Denver 2

Page 1

DENVER COLORADO | VOL. 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: FEATURED ARTICLES

RETIREMENT • INVESTING • VACATION

RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY

TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING

READ THIS ISSUE ONLINE. SCAN THE QR CODE




CO NTE NT S FEATURES 4

Senior Living

8

Luxury Living

16

Destination Vacations

8

22 Investing For The Future 25 Local Event Guide

36

36 Saving For Retirement 40 Travel In Style 42

Recommended Service Directory

• Promote your brand • Earn new clients • Grow your business www.The55Guide.com

2



g n i v i L r o i n e S

DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

RETIRE WITHOUT CHANGING YOUR LIFESTYLE

Today’s upscale senior communities offer “resort style living” which is hospitality-oriented and resembles a 4-star hotel or cruise ship rather than a hospital or retirement home. Amenities Some of the more luxurious communities at the deluxe level even feature lively bars with chandeliers and overstuffed pillows. More standard amenities include:

Activities: Education and Entertainment, Fashion shows, Lectures from retired professors and various social and cultural events which are all examples of regularly planned activities for residents at higher-end facilities. In urban settings, planned outings to the city for museums, art galleries or theater visits are frequent occurrences as well. Grounds-keeping: Luxury communities are beautifully designed on the outside as well, from gardens to ponds to putting greens and walkways. Many include well-appointed courtyards for residents to socialize, relax, or enjoy a meal. Concierge Service: Offering ‘Concierge Service’ is what makes a Senior Living community a Luxury one. Similar to a hotel concierge, a resident can use the Concierge to arrange hotel flights or tickets to events, a service that makes these luxury communities clearly more desirable to prospective residents and their families. 4

Modern Therapies: Assisted living communities offer personal care to their residents, and the best communities often offer top notch therapy on top of standard care. In addition to specialized pet and physical therapy, upscale communities often also provide top notch occupational therapy, and music therapy, and always from trained and certified professionals. Residences: The kitchen is the focal point of any home and it’s no different when looking at the residence at an Assisted Living community. A standard assisted living apartment has a kitchenette, traditionally including a mini-fridge, a microwave, and a small amount of cabinet and counter space. The luxury assisted living residences feature full kitchens and appliances plus top of the line finishes, like granite counter tops for instance. (. . .continued on page 6)



DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

Dining: An upscale senior living community will most likely retain a registered dietitian on staff and employ experienced chefs who serve gourmet meals. Choice and variety are crucial for the success of a kitchen at a luxurious community and most have more than two restaurants within the community, each with their own menus. Personal Fitness Trainers and Recreational Facilities: Recreation rooms are always available to use at the residents’ convenience, with computer labs, fitness rooms and cinemas. Fitness programs supervised by physical therapists and personal trainers are also kept on staff by any upscale community. High-end assisted living communities also provide full service spa treatments, beauty salons for the women and barbershops for the men. Additionally, no luxury assisted living community would be complete without a heated pool and spa, which are always popular with residents. Pet Friendly: Studies have shown that pet ownership has been shown to be beneficial to seniors, and more and more luxury communities are open to 6

allowing residents to have their pets on site. There can sometimes be limitations regarding the size and number of pets. They frequently provide pet care such as dog walking, nail clipping, grooming and litter-box changes as well as formal, certified pet therapy. Spacious Apartments: One can expect about 20% more square footage at a Luxury community (approx 600 sf versus 500 sf at a standard community). A Two bedroom apartment at an upscale community can be more than 1200 square feet. Clearly, senior living is not what it was years ago. And for the retiree with means, it can be a lively, active, and rewarding lifestyle full of growth and fun!



DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

OPEN FLOOR PLANS

A Luxurious home is not just well appointed, it is one where the amenities allow you to feel spoiled. Pools, saunas, in-home gyms, backyard tennis courts, game rooms, and wine cellars are a few things that come to mind.

An open floor plan is one of the most sought-after criteria when deciding on a new home purchase or a new renovation idea. An open and airy floor plan allows the homeowner to elaborate on their design aesthetic and showcase the home’s individual, luxurious features, like a grand entryway or a beautifully designed staircase.

