November Newsletter 2024

denverconcierg on December 3, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is upon us, and we wanted to get this newsletter out before the holiday to tell you all just how thankful we are for you.

We remember learning about Thanksgiving back in grade school, but since we had forgotten nearly everything from then, we wanted to revisit it.

Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is a cherished American holiday rooted in gratitude and togetherness. Its origins trace back to 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a feast to celebrate the harvest and their cooperation.

Over the centuries, Thanksgiving has evolved into a time for families and friends to gather, share a meal, and reflect on their blessings.

For Denver Concierge, Thanksgiving presents a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of a clean and welcoming home. As you prepare to host loved ones, a spotless home not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also ensures a comfortable and hygienic environment for your guests.

We know just how stressful holiday planning can be, and we are so glad that we can play a part in ensuring that your home is perfect for your guests.

We wish you and yours an amazing Thanksgiving, and Black Friday (if you are into that sort of thing) and we hope you get time to recharge with loved ones.

Our gratitude for being part of your lives is stronger than ever, and we thank you for allowing us into your homes.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! We will return to work on Monday, December 2nd to help with post-holiday cleanup.

Health Insurance Primer

Health insurance costs continue to rise. Based on the research we have done, it looks like we can expect a 6-7% increase in healthcare premiums in 2025.

Yikes, that’s a lot. If those projections hold, this will be the 3rd straight year of increases above 5%.

From the article we found on Healthcaredrive.com, “If employers don’t use cost-cutting strategies, Mercer estimates their expenses will rise by about 7% on average. Smaller companies with 50 to 499 workers would be particularly hard hit: Their expenses would spike by about 9% on average if they don’t take action to lower costs.”

Considering open enrollment is here for most of us, we wanted to see if we could help find cheaper alternatives, or at least shed some light on ways to save money on health insurance.

A few pointers from our research:

Go to your online health insurance marketplace and view all of your plan options.
Decide which type of health insurance plan — HMO, PPO, EPO or POS — is best for you and your family, and whether you want an HSA-eligible plan.
Eliminate plans that exclude your preferred doctor or that don’t have local doctors in the provider network.
Determine whether you want more health coverage and higher premiums, or lower premiums and higher-out-of-pocket costs.
Make sure any plan you choose will pay for your regular and necessary care, like prescriptions and specialists.

Finally, we found an article on Newsmax that also provides some great tips on which plan might be best for you, and it is here.

“Sin City”?

No, we are not talking about Las Vegas. At least not directly.

Leave it to the folks at WalletHub to come up with a list of the “most sinful” cities in the U.S.

Yes, Las Vegas came in first, which makes perfect sense. Our fine city actually came in sixth. While we aren’t sure about the veracity of this claim, this survey caught our eye.

From the article, “WalletHub compared 182 cities — including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state — across seven key dimensions: 1) Anger & Hatred, 2) Jealousy, 3) Excesses & Vices, 4) Greed, 5) Lust, 6) Vanity and 7) Laziness.”

WalletHub then added them all up and came up with a “Vice Index”, with Denver finishing sixth overall.

So, who is more sinful than Denver? Well, Sin City for sure, as Las Vegas came in 1st. Houston, TX came in 2nd, followed by L.A., Atlanta, and Philadelphia.

The least “sinful”? Columbia, Maryland, for whatever that is worth. Our guess is they are also low on the “fun index”, but we digress.

The folks at Westword did a cute article on this survey and it can be found here.

Overall, Denver came in 41st on “greed”, but ranked eighth in “lust” and third in excessive drinking, which was part of the “excesses and vices” category.

Interesting study indeed, the full thing can be found here, courtesy of WalletHub.

We aren’t sure whether to be concerned or proud of our results, but it’s definitely a fascinating study.

Denver’s Best Restaurants

It’s been a while since we talked about Denver’s restaurant scene.

Leave it to 5280 Magazine to rekindle our focus on the best places to eat across the Front Range heading into 2025.

In looking at the list, we realized that we haven’t been eating out as much since COVID-19.

There are lots of new restaurants on the list, as well as an old standby or two.

Credit to 5280, they featured their list in a sortable fashion this year, focusing on price points.

If you love pizza, Dough Counter gets rave reviews and is listed in the under $20 category, along with Kike’s Red Tacos and Odie B’s to name a few.

We won’t go into the complete list here, but the complete article courtesy of 5280 Magazine can be found here.

Interestingly, Frasca, Bobby Stuckey’s 5-star-rated restaurant up in Boulder continues to make the list.

Finally, for another set of opinions, the folks at Eater published their top 38 places to dine in and around Denver, which can be found here.

Enjoy Denver! It’s great to see our restaurant scene thriving in 2024.

What is a “Wet Bathroom?”

No, it is not what you think. Well, maybe it is, but we don’t judge.

However, when we read about this new design trend, we had to learn more.

We reached out to our friend Marina Dagenais, with Designer Premier to figure out exactly what this is.

From her blog, “A European-style wet bathroom is a design that combines a bathtub and shower into one ample Space, with no distinct barrier between the shower and the rest of the bathroom floor. Combining these spaces creates a seamless and open concept, perfect for those who value elegance and functionality.”

“Unlike a shower room, which typically has a separate area for the shower and drainage system, a wet room is completely open and features waterproof walls and flooring. With its central drain, this design makes it easy for water to flow out and ensures a hassle-free shower experience.”

One of Marina’s designers did an amazing job on a wet bathroom project, and you can find photos, plans and all you need to know about this new design trend here.

The article includes the pros and cons of this type of design and we found the concept to be fascinating.

To be matched with a designer that fits your needs, reach out to Marina at Designer Premier here.

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for October were Nimia Espinoza, Rosaria De La Rosa, Maria Zapata, Josefina Quinonez, and Guadalupe Caloca.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Isela Mendoza and Socorro Ibarra.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of October.

Thanksgiving has always been the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season.

For Denver Concierge it ushers in the busiest time of year, as we adapt to the clients’ special holiday requests.

Our clients’ homes are some of the most beautiful in the Denver area, even more so during the holidays when the decorations are up.

As many of the displays are delicate, we ask that you please let us know which items are not to be touched, or areas not to be cleaned during this time.

We also know you may be traveling more and hosting more. This will surely mean canceling a cleaning date or two. We try to honor all scheduling requests but ask for as much notice as possible.

This will allow us to rework the schedule so our ladies do not lose work hours, and other clients are not inconvenienced.

Altering the schedules at this time of year can also mean having a different team for a clean or two, which could affect gift-giving for those clients who like to leave something for their regular team.

With this in mind, it is advisable before leaving a gift to check with me to make sure it will be your regular team.

Denver Concierge listens.

We encourage client comments, requests, and instructions, especially during this time of year when routines are a bit unsettled. We will do our best to make December a stress-free zone for our clients, at least in our little corner of the world.

Happy Holidays!

October Newsletter 2024

denverconcierg on November 6, 2024

Holidays Already?

Welcome to the holiday season, or so the calendar tells us. We agree that it still feels too early to think about, but we are into November once trick or treating is over this week.

That means ads for every variety of things and the stress that goes with holiday planning and shopping.

Also, don’t forget, Colorado goes off of Daylight Saving Time this Sunday, November 3rd, and our clocks will need to be set back one hour.

We will also have holiday closures, so our staff can enjoy time with friends and family.

So, first things first. We will be closed for Thanksgiving and the Friday after, which fall on the 28th and 29th of November respectively. For planning’s sake, we will also be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day, with both falling on Wednesdays in 2024.

Now, on to bigger and better things, the October Newsletter. This month, we highlight a great new benefit for Amazon Prime members, but it comes with some surprising news.

We also have a guest writer, who provides some great tips for living alone, especially for first-timers. Those of you with youngsters setting out on their own should find the article helpful indeed.

The IRS has published its inflation-adjusted tax brackets for 2025 as well, and we outline those changes.

Finally, November brings a celebration of small business, culminating in Small Business Saturday at the end of the month.

Read on for all the juicy details!

We want to wish you all a very safe Halloween this week if you are out and about. Beyond that, a happy Thanksgiving as well, since we won’t be published again until that turkey-fest passes.

We will see you back here at the end of November, stay safe, and warm…..our first snow is undoubtedly on its way.

Amazon Prime Gas Benefit

What will Amazon think of next?

You may have heard that the ubiquitous Amazon has now created a gas benefit. Unfortunately, it won’t work well for us here in Colorado. Read on for more.

For those of us that have Amazon Prime, savings of $0.10/gallon can be had at over 7,000 BP, Amoco, and AM/PM locations across the country.

From the Amazon press release: “This offer could save Prime members on average nearly $70 per year on gas if purchasing at qualifying locations.”

“Additionally, Prime members can expect even more savings on transportation-related costs in the future—in 2025, Amazon plans to add an electric vehicle charging savings offer with bp pulse, bp’s electric vehicle charging business, with more details to be revealed next year.”

To activate the $0.10 per gallon savings, visit amazon.com/fuelsavings. The offer only needs to be activated once—all customers need to enjoy these fuel savings is a Prime membership and free earnify account with bp.

Details on Earnify, and all it entails can be found here.

“Activating the offer will connect a member’s Amazon account and earnify™ account. Members can then use the free earnify™ app store locator to find the nearest bp, Amoco, or ampm gas station.”

That seems to be the good news. The bad news?

Astonishingly, there are precisely zero BP stations in our fine state, along with what seems to be zero Amoco stations and not a single AM/PM market.

Hmmm, well at least the benefit can be used in other states, as these brands are seemingly everywhere but Colorado.

For a complete list of BP locations, you can click here.

Meanwhile, here’s hoping that Amazon expands this program to some stations in our geography.

At least you can let your friends know the real scoop here in Colorado!

Living Solo

By Guest Writer Stephanie Haywood

Stepping out on your own for the first time is an exhilarating and challenging experience, filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. This transition requires not just adjustments to your living situation but also to your routines and responsibilities. Embracing this change with the right strategies and mindset can significantly smooth your path. It’s about finding your feet in a new phase of life, making it as enriching as it is educational. Denver Concierge offers these tips.

Mastering the Basics of Cooking

Learning to cook simple, nutritious meals is crucial when you first live alone, reducing reliance on expensive and less healthy takeout options. Start with easy recipes that use basic ingredients like pasta, rice, vegetables, and proteins. As your confidence grows, you can expand your culinary repertoire and explore more diverse dishes. Cooking at home allows you to control portions, ingredients, and costs, making it a smarter, healthier choice.

