As an investor, you may find that bonds can be a valuable part of your holdings. But there’s more than one way to own bonds, so you’ll want to be familiar with the various investment vehicles available — because the more you know, the better the choices you’ll be able to make.

Now is the time for high school juniors to begin researching, evaluating, and selecting the short list of colleges they will apply to in the fall. While the process may seem overwhelming at first, starting now will ensure you are ready and well positioned for the upcoming application season. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Professional triathlete Kristi Johnson, 31, was unable to compete in Ironman Arizona this past month but will be heading into next year’s season with unwavering fortitude and a master’s degree in landscape architecture from Arizona State University.

Who’s first? This is a question that may get ignored as we make quick decisions, especially this time of the year. We put on the automatic pilot that often chooses others before ourselves: “Yes, I’ll drop off the kids,” “I can loan you the money,” “I’ll cover your shift at work...” Does this sound familiar? These decisions can fall into a pattern that leaves you stressed, overwhelmed and/or resentful. If you are experiencing these feelings about agreeing or going along, it may be a warning you are not making the best decision at this time.

The investment world can be complex — so you may not want to navigate it alone. But when it comes to getting professional advice, you certainly have an abundance of choices. How can you know which approach is right for you?

The investment world can be complex — so you may not want to navigate it alone. But when it comes to getting professional advice, you certainly have an abundance of choices. How can you know which approach is right for you?

Stand for Children Arizona, a local non-partisan, nonprofit organization that advocates for accessible quality education for all children, has announced the passage of two critical education bills during the 2012 Legislative Session. The Teacher and Principal Effectiveness Bill and Charter Quality Bill both received strong support before obtaining Gov. Jan Brewer’s signature.

In the past few years, we have been told that the city of Phoenix had no money. Phoenix made significant cuts to libraries, after-school programs and senior services, while raising taxes (2 percent food tax) and fees (water/sewer fees). Hidden from the public, the city of Phoenix has now agreed to more than $100 million in increased compensation for city employees over the next two years.

Arizona groups that represent public employees say there's no reason for state lawmakers to be attacking collective bargaining in a state where it's voluntary and what negotiations do take place are nonbinding in a court of law.

If you own a small business, there are many retirement plan alternatives available to help you and your eligible employees with retirement planning. For most closely-held business owners, a Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account (SEP IRA) was once the most cost-effective choice.

If you own a small business, there are many retirement plan alternatives available to help you and your eligible employees with retirement planning. For most closely-held business owners, a Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account (SEP IRA) was once the most cost-effective choice.

The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department is inviting the general public to partake in a special treat: The Food Awards/Grading System Voting site.

I loved visiting my in-laws in Tucson. They had retired to a beautiful patio home on a hilly golf course where morning sunshine crept up over Mt. Lemon and streamed into our bedroom. Yvonne cooked homemade organic meals and beamed when she introduced us to her friends. Tom enjoyed taking us shopping where every clerk knew him as a regular. Teasing each other and swapping jokes was the norm. They spoiled us and we felt lucky.

I loved visiting my in-laws in Tucson. They had retired to a beautiful patio home on a hilly golf course where morning sunshine crept up over Mt. Lemon and streamed into our bedroom. Yvonne cooked homemade organic meals and beamed when she introduced us to her friends. Tom enjoyed taking us shopping where every clerk knew him as a regular. Teasing each other and swapping jokes was the norm. They spoiled us and we felt lucky.

Guest commentary by Tom Patterson

Q: If an organization like DPS can have their email hacked, how can us little guys ever be safe?

Three million of motor vehicle crashes result in whiplash-type injuries, according to the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, contributing about $43 billion (12 percent) to a huge comprehensive cost. This is one motivation behind the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) practice of evaluating and ranking the relative safety of cars with regard to whiplash protection. Without a decent rating in this category, the car, SUV or truck will not earn the Institute's Top Safety Pick award.

It's not often that a city employee of a utilities plant acts out in a way that causes a facility to go offline and threatens the safety of first responders, much less co-workers.

An Ahwatukee Foothills hypnosis clinic has developed a program similar to The Gastro Mind Band to help residents in their battle with the bulge.

Online registration for Kyrene Summer Academy closes Monday

CGCC Performing Arts presents You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

School Nurse Certification courses offered