OUTDOOR KITCHENS If opulence and luxury are key, then a standard, fully-stocked kitchen is simply no longer enough. One may consider adding a cozy outdoor living area complete with outdoor kitchen, featuring built-in gas grills and refrigerated food and drink storage. Some other top amenities include expansive outdoor pools with water features such as waterfalls, hot tubs, changing cabanas, and saunas.

8

(. . .continued on page 10)



DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

WINE CELLARS Exquisite wine storage is another amenity that most affluent homes contain. Private wine cellars built using materials such as glass and wood and are often thought to be works of art themselves. When considering one of these beauties, many factors come into play. One will want to consider the placement, temperature, humidity control, and of course bottle size accommodations.

LOCATION IS EVERYTHING When it comes to luxury home ownership, nothing beats a great location. Everyone desires their own slice of blissful paradise. One of the most important aspects to consider are privacy features such as bushes, hedges, trees or walls. The right landscape design features provide a concealed oasis, where one can relax and wind down. Picture yourself in a secluded ranch or gated beachfront enclave!

10

(. . .continued on page 12)



DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

GAME ROOMS Game rooms or entertainment rooms are an old idea, but still on top of the list of luxury living ideas. Some would argue a luxury home is not complete without an in-home theatre or game room. The boundaries continue to be expanded with extra amenities such as indoor basketball courts, lavish sports bar set-ups, exquisite billiard areas, additional televisions and beverage storage.

IN-HOME TECHNOLOGY This newer trend has taken over the luxury market by storm, and these technological innovations have garnered the new term of “Smart Homes,� and along with it, smart devices. When it comes to technology, most

luxury builders cater to this tech-trend and offer amenities to help with just about all facets of home management. Some things you can do at the touch of a button or smartphone are control indoor climate, window and door security, and lighting. Additionally, an integrated smart home provides the owner with remote access cameras and security systems.

DRESSING ROOMS

A dressing room is simply an extension of the master bedroom. This feature is commonly a top priority for the wealthy, as it functions (. . .continued on page 14) 12



DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

as a place to both store and display lavish items such as purses, shoes, hats, and jewelry. There is an increasing demand among the jet-set crowd for larger and more lavish closet designs. Typical setups include cedar shelving, storage chests, ample lighting, and mirrors for cosmetics or modeling outfits.

14



DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

TRENDING LOCATIONS FOR A GREAT VACATION

EXCITING TRAVEL

Destinations If you are looking for some exciting and awe inspiring travel destinations, consider the following destinations. 1. Sweden, a Scandinavian nation in Europe, offers some wonderful natural experiences and places to visit. Enjoy hiking in vast boreal forests and witness an all-white wild moose. Most principal cities, including Stockholm, are all coastal and offer breathtaking views of the towns and waterfront areas. There are historic medieval towns, an abundance of bridges, royal palaces, and museums to visit. Another sight you will not want to miss are the Northern Lights in Lapland. 2. Tenerife, Spain is the largest of the Canary Islands, which is dominated by Spain’s tallest peak, and dormant volcano, Mt. Teide. Enjoy parades, music, dancing, and a variety of colorful costumes at the Carnaval de Santa Cruz. The island hosts many beaches, some featuring black sand, resort areas to enjoy your stay, high-end restaurants, night clubs, golf courses, and water based sports.

16


17


DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

3. Greece, a southeastern European country with thousands of islands to explore and enjoy.

bars, restaurants, tours, ferries, and charters.

There are a vast amount of sites to visit and places to see that tickle any particular interest. With a plethora of archaeological sites, museums, and historical tours, there is a lot to see and do. To name a few notable sites, The Acropolis is a must see as it is home to some of the most marvelous architectural feats known to exist by this advanced civilization, including the Parthenon and Erecthion. The Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens is the world’s only stadium built in its entirety of marble. This site is home to the first modern Olympics in 1896, where it held a whopping 80,000 people. Aside from the numerous archeologic areas, Greece also has wonderful beaches, hotels,

4. France, known for its exquisite cuisine, is also home to famous fashion houses, many classical art museums including the Louvre, and monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, Notre-Dame cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and the Palace of Versailles. There are also magnificent parks, great music, ancient cave drawings, and renowned wine tasting sites.

