





![]()









Dawa Sherpa Publisher
The
Brighton Buzz
There is something about spring that feels like permission.
Permission to begin again. Permission to try differently. Permission to grow.
The beginning of the year can carry pressure. January is loud with resolutions. February tests commitment. But, when March arrives, hopefully you are hitting your stride. And that’s exactly why the change in season matters.


Spring is not about starting over from scratch. It’s about resetting your approach and new ways to build your business. As the season shifts from winter to spring, it marks the time to move from planning into execution. The ideas sketched in meetings, the strategies drafted around the kitchen table, the offers refined over dinner and drinks—spring is when they’re meant to see the light. Start by cleaning, organizing, refreshing routines, and reassessing goals. It’s time to offer that new service or a product.
But spring is also a season of pruning. Sometimes a reset in your business isn’t about adding more; it’s about removing what’s taking your momentum. Change an outdated offer. Target a new audience. Advertise what reflects who you are becoming. If the year hasn’t gone exactly as planned, spring offers a strategic reset.
Recommit to the vision that made you start your business in the first place. Because businesses, like nature, are built to evolve. And, when you realign, relaunch, or reset, it becomes more than a season—it becomes momentum.


























































Offered by: Dolan & Associates, P.C.
Bill and Jane learned of Bill’s illness, they sought legal advice. The lawyer told them to put everything in joint tenancy, because “it is simple and avoids probate.” They weren’t comfortable with that advice and sought advice from a counseling-oriented attorney who took the time to learn more about them, their estate, and their goals. Bill’s primary objective was to protect Jane after he died. Under Bill’s plan, their savings, his life insurance, and the home would be put in a trust. This would protect the assets for Jane and help Jane protect her own assets as well.
After Bill’s death, Jane began volunteer work to keep her mind off her loss and it became a fulfilling passion. She met David. They connected immediately, and she fell in love. He proposed. She accepted. Her family noticed that his focus suddenly turned toward a keen interest in her finances. Blindly in love, she did not.
Bill’s plan left his assets in trust for Jane. As a requirement of receiving benefits, she had to obtain a prenuptial agreement protecting her own assets upon remarriage. The assets Bill left her were protected, but she needed to take action to protect her own assets. David was enraged when she told him that she was required to have a prenuptial agreement to preserve the assets for her children. Realizing that half of the assets were held in trust, and that a prenup would prevent him from receiving the balance upon her death, David lost interest in Jane. While Jane was sad, she also had a comforting feeling that Bill was still protecting her even after he was gone. Jane had wondered if the planning she and Bill had done was worth the effort. All doubts were now gone.
If you have questions about effective estate planning, we encourage you to gain more knowledge about available planning options by visiting www.EstatePlansThatWork.com to sign up for a complimentary small group educational workshop.









Fitness
Chic
Expansive
Community







Mitch Clausen & Sons have been in the contracting business a combined total of 48 years. They are third generation contractors. Mitch began working in construction and remodeling as a child, working for his father’s Minnesota-based company. It was under his father’s tutelage that Mitch acquired all the skills necessary to build and remodel homes. When Mitch turned 18, he had the realization that it was “now or never” to dream big and pursue building his own contracting company. Mitch soon found that he really enjoyed building garages and in 1983 decided to make garage building the primary focus of his business. Since then, Mitchco has built over 5,000 Garages in the greater Denver Metro area. Mitchco Specializes in RV garages and builds 30-50 complete garages annually. Mitchco now focuses primarily on the Adams County region where they reside, but builds garages all over the North East Denver Metro area. Costs have consistently risen the past few years for building materials. Working with a family-owned business makes your purchasing experience more understandable.






