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The Home Issue H O M E S E RV I C E S

OPEN HOUSE: KITCHEN/BATH REMODEL Q & A WITH BILL KERWIN LO C A L S E RV I C E S

GIVING BACK: BROOMFIELD FISH RESPONSE TO MARSHALL FIRE F O O D + B E V E R AG E

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

A Fresh Start

March 2022 PUBLISHER

Justin Schierkolk | justin.schierkolk@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Sarah Schierkolk | sarah.schierkolk@citylifestyle.com

Who’s ready for spring? The positive symbolism that comes with the seasonal change is just what we need to embrace a fresh start. There is much to look forward to during springtime in Broomfield. While we can count on a few more snowstorms (this is your reminder to make sure your trees are trimmed, lest mother nature do some pruning on her terms with heavy snow), many of us start planning home improvement projects. Kitchens and bathrooms are popular remodel targets for great return on investment, so we asked Bill Kerwin, owner of Kerwin Plumbing & Heating for his thoughts on planning and executing a successful project. Maybe you’re thinking about selling and finding your dream home, or down-sizing to save money. Either way, chances are, there are a few things you can do to get your home “market-ready”. Elena Lilja of Cloud 9 Homes gave us some great advice on that. Of course if selling and buying is on your mind, you’ll certainly benefit from expert help to navigate this crazy market! Look for excellent mortgage advice from Brett Popish, and solid real estate guidance from Mike Bruce. Since our homes are one of our greatest investments, why not take a few minutes to review your insurance policy? Double-check your coverage to make sure you have what you need to protect your house and your family. According to Michael Plaia, it’s a good idea to consider adding an extension of 125% or 150% to your policy for a full rebuild scenario to anticipate rising costs of labor and materials. Lastly, with the lingering impact of the Marshall fire sure to be felt for many years to come, I urge everyone to take a moment of reflection in gratitude for our first responders and our community. The quality of life we enjoy here in Broomfield is only possible because of the selfless people that put the wellbeing of others first.

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Broomfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Broomfield area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Broomfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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MARCH 2022

inside the issue The Home Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Making Form Functional

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Open House

Money Matters

Expert Help

Home Update

Curb Appeal

HO ME + DES I GN

Giving Back

LO CA L S ERV I C ES

Financial Buzz

An “insider” perspective on kitchen and bathroom remodel.

22 Making Your Home Market-Ready with Elena Lilja from Cloud 9 Homes

26 Keeping Calm in a Frantic Market

Bruce Homes Colorado helps families navigate the choppy seas of buying and selling a home.

32 Ask, Listen, Act

Responding with compassion and courage in the hours following the Marshall fire.

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MARCH 2022

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

1: Isaac getting a warm welcome and kind words of encouragement from Chamber CEO Sam Taylor. 2: La Distileria (formerly Delvickios) Ribbon Cutting on January 25th, courtesy the Broomfield Chamber of Commerce 3: La Distileria is a traditional-style Latin and Mexican-inspired restaurant. Photography by Tim Seibert - Flatirons Pro Media

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @broomfieldlifestyle

Broomfield, Please Welcome La Distileria! Isaac Gonzalez, owner of La Distileria, introduces his authentic vision of Latin-inspired dishes to Broomfield! Paired with a distillery and a unique drink menu, come experience a variety of tequilas and mezcals to complement your favorite entree. Gonzalez spent part of his childhood in Mexico City and is bringing the food and experiences he had as a child with him to the new restaurant.

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MARCH 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Marshall Fire Fundraiser - Free Dumpsters from CR Contracting

Veterans Museum Broomfield Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The Marshall Fire burned over 1,000 homes and more than 6,000 acres of land in Boulder County, Superior, and Louisville, leaving a massive amount of fire debris behind. We would love your help supplying dumpsters and assisting with cleanup efforts for those in need that were affected by the Marshall Fire. Please scan the QR code to learn more.

Commemorating their 20th anniversary, a new exhibit has been installed to honor those who have dedicated their time to preserving the legacy of our military heroes. The Veterans Museum Broomfield exists to honor local veterans of all the United States’ conflicts and peacekeeping efforts from the Civil War to the present, in all branches of service, by telling their stories. Located at 12 Garden Center, Broomfield, CO 80020 Open Thursdays, 10am – 2pm Open Saturdays, 9am – 3pm

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Tiny Tot Town by Bal Swan Children's Center Come stroll the streets of this tot-sized town where children can play their way to the doctor, the bank, the grocery store, the yoga studio, and more! Where: Broomfield High School Gymnasium Saturday April 9th, 5pm - 7:30pm

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MAKIN

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AN “INSIDER” PERSPECTIVE ON KITCHEN AND BATHROOM REMODEL.