Building Connections in Your New Environment

Living on your own doesn’t have to mean feeling alone; actively building a social network is vital for a fulfilling life in a new place. Engage with others through work, school, or hobbies, and join community groups to forge meaningful connections. These relationships provide emotional support, practical help, and enrich your social life, acting as a crucial safety net in your new environment.

Staying on Top of Household Chores

Maintaining a clean home is easier with a structured cleaning schedule, assigning tasks to specific days to manage chores without stress. Regular upkeep, like vacuuming on Mondays or bathroom cleaning on Wednesdays, keeps your living space organized and pleasant. This routine not only fosters a conducive living environment but also prevents the buildup of chores that can become overwhelming. A clean home supports both comfort and productivity, enhancing your overall quality of life.

Navigating Your Rental Agreement

Thoroughly understanding your rental agreement is crucial; review all terms carefully before committing to your new home. Pay special attention to payment requirements, maintenance obligations, and the conditions for lease termination. Clear knowledge of these terms helps avoid conflicts and unexpected charges, protecting your rights as a tenant. Always clarify any doubts with your landlord to ensure mutual understanding and a smooth tenancy.

Keeping Your Important Documents Organized

Creating a system to organize crucial documents, such as insurance forms and bank statements, can drastically improve accessibility and reduce clutter. Digitizing these documents is a savvy move, enabling you to clear physical space and securely store everything from IDs to rental agreements. Should your digital files require adjustments, like changing their orientation, a PDF rotator can modify pages to portrait or landscape mode — this deserves a look. Once rotated, these documents are ready for easy downloading and sharing, ensuring you maintain both order and readiness.

Staying Organized with a Planner

Utilizing a planner, digital or physical, is key to managing your life’s logistics effectively, from appointments to bill payments. Schedule crucial tasks and reminders to keep on top of rent payments, work deadlines, and other commitments. Regularly updating your planner helps avoid late fees and missed deadlines, keeping your daily life orderly and predictable. This simple organizational tool is essential for maintaining control over your activities and responsibilities.

Preparing for Unexpected Events

It’s wise to prepare for emergencies, from health crises to unexpected home repairs. Know the location of essential services like hospitals and have your insurance details accessible for quick action during medical emergencies. For financial security, maintain a savings buffer to support yourself in scenarios like job loss. Proactively managing these plans ensures you can respond swiftly and effectively to life’s unpredictable challenges.

Managing Your Finances with a Budget

Setting a budget is crucial when living on your own, ensuring you can comfortably cover all expenses. List your fixed monthly costs, such as rent and utilities, and estimate variable expenses like groceries and leisure activities. Include savings in your budget to build financial security over time. A well-planned budget keeps your finances under control, helping you cut unnecessary expenses and save for future goals.

Living independently for the first time is a profound learning curve that shapes your future self-sufficiency. Each challenge faced and overcome adds to your reservoir of life skills, boosting your confidence and competence. As you navigate this journey, remember that the effort you put into organizing and adapting to your new life pays dividends in comfort and stability. Ultimately, this experience lays the foundation for a fulfilling, well-managed life ahead.

For friendly, professional house cleaning service, contact Denver Concierge today!

New IRS Tax Brackets 2025

This week, the Internal Revenue Service published its annual inflation adjustments for tax year 2025.

Each fall, the IRS issues changes to both tax brackets and the standard deduction. We have seen more significant changes in past years due to the high rate of inflation following the pandemic. 2025 will represent the smallest change in several years, however.

For tax year 2023, the adjustment to the income thresholds was 7%, for tax year 2024, it was 5.4%, and for tax year 2025, it is approximately 2.8%.

The updated marginal rates for tax year 2025 are as follows:

10% for incomes $11,925 or less ($23,850 or less for married couples filing jointly).
12% for incomes over $11,925 ($23,850 for married couples filing jointly).
22% for incomes over $48,475 ($96,950 for married couples filing jointly).
24% for incomes over $103,350 ($206,700 for married couples filing jointly).
32% for incomes over $197,300 ($394,600 for married couples filing jointly).
35% for incomes over $250,525 ($501,050 for married couples filing jointly).
37% for incomes over $626,350 ($751,600 for married couples filing jointly).

Additionally, the standard deduction for single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately will rise to $15,000. For married couples filing jointly, it will be $30,000. For heads of households, the standard deduction will be $22,500.

Good news, we suppose, except for the inflationary effect overall. The complete update from IRS.Gov can be found here.

Celebrating Small Businesses

Each year, American Express sponsors Small Business Saturday.

Celebrated on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, the initiative was started by American Express back in 2010 as a way to promote small businesses.

Small businesses, like ours, are the backbone of the economy.

Some 2023 facts, from the SBA Office of Advocacy:

Most businesses are small- 99.9% of American businesses.
There are 33,185,550 small businesses in the United States.
Small businesses employ 61.7 million Americans, totaling 46.4% of private sector employees.
From 1995 to 2021, small businesses created 17.3 million net new jobs, accounting for 62.7% of net jobs created since 1995.
Small businesses pay 39.4% percent of private sector payroll.
Small businesses generate 32.6% percent of known export value.
About 38% of small businesses use specialized software in their business operations.

This year, Small Business Saturday falls on November 30. We encourage you to support the local businesses that contribute to our economy.

American Express came up with a great tool to help find small businesses near you and it can be found here.

We hope you join us in “shopping small” this holiday season, and we thank you for allowing our small business to serve you.

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for September were Guadalupe Caloca, Rosario De La Rosa, Haydee Espinoza, Nimia Espinoza, and Josefina Quinonez.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Socorro Ibarra and Natalia Olivas.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the ladies that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of September.

Most homeowners enjoy living in a house with appealing decor and well-appointed furnishings. What they don’t enjoy is the necessary upkeep, especially the cleaning.

Manufacturers of household cleaning products play on this, and would have us believe that using their brands will guarantee maximum results with minimum time and effort, a brief interlude in an otherwise busy day.

On the contrary it is our contention at Denver Concierge that a proper clean goes far beyond the cleaning solutions themselves.

Before touted miracle aerosols and mops and cloths housecleaning was a physical chore, and it still is. As the old saying goes, “elbow grease is the best polish!

A house may be pleasing to the eye but if the hard to reach out of sight nooks and crannies are not cleaned regularly they can create a health hazard; a hotbed for dust mites, allergens and mold.

Our ladies are professionals whose amazing results are proof that cleaning knowhow trumps fancy sprays any day. We supply our workers with simple tried and true cleaning solutions that ensure their health and safety and the health and safety of the home’s residents.

Much of success boils down to a simple maxim: Do the real thing and stop trying fake alternatives, which we do every day.

Bee

September Newsletter 2024

denverconcierg on October 10, 2024

Denver October Happenings

Indeed, summer went very fast. It seems like it was either raining or oppressively hot, but either way we have another one in the books, and we are on to fall.

With the beginning of fall comes many different things to celebrate in and around Denver.

As is our habit, we are here to share those things and hopefully give you some ideas for some fun things to do.

This month’s newsletter also answers the question, “Is Denver rude?”(spoiler alert, yes, we just might be, or maybe we are just overworked?).

We have a guest writer providing tips on how to get your home ready for winter, and we cover the important items affecting us on the November ballot.

Finally, we dive into the controversy surrounding how you might try to dispute a toll violation, and what we found isn’t very customer friendly.

With that in mind, let’s begin.

October brings lots of fun things to the Front Range. Let’s start with adult fun, including the Great American Beer Festival which runs from October 10-12. Breck also has their Craft Spirits Festival from the 11-13, in case you might need something stronger.

The folks at uncovercolorado.com published a good list of other events as well and it is here.

We also love the list at denver.org as well, which includes lots of adult fun here.

For the kiddos, it’s Halloween time. That means haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and eventually trick or treating.

We have done all the research for you, and you can find the best lists we came across by clicking below:

Haunted Houses

Corn Mazes

Pumpkin Patches

Moving back into the grown-up section of October, we always love the stuff that Denver.org publishes. From Dracula to Cocktails and Screams at McGregor Square, they have you covered.

Whew, that was a lot, but we hope you find it informative. Lots to do for young and old this October, we hope you enjoy.

Wishing you a great beginning to fall and a fun Halloween this October!

Is Denver Rude? Or Just Overworked?

We don’t feel rude. We try to treat everyone we interact with respectfully.

But we all have bad days, so we were curious about what Preply found when they decided to take a look at the rudest cities in the U.S.

The study methodology courtesy of Preply, ” We surveyed residents about social behaviors they noticed in their city and calculated a city rudeness score based on the answers.”

“Lack of awareness in public, loudness in shared places, and rudeness to service staff members are just some of the behaviors that branded Miami, FL, as having the rudest residents. Although Philadelphia, PA, ranked as the second rudest, the city’s residents have actually gotten kinder since 2022, when they ranked number one. However, not all cities have improved.”

So, good news, Denver is not the rudest city in the U.S. We ranked 34th out of 46, which is “kind of” rude. It looks like we maybe got more polite since 2022 however when we ranked 21st in rudeness.

Which city is the politest? Omaha, Nebraska leads the way with Minneapolis and San Diego right behind them.

While we technically were the 12th least rude city in the U.S. we didn’t fare as well in another study we ran across.

It seems we are the most overworked city in the entire country!

From the article on financebuzz, “Denver ranks above-average in every single metric we looked at, but the factor contributing the most to the city’s first-place finish is the percentage of households where two or more people work full-time jobs. Almost 62% of households in Denver fit that bill, the seventh-highest rate of any city.”

Wow, we were surprised. With all the things to do around the Front Range, we might have guessed differently, but there it is.

The full study on the most overworked cities in the U.S. can be found here.financebuzz.com.

Wondering what city is the least overworked? Us too, and it was Detroit, Michigan, with the lowest percentage of workers that are in the office at least 50 weeks per year — just 77.1%.

Fascinating stuff indeed.

Take some time off, Denver, don’t forget to smell the roses!

How to Prep Your Home for Winter

By Guest Writer Nellia Melnyk

Ethosroofing.com

With breathtaking snow-capped mountains and a festive vibe, Denver winters can be both lovely and challenging. There’s always a chance of low temperatures and snowstorms. Getting your home ready for winter in Denver is important if you want to appreciate its beauty stress-free. Continue reading for crucial advice on winter-proofing your house so you won’t be caught off guard by the cold.