Garages |
Garages



























I grew up in Lima, Peru, during the 1980s, when terrorist attacks often targeted electrical towers, leaving us in the dark for hours; sometimes days. No lights. No television. No distractions. Just my parents, my brothers, and me sitting at the dining room table by a candle. We played games, we talked, we sang, we told jokes. We learned how to be together in the quiet and stillness of the night.
When I look back, I treasure those dark evenings. I miss what that imposed OFF switch brought to our family.
Today, kids grow up in a very different world. Phones buzz and ding. iPads glow with addictive games. Bright-colored videos engineered to keep you watching for hours. Constant stimulation has become normal.
Recently, I spoke with a children’s therapist about the rise in ADHD diagnoses. She echoed what many of us are seeing: “From infancy, screens deliver endless highs, colors, sounds, and instant feedback. When that stimulation disappears, kids feel like something is missing. ey fidget. ey struggle with stillness. ey tune out ‘boring’ conversations and classrooms because silence feels uncomfortable.”
Take Maxwell, an energetic six-year-old who joined our karate program a few months ago. At first, he couldn’t keep eye contact. He bounced in his seat. He talked a mile a minute. His teachers at school complained that he struggled to finish assignments and often distracted other kids too.
In karate, every class begins with “mokuso”, a moment before class when we close our eyes and sit quietly to clear our minds. For some children, even for ten seconds of mokuso feels like an eternity.
Maxwell squirmed at first. He peeked around the room. He struggled being still. But week after week, with guidance and the steady example of his peers, something began to change. He started holding still longer. He listened more carefully. He followed instructions faster.
Soon, he was leading drills confidently. When I speak to him now, he looks me in the eye and responds clearly, “Yes Sensei.” He even helps new students who are struggling.
e best part? His teachers have noticed the difference too. at makes me incredibly happy.
As a parent, and now a grandparent, I understand the temptation to hand a child a tablet for a few minutes of peace. It feels harmless. It feels helpful. But I also believe something important happens in those quiet moments. In boredom, imagination wakes up. In stillness, focus grows. In silence, creativity begins.
Family games. Outdoor play. Paper books. ese simple things build attention and connection in ways screens cannot. We don’t need blackouts to rediscover that lesson. But we do need to intentionally create space for “off.”
In an always-on world, we must teach the power of turning off. Because sometimes our greatest growth happens in the dark, when the noise fades and our own thoughts finally have room to speak.























Insurance Accepted
Self Pay Discounts Offered
Financing Available • Independent, Multi-line Dealer
• HSA and FSA Cards Accepted
• Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations and Screenings
• Tinnitus Evaluations & FDA Approved Tinnitus Solutions
• Hearing Aid Cleaning/Maintenance, Modification, Repair, and Service
• Ear Wax Removal, Hearing Protection, and other Ear Health Products
Tworecent experiences prompted me to write on the importance of the proper fitting and maintenance of hearing aids. Treating hearing loss is extremely important due to its impact on health and well-being. Untreated hearing loss increases the likelihood of depression, loneliness, isolation, and is a significant contributing factor in developing dementia. Unfortunately, many people think that treating hearing loss simply means buying some form of cheap amplification device.
In reality, properly treating hearing loss is a process involving numerous steps. ese steps include having a comprehensive audiometric evaluation (hearing test) and being properly fitted with hearing devices programmed specifically to the patient’s needs. Another step, one that is most often neglected, is the ongoing maintenance of the ears and the hearing aids. Malfunctioning devices and wax-fi lled ears can be very problematic, while properly fitted and functioning devices improve a person’s life as shown in the following two experiences.

Last week, a gentleman visiting from out of town was scheduled to have his hearing aids checked as he was not hearing well. His diminished hearing was causing significant bickering between him and his wife. e day before the appointment I received word from his son he was in the hospital due to a medical emergency. ings were not going well. e problem was exacerbated by the fact his hearing aids were not working properly. His lack of hearing was leading to significant confusion. I insisted the son bring the hearing aids in as soon as possible since, in my
experience, the patient would likely do much better if he could communicate with his family and the medical staff e son brought the aids into the office. Neither aid was functioning properly, but I was able to clean and repair both of them without sending either to the manufacturer. e son then took the aids back to the patient in the hospital. He reported his father was doing much better as his confusion decreased once he could properly hear what was happening.
Another situation last month involved a woman who previously used multiple pairs of hearing aids, but none, including the devices she had been wearing for the past year, were helping her. She was very frustrated and downtrodden as nobody had been able to help her with her problem and she could not communicate with her family. It turned out her ear canals were shaped such that the typical one-size fits-most devices did not fit, and the “custom” devices she had would not stay in her ears.
Following an examination of her ears and comprehensive hearing evaluation, I determined that even though she has unique and difficult to fit ear canals, I could customize a solution for her. She reluctantly agreed to get the hearing aids I recommended, and a week later was successfully fit with the devices. e first report I received from her family after the fitting was that she was very pleased and not only could she hear better, she commented she could actually carry on a conversation for the first time in a very long time. When she returned to the office for her first follow up, her attitude, countenance and demeanor had completely changed.