18


19


DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

INVESTING FOR THE FUTURE Not many people stumble into financial security through sheer luck: a lottery win, big inheritance, or huge stock winnings. For most of us the only way to financial security is a long term plan of saving and investing. Consistency is key to reaching long term goals no matter your income. The sooner you start saving and investing, the longer your money has to compound and grow. Set goals for how much of your income you will invest monthly and stick to it. Keep investment money and cash reserves separate so you won’t dip into your investment account when the market is down. Keep expenses low and spend on what is really important to you whether it is experiences or material things. Try to avoid the big mistakes, like buying a home that is more than you really need or creating a heavy debt load. If your employer offers a matching 401(k) contribution, be sure to take advantage of that option and contribute at least enough 20

to receive it. It is essentially extra income that will grow and compound and is not taxed until you withdraw it. You can do it yourself but it probably makes more sense to work with a financial advisor who is more knowledgeable about financial markets. An advisor will help analyze short term vs long term needs, separate emotions from objectives as well as help with devising a portfolio and strategy suitable for your needs. Investing consistently over the long term is the best way to grow your wealth as there is no way to time the market.


This is how you say it’s going to be okay. Every 8 minutes the American Red Cross responds to a disaster and makes this promise. You can help us keep it.

Donate today at redcross.org


22


23


LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

DENVER PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

AUGUST

AUG 23 - 25 | OKTOBERFEST In celebration of German beer culture, we invite you to join in the celebration of the Annual Oktoberfest Season Opener. Spend your time sipping on German style beer and snacking on traditional dishes such as bratwurst, schnitzel, spätzle, strudel, pretzels and more! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3i8q0FS AUG 28 | COLORADO’S STATE FAIR The fair features a rodeo, carnival rides, agriculture exhibits, concerts, and the Discover the Dinosaur experience with lifelike dinosaurs! For more info visit: coloradostatefair.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 9 - 13 | FOOD & WINE FEST This is a must do for anyone who loves food and wine or if you want to learn more. You will have your choice of bites from over 40 different restaurants and over 700 different wines. For more info visit: denverfoodandwine.com 24

SEPT 18 -19 | DENVER BEER WEEK Enjoy nine days of all things beer during Denver Beer Week. There will be more than 160 beer-related events in Denver, America’s #1 beer city! Head to The Mile High City for tap takeovers, rare beer tappings, firkin nights, meet the brewer events, beer & food pairings and much, much more. For more info visit: http://denv.co/33uXN8g

OCTOBER

OCT 16 - 17 | GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL Great American Beer Festival is the largest beer festival in the world; and each year, it represents the largest collection of U.S. beer ever served – in both a public tasting event plus a private competition. The festival takes place at the Colorado Convention Center and brings together brewers and diverse beers from across the nation. For more info visit: greatamericanbeerfestival.com

(. . .continued on page 26)



LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

DENVER PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(. . .continued from 24) OCT 30 - 31 | 16 STREET FAIR The 16th Street Fair is an annual celebration of fine art, handcrafted goods, and the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver. Take a stroll along the 16th Street Mall to enjoy a showcase of emerging artists and designers, producing original and unique handmade goods, in a wide array of media. This is Downtown Denver’s premier art and craft festival located in the city center along the busiest pedestrian street in the State. For more info visit: 16thstfair.com

NOVEMBER

NOV 11 - 13 | DENVER WINE FEST One of the country’s best fall wine festivals and one of the biggest Denver events in November, this international wine festival is worth the trip here for wine lovers. With more than 80 wineries, distilleries, and importers, it’s the largest tasting festival in the region. Special events include the Grand Vintners Dinner and Pairsine Chefs Fine Food & Wine Pairing Competition. For more info visit: denverwinefest.com

26

NOV 20 - 22 | HOLIDAY FOOD & GIFT FESTIVAL Our five annual Holiday Food and Gift Festivals are proud to support local talent, and introduce boutiques and businesses that provide you with an unique shopping experience. Accomplish your holiday shopping in one place, and truly enjoy the magic of the season this year with hundreds of local artisans and gourmet food vendors! For more info visit: hfgf.com