Inspection & Sealing of Windows & Doors

Windows and doors are typically the biggest sources of heat loss in the winter. It is essential to have these places inspected and sealed in order to preserve the energy efficiency of your house. To keep your house warm and energy-efficient, premium sealants will be applied, windows and doors will be examined for cracks and drafts, and a proper fit will be ensured.

Checking Your Heating System

An extensive examination of your furnace is the first step in checking your heating system. Your HVAC system may be safely inspected once a year to help find any issues before they become dangerous or require costly repairs.

Equally vital is having your chimney checked, since a clean, well-kept chimney reduces the likelihood of fires. To avoid winter emergencies, some proactive steps are essential.

Lastly, it wouldn’t hurt to confirm your carbon monoxide detector is operational.

Insulating Pipes to Avoid Freezing

Denver winters are typically turbulent. Pipes must be properly insulated in order to avoid freezing during the winter. Pipes in cold climes, particularly those in unheated rooms, are susceptible to freeze, burst, and sustain significant damage. Foam rubber or polyethylene foam insulation for pipelines is advised by local experts since these materials provide good protection from low temperatures.

Inspecting pipes for weak points and potential leaks is essential in addition to adding insulation, particularly to lines that pass-through attics, basements, or exterior walls. Experts are able to pinpoint regions that are more likely to freeze and recommend extra safety precautions like temperature management in underheated rooms or pipe heaters.

Gutter Cleaning & Maintenance

To prevent problems like ice dams caused by debris, it’s necessary to regularly clean and maintain your gutters. We talked to local expert Constantine Anest of Ethos Roofing, who explained, “Snowmelt cannot drain properly when gutters are clogged. This leads to clogs, which when they freeze, create ice dams. These ice dams have the potential to harm your walls, eaves, and roof. Gutter cleaning done correctly guarantees appropriate drainage during winter melting.”

Inspection of the Attic and Roof

Your roof should be carefully inspected for missing or damaged shingles in order to prepare as part of preparing your home for winter. If these issues aren’t taken care of right away, your roof might not be able to endure severe weather.

Examining the insulation in the attic is the next step. For the best heat retention, the insulation needs to be at least 12 inches thick.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to for any overhanging tree branches to be trimmed because heavy snowfall may cause them to snap and harm your roof.

General Cleaning

Conducting a thorough cleaning before winter will help create the ideal conditions for your comfort. Special attention should be given to cleaning and organizing seasonal items, such as winter clothing and footwear. Make sure all winter accessories, including gloves and hats, are clean and ready for use. It’s also worth cleaning or replacing textiles, such as blankets and pillows. Pay particular attention to eliminating excess clutter that might obstruct access to heating equipment, and check and clean carpets if necessary to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating. This cleaning will help create a more cozy and organized environment, making the winter season more comfortable.

Stock Up on Winter Supplies

In order to be ready for Denver’s heavy and unpredictable snow and ice, residents may wish to stock up on vital winter supplies as winter draws near. Space heaters for extremely chilly temperatures, ice melters, and snow shovels should all be on your list. Finally, in the event of a significant snowfall, it’s a good idea to stock up on non-perishable food. Although assembling these winter essentials isn’t tough, they can keep your family warm and secure over the long winter.

Stay Cozy and Embrace the Season

Remember that staying warm isn’t the only reason to get your house ready for Denver winters. The goal is to create a warm refuge that you and your loved ones can spend the entire season in. When the snow starts to fall, every little move you take now can have a significant impact. So, grab a blanket and start ensuring these standards are met! In the end, accepting the enchantment that winter brings is just as important as simply making it through. Prepare your house for the winter and start celebrating!

Author’s Bio: Nellia Melnyk is a writer and content creator with a unique perspective on the sector and a deep understanding of what it takes to help people choose the right roofing solutions for their homes. She writes engaging and informative content that covers everything from roof repair and maintenance to the latest trends and technologies in the roofing industry. Through her articles and posts, she has helped countless people make informed decisions when it comes to their roofs. You can find her on LinkedIn.

November Ballot Initiatives

You may have heard we have an election coming up.

No, we are not wandering into that minefield.

We are, however, going to stay closer to home and cover some of the important measures for us to consider.

For starters, Denver is proposing a sales tax increase of .34%, designed to cover the costs of patients who cannot cover hospital bills.

Another proposal would raise the sales and use tax by 1/2% to fund affordable housing.

In all, there are 12 questions on the Denver ballot, including a ban on slaughterhouses and fur trading.

Also, both Denver Public Schools and the City of Denver want to significantly increase their debt to finance improvements.

Big increases are being proposed, so it is an important time to take a look and understand what is up for vote.

There are also 14 statewide initiatives being proposed and they can be found here.

Those include some hot-button topics, starting with abortion rights in our state and whether or not public funds can be used, as well as a change in same-sex marriage validity.

That should stir people up for sure.

Either way, it’s an important election for many reasons, so we hope you get out and vote.

Toll Lane Fines & Disputes

We have written here in the past about the big fines you can earn if you do the wrong thing in a toll lane.

So, what happens if you get a citation in the mail and you didn’t do anything wrong?

Unfortunately, our research has turned up some bad news.

Toll lanes in Colorado are mostly maintained electronically. This means that using license plate information and AI, it’s pretty easy to get a ticket.

In fact, the automated enforcement has registered about 1,500 violations per day since it was started totaling $57 million in revenue via fines issued.

The Denver Post did a feature on this recently and from that article, “Colorado officials activated enforcement on Interstate 25 north of Denver and the C-470 beltway in October 2023 following an introduction in July 2023 on I-70 mountain express lanes. They plan to do the same on the I-25 express lane between Castle Rock and Monument and other express lanes around metro Denver”.

“Drivers are supposed to enter and exit express lanes only at designated points across dashed white lines. Blissway set up a network of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence-assisted tracking technology after state lawmakers boosted CDOT’s authority to crack down on drivers who weave in and out of express lanes to avoid paying tolls.”

The scary part is the “appeals” process, which has come under fire from many drivers wishing to dispute their tickets.

Without diving too deeply into the details it is safe to say that the appeals process leaves a lot to be desired.

The article, which can be found here behind the Denver Post paywall, outlines examples of drivers appealing online and being rejected within 10 minutes of submission.

For more information on the enforcement program, you can visit the CDOT page here.

If you are one of the unlucky ones who has been issued a citation, you can attempt to appeal it here.

The bad news is it doesn’t seem to stand much of a chance. Be safe out there Denver, and don’t cross the solid line on the tollway!

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for August were Haydee Espinoza, Rosario De La Rosa, Nimia Espinoza, Maria Zapata, and Yessica Censo.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Socorro Ibarra and Mayra Soto.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of August.

Denver Concierge is dedicated to safeguarding our employees and our clients against unsafe products or tasks that may potentially create a health risk or damage to furnishings.

To this end, we at times may question a client’s instruction or request made to the Team Leader.

Although each house has a work order with instructions specific to that house, clients frequently add to or subtract from the standard procedures. This allows for a more customized clean and we happily oblige.

However, there are requests deemed to be outside the purview of our safety guidelines, such as the use of any product containing bleach, any heavy lifting (including flipping a mattress), dusting at heights, moving bulky furniture, organizing toys, clothing, or household items.

We rely on our professional Team Leaders to know which tasks can be easily done and which should not be attempted.

We appreciate our clients’ understanding and continued kindness to our ladies. I thank you on their behalf.

Bee

August Newsletter 2024

denverconcierg on September 6, 2024

Goodbye Summer & Hello Fall

In a few weeks, we say goodbye to summer. It always goes so fast. Soon, our 100-degree days will be turning into crisp fall days.

Speaking of weather, did you know that we hit 100 degrees six times in 2024? That is the third most in Denver’s recorded history. That made us wonder, what year had the most of those?

It was 2012, with 13 days over 100 degrees. Back in 2005, there were seven such days, which is good for second place all-time. So, if you were wondering if we had an unusually sizzling summer, you are 100% correct.

Fortunately, we didn’t beat the streak of five straight 100-degree days set also in 2005 and 2012. If you like to geek out about the weather, check out this site, it will tell you whatever you need to know about extreme weather pretty much anywhere.

Enough about the weather, we have holidays to celebrate! The next one falls on Monday, September 2nd. We will indeed be closed so our dedicated associates can take a well-earned 3-day weekend.

We hope you enjoy it as well and remember to stay safe.

We have gone into the history of Labor Day a few times in the past and it has an interesting one for sure. In short, it celebrates the social and economic achievement of the American worker.

Over here at Denver Concierge, we get so wrapped up in cleaning houses and trying to manage our business that it’s easy to forget just how hard our folks work in your homes each week.

Let us take this time to celebrate those efforts and thank you for allowing us the platform to perform our duties. We thank you.

For all the details on Labor Day and why and when we celebrate it, check here.

Meanwhile, we wish you the best three-day weekend (heck maybe four if you took today off too!) with friends and family.

Happy Labor Day weekend, we will see you on the other side!

Denver Food and Wine Festival

The Denver Food and Wine Festival has returned once again.

Billed as a “multi-day extravaganza of food, wine, and spirits events”, the festival begins on September 4th and will culminate with the Grand Tasting on September 7th at Tivoli Quad.

We have many clients and partners in the restaurant space, and we can assure you that it has not been a smooth road stretching back to COVID-19 days.

This event is sponsored by the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and is the industry’s biggest fundraiser.

There are many cool events, including the “Shake and Brake Showdown”, which will feature a cocktail competition and bites from Denver’s best food trucks.

If you love wine, the folks at Riedel are sponsoring a glassware seminar, which we have attended in the past.

If you love wine and want to learn about the importance of pairing the proper glassware and wine, we would recommend that one for sure. Plus, you get some amazing Riedel glassware for your trouble.

The complete schedule of events is here, we hope you join us in celebrating Denver’s wonderful restaurant scene.

Painful Overthinking

Do you overthink? We sure do, usually thinking about innovative ways to delight our loyal clients.

Sometimes it’s random stuff, but it’s hard for us to shut off our brains. So much so that sometimes it hurts.

Well, loyal reader, you know us. This prompted us to see if overthinking makes your brain hurt, and guess what? It does, and science backs it up.