Offered by: Headwaters Health and Wealth LLC - Lisa Asmussen

What should you do with your tax refund?
It’s almost time for people to begin receiving their tax refunds. If you get one, what will you do with it?
e answer will depend somewhat on the size of your refund. Last year, the average was $3,167, according to the Internal Revenue Service’s Filing Season Statistics report.
Whatever the size of your refund, you’ll want to maximize its benefit. Here are some suggestions:
• Contribute to your IRA. If you receive $3,167, it could go a long way toward funding your IRA for the year, but any amount would help. You have until April 15 to contribute for the 2025 tax year, but if you’ve already “maxed out” contributions, you could use your refund for 2026, when the annual contribution limit for an IRA is $7,500, or $8,600 if you’re 50 or older. Beginning early toward fully funding your IRA can help reduce the pressure of coming up with large amounts later.

By March, many retirees have received their first surprise of the year — a medical or prescription bill that didn’t look quite right. e new year resets deductibles, copays, and drug plan phases. What felt affordable in December can look very different in January and February.
Here are three common reasons bills change:
Deductibles Reset
Medicare Part B has an annual deductible. Prescription drug plans may also have deductibles that start over January 1.
Drug Pricing Phases
Even with recent improvements to Part D, your costs can vary depending on where you are in the coverage stages.
Network or Plan Changes
Doctors, medical groups, and pharmacies can shift contracts at the start of the year.
As a PERA retiree I know that system and can assist with evaluation there too.
is isn’t about panic — it’s about clarity.
If you’ve opened a bill and thought, “ at doesn’t look right,” don’t ignore it. Often it’s explainable. Sometimes it’s fi xable.
Before you assume it’s just luck this St. Patrick’s Day, take a closer look. A short conversation now can protect your retirement dollars all year long.
Lisa Asmussen 303-887-8584 • Lisa@headwatershw.com
• Build an emergency fund. Your tax refund could help you start or expand an emergency fund. It’s a good idea to keep three to six months’ worth of living expenses in such a fund, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account, separate from the funds you use for your daily expenses. You might need to draw on this fund for unexpected expenses, such as a major home or car repair or a large medical bill. Without an emergency fund in place, you might be tempted to dip into your IRA or other retirement accounts to pay for these types of costs, and that could be expensive, resulting in taxes, penalties and lost opportunities for growth.
• Contribute to a 529 plan. If you have children or grandchildren and want to support their education, you might consider investing in a 529 education savings plan. Earnings and withdrawals are federally tax free, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses. Your 529 plan may provide state tax benefits, too. (It’s possible, though, that 529 withdrawals could affect financial aid packages, depending on who owns the account.) A 529 plan can be used to help pay for college, accredited trade school programs, some K-12 expenses and even some student loans.
• Pay down debts. You may wish you could reduce your debt load. Your tax refund could offer you that chance. But which debts should you tackle first? You could follow the “snowball” method by paying off the smallest of your loans or debts as quickly as possible. Or you could choose the “avalanche” route by making minimum payments on all debts and using extra funds – such as your tax refund – to pay off those with the highest interest rates. Either method could help you save money in the long term.
• Prepare for other tax obligations. Your refund can also be set aside in a separate savings account to pay estimated quarterly taxes or personal property or real estate taxes.
It’s not often that you receive a financial windfall such as a tax refund — so think carefully about how you can maximize its benefits.

Our clients’ interests come first.
What matters most to you matters to us.
We’ll help you identify and define your unique financial goals. And then we’ll tailor investment strategies that help you work toward those goals.
What matters most to you matters to us.
We’ll help you identify and define your unique financial goals. And then we’ll tailor investment strategies that help you work toward those goals.
Come in for a complimentary consultation.
Our single focus is helping you achieve what’s most important to you. And you’ll be backed by our entire team each step of the way.
Come in for a complimentary consultation.

