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Hey Phoenix, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Tourism’s record impact, a Cold War monument groundbreaking, and a free Pokémon TCG tournament + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Tourism boom boosts economy: Phoenix tourism in 2025 set records, with $23.6 billion in impact and $13.4 billion in direct spending, averaging $36.6 million daily and supporting 96,600 jobs across hotels, retail, and events -- see tourism's record impact.
A long-awaited tribute begins: Phoenix broke ground on the USS Phoenix Cold War Monument at Steele Indian School Park, honoring submariners. The foundation has raised about $3.6 million and seeks funds for maintenance -- read the full story.
Boutique luxury homes debut: Camelot Homes launched Viridian in north central Phoenix, eight homes priced around $1.6M with butterfly roofs and stacked brick. Pre-sales are underway, with tours by appointment and listed community hours -- see the full details.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Comfort food, leveled up: Craving a no-fuss comfort feast this week? George Yang’s Chinese Cuisine does the classics fresh to order, from signature General Yang's chicken and Mongolian beef to pot stickers, chow mein, and hot & sour soup, with generous portions, great value, and warm service whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or ordering delivery.
Longtime Valley favorite: Serving the Valley for over 40 years, Barbs Bakery nails the classics and the celebrations with scratch-made cinnamon rolls, custom sugar-iced cookies, and specialty cupcakes that actually taste as good as they look. Pro move this week, grab an Ooey Gooey Butter Cake or a Noble naturally fermented loaf.
Tune up locally: For school band rentals, lessons, trustworthy repairs, and pro audio/backline rentals when your gig suddenly gets real, Boogie Music brings the goods plus a wide selection of new and pre-owned instruments and accessories. Phoenix musicians have leaned on this shop for decades, and it shows.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🏫 Lehi Meet the Teacher Night @ Lehi Elementary School (Mesa) | Tuesday (8/4) at 3:00 PM – Round up the crew and swing by Lehi Elementary for Meet the Teacher Night, where you can tour classrooms, snag free uniforms, and browse the Lehi Marketplace. Expect prize drawings, dress down vouchers, and a soccer shoot-out with Mr. Stokes, because bragging rights matter.
🩺 Let's Talk Veins | Free Vein Screening Event @ USA Vein Clinics (Glendale) | Thursday (8/6) at 8:00 AM – Nothing says grown-up self care like a free vein screening followed by a complimentary lunch. This one-day Glendale wellness pop-up keeps it simple, quick, and actually useful, which your legs deserve after years of desert heat, standing at Little League, and pacing Costco.
🎮 Claw Party Arcade Pokemon TCG Tournament @ Claw Party Arcade (Glendale) | Thursday (8/6) at 6:00 PM – Claw Party Arcade is running a free Pokémon TCG night every Thursday, with friendly battles, a trading table, and claw machines for a proper nostalgia fix. Fill the punch card for an EX card, enjoy good company, bring a deck if you like, beginners welcome.
📝 2026 Enrollment Fair @ Classic Image Dance (Chandler) | Friday (8/7) at 4:30 PM – Classic Image Dance is hosting a free enrollment fair where kids 2–18 can sample mini classes, try styles, and meet the patient teachers who turn wiggles into rhythm. Now in Season 35, it is air-conditioned, and a neat way to tire them out before dinner.
🎶 Free Summer Concert @ Chandler Community Center | Friday (8/7) at 7:00 PM – Downtown Chandler is giving your wallet the night off with a free summer country rock show from JD Nash and the Rash of Cash. Expect twang, grit, and sing-alongs you forgot you knew, plus that small-town crowd energy we pretend we outgrew.
🎾 August Weekly Cardio Tennis @ Gilbert Regional Park | Saturday (8/8) at 7:30 AM – August calls for sweaty fun before the sun gets cranky: Adult Cardio Tennis at Gilbert Regional Park, for newbies through 2.5s, adults only. Fast drills, friendly competition, and zero Wimbledon pressure. First class free, then five bucks, BYO racquet and proper shoes.
📦 FREE Food Boxes | I17 & Northern @ Pentecostals of Phoenix | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Second Saturday near I-17 and Northern, Pentecostals of Phoenix hosts free food boxes for anyone. Just roll through drive through or walk up, follow the cones. They only ask your name, zip code, and household size, pretty painless, very helpful.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Phoenix report Weather forecastToday — High: 111°F — Low: 89°F — Precip: 4%
Sunny, with a high near 111. Heat index values as high as 114. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 89. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 109°F — Low: 88°F — Precip: 8%
Sunny, with a high near 109. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 88. West southwest wind around 5 mph. This house is wildThis 4,256-square-foot contemporary stunner in guard-gated Taliverde pairs polished design with everyday ease. Five bedrooms and four bathrooms are spread across a smart split floor plan, while vaulted coffered ceilings, Thermador appliances, quartz counters, and a waterfall island anchor the stylish interior. Outside, a sparkling pool, travertine patio, turf yard, and mountain views complete the scene.
Take a peek inside → |
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