F U N C T IO N A L

ARTICLE BY JUSTIN SCHIERKOLK - PUBLISHER, BROOMFIELD LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM SEIBERT - FLATIRONS PRO MEDIA & SARAH DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E SE RVI CE S

It’s a pretty well-known fact that a kitchen and/or bathroom remodel can substantially increase home value. People love to dream of their perfect kitchen — beautiful finishes, a massive gas range, dual ovens, and wifi-enabled “smart” appliances. But beneath the granite countertops and exquisite backsplashes, behind the elegantly textured walls and below the stone tile floors, lies the often forgotten, yet vitally important infrastructure commonly known as “plumbing” that makes it all possible. So, when you start planning for that upscale kitchen or bath remodel, don’t forget about the guy behind the scenes. A massive range might be just the ticket for cooking Sunday brunch for your family, but only if it has adequate gas supply. A beautiful farmhouse sink will handle the biggest pots and pans with ease, but only if you have adequate water pressure and volume to do that gooseneck spout justice. Your master bath might be much more enjoyable with a jacuzzi tub, but only if the hot water supply can keep up with the increased demand. To better understand how to start planning a kitchen or bath remodel, we caught up with Bill Kerwin, owner of Kerwin Plumbing and Heating for his thoughts on executing a smooth project that exceeds your expectations. His company has been in business for 44 years. They are a full service plumbing contractor specializing in residential and commercial service, repair, remodel, and commercial/ industrial design and build. They handle boiler systems, water heaters, gas work, cast iron pipe repair, fixture installs and appliance hook-ups. Bill, thanks for taking the time to lend us your expert advice! From a plumbing perspective, talk about the process. When do you get involved? We are called in when a customer, general contractor or interior designer needs to walk the job and help with creating the plan. The customer and designer work together to decide colors and fixtures that will fit into their budget and style they are looking for. Although a remodel may seem easy, it can be challenging to actually build what the customer wants. What guidance would you give people regarding fixture choices and finishes? Seek options that are appealing to you, within budget, but consider your future plans. Try to strike a balance between your preferences and styles that will stand the test of time. Set realistic expectations and budget requirements.

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Family Owned Community Plumber since 1978 Specializing in Plumbing Commercial Construction, Residential Remodels & Repairs, Including: Faucets | Sinks | Toilets | Disposals | Drain Lines Valves | Water Heaters (Standard & Tankless) Gas Lines (Fire Places, Fire Pits, Gas Grills) Customer Service & Reasonable Prices are essential to our core values at Kerwin Plumbing

(303) 466-3581 kerwinplumbing.com 11704 Teller St Broomfield, CO 80020

What are some things to keep in mind during the design/ planning process? Consider location and proximity of appliances and fixtures. Should your master bath have dual sinks, or a single large sink? Consider function vs. form. How might your needs change in the future? Technology-wise, what are the most common or popular plumbing upgrades? Tankless water heaters deliver an endless supply of hot water. This one benefit can be a game-changer, especially for larger CONTINUED > MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BR O O M F I E L D

Management Team

families with high demand. These units are also environmentally friendly with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. They save space, and they can last longer than a conventional water heater. Since there is no water tank, there is less risk for severe water damage. Some models have wifi technology built in for remote control. Kitchen and bath remodels can be time-consuming, but what can people do to make sure things stay on-schedule? Communication and coordination is key here. Stay in touch with your GC, and check in at key intervals throughout the project. The process always takes longer than expected and with today’s current supply chain issues, getting parts can take longer than normal.

OWNER

BILL KERWIN 14

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E SE RVI CE S

You talk a lot about researching, communication and planning. Do you work directly with the homeowner to help guide this process? Yes, we’ve been helping homeowners in the Broomfield and surrounding areas for many years when it comes to planning a remodel or addition. We do pre-inspection to help determine what, if any, plumbing upgrades will be needed, and determine remodel functionality.

Don’t wait for home prices to get out of reach! Don’t wait for interest rates to climb!