Our single focus is helping you achieve what’s most important to you. And you’ll be backed by our entire team each step of the way. Forrest Hough, AAMS®, CRPC™
Advisor
21 N 1st Ave Suite 290
Brighton, CO 80601
720-769-9203

We can help get you started.


21 N 1st Ave Suite 290
Brighton, CO 80601 303-659-2301







Offered by T. Lloyd Worth, Worth Wealth Management
Phishing is a form of cybercrime in which cybercriminals deploy fraudulent communications to a user or organization that are created to appear to have come from a legitimate source. These communications are made to trick recipients into giving out sensitive information such as bank account information or credit and social security numbers. According to an IC3 Annual Report, there were around 298,878 victims of phishing attacks in 2023 which incurred losses of around $18,728,550. As phishing attacks increase in frequency, it is important to understand the different types of phishing attacks and how to best protect yourself from them.
Spear Phishing is a targeted phishing attack in which a cybercriminal uses personal details and information to disguise themselves as a trustworthy entity to acquire sensitive data. Cybercriminals will typically conduct research on their target using public information such as social media to learn to plan their method of attack. The cybercriminal will then use the information they obtained to send their target a legitimate looking email with the hopes that their targeted individual interacts with the sent email. These phishing emails can be spotted by identifying common red flags such as spelling and grammatical errors, generic greetings, and odd urgent requests.
Smishing is a form of phishing attack that is carried out by text or SMS message. Smishing attacks are similar to spear phishing attacks in which they often are created to look like a legitimate text message. The contents of the sent text messages often contain links that contain malware or instructions that are meant to trick users into revealing sensitive information. These attacks are particularly dangerous because people may be more inclined to trust a text message rather than an email. Many individuals are unaware that phishing attacks could be carried out via text message and these attacks can be just as dangerous as a traditional phishing email.

Vishing is a form of cybercrime where cybercriminals disguise themselves as a reputable business or entity and uses phone calls or voicemail messages to contact their targets to trick in them into providing them with sensitive information. Cybercriminals will often use threats and harsh language to convince their targets to feel pressured into releasing their information. Examples of this can be seen with fake tech support scams and IRS call center scams as well. When identifying a vishing scam always attempt to confirm the identity of the individual that is contacting you, if you do not feel comfortable with an inbound call, hang up and contact a business or individual directly.
I think I may be a victim of a Phishing Attack. What should I do?
1. Stop all communication. If you are in contact with a scammer, cease communication immediately.
2. Report the incident. You can file a complaint with the FTC at https:// reportfraud.ftc.gov.
3. Protect your identity. Monitor your financial accounts, credit reports, and any other sensitive information for signs of unauthorized access and activity. With most accounts, you can place a fraud alert or a credit freeze to prevent further compromise.
4. Document the incident. Keep any record of communication and documentation related to the scam. This can be extremely useful when reporting the incident and resolving any issues with authorities.

Please feel free to reach out to Lloyd Worth, Worth Wealth Management, at (303) 558-0214 or Lloyd.Worth@LPL.com for further discussion.












































