts Quality Painting at a fair price

We Appreciate Your Business Missoula.

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Hearing Aid Dispensers:

Simply Indispensable Audiologists — experts in hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders — are leaders in hearing health care — but did you know that hearing aid dispensers also play an important role on the better-hearing team? Here are five things you might not have realized about these dedicated hearing-care professionals.

s ,ICENSED Hearing aid dispensers are state-licensed to perform their work, which means they — like other licensed professionals — must adhere to prescribed rules and regulations to remain authorized to practice.

s 4RAINED Educational requirements may differ from state to state, but hearing aid dispensers — in addition to their academic work

— typically have apprenticed with a licensed dispenser and have passed the requisite exams.

s 3KILLED Though a hearing aid dispenser’s scope of practice is quite limited compared to that of an audiologist, hearing aid dispensers can measure a patient’s hearing, sell hearing aids, and fit hearing technology to a patient’s ears.

s )NSPIRATIONAL You’d be surprised how many audiologists may have started as a hearing aid dispenser — a role that has made a difference in countless patients’ lives — before pursuing a more advanced level of clinical training.

s 6ALUED As a member of the clinic team and another source of patient education and support on the exciting journey to better hearing,

licensed hearing aid dispensers offer another cherished point of service and contact for people seeking to improve their quality of life. Are you having trouble hearing the important sounds in your life? Does listening seem more challenging than it used to be? Healthy hearing helps keep you connected to the moments that matter, so don’t delay. Schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation today.

Experience an Entire Team Committed to Your Listening Needs

Hearing Care Fit For Your Life Hea

Why Us:

ccurate testing and diagnosis ertified hearing care providers lear goals and expectations Custom treatment plan ppropriately fit technology p

Stay Vibrant

Call us today! 406.552.0099 Missoula • 317 S Orange St Hamilton • 330 N 10th St Polson • 6 13th Ave E Plains • 10 Kruger Rd

www.vibranthearing.com

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