It’s important to realize that the science behind this doesn’t cover random thoughts or daydreaming, but intense mental exertion.

From one of the articles we found on Medium, “Our findings show that mental effort feels unpleasant across a wide range of populations and tasks,”

“This is important for professionals, such as engineers and educators, to keep in mind when designing tasks, tools, interfaces, apps, materials, or instructions. When people are required to exert substantial mental effort, you need to make sure to support or reward them for their effort.”

Why then, does thinking too hard tax us so much? Simply, and also from the article, “When we think long and hard about something, toxic chemicals build up in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the area that drives decision-making and problem-solving.”

“That leads to less-effective thinking, scientists reported in a 2022 study, and it seems to act as a circuit breaker, preventing us from thinking too much and blowing a fuse.”

Finally, and also very fascinating, Psychology Today published a study by McGill University that shows that humans will willingly choose physical pain over complex mental tasks.

That piece can be found here, and is very insightful.

The bottom line? Take some time off every now and then to let that big brain of yours recharge, especially if your head starts to hurt!!!

Leaf Peeping

Colorado’s beautiful fall colors can rival just about anyone’s. Especially if you know where to go!

In that spirit, we wanted to give you the lowdown on where exactly the best “leaf peeping” can be found.

Plus, we really like “Leaf Peeping”. Don’t ask us why, but there’s just something cute about it.

Onward we go, and leave it to the nice folks at 5280 Magazine to give us the jumpstart we needed.

In their article, “8 Leaf-Peeping Mountain Getaways” (see, they like it too) they cover the best places to see our gorgeous fall transformation.

From hot springs getaways to a full fall immersion up on Grouse Mountain, they have some great destinations covered.

We also ran across a list from Colorado.com, with 10 places to see Colorado’s Fall Color and it is here.

Lastly, for you aspiring photographers, the folks at Nikon have a list of tips to get the shot of a lifetime, and it is here.

Happy trails and enjoy those colors!

Skyrocketing HOA Fees

Not long ago we talked about property taxes and their astronomical increases across our state.

Homeowner’s insurance is also on the rise, thanks to hail and fires across our state.

Now, it seems that those increases have rapidly crept into HOA fees.

40% of Coloradans belong to an HOA. If you are in a single-family dwelling, those fees can range from $500 to a few thousand dollars a year.

If you are in a high-end condo or townhome, however, those rates are much higher, sometimes exceeding $1000 monthly, on top of your mortgage payment.

It seems the increase in insurance rates and all other associated costs have led us to this.

From the article on KRDO, “According to industry experts, those who live inside neighborhoods that have Home Owner Associations (HOA’s) may see a steep increase in their fees this year. They say it is because of two things: skyrocketing insurance costs and increasing labor costs.”

“A lot of our clients are seeing their costs increase up and down their budget, whether it’s because of the landscape contract increasing … or insurance, or the costs of our fees and management costs associated with running the association,” Brandon Helm, President of Warner Management said.”

Many HOA residents are seeing double or even triple their normal rates.

If you are in an HOA, Colorado has laws that may protect you. Unfortunately, there aren’t laws that prohibit increases nor any that cap what HOA’s can do.

The state does have an HOA resource and it can be found here.

Finally, it at least appears that there may be some property tax relief coming soon.

If you are having issues with your HOA, there are resources to help you with disputes, a good example is here.

Sure seems like increased costs are everywhere these days.

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for July were Maria Zapata, Haydee Espinoza, Josefina Quinonez, Cecilia Reyes, and Nimia Espinoza.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Socorro Ibarra and Laura Varela.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of July.

Many, many years ago when Denver Concierge was in its infancy we had a policy that we would not do partial cleans.

We would only clean the whole house top to bottom.

Fast forward to the present where costs across all sectors are pretty much off the charts, we have drastically modified our earlier MO. It suddenly seemed unfair and burdensome money-wise for clients to pay for seldom used rooms or areas.

Clients now can choose which rooms are to be cleaned each visit and communicate this by responding to the confirmation text they receive the day before each clean.

The only criterion we ask for is, “keep it simple”.

If possible include whole rooms or levels rather than smaller areas or even pieces of furniture. (The only exception to this would be delicate antique items such as pianos, wall art, or sculptures which should be noted on the work order as a standard instruction).

We want the team members to hit the ground running upon arrival rather than wait while their Team Leader unravels complicated instructions.

On a side note, please know any comments or concerns should be sent to me via text, as they occur.

It is our responsibility to keep you happy and not have our folks in the field grapple with small irritants or preferences that could be easily remedied.

On the flip side, we also love to receive complimentary thoughts as they occur (which we immediately text to the team).

Showing appreciation for a job well done goes a long way toward a happy work force, and for that we thank you.

Bee

December Newsletter 2023

denverconcierg on January 1, 2024

2023 Review and 2024 Outlook

How was your 2023?

Ours was fun and eventful but much too short!!! As the years go by, they seem to go faster and faster.

We want to be among the first to wish you an incredibly Happy New Year and hope for a prosperous 2024.

Before we wave goodbye to 2023, we thought we would reflect on our year and share the good and the bad with you.

For starters, the good. Our clients. We love you. It’s not about the money or the reputation, for us it’s about our relationships. With you and your family, with your pets, and with your home in general.

Angela tells me cute stories all the time about her interactions with you and it truly feels like family to us. Thankfully, we employ a lot of happy people as well and each one that cleans your home feels a bond with you, which we appreciate. In short, it’s way more than housecleaning for us, and for that we are grateful.

You may not realize that we started back in 1998, so for many of you there are 25 years of relationships. Hard to believe really, but here we are, still chugging along, in many cases cleaning the homes of the young children, now adults, that we met way back then.

We also are thankful for our many partners and contributors, and we feel like those relationships got even stronger in 2023. Coming out of the weird “pandemic times” seems to have brought many of us closer, which is also a wonderful feeling.

So, what could have been better in 2023?

Well, those of you who know us well know that we suffer from painful honesty as we traverse this world of commerce, so we will tell it like it is.

The labor situation across the Front Range is challenging at best.

You may not be aware that Denver had the third-highest statutory minimum wage in the United States at $17.29. That will be rising in 2024 to $18.29. We absolutely hate raising prices, but with the majority of our costs coming from labor, our fine city has left us no choice.

If you look at recent history, you can see why local businesses are facing such pressure.

The citywide minimum wage was $12.85 per hour in 2020, $14.77 per hour in 2021, $15.87 per hour in 2022, and $17.29 per hour in 2023. The 2024 wage represents a 42% increase from 2020. Pretty startling when you see it in print.

Also startling is that the federal minimum wage is still only $7.25. Wow.

Related to labor in 2023, we have also had difficulty hiring the right people to clean your homes. We will not hire just anyone, as we believe what we do and how we do it is quite different than anyone else, so this was a challenge as well.

Going forward into 2024 we vow to do everything in our power to offset the headwinds that are facing our business (and most others). We will continue to do everything possible to keep our costs down so we can manage our pricing effectively and give you the value we know you desire.

Angela has some pointers about how to keep the cost of your cleans down going forward, see this month’s Queen Bee feature below to learn more.

We are committed to remaining consistent and delivering the Front Range’s best housecleaning service. If for any reason you ever feel like we aren’t doing that, please let us know immediately. We stand behind what we do 100% and can’t live with anyone feeling unsatisfied.

So onward into 2024. For those of you who make resolutions, we found some tips about just how to keep them.

We wish you the best for 2024 and hope that it is a wonderful and truly magnificent year for every one of you.

As always, you have our gratitude and our commitment to be the best partner you and your home can ask for.

Happy New Year!!!

Pay Those Red Light Tickets

Ah yes, the old red-light tickets and photo traffic enforcement. For years we weren’t sure about whether or not they had to be paid.

In fact, in Colorado before June of this year, we technically didn’t have to, unless we were served in person.

In a little-publicized law that was enacted this past June, that is no longer the case.

From the article on Fox News, “The new law passed in June says that when your citation is mailed first class, it’s been served to you. It doesn’t matter if it was sent to an old address, or you claim that you didn’t get it in the mail.”

“As soon as they send it out, you’re affirmed guilty,” said Ramirez. “It doesn’t matter if they have the right address or right anything, it’s on you to make sure that all your information is up to date, make sure all your licensing and information is up to date, at all times. Because if it’s not, that isn’t necessarily going to be an excuse for the fine.”

Looks like another revenue stream for our government indeed.

Should you fail to pay within 30 days, the fine will go up, and ultimately you will be sent to collection, which could negatively impact your credit rating.

The complete article on the law change can be found here.

The bill and all of its juicy details can be found here, in case you want to see the nuts and bolts.

Finally, we found a comprehensive list of all red light and traffic cameras here, in case you want to be on the lookout.

Do be aware though, that there are temporary cameras that are often set up in places not on this list, so keep your guard up!!

2024 Lower Heating Bills

Not long ago, we covered the increases we have all had to endure with our monthly energy bills.

It appears Xcel has listened and there is good news coming.

From the recent article in the Denver Business Journal, “Xcel said Friday it expects monthly natural gas bills for home heating to drop by 4.5% on average in the first quarter of next year compared to current prices, and the typical monthly bill will drop 28% when compared to what it was in the first quarter of 2023.”

“That’s an average residential savings of $4.87 per month compared to bills for heating this month and represents a typical heating bill reduction of $39.11 per month compared to what the typical homeowner paid Xcel for natural gas heating at the start of 2023, the utility said.”

“For small businesses, the heating bills in January-March will drop 5.14%, saving small companies on average $23.28 per month and making the typical small-business heating bill $429.46. Compared to the first-quarter bills in 2023, the prices will shave $186.45 per month off the $615.91 monthly bill the average small business paid at the start of 2023.”

This is great news for all of us and a fine way to start 2024.

The complete article from the Denver Business Journal can be found here.

The Denver Post also did a piece today on what we can expect going forward into ’24. For those of you with a Post subscription, that article can be found here.

In this inflationary economy, every bit helps, so we are excited about this development!

Denver’s Best Restaurants New and Old

It’s been a while since we discussed Denver’s dining scene.

We still love to eat and enjoy Denver’s great culinary scene, so here goes.

Let’s start with 5280’s list of the best new restaurants in our fine city.

From Chilean food to two new French restaurants, Denver has us covered. That dish in the photo is courtesy of LeFrench, and it looks delicious to us.