If you’re self-employed, taxes aren’t withheld from your income automatically. Instead, the IRS—and your state—expect you to pay taxes throughout the year by making quarterly estimated tax payments. Missing or underpaying these estimates can lead to penalties, interest, and an unwelcome surprise at tax time. Here’s a clear breakdown of how estimated taxes work and how to stay penalty-free.
Step 1: Estimate your annual self-employment income
Start by projecting your total gross income from self-employment, including 1099 income, consulting, side work, and any other business revenue you expect to earn during the year.
Step 2: Subtract deductible business expenses
Estimate your ordinary and necessary business expenses—such as supplies, mileage, home office, software, insurance, and professional fees. Subtract these from gross income to determine your net business income
Step 3: Calculate self-employment tax
Self-employed individuals are responsible for self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare. is tax is generally 15.3% of net income. One-half of this tax is deductible when calculating your federal income tax.
Step 4: Estimate your federal income tax
Using your filing status and projected taxable income, calculate your estimated federal income tax based on current tax brackets.
Step 5: Add federal taxes together
Combine your estimated income tax and self-employment tax to determine your total estimated federal tax liability for the year.
Step 6: Apply IRS safe-harbor rules
To avoid federal underpayment penalties, the IRS generally requires you to pay at least:
• 90% of your current year’s total tax, or
• 100% of your prior year’s total tax (or 110% if your prior-year adjusted gross income exceeded IRS thresholds)
Meeting one of these safe-harbor thresholds typically protects you from penalties—even if your income increases during the year.
Step 7: Don’t forget state estimated taxes
Most states with income tax also require quarterly estimated tax payments While rules and thresholds vary by state, the concept is similar:
• You generally must pay a required percentage of your expected state income tax throughout the year. Colorado is a flat 4.40% income tax rate.
• States often follow similar safe-harbor rules based on prior-year tax or a percentage of current-year tax.
• Payments are usually due on the same quarterly schedule as federal estimates. Failing to make state estimates can result in state penalties and interest, even if your federal estimates are accurate.
Step 8: Divide into quarterly payments
Once you determine the required federal and state amounts, divide each by four. Estimated payments are generally due:
• April
• June
• September
• January
Estimated taxes don’t need to be perfect—but they do need to be reasonable and proactive. Estimated taxes aren’t just compliance—they’re cash-flow strategy. As income changes, your payments should be adjusted to prevent surprises.
How Pricewise Business Solutions Can Help
At Pricewise Business Solutions, we help self-employed professionals stay ahead of taxes with confidence. Our services include:
• Calculating federal and state estimated tax payments
• Applying safe-harbor rules correctly
• Adjusting estimates as income changes
• Proactive tax planning to reduce surprises and improve cash flow
If you’d like clarity and confidence around your estimated taxes, call 720.949.7733.





Our Program Offers:
• Full-Time Preschool (Ages 21/2 - 4) available from 6:30AM - 6:00PM
• Part-Time Preschool (Ages 21/2 - 4) available Tues.-Fri., 8:45AM - 12:30PM
Children who are age 4 by October 1, 2026 can participate in the UPK program and get a discount for their full day preschool tuition, and can get free preschool for our part time program.
In the Methodist Church} Includes: • Core Knowledge Curriculum • Preschool classes feature low child/ teacher ratios with caring teachers and a safe environment. • Camp-Style Classes






Day camp programs run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., except for Wild Nestlings which runs from 9 a.m.-Noon.
Wild Nestlings: August 3-August 7 | Ages 4-5 | $150.00 Budding Birders: July 27-July 31 | Ages 6-7 | $300.00 Raptor Camp: July 20-24 | Ages 8-9 | $300.00
Fort Collins Foothills: June 1-5 |Ages 9-12 |$325.00
Barr Adventure Camp: July 13-17 | Ages 10-11 | $325.00
The Big Week: June 8-12| Ages 12-13 | $375.00

Connect your camper to birds and the natural world through hands-on learning, outdoor play, and exploration! To register, apply for scholarships, or for more information, visit birdconservancy.org/birdcamps
Questions? Contact Assistant Education Director, Becky Heath at becky.heath@birdconservancy.org or at (303) 659-4348 x 49




























Generally speaking, we plan when we will retire and we plan when we will be coming off an Employer Group Health Plan. But there are certain life scenarios when you will find that you have to act very quickly to get your Medicare coverage started.
Let’s back up a bit. When you turn 65, you have the right to go on Medicare. There are two parts to Medicare, Part A and Part B. You pay into Medicare all of your working years so that when you are eligible for Medicare, you don’t have to pay a premium to be on Part A.
If you are still covered by an Employer Group Health Plan through the active employment of you or your spouse when you turn 65, you can get on Part A only OR avoid Medicare all together until you or your spouse fully retires. Usually, you would avoid Medicare all together if you are the employee carrying health coverage and you are making contributions to an HSA with your health plan. If your plan doesn’t have an HSA, then it’s nice to get on Part A only.
Having Part A in place will supply you with your Medicare number. This number is your number for the rest of your life. When you add Part B, your number stays the same. If you run into a situation and you need to get on Medicare very quickly because of a sudden loss of coverage, it is nice to have your Medicare number already if possible.
Most of the time, when you want to add additional insurance to Medicare, you need your Medicare number. If you are already on Part A, you can apply for Part B and still submit an application for the additional coverage while waiting for Part B to process. If you do not have Part A, then you have to wait for SSA to process your Medicare Application and generate a Medicare number before submitting your additional insurance application.
If you have questions, please reach out. I am always happy to help. Call/Text












































































