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 31 | BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT The Gardens’ signature event for over three decades, this annual holiday lights extravaganza transforms our York Street location into a twinkling winter wonderland. Join us for this family-friendly event that has become a holiday tradition for thousands of Front Range families. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3ft00mY

(. . .continued on page 28)



LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

DENVER PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(. . .continued from 26) DEC 6 - 7 | WINTER FEST It’s the most Magical time of the year on South Pearl Street! Join us for Box Elder Horse and Wagon rides, a Saturday holiday market with gift and food vendors, and local merchants. Take a holiday photo with Olde World Santa. Enjoy a hot adult beverage as well as hot chocolate and cider for the kids. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3gyReoF

JANUARY

JAN 23 | WINTER BREW FEST This is a chance for you to celebrate and sample some of the best local brews around Colorado and from other states as well. Always known as a great party, this event is held at the beautiful Mile High Station. There will also be food, art vendors and live music during the event. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3kiuqMa JAN 20 - 29 | SNOW SCULPTURE CHAMPIONSHIPS The International Snow Sculpture Championships has 16 teams from

around the world to hand-carve 20-ton blocks of snow into enormous, intricate works of art. No power tools allowed! Teams sculpt countless hours across five days (totaling around 96 hours), resulting in a temporary outdoor art gallery in historic downtown Breckenridge! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3gyUXCX

FEBRUARY

FEB TBA | WINTER CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL Come to Boulder for some tasty brews. This indoor festival features dozens of breweries from Boulder County as well as food, games, and live music! For more info visit: wintercraftbeerfestival.com FEB 18 - 21 | ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL The American Mountaineering Center in Golden hosts this annual event that screens films, features, shorts, and children’s films with ecological, economic, and social themes. Filmmakers and representatives from environmental groups (. . .continued on page 30)

28



LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

DENVER PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(. . .continued from 28) will be in attendance to speak with filmmakers. For more info visit: ceff.net

MARCH

MARCH 4 - 7 | BOULDER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL The annual Boulder International Film Festival returns this March. For four days, enjoy films from around the world. They cover a variety of topics so you are sure to find some you will enjoy. It’s held at the Boulder Theater in downtown Boulder. For more info visit: biff1.com MARCH 14 | ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Since the 1960s, more than 200,000 Irish and wannabe Irish have donned their green and headed downtown for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade features marching bands, dancers, floats, and more honoring the Emerald Isle. For more info visit: denverstpatricksdayparade.com

30

APRIL

APRIL 6 - 11 | ASPEN SHORTSFEST Aspen Shortsfest is recognized as one of the premier short film festivals in North America. Each April enthusiastic audiences, filmmakers and special guests from around the globe gather to participate in public screenings, panels, workshops, and other festivities that spotlight the art and craft of short moviemaking. For more info visit: Aspenfilm.org

MAY

MAY 5 | CINCO DE MAYO Cinco de Mayo is a day of celebration for Latino cultures. It’s a day that represents freedom and a time to celebrate their traditions. This is one of the festivals in Denver in May that started as a street fair in 1988. This event features live music, food trucks, beverages, and more than 300 vendors. It’s free to enter and enjoy the entertainment! For more info visit: cincodemayodenver.com

(. . .continued on page 32)



LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

DENVER PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(. . .continued from 30) MAY 8 | BACON & BEER CLASSIC Do you love bacon? How about bacon with beer? If that got you excited, then head over to Mile High Stadium for the annual Bacon & Beer Classic. This annual event features unlimited samples of beer from local and regional breweries. It also features dozens of bacon creations from local restaurants and chefs. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2Pvde84 MAY 29 - 30 | DENVER ARTS FEST The Denver Arts Festival is a free annual arts festival featuring more than 150 Colorado and National artists. Find a unique souvenir of your trip to the Mile High City at the Denver Arts Festival.You’ll find mixed media, ceramics, and more artwork created by the unique artist! For more info visit: denverartsfestival.com