The complete list of newcomers to our dining scene can be found here, thanks to 5280 Magazine.

We love novel places, but we also love our staples.

So, what are the best 25 restaurants across the Front Range?

Well, avid reader, you might recognize some of the staples on this list. Frasca (Boulder) for example, is a perennial member of the list.

Uchi has also made this list before, but we also found many establishments that we haven’t tried yet that look fascinating.

We can, however, recommend A5 as one of the best steaks we have ever had, including a bavette and tri-tip cut one rarely sees in restaurants.

The complete list of the top 25 restaurants in Denver can be found here.

Unfortunately, they aren’t ranked in any order, so we will have to try them all and see for ourselves.

Hope to see you out there, fellow diners.

Home Downsizing for Seniors

By Guest Writer Max Stevens, National Contractors Association

You’re embarking on an exciting new chapter, transitioning into a smaller, more manageable living space that will ensure both your continued safety and a reduction in expenses. However, this journey requires careful planning and consideration, especially when it involves leaving a home filled with memories and possessions. In this article, courtesy of Denver Concierge, we’ll offer a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through this significant life change efficiently and thoughtfully.

Estate Planning Insights

As you consider selling your cherished home, it’s crucial to understand the estate planning implications. Consulting with an estate planner ensures that decisions about property ownership and inheritance are well-informed. They will guide you through potential tax impacts, helping you preserve your financial legacy for your loved ones. This step is vital for peace of mind and financial clarity.

Tech-Savvy Home Prep

In preparing your current home for sale, technology can be your ally. Home management apps are invaluable, connecting you with reliable contractors for necessary updates or repairs. For instance, if your home requires appliance repair, these apps can be a quick, efficient solution that allow you to find the best service for your budget. Leveraging technology streamlines the process, making your transition smoother and more efficient.

Evaluating Care Options

For some, the best downsizing option might be a skilled nursing facility, offering specialized care and support. Thoroughly research facilities online, examining each one’s services, reputation, and care quality. This decision is deeply personal and requires thoughtful consideration of your health, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Making an informed choice will ensure comfort and peace of mind in your new home.

Refinancing Strategies

Consider the financial benefits of refinancing your existing home. In an ever-changing economic landscape, refinancing might offer more favorable interest rates or access to additional funds, aiding your downsizing transition. This financial move could provide you with more liquidity or better mortgage terms, aligning with your current needs and future plans.

Declutter with Expertise

Downsizing often means parting with possessions that won’t fit in your new space. Hiring a professional organizer can transform this daunting task into an achievable, even enjoyable, process. They’ll help you sort through belongings, decide what to keep, donate, or discard, making your move smoother and less overwhelming. Their expertise can turn a challenging task into a liberating experience. You can also hire a professional cleaning crew to come in and help you prepare your home for sale, which will cut down on potential trip-and-fall hazards and ensure that the space is ready for your buyers.

Market Timing Mastery

Understanding the real estate market’s current state is essential before selling your home. The market’s condition significantly influences sale prices and the ease of finding a buyer. Conduct thorough research or consult a real estate expert to determine the best time to sell. Timing your move right could lead to a more profitable and stress-free selling experience.

Tax-Savvy Moving

Investigating potential tax exemptions or deductions related to downsizing is a crucial step in optimizing your financial strategy. A consultation with a tax professional could uncover opportunities to maximize the financial benefits of your move, which might otherwise be overlooked. Understanding these tax implications can lead to significant savings, directly impacting your financial health during this transition.

Your journey to downsizing is a multi-faceted process that involves more than just moving to a smaller space; it’s about making informed, strategic decisions for a comfortable and secure future. By thoroughly considering key aspects and utilizing tools such as a home maintenance repair app, you lay the foundation for a smooth transition. Embracing this change with confidence comes from knowing that you are well-prepared and have considered all angles of this life shift. This new chapter in your life, filled with potential and promise, is a testament to your thoughtful planning and readiness for change.

Ready to get some help with cleaning your home? Get in touch with the team at Denver Concierge today to learn more about the services you can choose from.

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for November were Maria Zapata, Mary Moreno, Josefina Quinonez, Haydee Espinosa, and Patricia Rodriguez.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Brenda Garcia and Isela Mendoza.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of November.

Be on the lookout next month as we announce our annual winners for 2023!

Recently I have been receiving client texts asking what you can do as clients to make your housecleaning day more efficient, i.e., more timely and less costly, without forgoing the quality.

The following scenario, while likely unattainable in its entirety, will illustrate the various traits that go into creating the optimum clean.

On the clean day, the best scenario; a team arrives, parks next to the house, uses a code or key to enter. Clients are not home. Pets are corralled in a pet area, surfaces are uncluttered, and floors are free of clothing and toys.

Instructions have been relayed via text to the Team Leader at the time of dispatch so each team member knows her specific task. Starting at the top of the house the team works its way down to the bottom, like clockwork, no hindrances. Orderly, efficient, detailed, and timely.

Obviously, individual family lifestyles, size, furnishings, and schedules all go into what aspects of the above scenario could be adopted on any given clean day.

More clients now work from home, unexpected workers or guests show up, science or craft projects need to remain in place; however, even managing one or two small aspects from the above will help with the overall efficiency.

And keep in mind, I am just a text away for any questions.

Bee

November Newsletter 2023

denverconcierg on December 3, 2023

No Stress Holiday Season

Ah the holidays, we love ’em. Well mostly, anyway.

We love the time with family and friends, but we don’t love the stress of holiday shopping, the commercial madness, and just how tense most folks seem to be.

So, for 2023, we are making a vow to de-stress this holiday season. That starts with a clean house, hopefully!!! We are here for your holiday cleaning, as usual, but wanted to provide other ways to de-stress and make this the best holiday season ever.

If this looks like you, then maybe join us on our journey!

For starters, see below for one of our favorite people to help you do just that. You can outsource a number of different things, including decor, gift-buying, and party planning to name a few. Read on for details.

Beyond that, Johns Hopkins put out a short list of tips to destress, and we also found a good list by mellowed.com which can be found here.

It’s easy to forget the meaning of the holidays when you feel like the person in the photo above. We hope your holiday season is exactly the opposite this year and leads you into a wonderful 2024.

Finally, we will be closed on Monday, December 25th for Christmas Day, and Monday, January 1st for the start of the new year and to give our folks a much-needed break or two.

We wish you all the best for a peaceful and stress-free holiday season!!!!

Tax Law Changes

Did you know there are seven tax brackets in the U.S. tax code?

The marginal rates — 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37% — remain unchanged from 2023.

While the rates themselves are not changing, due to inflation, the amount needed to hit each bracket has been adjusted upward.

This is done so cost of living increases don’t result in a bigger tax burden for taxpayers.

For example, in 2023, if you earned $89,450 you were at the top of the 12% bracket, with $190,750 at the top of the next bracket at 22%.

In 2024, those numbers change to $94,300 and $201,750, respectively.

The standard deduction has also been changed, with the single deduction going from $13,850 to $14,600, and the married joint-filing deduction from $27,700 to $29,200.

There are also changes to gift taxes, estate taxes, and HSA/FSA allowed amounts.

Nerd Wallet did a comprehensive piece on this and all the changes and it can be found here.

Home Design Trends 2024

What will be new in 2024 in terms of home design trends?

Well, we are glad you asked, because we have the scoop!!!

For starters, there will be a move away from minimalism.

From our friend Marina Dagenais at Designer Premier, “Home decor trends in 2024 will see a seismic shift away from minimalism.” “Colorful interiors are upstaging simple all-white interiors, grays, and black color schemes.”

“Thankfully, there are many ways to take the plunge and transform your home into a vibrant and unique space. These nine tips for incorporating color into your home interiors will prove minimalism isn’t the only way!”

Marina is always plugged into the latest design trends, and we found an article on Business Insider that backs up her predictions.

Marina did a wonderful blog about the new trends away from minimalism and goes into detail on bright wallpaper, textured rugs and the like, you can view that here.

Finally, one of our favorite things (we don’t know why) is the Pantone Color of the Year. The winner?

Apricot Crush, of course.

As always, for interior design tips as well as finding the best interior designer, contact Marina here.

Partners We Love

One of our favorite partners is Allison Welch of As You Wish.

Allison is the founder of As You Wish, a personal assistant, event planner, and concierge.

She and her wonderful team are available this holiday season to assist with just about anything you can imagine.

From personal shopping to party planning, the team at As You Wish are the consummate professionals.

From Allison directly: “If you are looking for more TIME this holiday season, our team of personal assistants can help with shopping, party planning, wrapping gifts, and all of your holiday decor”.

Having worked with Allison directly for years, we highly recommend her services.

She has many great testimonials and they can be found here.

To reach Allison and the As You Wish team, you can email them at [email protected], or by clicking here.

Here’s to a stress-free holiday season!!!

Is your Phone Secure?

Do you have an iPhone? If so, you should be aware of the latest security issue facing Apple’s flagship product.

It appears that following the recent update of IOS, iPhones can “trade” contact information with other iPhones.

The latest “feature” is called NameDrop and per Apple’s website: “With iOS 17.1 and watchOS 10.1, you can use NameDrop to quickly share contact information with a nearby iPhone or Apple Watch,”

The ease and quickness of sharing information from phones has police sounding security alarms, while others believe the message is not necessary.

We aren’t taking any chances.

The feature defaults to “on”, so to turn Apple’s NameDrop feature off, go to settings → general → AirDrop, then tap the green button next to “start sharing by bringing devices together.” The green section should turn gray when it is off.

Security issues aren’t just limited to iPhones either, they just have the most current and newsworthy issue.

Regardless of which phone you have, the end of the year is always a good time to check passwords and do security reviews on our devices.

A good checklist on how to proceed can be found here.

There are lots of creative scams out there that we should all be aware of. The folks at ZDNet came up with a list of the top 9 security risks for mobile devices and it can be found here.

When in doubt, don’t accept anything that pops up on your phone unless you are 100% certain you know the source.

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for October were Maria Zapata, Mary Moreno, Guadalupe Coloco, Josefina Quinonez, and Yesica Censo.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Natalia Olivas and Laura Varela.

As the year winds down, stay tuned for our “best of the best” winners for the entire year.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of October.

September Newsletter 2023

denverconcierg on October 10, 2023

How Clean is Your Air?

One thing few of us seem to think about is air quality, especially indoors. Who out there has ever heard of a VOC?