It’s
Let






























Sudoku is one of the most popular puzzle games of all time. As a logic puzzle, Sudoku is also an excellent brain game. If you play Sudoku daily, you will soon start to see improvements in your concentration and overall brain power. Start a game today and make it a part of your daily brain workout!
The goal of Sudoku is to fill in a 9×9 grid with digits so that each column, row, and 3×3 section contain the numbers between 1 to 9. At the beginning of the game, the 9×9 grid will have some of the squares filled in. Your job is to use logic to fill in the missing digits and complete the grid. Don’t forget, a move is incorrect if:
• Any row contains more than one of the same number from 1 to 9
• Any 3×3 grid contains more than one of the same number from 1 to 9
• Any column contains more than one of the same number from 1 to 9















1

Offered by: Scott and Lora Nordby, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate
Inmany Colorado households, pets are family. And when it’s time to sell, that love doesn’t disappear—it just needs a little planning. With most American homesx including at least one pet, today’s buyers are often pet owners themselves. Still, when they walk through your front door, they’re imagining their future—not someone else’s litter box, chew toys, or barking guard dog.

The goal is simple: help buyers see your home at its very best while keeping your pets safe, calm, and comfortable throughout the process. Here are five practical tips to make that happen.
1. Make a plan for showings and appointments.
Selling a home means a steady stream of activity—showings, inspections, appraisals, and possibly repairs. Even the friendliest pet can feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar visitors. If possible, arrange for a trusted friend, family member, or pet boarder to care for your pet during key appointments. If that’s not an option, plan ahead with crates, carriers, or scheduled walks so your home can be shown safely and without distraction.
For showings, you should plan for 1–2 hours. For appraisals, one hour. Home inspections, 3–4 hours.
1. Deep clean—and then clean again.
Pet hair and odors are the two biggest concerns for buyers. Even subtle smells can linger in carpets, upholstery, and drapes. Steam clean carpets, wash bedding frequently, and keep litter boxes and cages spotless. Use lint rollers on furniture and consider covering favorite pet spots with washable throws that can be quickly removed before a showing. A fresh, neutral-smelling home allows buyers to focus on your space—not your pets
2. Declutter pet belongings.

Food bowls, beds, toys, and crates are part of everyday life—but they can make rooms feel crowded or untidy. Before showings, store extra pet items out of sight and tidy up feeding areas. Clear floors and open spaces photograph better and feel larger in person, helping buyers connect emotionally with the home.
3. Prepare your pet for change.
Animals are sensitive to shifts in routine. Packing boxes, rearranged furniture, and unfamiliar visitors can create stress. Introduce moving boxes gradually and maintain regular feeding and exercise schedules as much as possible. If crate training isn’t already part of your routine, now is a good time to create a safe, comfortable space your pet associates with calm and security.
4. Prioritize safety on moving day.
Moving day is busy—and doors are often left open. Keep pets secured in a crate or quiet room to prevent escapes. Take dogs on a long walk before loading the car, and make sure you have medical records handy if you’re relocating outside the area. A little preparation goes a long way toward making the transition smooth for everyone.
Selling a home with pets doesn’t require perfection. It requires thoughtful presentation and proactive planning. When buyers can tour your home comfortably—and your pets remain safe and cared for—you create the best possible environment for a successful sale.
Successfully selling a home with pets is about more than cleaning and coordination—it’s about knowing how to present your property in a way that appeals to today’s buyers while protecting what matters most to you. The right strategy can make all the difference. A Forever Agent SM at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Real Estate can help you prepare thoughtfully, anticipate buyer expectations, and guide you through each step with confidence. Connect at 303-905-8850 or visit BHHScoloradorealestate.com to start the conversation.


5





2












3