JUNE

JUNE TBA | CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL DENVER Cherry Blossom Denver is one of the best festivals in Denver in June if you want to enjoy, and celebrate, 32

the Japanese American culture. This free event features Japanese taiko drumming, dancing, martial arts, music, foods, and gifts. For more info visit: cherryblossomdenver.org JUNE 18 - 20 | THE DENVER BBQ FESTIVAL All weekend long, they will be BBQing more than 18k pounds of meat. You can also wash it down with some of the best local brews as you listen to live music. It will also include some family-friendly activities. For more info visit: denverbbqfest.com JUNE 12 - 30 | RENAISSANCE FEST You’ll be transported back to the 16th century at the Colorado Renaissance Festival. It will let you time travel back to Medieval times and play whatever role your imagination desires. On the streets of this 1500s-era village, you’ll encounter costumed merrymakers, master revelers, minstrels, and faire maidens. For more info visit: coloradorenaissance.com

(. . .continued on page 34)



LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

DENVER PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(. . .continued from 32)

JULY

JULY TBA | BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL The Colorado Black Arts Festival proudly presents our annual celebration of African American art and culture. We strive to develop, promote and celebrate African arts and culture in Colorado.We proudly present our 35th annual celebration of African American art and culture. For more info visit: Colbaf.org JULY TBA | GREEK FESTIVAL The Greek Festival, one of the city’s oldest annual festivals in Denver. It honors the culture and heritage of this breathtaking Mediterranean nation. You’ll get to try delicious homemade Greek dishes and pastries as well as Greek beer, wine, ouzo, and coffee. For more info visit: thegreekfestival.com

AUGUST

AUG TBA | FOOD AND WINE FEST For one evening, enjoy some of the best food and wines from local restaurants all throughout Cherry Creek North. They will be serving up 34

their best dishes paired with amazing wines starting at 5 pm. The event will also include beer, spirits and live music! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3fybdTl AUG TBA | LAMB JAM DENVER Get your taste buds ready for this extraordinary culinary event. Lamb Jam features more than a dozen of Denver’s top chefs competing against each other for the top prize. The best part is you get to sample and vote!For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3fxdApa

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 10 - 12 | HIGHLAND FEST Immerse yourself in Scottish and Irish culture such as jousting, highland dance, strongman competition, Celtic music, and bagpipe competitions. For more info visit: scotfest.com



DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

10 Year Countdown

To Retirement

Money See Where You Stand - It’s time to assess how prepared, or unprepared, you are financially for retirement. •

Take a quick test: Assuming your retirement is about 10 years away, you want to have roughly seven times your current salary in savings, according to research from Fidelity. That puts you on the road to having about 10 times your final salary saved by retirement and maintaining your present standard of living. Retire before hitting 67 and you’ll need more saved; after, you’ll need less.

Do a deeper dive: Plug your current numbers (such as earnings, savings and future pensions) into an online calculator to estimate your retirement income. Experts say you’ll need 75 to 80 percent of preretirement income to live well — debatable but a good starting point.

Don’t despair: You have 10 years to act, by earning more, trimming expenses or delaying retirement. “Whatever you can do can only help,” says George Papadopoulos, a financial planner in Novi, Mich.

Save the easy way If you’re among the 82 percent of workers paid via direct deposit, save more by splitting your pay across accounts. Have your payroll department put part of each check into an online savings account, where it’s out of sight and out of mind. The direct-deposit users who split their deposits save up to $90 more per month than those who use another method to save, according to a recent study.

36


READ THIS ISSUE ONLINE. SCAN THE QR CODE

Promote your brand

Earn new clients

Grow your business

www.The55Guide.com/CurrentEditions


DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

Pad your nest egg If you already have significant savings in a 401(k), 403(b) or IRA, open a Roth IRA (in 2019 you can contribute up to $7,000 if you’re 50 or older), or put money into a regular taxable account. •

Why do it? You’re laying the groundwork for lower taxes later. Say you need a new roof on your house in retirement; If you take money from a 401(k) or traditional IRA, it is taxable as ordinary income, and you may end up in a higher tax bracket, explains Carolyn McClanahan, founder of Life Planning Partners. But you can pull your contributions from a Roth IRA tax free (earnings, too, if you’re at least 59½ and have had the Roth at least five years). You can also invest via a basic taxable brokerage account; when you sell securities, you’ll pay only (usually lower) capital gains taxes on the profits.