Get Pre-Approved now so you’re ready when you find that perfect home! It’s great to know that you’ve been helping local residents for many years! Talk about how Kerwin Plumbing got started. Kerwin Plumbing was established in 1978, by my parents, originally operating out of their home. They specialized in service and light commercial work. After several years of working for major mechanical companies I joined the family business in 1985 and took over operations in 1997. For the past 25 years I have grown the business to include heavy commercial and industrial plumbing, as well as design/build. Thanks for that additional background! Any final bits of advice for our readers? Hire a good general contractor, check their experience and ask for references. Be an active participant on-site, ask for a job walk with all contractors involved in the project and stay involved during the entire process. Understand that unexpected challenges and obstacles are bound to come up. Be realistic with timing and budget.

Whether you’re a first time home buyer or looking to move up to your dream home, now is the time to get pre-approved so you’re ready when that perfect home becomes available.

Call us today to begin your journey to own your future!

(303) 668-5891 www.popishmortgage.com | bpopish@ulc.com 12365 Huron St., Suite 1800 Westminster, CO 80234 NMLS 253202 CO MLO 100015587 NMLS 2996 MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BR O O M F I E L D

IS YOUR HOME PROTECTED? BE SURE YOUR POLICY REFLECTS WHAT MATTERS TO YOU ARTICLE BY SHAY BRASE

After the Marshall Fire devastation in December, it may be a good time to make sure your coverage would be sufficient in a similar circumstance. One Local Farmers Insurance agent shares how important it is to understand your options for insuring your home and everything in it. Michael Plaia and his family live, work, and play in Broomfield. As an agent, he strives to protect local families, businesses, and their assets. Michael seeks to build solid relationships with his clients and review their policies annually, either over the phone or (gasp!) in person.

M ON E Y M AT T E R S | FINANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

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Your neighbor,

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1 2 3

Dwelling Coverage:

Your insurance coverage should step in and supply sufficient monies for either a repair or full rebuild. With material and labor costs on the rise, make sure your home coverage limit is sufficient and is updated annually to pace inflation. Look at adding an extension of 125% or 150% for a full rebuild scenario.

Personal Property Coverage:

Look around your home. If you have to replace everything -everything- what would the cost be? Do you have enough coverage? Consider the valuable things that are stored away and not often thought of. Best practice: take photos and either save them to the cloud or email to yourself. (Don’t depend solely on your phone/computer hard drive!) If you have expensive jewelry, be sure it is “scheduled” on your policy.

Loss of Use Coverage: When your home is inhabitable or completely lost, loss of use monies are available to help pay to live elsewhere temporarily. Most policies have a 12-month limit and 10% of the Dwelling Coverage for the dollar limit, which would be insufficient if you need to rebuild. Opt for 24-months and look at 20%30% or higher limits.

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Own Your Future, Own Your Home

Brett Popish, of Popish Mortgage, On Navigating Our New Housing Reality ARTICLE BY LINDA BOLANDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY

EXP E RT H E LP | R EAL ESTATE

Two words that strike fear into the hearts of homeowners—or those who are considering buying a home—are “mortgage” and “bubble.” Those terms bring up memories of sweating over paperwork on the dining room table, wondering how to make it all work. Sometimes it didn’t. We also remember the early 2000s, when we had access to easy money, even people with low credit scores. There were people buying homes who assumed they would refinance if the high mortgage rate became unaffordable. But the days of easy money are gone and wages have not kept pace with prices. Investors are snatching up properties and building expensive homes on them. Bidding wars leave house-shaped shrapnel holes in buyers’ wallets, and a lot of buyers (and mortgage brokers) who are not well-versed in the mortgage business are making it worse. Builders are struggling to keep up with demand due to labor and supply shortages and many current homeowners would rather keep their existing home as a rental and purchase a new one. All these factors are contributing to the rise in home prices. Working with a good mortgage specialist can help you navigate the brutal process of obtaining a mortgage in our fast-paced Colorado real estate market. Brett Popish, of Popish Mortgage, a Universal Lending company, explains. “There’s a lot of competition for just one house in this area,” Brett says. “But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. The time to make your move is now while rates are still affordable. Rates will go up. It’s just a matter of time.”