We know all about VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and their effects on our health and environment. We had to, as part of our Green Clean Institute annual certification, discussed in past newsletters.

VOCs are a diverse group of chemicals that can easily vaporize into the air, emanating from various household sources such as paints, cleaning products, furniture, and even some building materials. While they are essential components of many products, high levels of VOCs can have adverse health effects, including headaches, respiratory issues, and even long-term health risks.

We try to do our part over here at Denver Concierge, and while we can’t do much about VOCs we can help improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by way of our very deep cleaning.

A thorough deep housecleaning can significantly improve IAQ by removing dust, allergens, pollutants, and contaminants that accumulate in your home over time. Here’s how it works:

Dust and Allergen Removal: Dust is a common source of indoor air pollution and can contain allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. Deep cleaning involves dusting, vacuuming, and wiping surfaces to eliminate these particles, preventing them from circulating in the air and triggering allergies or respiratory issues.
Mold and Mildew Control: Damp or humid areas in your home can foster the growth of mold and mildew, which release spores and mycotoxins into the air. Deep cleaning tackles these areas, reducing the risk of mold-related health problems.
Pet Hair and Dander: If you have pets, deep cleaning helps remove pet hair and dander from carpets, furniture, and other surfaces. This can significantly reduce allergens in the air.
Chemical and VOC Reduction: Cleaning products and household items can release volatile organic compounds into the air. Denver Concierge uses only eco-friendly and low-VOC cleaning solutions, minimizing the introduction of harmful chemicals into your indoor environment.
Reduction of Pest Allergens: Deep cleaning can help control pests and their allergens, such as cockroach droppings. Proper sanitation can deter pests and reduce their impact on IAQ.

In summary, deep housecleaning removes various sources of indoor air contaminants and reduces allergens and pollutants. Regular deep cleaning, in conjunction with good housekeeping practices, can lead to a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment, ultimately enhancing IAQ and the well-being of occupants.

Beyond housecleaning, there are other ways to improve IAQ, including these ideas by the EPA.

Also, some practical tips from realsimple.com can be found here.

There is even a school of thought that plants can assist in keeping our air fresh. Read on for a great piece by guest writer Jo Ellen Myers Sharp on the usefulness of various plants in your home, including ones that not only smell good but deter insects!!!

Thanks for letting us help keep your air clean and healthy!!!

Leaf Peepers Rejoice

Fall arrived quickly, and it is a wonderful time to enjoy the beauty of nature in Colorado, especially near Denver, where there are many scenic drives and hikes that showcase the vibrant colors of the aspen trees.

Whether you are looking for a short trip or a full-day adventure, here are some of the best places to see fall foliage near Denver.

• Guanella Pass: This 22-mile road connects Georgetown and Grant, and offers stunning views of Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans. You can see aspens turning gold at elevations from 8,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level. There are also many hiking trails along the pass, such as the Silver Dollar Lake Trail and the Bierstadt Trail.

• Peak to Peak Highway: This 55-mile route runs from Black Hawk to Estes Park, passing through Nederland, Ward, and Allenspark. You can enjoy the views of the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also stop by the historic towns and attractions, such as the Carousel of Happiness in Nederland and the Chapel on the Rock in Allenspark

• San Juan Skyway: This 236-mile loop takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in southern Colorado, including the San Juan Mountains and the San Juan National Forest. Along with beautiful fall colors, you can explore the charming towns of Durango, Dolores, Telluride, and Ouray.

You can also visit the Mesa Verde National Park and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad along the way.

The fine folks at Denver.org published a great list of day trips for leaf peeping and it can be found here.

More info from Thrillist as well.

Finally, our friends at 5280 Magazine published their list of day trips with 20 hikes near Denver that are “perfect for fall”.

These are just some of the best places to see fall foliage near Denver, but there are many more to discover. So grab your camera and your jacket, and head out to enjoy the splendor of autumn in Colorado.

Plants That Repel Mosquitos?

By Guest Writer Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the fragrance of roses or honeysuckle repelled insects? They don’t, but some plants with an enjoyable smell do deter mosquitoes and other pests.

The trick is these plants themselves might not have an enjoyable scent – or any smell at all – but they yield a fragrance when turned into an essential oil or when leaves are rubbed together that will keep away mosquitoes and other bugaboos.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look (or sniff) at basil, catnip, citronella grass, lavender, and mint. All of these plants are commonly found in herb gardens, cat toys, flower gardens, and yards in Denver’s best neighborhoods.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Probably one of the freshest fragrances of summer, basil adds a wonderful brightness to many foods. It is prized for its flavorful leaves, and like other insect-repelling plants, it’s the oil in basil that fends off insects.

You may find some repellant if basil leaves are rubbed on your skin. Basil also may be helpful when crushed and rubbed on insect bites.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Cats love catnip and so do bees and other pollinators, but the magic repellant in catnip comes after the leaves are crushed and rubbed on the skin.

Catnip is in the mint family, however, and can spread quickly to take over a garden. Catmint (N. racemosa) is a catnip relative and cats like it, too, but it is a clump grower rather than a spreader.

Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

True citronella – that scent that repels mosquitoes via candles, tiki torches, and coil bracelets – comes from citronella grass, a lemongrass-like plant.

However, unlike edible lemongrass (C. citratus), citronella grass, an annual, is not edible. Rather, its stalks are harvested for their essential oil. That’s the oil found in candles and other products with citronella as an ingredient.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

A beautiful and fragrant plant, English lavender is a popular small woody perennial in pollinator gardens. If lavender attracts buzzing insects, will it deter others?

Two types of lavender are recommended for the Colorado landscape. English lavender and lavandin (L. latifolia). English lavender usually blooms twice a season. Lavandin plants are larger, but they bloom only once.

The best bug-fighting part of lavender is its essential oils. Look for lavender oil at health food stores and other similar outlets. Rub the oil on the parts of the body you want to protect.

All is not lost with lavender plants, though. Harvest the stems, pick off, and lightly chop the leaves to mix with scones, ice cream, or other food. Yum!

Mints (Mentha spp.)

Mint plants alone won’t deter insects, but the oils of peppermint, spearmint, and other mints have repellant characteristics. Research shows the oil – menthol – has insect-fighting qualities.

Remember mints can spread way beyond their space with underground stems (rhizomes). Mints have many other uses in the home garden, however. They can be harvested for teas, jellies, salads, and other food and drinks, including mojitos and mint juleps.

What We’ve Learned

These and many other plants are credited with repelling insects while smelling good. While we appreciate the fragrance of these plants, we also recognize that the bug-fighting attributes come from the essential oils rather than the plants themselves.

While rubbing the leaves of these plants on your skin to fend off insects may help, it’s not as effective as using the essential oils associated with the plants. Some people may have an allergic reaction to essential oils rubbed on the skin, so test a patch first.

One option is to place aromatic plants in pots on the deck or plant them around the patio in the hopes of keeping insects away. But will plants alone repel bugs and other pests? You might want to light a citronella candle or tiki torch, especially if you want to keep away mosquitoes.

Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp is an award-winning garden writer, editor, and speaker. Known as a hortiholic, she frequently says her eyes are too big for her yard. Find her blog at hoosiergardener.com.

Colorado’s New Laws

We recently wrote about Colorado’s new “move over law” as well as the crackdown on crossing solid white lines in traffic.

What other laws are hitting the books this fall? Effective October 1st, the following new laws are in effect throughout our fine state:

• A law that requires a three-day waiting period for firearm purchases and allows victims of gun violence to sue the firearm industry for knowingly breaching.

• A law that changes the right-of-way rules in roundabouts, giving priority to larger vehicles such as buses and trucks.

• A law that clarifies the 48-hour bond hearing requirement for people in jail.

• A law that reclassifies certain felony offenses, such as aggravated cruelty to animals.

• A law that expands the eligibility for postconviction DNA testing for people who claim innocence.

• A law that prohibits landlords from requiring tenants to waive certain legal rights in their leases, such as the right to participate in class-action lawsuits or jury trials.

• A law that regulates the sale and possession of “ghost guns”, which are firearms that are not serialized or registered. However, some provisions of this law will not take effect until January 1, 2024.

Be careful in those roundabouts!

Maintaining Mental Acuity

As we journey through life, one constant companion is the inexorable passage of time. With each passing year, our bodies and minds undergo natural changes, including shifts in cognitive function.

Sadly, we know many of you have had experience with aging family members and we have as well.

It makes us wonder what can be done to slow the aging process of the brain, and just exactly how we “stay sharp” as we age.

The good news is that there are ways to slow down mental aging and maintain sharpness, reducing the risk of conditions like dementia. We rustled up the best tips we could find online below:

Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise not only benefits your body but also boosts brain health. It increases blood flow to the brain, encourages the growth of new neurons, and enhances cognitive function.
Mental Stimulation: Engage your brain through lifelong learning. Read books, solve puzzles, learn a new language, or take up a musical instrument. These activities challenge your brain and keep it agile.
A Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition is crucial. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, and foods rich in vitamins E and C all support brain health.
Adequate Sleep: Sleep is essential for memory consolidation and cognitive functioning. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Social Connections: Maintain strong social networks. Interacting with friends and family stimulates brain activity and emotional well-being.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can damage the brain. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or mindfulness to reduce stress levels.
Brain-Boosting Supplements: Some supplements, like ginkgo biloba or vitamin D, may support brain health, but consult with a healthcare professional before adding them to your routine.
Regular Check-ups: Monitor your overall health, as conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol can negatively impact cognitive function.

The National Institute for Aging published a list of ways to combat mental decline and it can be found here.

By adopting these practices into your lifestyle, you can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Finally, a fine list of tips on memory improvement can be found here, courtesy of the University of St. Augustine.

Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start working on your brain health. Embrace these habits, and you’ll be well on your way to a sharper, more vibrant mind throughout your life’s journey.

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for August were Mary Moreno, Josefina Quinonez, Aurora Dominguez, Haydee Espinosa, and Fernanda Gonzalez.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Mayra Soto and Socorro Ibarra.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of August.

In response to a question I am frequently asked, we do not offer fixed quotes for house cleaning. We don’t feel that a walkthrough of taking notes while speaking to a client will result in a true reading of the time required to clean.

Quotes, by their nature, are based on an estimated time to do a job. If a quote is too low, there are two ways to deal with it. The team must work faster, or the company will lose money on that clean.