Pay down the mortgage The problem with a mortgage in retirement is that you may have to sell investments to cover payments. And sometimes that will be when the markets are down - the worst possible time to sell, says Shelley Giordano, chair of the Funding Longevity Task Force at the American College of Financial Services. Her advice: 1. In place of your monthly payments, make half payments every two weeks. Those 26 payments per year are the equivalent of 13 monthly payments, resulting in a faster payoff and lower total interest costs. 2. Got a tax refund? A bonus? A side job? Apply that to your principal. 3. Avoid refinancing your mortgage, since a new loan with a later payoff date means more of your monthly payment goes to interest expense, not an increase in your home equity. 4. Don’t use a home equity loan or line of credit for purchases. The new tax law makes that less attractive, says Giordano. And this is the wrong time to be growing your mortgage debt. 38


DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

Put new retirement savings to work Not sure where to invest additional money? Aim for growth, somewhere between a trip to Vegas and stuffing cash into your mattress. The sweet spot • Balanced mutual funds: Seek a mix of stocks and bonds;

a 50/50 or 60/40 ratio of stocks to bonds is reasonable. • Target-date mutual funds: These balanced funds automatically adjust investments to lower risk as you age.

Conservative but sound • High-grade corporate bond funds • Money market accounts • U.S. government bond funds • Certificates of deposit and online savings accounts (See bankrate.com for Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.–insured banks offering higher rates.) • Series I inflation-protected savings bonds (sold at treasurydirect.gov)

Work Prepare Your Plan B - Ask yourself these questions, and be honest. 1. Do I work in a stable and growing industry? 2. Do I work for a stable and growing company? 3. Is my heart still in it? Have you answered no to any? It’s time to update your LinkedIn profile and see what else is out there.

Why do it: Only about half of workers cruise their way to a planned, voluntary retirement; the rest of us exit prematurely, often as a result of job loss or burnout. You still have time to regroup. “With 10 years to go, there is still enough runway to make a mark,” says career and retirement expert Nancy Collamer.

How to do it: You know the routine. Tell people who can help you. Sign up for job alerts on the go-to site in your industry. Browse the postings that interest you, and note the skills that employers are seeking.

Want to stay put? Get busy anyway. “Whether you drive a bus or work in a store or in a professional occupation, maximize your opportunities by building your capital,” Collamer advises. “Give talks or write articles to boost your profile, or take advantage of short-term training programs.” One option: Go to linkedin. com/learning and get online access to thousands of business, creative and technology courses for $30 per month. Miller, Mark and Powell, Robert, AARP (2019, Feb 6). Countdown to Retirement: 10 Years [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2019/10-year-countdown.html

39


DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

Travel in Style – by Bonnie Roseman

If there’s anything I’ve learned in my 35 years as a stylist, it’s to “carry on,” and by that of course, I mean take a carry-on bag! In order to make travel easier for my busy clients, I’ve spent years developing techniques to make traveling simple and fun. A carry-on bag is key to making your journey more enjoyable; no more hauling multiple bags, or worrying about losing your luggage, which can ruin your trip before you even begin! In my most recent trip abroad, I traveled to the Scandinavian countries before flying to Greece for a little sun in the Cycladic Islands. After that, it was off to Italy and over the Alps. All the while, I had just one bag with me. 40


DENVER | COLORADO | VOL . 2

To make the most of your luggage space, I suggest you wear your jeans and sneakers, and carry your leather jacket while you travel, to save space in your bag. Roll all items tightly! It saves space, and keeps everything from wrinkling. I usually prefer to stuff my undies and socks in my shoes. Select pieces with fabrics that can wash and hang to dry without needing to be pressed – it’s easier to keep things fresh and avoid using foreign cleaners that can be very expensive. Here are the basics for 6 weeks of traveling abroad across different climates. This short, gender-neutral list includes the basics for a great travel wardrobe. I recommend that your main wardrobe color for travel be black. It looks slimming on everyone, and doesn’t show dirt as easily. A few colorful tee tops can be added to give a little zip to your ensemble. All of these items will fit into your carry-on luggage and provide options for mixing and matching stylish looks while you see the world. You can then personalize your list by adding your toiletries, gloves, hat, or other essential accessories as needed.

