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Hey Sierra Vista, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: JoyJars for kids with cancer, Arizona fireflies talk, and return of the mermaids + 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.
Volunteers spread encouragement: Over 200 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona employees packed 1,000 JoyJars with toys, games and notes for kids fighting cancer, continuing a nine-year partnership supporting families across Arizona -- see the JoyJar effort.
Feeding communities with purpose: Arizona nonprofit Waste Not marks 40 years partnering with businesses to rescue surplus food. Its Brento Box delivers meals to offices and sites, saving over 2 million meals last year -- see how waste becomes meals.
Back-to-school schedule: Southern Arizona schools return this week. Sierra Vista Unified will begin classes Thursday, August 6. Catalina Foothills and Marana started Monday. Expect school zones and busier mornings -- see when schools resume.
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.
Hunt for fun finds: Whether you need a quick birthday save or just want to browse, Mesquite Mercantile here in Sierra Vista pulls together juried handmade goods, vintage finds, collectibles, jewelry, kitchen bits, kids stuff, and even a year-round Christmas nook. Pop in this week, discover something unexpected, and watch for classes in The Garden at The Mercantile.
Home refresh, handled: Veteran and family owned and operated Discount Furniture Warehouse keeps Sierra Vista homes comfy with a big, affordable lineup of sectionals, recliners, dining sets, beds, and mattresses plus TV stands, rugs, outdoor sets, and kids furniture. If your sofa slumps or your patio needs a glow-up, their showroom has ideas.
Tequila and tacos time: Guadalajara's Grill & Tequila Bar keeps things lively with fresh, made-in-house salsas and guacamole, beer-battered fish tacos, jalapeño bacon wrapped shrimp, and tequila-forward cocktails that hit just right. Put it on your week’s roster and thank us later when the salsa cravings kick in.
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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.
🦴 Fossil Files Lab @ Henry F. Hauser Museum and Gift Shop | Wednesday (8/5) at 4:30 PM – Turn the kids or grandkids into fossil detectives at Henry F. Hauser Museum’s interactive excavation lab, where they’ll sift clues, think like paleontologists, and piece together a prehistoric whodunit. It’s free, with pre-registration, and you enjoy AC, smug pride, and no dirt at home.
🪲 Joe Cicero: Arizona Fireflies and Related Luminescent Groups @ Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Sierra Vista | Thursday (8/6) at 2:00 PM – Think Arizona doesn’t have fireflies? Joe Cicero will prove you wrong with a free, illuminating talk on our Huachuca glow bugs, from larvae you can spot to adult patterns, morphology, and mating antics, plus glowing neighbors. Science, bragging rights, and zero bug spray required.
🐍 William Schumacher @ Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott | Friday (8/7) at 12:45 PM – Only in Arizona is quality time with The Snake Guy a legit plan, and it’s free thanks to Dutch Nagle and Southwest Wings. William Schumacher has 45 years wrangling venomous and non-venomous snakes, is licensed by Arizona Game and Fish, and there’s no registration required.
🐦 Tamela Birdle: Bird Tales, Songs and Stories of the San Pedro @ The Mall at Sierra Vista | Saturday (8/8) at 1:00 PM – Bring the kids to the mall stage for Tamela Birdle, a free, interactive romp of San Pedro bird tales, songs, and poems, courtesy of Southwest Wings. Expect singalongs, silly bird calls, and fun facts you can later pass off as your own.
🎤 Live Music with The Feel Goods @ The Mall at Sierra Vista | Saturday (8/8) at 4:00 PM – Free music at the Mall at Sierra Vista, because the A/C and your wallet deserve a break. Bisbee's The Feel Goods deliver an eclectic, bluesy set, featuring Danielle Panther, Brenda Pratt, Beca Reyes, and DJ Eric & The Mule, with plenty of small-town charm.
🧜 Return of the Mermaids @ Iron Man Statue (Bisbee) | Saturday (8/8) at 8:00 PM – Only in Bisbee do the monsoons summon mermaids, pirates, and that neighbor who still owns a tricorn hat. Bisbee Pirate Weekend brings a dusk-to-dark parade lighting up from Iron Man, with Flam Chen, Lykiska Dance, Captain Oblivious, and Pirates of the Sky Islands.
🍺 The Michael Hargis Show @ Tombstone Brewing Company | Sunday (8/9) at 3:00 PM – Second Sundays belong to the Toughnut patio, where Michael Hargis rolls through country, lite rock, and those hits you claim not to love. Cold beer from Tombstone Brewery, eats from the diner, no cover, and yes, tip the man. Your chores will forgive you.
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 — Sierra Vista report Weather forecastToday — High: 93°F — Low: 69°F — Precip: 67%
Showers and thunderstorms likely after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Northwest wind 3 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 8pm and 11pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tomorrow — High: 92°F — Low: 69°F — Precip: 45%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 50%. This house is wildThis 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers 2,464 square feet of golf course living with sweeping mountain views. An open layout, granite kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, bamboo flooring, and a cozy fireplace bring style and comfort together. The spacious primary suite, flexible bonus room, covered patio, artificial turf, and storage shed add everyday ease.
Take a peek inside → |
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