Buyers often ask Brett if they should wait to buy until they have saved more for a down payment. His answer is that you will never out-save the market. An example is a family that plans to save $10,000 over the next year for a larger down payment on their dream home. During that year prices will rise more than $10,000, so they would be better off buying now. This also applies to refinancing. We have such a short window of decently low interest rates that anyone who has not refinanced should do so now. Brett says, “This could save thousands over the life of your loan but not just with interest savings. Refinancing could eliminate private mortgage insurance, consolidate debt, or give you equity to remodel your home.” He recommends working with someone who understands your goals and who can tailor a mortgage loan to help you achieve those goals. Otherwise, you are risking the financial security you have built for your family over the years. A mortgage is far more involved than interest rates and monthly payments. There are many more factors, including short-term and long-term costs. Brett Popish and his team have over 50 years of combined mortgage lending experience are well-versed in all loan t ypes including FH A , VA , Conventional, and Jumbo Financing. They also offer down payment assistance programs that include MetroDPA and Colorado Housing Finance Authorit y. Call Popish Mortgage Group today to begin the journey of owning your future!

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MAKING YOUR HOME MARKET-READY. WITH ELENA LILJA FROM CLOUD 9 HOMES

ARTICLE BY SHAY BRASE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM SEIBERT - FLATIRONS PRO MEDIA

H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN

Thinking about making a move this year? Be prepared to sell in the current and unprecedented market! An experienced local realtor provides tips to transform your home from “meh” to market ready. They say that a potential home buyer knows whether or not they would consider making an offer on a home within seven seconds of entering. First impressions count! Knowing that housing costs are at an all-time high, it is important to make sure your current home stands out in order to maximize your resell price. Elena Lilja has offered some valuable advice for anyone looking to help pique the interest of potential buyers. From the kitchen to bathrooms, bedrooms and basement, these tips are helpful even for those of us not making a move just yet. Who says you can’t enjoy a new color or fun backsplash before selling? Today’s real estate market is aggressive to say the least, and Elena is happy to offer her expertise and support each step of the way. Questions are welcome and so many tend to pop up during such a life changing experience! Additionally, Elena has an extensive knowledge in property construction and remodeling, which helps set her apart from other realtors. Elena Lilja would love to help make your next home buying & selling experience a positive one. From Broomfield to Breckenridge, Westminster to Winter Park, she has you covered.

IDEAS Kitchen: When it comes to selling your home, kitchens and bathrooms have the greatest return on investment. Along with granite or quartz countertops, a decorative backsplash will add interest and appeal. Stick with classic and clean designs, avoiding overly trendy finishes. Bathrooms: Motion sensored lights behind mirrors are a unique and inexpensive touch to any bathroom. Not only are they easy to install, but they add a touch of surprise and convenience. Bedrooms: A common theme for any area of the home is to neutralize colors. This is a good time to paint over the mural in the nursery. Be sure to open blinds and curtains to allow natural light for showings. New carpets are a great bang for your buck, if need be. Living Area: A fresh coat of paint and new baseboard can do wonders in giving potential buyers a great first impression. Elena recommends white shader baseboards, as they add a clean and modern feel. (Be sure to stick with neutral paint colors!) Dining room: Install a unique light fixture or a modern chandelier. Something like this can be not only a great conversation piece, but also creates the “wow” factor for potential buyers. Put out fresh flowers or fresh fruit for showings/ photographs. Exterior: The best thing that you can do for your home is to keep up with general maintenance. Does your home need a repaint? Is your landscaping overgrown in places? If you don’t notice, someone else will. Flower pots also help add to curb appeal.

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BR O O M F I E L D

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Keeping Calm in a Frantic

Market Bruce Homes Colorado helps families navigate the choppy seas of buying and selling a home. 26