TRAVEL WARDROBE Underwear 6 undergarments 6 pairs of socks Pajamas (your choice) Outerwear 2 tee shirts 2 button down shirts (one dressy, one casual) 2 pairs of pants (one jean, one black trouser) 1 pair of shorts 2 jackets (one leather, one raincoat) 1 cashmere sweater (pullover or cardigan) 1 bathing suit 1 basic black blazer (can be worn day or night) Accessories Scarves (colorful, lightweight) Belts (at least one black) Jewelry (a few pop pieces) 1 tie (traditional or bow tie) Shoes One heel or dress shoe One pair of flats (for day or night) One pair of sandals

Feel good, and look even better! Please contact me personally if you have any questions or would like to see my unique travel collection which can be dressed up or down. Bonnie@bonnieroseman.com | www.bonnieroseman.com | 917-209-0516 Bonnie Roseman Bio Fashion Designer. Style Consultant. Wardrobe Architect. The press has designated Bonnie Roseman as the ultimate fashion expert over the years. Featured on the NBC Today Show, People Magazine, and more, Roseman furthered her B-L-T brand by presenting her collection through the Home Shopping Network and Home Shopping Europe. Bonnie Roseman’s BLT has evolved into a full service boutique for women of all body types and lifestyles, featuring wrinkle-free fabrics and unique accessories that pack well and travel lightly wherever you go. Schedule with Bonnie and she’ll tell you all the secrets she’s been telling her clients for over 30 years. 41


RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY

ADVOCACY Denver Regional Council of Governments ...33

FAMILY MEDICINE New West Physicians..............................................17

APPRAISALS Bekka Saks .................................................................35

FINANCIAL ADVISOR Kendra Merritt - Edward Jones ..........................31

BRIDGE LOANS Redstone Bank ..........................................................15

FLOORING Amy the Carpeting & Floor Girl ..........................31

BUSINESS LAW Kazazian & Assocaites LLC....................................11

FRENCH LANGUAGE SCHOOL Alliance Francaise - Denver .................................19

CIVIL LITIGATION Patricia Jo Stone Attorneys at Law ................... 9

FURNITURE & APPLIANCES Habitat for Humanity................................................3

COMMUNITY BANK Redstone Bank ..........................................................15

HOME BUILDER Cardel Homes ............................................Back Cover

COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES Denver Regional Council of Governments ...33

HOME IMPROVEMENT Habitat for Humanity................................................3

DRY WALL CONTRACTOR The Wall Rebuilders ...............................................29

HOME INSURANCE Blue Ribbon Home Warranty.............................27

ELECTRICAL SERVICES Tower Electric ..............................................................7

INVESTMENT ADVISOR Abe Fitzsimmons - Wealth Wave.............. 22-23

EMPLOYMENT LAW Kazazian & Assocaites LLC....................................11

HOSPICE Colorado Palliative & Hospice Care .................37

ESTATE & BUSINESS PLANNING Patricia Jo Stone Attorneys at Law ................... 9

LEGAL SERVICES Law Office of Alexandra White PC ....................Front Inside Cover

ESTATE PLANNING The Law Network PC .............................................33 ESTATE SALES Bekka Saks .................................................................35 ESTATE SERVICES Bekka Saks .................................................................35

42

MORTGAGE PLANNER BOK Financial Mortgage ................. Front Cover, 5 NON PROFIT American Red Cross ...............................................21 ORGANIZING Bekka Saks .................................................................35



RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY

REAL ESTATE Ken Reynolds Coldwell Banker ............................Back Inside Cover Stefani Ernst - Great Way Real Estate..... 22-23 REALTOR Susie C. Smyle - Re/Max Professionals ..........35 RENTAL HOMES Greystar .................................................................13, 43 RV COLLISION REPAIR & SERVICE Universal Fleet RV & Austo Collision...................1 SENIOR LIVING Keystone Place at Legacy Ridge ......................35 SENIOR LIVING SEMINARS Mature Living Truth Seminars ............................37 SENIOR REAL ESTATE EXPERT Carol Guzman - Your Castle Real Estate .........11 TOOLS Habitat for Humanity................................................3

44

VEIN CENTER Modern Vascular......................................................25 WEALTH MANAGEMENT O’Donnell Wealth Management........................37 WILLS & ESTATES Law Office of Alexandra White PC ....................Front Inside Cover




Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.