Neither option works for us. To put a time limit on a clean is not only unfair to our employees, but it most certainly would result in less than our trademark quality.

Denver Concierge has been in business for over 25 years based on the quality of our cleaning. We are the cat’s meow of home cleaning, paws down. We are certainly not going to jeopardize that.

As for losing money on our cleans due to erroneous estimates, well that would just be dumb. We don’t want clients losing either, by potentially overpaying if our time is off the other way on a given day.

Bottom line, we charge by the hour for a team to professionally, efficiently, thoroughly, and pleasantly clean your home for you and your family. Including the furry ones!

Bee

August Newsletter 2023

denverconcierg on September 5, 2023

New Cancellation Policy

Ok, not yet, but we hope it caught your eye, as it could be coming soon.

We pride ourselves in being a full-service outfit over here at Denver Concierge. However, we seem to be running into a very high number of cancellations, many at the last minute.

If you get to read Angela’s Queen Bee down below, it dovetails very nicely into the problem we are having. Our teams want to work, and when we get last-minute cancellations, there is nowhere for them to go.

Unlike other cleaning companies that pay by the house, we start paying our folks as soon as they clock in at the office. So, we end up paying a team of three people to go have coffee. Not to mention the cost of driving to get to the first job only to be locked out or cancelled at the last minute.

Needless to say, this raises our costs unnecessarily, and over time puts pressure on pricing as well. We don’t think it’s fair that clients that never cancel should bear the burden of people that do.

For the record, we have never charged for cancellations or lockouts, although many of our competitors do just that.

As you might imagine, we are in a conundrum. Life happens as they say, and most times there isn’t anything that can be done about emergencies. We have no issue with that and never will. That’s just part of trying to be a great company providing great service.

However, if we have a client that has canceled frequently, and at the last minute, we may have to reconsider our current stance. At a minimum, we may need to have a chat about whether or not that client should remain on their current schedule.

We are asking for your help. If you need to cancel, we fully understand, but would respectfully ask that it is done prior to the night before if at all possible. This will allow our scheduling folks to work their magic and make sure we are staffed properly for the jobs on the schedule.

In a perfect world, we would have a couple of days’ notice to shuffle things. Anything the night before or the day of is basically a nightmare for us, and results in all the bad stuff described above.

So, for now, there is no new policy, but we want to try and enlist your help with the problem, in the hopes we won’t need one.

Meanwhile, thank you for being a loyal client of our locally-owned company.

We will continue to strive to keep our costs down so you get a fair value for your price.

We appreciate you and will always do our best to work with you when “life happens”.

Navigating Denver

Have you ever driven around downtown Denver and wondered just how drunk the city planners were when they laid out the streets?

We have been here a long time and we still aren’t sure what the rhyme or reason is.

Did you know Denver has 225 one-way streets?

We didn’t either until we started snooping around at how our city is actually laid out.

We learned a lot! Did you know that there are two alphabetical groups that you can find on streets that run north and south?

One group goes from east to west and the other from north to south.

Stick with us here.

The east-west streets are named for Native American tribes and begin with Acoma, ending in Zuni.

From west to east, and east of Colorado Boulevard, you’ll find Albion Street, followed by Ash Street to the east. This first alphabetical group goes from west to east and has two streets per letter.

More detail from the Fox 31 article can be found here.

If you want to go down the rabbit hole on the real origins of Denver’s street patterns, we found an amazing piece by Confluence Denver and it can be found here.

It all goes back to two rival settlements that combined way back in 1860. I suppose we should forgive them for not laying this thing out a bit better.

For now, we hope this helps you understand how this all came about, and hopefully where you might be next time you look up at a confusing street sign or wonder if you are pointing north or south.

Senior Moving Guide

Aging is tough. It becomes even tougher when you cannot function well inside your current home or need to move as you get older.

We also have a lot of clients and partners who are taking care of parents who are going through the same thing.

While the emotional part of moving an aging parent is hard to describe, there are practical considerations as well.

That’s where our friends at senioradvice.com come in.

They put together a great resource for moving as a senior on their affiliate site caring.com.

From the intro to the article:

“For most people, aging brings a new set of challenges. New health problems may affect your ability to live independently, financial challenges make it tougher to maintain your lifestyle and adult children moving to faraway places may make you feel less connected to your home.”

“Some people move every few years or even more frequently, while others remain rooted in the same location for decades. But for many people, there comes a time in old age when it becomes necessary to move.”

“While relocating is never easy, moving as a senior carries its own difficulties. If you or a loved one is moving into an assisted living or memory care facility due to declining health, the very reason for the move will likely make the process even more difficult. A lifetime of accumulated possessions might be squirreled away in your home. And if the move is due to financial stress, moving itself can be expensive.”

We found it to be a very informative piece and we thank our friend Julia Walker for reaching out with this.

The complete article can be found here, and we wish you patience and grace if you are experiencing this currently.

Denver Food and Wine Festival

If you are a longtime reader of our newsletter, you know we love a good meal out.

Enter the annual Denver Food and Wine Festival.

Billed as “A Multi-Day Extravaganza of Food Wine and Spirits”, we say yes, please.

The entire event will run from September 6-9 and features many great events and opportunities to engage with some of Denver’s best in the business.

From the “Shake and Brake” Showdown on September 7th, to the Grand Tasting on the 9th, this looks like a fun (and filling) event.

Reidel is also sponsoring a wine glass and tasting seminar (you get some great wine glasses if you go) which we love.

Full details of this cool event can be found here.

We hope to see you there!

Worst Drivers in the U.S.

Finally, a naughty list that Denver didn’t win on.

We meet a lot of folks from all over and nearly everyone thinks the drivers in their city are “awful”.

We aren’t sure about why that phenomenon is, although most people think they are better at driving than they really are.

The good news is that for 2023, Denver did not make this list.

Although the drivers in Lakewood and Pueblo said “Hold my beer”, as they managed to sneak into the top (bottom?) 20 in poor driving.

Consumer Affairs did a complete study on this for 2023 and the methodology is explained as well.

The safest city? Green Bay, Wisconsin. No Colorado cities made that list.

Finally, Forbes did a similar review of bad driving by state, and we didn’t make that list either.

It can be found here.

So, next time someone says “Denver drivers are the worst!”, you will have some data to prove them wrong.

Safe driving!!!

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for July were Maria Zapata, Sandra Vidales, Josefina Quinonez, Guadalupe Caloca, and Silvia Anguiano.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Mayra Soto and Martha Rosales.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of July.

Our employees show up at the dispatch office every morning because they want to work.

Last-minute lockouts or cancellations during the day do not please them, as going home early means they lose hours and wages.

It is disappointing to have their day cut short, unlike many less enthusiastic workers who might relish the idea of getting half a day off.

With this in mind, our employees have done some really random things in their determination to clean the houses they were assigned for the day.

Any request by a client in need is considered.

Forgot to leave the key? Can they climb over the side fence? Forgot to have the dog sitter meet the team? Can the smallest team member squeeze through the doggy door? You request and we do our best to oblige.

At times our teams will use their own initiative, which doesn’t always work out the way it should, but no one has ever been hurt, no property ever damaged, no dog or cat let loose. Thankfully, no harm has been done.

A special thanks to our clients who find the humor in some of our maneuvers and have to defend us against a neighbor or household member who persists in questioning the logic when oft times there is none.

Suffice it to say that our intentions are always good.

Bee

July Newsletter 2023

denverconcierg on August 2, 2023

Green With Envy

Ok, not us, we try not to engage in envy.

But hopefully, our competitors do, because for the 16th straight year, we have been recertified 100% green by the Green Clean Institute.

In fact, we were the first cleaning company in Colorado to achieve this prestigious certification. It requires not only that we use products that are 100% certified green, but that our staff is trained as well.

We have to re-certify each year, and we are very proud that we have achieved this again in 2023. As a side note, we are currently the only cleaning company listed in the GCI directory in 2023 in Denver. Wow.

We used to have a couple of competitors that were listed next to us, but it seems they have given up the pursuit.

The moral of the story for us is very clear. We are committed to doing things the right way, every time. Sure, it costs money and time to maintain our certification, but we do it simply because it’s the right thing to do.

We aren’t smart enough to understand all the ins and outs of our climate, our planet, and what is causing what. All we know is that we are trying to do our part. We hope that brings you a little comfort when you use our locally owned company.

For some reasons to use green products, the folks at Spruce came up with 10 Reasons to Start Green Cleaning Today and it can be found here.

We will always do our best to be unique in the way that we clean, communicate with you, and take care of your home. More importantly, we appreciate each and every one of you and we value our relationships beyond just being your housecleaner.

We also take the responsibility of “taking care” of your home as seriously as we “take care” of the environment. We hope it shows through every day.

Thank you, as always, for your support and your business.

Social Security Myths

Have you ever heard that our Social Security system is running out of money?

We have, and for those of us that have paid in for a very long time, it is quite alarming.

However, it isn’t true. At least not now.

Our fine friends over at Edward Jones published a great article entitled “5 Myths You Shouldn’t Believe about Social Security”.

AARP also did a great article on this. From that article: “As long as workers and employers pay payroll taxes, Social Security will not run out of money. It’s a pay-as-you-go system: Revenue coming in from FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) and SECA (Self-Employed Contributions Act) taxes largely cover the benefits going out.”

“Social Security does face funding challenges. For decades it collected more than it paid out, building a surplus that stood at $2.83 trillion at the end of 2022. But the system is starting to pay out more than it takes in, largely because the retiree population is growing faster than the working population, and living longer. Without changes in how Social Security is financed, the surplus is projected to run out in 2034, according to the latest annual report from the program’s trustees.”

While that is the biggest myth we hear about Social Security, there are others, such as the annual COLA being guaranteed, the effective age is 65, etc.

These and other myths (along with the truth about each) can be found in the articles above.

We were very relieved to know that it does not appear that Social Security is going broke anytime soon. Whew.

New “Move Over” Law Coming

We do our best to keep our readers informed about changes in our fine city and state that might affect them.

This new law is one of those things to pay attention to.

You are probably already aware that Colorado law requires drivers to move over for emergency vehicles.

The law requires a driver who is overtaking an emergency vehicle, tow vehicle, or public utility vehicle that is parked on the side of the road to reduce and maintain a safe speed, as follows:

25 miles per hour if the speed limit is less than 45 miles per hour; or
At least 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit if the speed limit is 45 miles per hour or more.