C UR B A P P E A L | HOM E + DE S I GN

Owning a home is the cornerstone of the American Dream. Most families feel that homeownership is the core of their security. Unlike renting, ownership gives us the freedom to decorate and give it our own touches; it becomes a safe space that we created ourselves. But these days the market is hair-trigger and prices rise every day. So you need someone on your side who can make the buying and selling experience at least survivable and maybe even a little fun. Enter Mike Bruce, team leader of Bruce Homes Colorado with Keller Williams Realty Downtown. “It’s a crazy market out there. You need someone who can figure out what’s going on behind the scenes. They should get inside info, like how many showings a home has had, how much competition there is for a property, and ask about offers in hand. Someone to read between the lines and coach clients,” he says. But don’t you just need someone with a real estate license who can fill in the blanks on a form? Mike explains why that’s not a good move—for a buyer or a seller. Mike says when dealing with your largest financial asset, negotiations with the other party requires the skills of a trained professional. “It’s more than throwing numbers around hoping to get an offer accepted. Whether buying or selling, you need to make sure your agent has your best interests in mind. Offering over asking price has risks for both parties and it’s important to ensure you are not caught off guard while under contract.” Right now, the average property is about $650,000. As a result, people are underpricing their listings to start the “feeding frenzy.” To know how to make an offer, a buyer needs a good market analysis by an experienced agent. For example, the Smiths, a family of four, want to list their house and buy a new one with more space. They prepare it for sale, get repairs and the right upgrades done, get photos, and price it strategically. They get all their documents— like W2s, bank statements, etc.—for potential lenders. Because their agent helps them keep everything in order and on time, they get a commitment from a lender. CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY LINDA BOLANDER PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM SEIBERT - FLATIRONS PRO MEDIA MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/BR O O M F I E L D

“It’s a crazy market out there. You need someone who can figure out what’s going on behind the scenes.”

The Smiths are under contract in two weeks, and the moving parts suddenly start moving a lot faster. They look at new homes, some of them virtually because time is tight, and choose one. But their agent knows that the first offer is not accepted most of the time. So they keep looking while they wait. Their offer is turned down, but their second one is accepted. Their agent has kept all the timelines organized, and they will be able to move without staying in a hotel. “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.” This Mark Twain quote illuminates another driving factor in Denver’s real estate chaos—investors. They buy older homes in the Denver area, swing the wrecking ball, then build an income property worth much more. This could very well happen in older areas of our northern suburbs at some point.

C UR B A P P E A L | HOM E + DE S I GN

This means the halcyon days of the fix-n-flip are gone in Denver. Still, it also makes it difficult for the family to get some “sweat equity” out of a property. Mike and other experienced realtors guide buyers away from these properties to avoid competition with the big investors. The Marshall Fire This devastating disaster has put around 1,000 families out on the streets. They are now part of the competition for local homes and are also competing for building materials. In addition to helping these families look for new homes, Mike has been helping connect them with property managers and short-term rentals, helping them find furniture, flooring, and more. He’s also finding good disaster mitigation experts and builders for repairs.

In addition to experience, a solid real estate agent also has connections. Mike is on the Board of Directors for the Denver Metro Association of Realtors and is a liaison for Builder Realty Council. With those kinds of connections, he will have up-to-the-minute information on all your real estate needs. In this market, things are changing every day. Houses are appearing and going under contract the same day. That’s why it’s so important to be working with a real estate team. Everyone on the Bruce Homes Team was born and raised in Colorado. They know more than just the town and region— they know the neighborhoods, favorite restaurants, local activities, and have excellent relationships with other agents. Call the Bruce Homes Team today and see how you can either get into home ownership or get into a property that meets your needs better. The market is only going to get crazier, there is no better time than now.

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Ask, Listen, Act ARTICLE BY DERIK TIMMERMAN

Responding with compassion and courage in the hours following the Marshall fire. Food donations for Marshall Fire victims.

G IV IN G BAC K | LOCA L SERVI CE S

Emily Crouse-Joo

Months after the Marshall fire of Dec. 30, 2021, thousands of stunned survivors continue to sort through the aftermath. The fire, pushed eastward by 100-mph winds from where it was sparked that morning south of Boulder, burned across 6,000 acres that afternoon and evening, destroying as many as 1,000 homes and businesses in Superior and Louisville. As tragic as the events of that day were, residents also witnessed the best of human compassion as communities rallied to serve their own. We recently caught up with Broomfield native Emily Crouse-Joo, Community Engagement Specialist at Broomfield FISH, who found herself at the center of that day’s historic community response. Can you tell us a bit about Broomfield FISH? We’re a food bank and Family Resource Center. We’ve been in operation since 1963 when my grandmother, Anne Crouse, and five of her friends came together to create an organization that would meet our Broomfield neighbors’ basic human needs and provide our most disadvantaged neighbors with the hope and tools to rise out of poverty. Currently, FISH serves residents in Broomfield County living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, offering food, emergency financial assistance, referral services to more than 30 partner organizations, and strengths-based, whole family development pathways. What does the acronym “FISH” stand for? Fellowship in Serving Humanity.