So, what is the new law?

Starting August 7, drivers will be required to behave the same way for ANY vehicle with hazard lights on.

The same requirements from the previous law (above) apply. Failure to do so, if caught, will result in a $100 fine and DMV points off your license, so beware.

It seems like a sensible law to us, and we sure don’t need a ticket.

We hope this helps keep you from getting one as well!

The full law can be found here, at Colorado CDOT.

Scam Avoidance

Dang, scams are everywhere.

If we get one more personalized email from someone who pretends to know us, we might lose it.

Between fake LinkedIn profiles, cleverly worded spam, and the like, there are lots of scams and new approaches to be wary of.

We are here to help.

It seems like Amazon is everywhere. Most of us use them and rarely have problems, however, there are lots of counterfeit items to avoid.

We hadn’t thought about this until Prime Day arrived and we read this piece on counterfeit goods on Amazon. Quite eye-opening.

Also, we have noticed a very high number of fake profiles on LinkedIn. Typically a very pretty person in a photo, with a background that doesn’t seem to add up.

Sadly, most people just “accept” invitations to connect, and then the fun starts. Scammers will attempt to befriend you, with the ultimate goal of getting your information and money. When in doubt, google the person, you might be surprised they don’t exist!

Then there is the “lottery scam”. Most of us would scoff at this one, but remember, if these tactics didn’t work, scammers would stop using them!

Finally, some great tips from FDIC on how to avoid falling prey to these very clever scams.

Meanwhile, keep your guard up!

Save on your Summer Utility Bill

Well, we knew this was coming. Sticker shock on our electricity bills. Now that it’s here, many of us are stunned by the increases.

Along the way, summer arrived and it’s been 95 degrees now for a good stretch.

What can we all do to save some dough on our electric bill?

For starters, Xcel Energy (who has been the target of most of the vitriol online) offers some good tips for saving money.

More importantly, they are also offering rebates on smart thermostats, LED bulbs, and water heater installation currently.

Incidentally, if you already have a smart thermostat, there are seasonal savings programs there as well.

We also spoke with a client about the installation of a whole-home fan, which seems to help as well.

Finally, from CNet, 8 ideas on how to lower your bill can be found here.

Stay cool Denver, we hope some of these tips help!

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for June were Haydee Espinoza, Guadalupe Caloca, Aurora Dominguez, Maria Zapata, and Juana Luna.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Juana Olivas and Socorro Ibarra.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of June.

Cleaning is a dying art. Much like ironing. The modern approach to cleaning is the result of TV commercials starting in the ’50s featuring a well-dressed woman, often in heels, with a spray bottle in one hand and a pretty sponge in the other, sometimes wearing an apron. The message was clear. Our product can free you from drudgery.

So, what is the real art of cleaning? Quite succinctly, it is Denver Concierge.

But to break it down, it is a solitary endeavor; a calm diligence and concentrated focus on taking away the dirt, grime, and dust from a room or object. Efficiency is key. If too drawn out it becomes tedious. If too rushed it becomes sloppy, with the likelihood of breakages.

Non-toxic products are essential. Our products may not come in fancy packaging with fancy promises, but they have proven to be not only effective at cleaning but also at preservation and safety, allowing our ladies to do their job properly in the time they need, with no harmful cumulative after effects.

Of course, none of the products, applications, or methods are viable without employees who just quite simply know how to clean.

Denver Concierge has the best of the best. Hats off to you ladies!

Bee

June Newsletter 2023

denverconcierg on July 11, 2023

Happy Independence Day

247 years ago.

It’s been a long time since our great country formed its independence. Sadly, with all the strife and issues in our modern society, it is easy to forget the struggles we had to overcome together to survive as long as we have as a nation.

We are here today to share our appreciation for our country, its freedoms, and the liberties we all have thanks to the sacrifices made nearly 250 years ago by our independent and very stubborn forefathers.

In the words of French officer and American army volunteer Marquis de Lafayette,

“The happiness of America is intimately connected with the happiness of all mankind; she is destined to become the safe and venerable asylum of virtue, of honesty, of tolerance, and quality and of peaceful liberty.”

We love that quote, and we love our country, even with all its current challenges.

Many of us don’t realize that the Revolutionary War lasted nearly eight long years and we were massive underdogs against what was then the largest and most powerful military in the world, the British.

The American Revolution Institute does a great job of encapsulating our struggle in “One Lesson” which can be found here. We found it to be a great refresher to remind us of the sacrifices made and the difficult road to where we are today.

We sincerely hope you get to celebrate a wonderful holiday with your families this weekend and on Tuesday.

In that spirit, we will be closed on Tuesday but will be operating on Monday as usual. Odd holiday timing, but fortunate for our Monday clients who always get the short straw on holidays it seems.

Meanwhile, happy birthday to our great nation. We thank you, our clients and partners for allowing us to prosper in it alongside you.

Happy 4th of July!!!

Casa Bonita Returns

Nothing like a good old-fashioned Denver institution making a comeback.

In case you haven’t heard, the creators of South Park, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, purchased Casa Bonita last year.

Since then, they have invested $40 million into restoration and renovation, which is not a typo.

The duo has had a long love affair with Casa Bonita, even featuring it on a season seven episode of South Park.

On June 23-24, Casa Bonita reopened with a number of timed tickets. It is also open this weekend with a limited number of tickets for entry.

Dinner tickets are $39.99 for adults and $24.99 for kids aged 3-12. Ticket purchases also come with a 15% service charge.

Only eight people per group can get tickets at one time. Tickets must be purchased online and are final sales only, non-refundable, and non-transferable.

We found a great insider review from someone that attended the opening night last week and it can be found here.

It sounds like things are much better, yet familiar which is the way they should be.

We look forward to getting in and watching some cliff divers very soon!

Bravo to the South Park guys for restoring a Denver institution. Now, let’s just hope the food has improved, we bet it has.

Denver’s Best Neighborhood

Yes, it is that time again when 5280 Magazine unveils Denver’s best neighborhoods.

As they do each year, they followed a specific methodology which includes home sale prices, crime data, school ratings, and an X-factor score.

The winner?

Wash Park, followed by Hilltop, Berkeley, West Highland, and Cherry Creek.

You might recall we featured the 2022 list recently and those ranks were as follows: Wellshire. Belcaro, Wash Park, Platt Park, and City Park.

Quite the churn really, and congrats to Wash Park for moving up two spots to number one in 2023.

From the article regarding methodology: “Our ranking is based on four variables: home prices, crime data, school rankings, and an X factor score that accounts for things that can’t be as easily quantified, such as access to open space, public transportation, and restaurants and shops.”

“Each category is weighted: 30 percent for year-over-year percentage change in home values; 25 percent for safety; 15 percent for neighborhood school ratings; and 30 percent for the X factor. Our initial list of 78 neighborhoods (which was whittled down to 75, as you’ll read below) is based on the city of Denver’s official map. That’s why you won’t see areas like LoHi or RiNo listed; officially, they’re not considered their own neighborhoods, despite what locals might say.”

Lists like this always stimulate thought and debate, the complete article can be found here.

We love all the neighborhoods in Denver, especially the ones we clean in!!!

Outdoor Music Venues

We love a great concert, even better at a place like Red Rocks, which we are incredibly lucky to have so close.

Of course, when considering outdoor music venues, that is the first place that pops into mind, but there are so many more across our fine state that we wanted to make you all aware of.

We also are all probably aware of Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, which holds 17,000 people and gets a lot of big acts.

What about smaller venues?

For example, did you know that the Denver Botanic Gardens has a concert series? 10 evenings over June, July, and August, as well as local musicians playing during the week.

We also have seen shows at Levitt Pavilion, which is a non-profit venue offering 50 free concerts a year.

How about the Mishawaka venue near Fort Collins, pictured above? It started as a dance hall after motorcyclist and musician Walter S. Thompson stumbled across the site in 1916.

We are so fortunate to have these wonderful venues and many more to attend concerts at.

The complete list of the “13 Best outdoor music venues” by 5280 can be found here.

We hope you get a chance to enjoy these wonderful and iconic venues in 2023!

What Is “Wealthy” In Denver?

Being “wealthy” has a different connotation for almost all of us.

It is also impacted by the area we live in, as a dollar will go a lot farther in some places than in others.

So, what makes one “wealthy” in Denver? Well, Charles Schwab did a survey of Denver residents to find that out.

From the article in the Denver Business Journal: “In an annual survey conducted by Charles Schwab Corp., a nationwide financial services company, 37% of Denverites who said they feel wealthy had a net worth of $474,000.”

“But those same people said that to be “considered wealthy,” it takes an average net worth closer to $2.5 million.”

There you have it. From an opinion standpoint, at least.

For more hard data, you can refer to this survey that shows how much you need to be “rich” in the top 10 cities in the U.S. (yes, it’s led by California cities).

What about how far our dollars go here?

Well, that is where it gets interesting. For example, in New York City, $250,000 income is effectively just short of $83,000 after factoring in the cost of living and taxes, the bottom of the list.

The place where your dollar goes furthest? Look no further than Memphis, TN, where $250k gives you roughly $180K in purchasing power.

We found the complete study by Smart Asset to be very informative about the real value of a dollar, by city.

Denver comes in at 55th, which means $250k here effectively is worth about $150k.

The complete study can be found here, and was quite eye-opening!

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for May were Guadalupe Caloca, Maria Zapata, Josefina Quinonez, Maria Concepcion Reyes, and Sandra Vidales.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Mayra Soto and Isela Mendoza.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of May.

In the early days of Denver Concierge, we were less discerning than we are today.

We accepted jobs in outlying areas that sometimes meant a drive time of 2 hours one way. We accepted apartment move-out cleans where the teams had to wade through empty pizza boxes and dirty dishes. We cleaned offices and we cleaned the common areas of apartment buildings.

Then, gradually through the years, we developed a style more suited to the skills of our employees; a style that offers them a safe and attractive cleaning environment in some of the most beautiful homes in Denver, while allowing the company to thrive.

We brought our service area closer to Denver and the South, focusing on single-family homes cleaned on a regular basis. The clients became part of the Denver Concierge family.

We pride ourselves on quality over quantity. With respect to our employees, we are very selective in who we hire to work alongside them. We are careful to bring in new clients who we feel will appreciate and respect our employees’ hard work.

This is Denver Concierge today. We’ve come a long way.

Bee