What was your experience on Dec. 30? Many folks gathered at Anne Crouse Park to keep an eye on the fires. The park is named after my grandmother, one of the founders of Broomfield FISH. Thinking of her and what she would have done, I knew I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. So that evening I went to the 1STBANK Center, which I knew was a rally point for emergency support because FISH is a member of Broomfield VOAD [Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster], a network of community organizations and leaders that cooperate in times of disaster. At the 1STBANK Center, I had the opportunity to receive people who had literally left their houses and walked to us while their neighborhood was still burning. Along with other volunteers, I helped Health and Human services of Broomfield County get many of those displaced people and families into hotels and shelters in the area. Is there a story from that night that stands out? I have no idea how she made it to the 1STBANK Center, but a woman rolled up to me in a wheelchair who had just lost everything, except her cat, who was there with her in a pet carrier. Despite everything that had happened, she was still smiling and super sweet. She said, “Things just happen in life, and it’s okay.” I couldn’t believe what a positive attitude she still had. I got her a hotel voucher and sent her away with Chick-Fil-A, McDonalds, and pizza. I gave her a hug and wished her well. It felt like we were friends. What’s your biggest lesson learned from that night? Ask first what people need and then respond to those needs. It’s important not to assume what the biggest need is—ask, listen, and then act.

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Does your employer offer adequate life insurance? If your workplace offers life insurance at a low cost (or no cost) to you, you may assume it provides sufficient coverage for your family-and not bother to give the subject a second thought. According to the 2021 Insurance Barometer study, 57% of U.S. workers rely on their workplace for life insurance.(1) But you owe it to yourself, and your family, to make a careful assessment. You may find that the coverage offered by your employer, welcome as it is, won’t actually cover your family’s future needs. Here’s how to figure out whether your employer offers adequate coverage for you: First, find out how much coverage is offered. Your workplace’s group life insurance may be included in your benefits package-and you may be automatically enrolled-which makes it very convenient. However, it’s worthwhile to do a careful review of the coverage.The amount your employer offers may start at $25,000 and range up to your annual salary. And it probably will not take care of your life insurance needs. Second, assess your family’s long-term needs. Once you get married-or if you have dependents-you will probably want to increase your coverage. So that $25,000 policy may not seem like much once you sit down to do the math and figure out your needs five, 10, or 20 years down the line. You’ll probably want to make sure there’s enough coverage to pay off a mortgage, send your kids to college, or help your spouse comfortably retire. (It is often recommended that insurance coverage be five to 10 times your annual salary.)

Even if you’re single, the group policy through your workplace may not be enough after you consider the potential total of your final expenses. Furthermore, if you have a cosigner for a mortgage, car loan, or student loans, remember that the burden will probably rest with your co-signer should something happen to you.(2) What happens if you change jobs? Long gone are the days when people expected to stay at the same job for 30 years. A study from IBM’s Institute for Business Value found that 1 in 5 employees voluntarily changed employers in 2020.(3) But if you job hop, you’ll lose your workplace insurance when you leave the company. And while you may be able to convert the group life insurance policy from your old employer into an individual policy, the cost of that coverage could go up significantly. Look into options to supplement your coverage. If you find your employer’s group life to be insufficient, you may want to add supplemental coverage. Concerned that you can’t afford it? According to LIMRA, more than half of Americans estimate that life insurance will cost three times as much as it actually does.(4) You’ll need to balance your family’s needs with the cost of insurance. But if you look into your options for a supplemental policy, you may find that life insurance is more affordable than you think. This educational, third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Dave Manley & Aaron Rask, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Aaron Rask at 303403-5623. Sources: (1) "LIMRA's Facts About Life - Workplace Benefits," LIMRA, September 2021. (2)'Ashley Hubbard, "Life insurance facts and statistics 2021," Bankrate, April 28, 2021. (3)'Samantha Subin, "Millennials, Gen Z are job-hopping, but contrary to popular belief, maybe not enough," CNBC, February 28, 2021. (4)"Life Insurance Barometer Study," LIMRA and Life Happens, 2021.

ARTICLE BY DAVE MANLEY AND AARON RASK

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“Mike, Becky, and their Team helped our family sell our home and made the process as smooth as possible. They laid out each proposal for us on one sheet so that we could choose the best offer. They were also very quick to get us in contact with roofers and HVAC experts when needed. We really felt like they had our backs.”

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