The Shores Of Jupiter HOA (“HOA”)
Street Trees In Front Of Your
Home
2025/2026
We are sending this out to all owners as a reminder regarding your responsibility to properly maintain any oak trees located in the swale in front of your house (the “street trees”). The only responsibility of the HOA with regard to the street trees is to periodically lift any clear low hanging branches over the roadway and sidewalk to meet FDOT standards for clearance. All other maintenance of the street trees is the responsibility of the homeowner.
• Pursuant to the ACC Guidelines, the pruning of street trees shall ONLY be done under the supervision of a certified arborist. This is necessary for ensuring proper class 2 pruning and to maintain a healthy tree overall as well as branch balance especially during storm season helping to prevent any damage to the tree or ANY property.
• Topping or hat racking your street tree is NOT allowed
• Lion-tailing your street tree is NOT allowed
• Landscapers are NOT arborists and typically will not have the knowledge to cut such trees properly and may use harmful practices such as DESCRIBED ABOVE to name a few, which many times lead to disease and death of the tree within the year after being cut.
NOTE: IF YOU EMPLOY LANDSCAPERS OR TRY TO PRUNE A STREET TREE YOURSELF AND IT IS DONE IN AN IMPROPER MANNER, YOU WILL
NOT ONLY BE SUBJECT TO FINES OR OTHER PENALTIES, BUT YOU WILL ALSO BE ASSESSED THE COSTS FOR AN ARBORIST TO REVIEW THE TREE AND PROVIDE A PLAN TO SAVE THE TREE. THE COSTS FOR THE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION WILL BE BORNE BY THE HOMEOWNER AND/ OR ASSESSED AGAINST THE HOMEOWNER’S PROPERTY.
NOTE: IF YOU FAIL TO RECTIFY ANY IMPROPER PRUNING OR MAINTENANCE OF YOUR STREET TREE AFTER NOTICE FROM THE HOA, THEN THE HOA HAS THE RIGHT TO PERFORM ANY WORK NECESSARY AND WILL ASSESS ALL COSTS TO THE HOMEOWNER’S PROPERTY.
• MULCHING – Options are, no mulch, pine needles, or wood mulch. We ask that you try and maintain a space of at least 6 inches out from the bark of the tree base for the health and growth of the tree. Mulching can be suffocating to the tap root of the tree, depriving it of the oxygen it needs to grow and thrive properly.
We appreciate you keeping the above in mind, helping to ensure the health, LONGEVITY and best growth for our street-lined oak trees here in the Shores.
Sincerely, Board of Directors for the Shores HOA
Commissioner’s Update
More Than Books: Everything Your Palm Beach County Library Offers
By Mayor Maria G. Marino
Libraries have long been regarded as cornerstones of communities, offering not just access to books, but a wealth of resources that enrich lives, promote lifelong learning, and strengthen neighborhoods. The Palm Beach County Library System exemplifies this role, offering a robust catalog of services that extend far beyond the traditional idea of shelves lined with novels and encyclopedias.
Recently the Palm Beach County Library System has been recognized by the Florida Library Association as the winner of the 2025 Maria Chavez-Hernandez “Libraries Change People’s Lives” Award. This honor highlights the library’s commitment to fostering community
engagement and providing valuable resources for individuals of all abilities.
Expansive Digital Offerings
A great advantage of our library is its expansive digital library, which makes knowledge and entertainment accessible anytime, anywhere. With just a library card, residents gain free access to eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and streaming media through platforms such as cloudLibrary, hoopla, Flipster, and Freegal.
• cloudLibrary lets users borrow thousands of eBooks and audiobooks, plus access magazines and newspapers from around the world.
• hoopla is a treasure trove for entertainment lovers, offering instant access to free movies, TV shows, comics, music, audiobooks and eBooks.
• Flipster offers digital magazines across a wide range of interests—from cooking and fitness to news and fashion. All titles are available instantly with no holds or waiting lists.
• Freegal allows access to about 18 million songs. The collection has music from over 93,000 labels with music spanning more than 90 countries.
For those on the go, or unable to visit a physical branch, these resources allow users to enjoy reading or viewing content from their phone, tablet, or computer.
Summer Activities
Palm Beach County Library branches host hundreds of programs every month for children, teens, adults, and seniors. These include story times, book clubs, author talks, financial
By Bill Thompson
Well, here we go again.
Andy Rooney; remember him? He had a segment on one of the network channels some years ago. It was humorous: always about something to grump about. The older I get the more I relate to him. If you get up early, it is dark. The dog doesn’t carry a watch. My dog is Harley 2. He needs to relieve himself in the mornings, way too early in the dark. I like to wait till it is daylight. He doesn’t care. Now it is DST and time jumps ahead an hour now. In the fall when it is back to real time, Harley will expect me to get up at 5:30. That is the middle of my night in my bed. Harley doesn’t care. I rolled over this morning to find Harley looking into my face. You know what that means. Slip on a pair of shorts, find his leash and walk him outside. Then he is ready for his treat, breakfast and fresh water. My wife says getting up and making the bed gives a day a good start, thus setting the day’s tone to be more productive. I don’t like making up beds, but I am sure she is right about that and a number of other things. An unmade bed attracts me to get back under the covers for a little snooze. But rules are rules. Guess who makes the rules.
Sometimes I run into children in their 40s, 50s and even older folks who believe in getting up early to get a great start on their list of to-dos. They seem so joyful and full of vim and vigor.
Back awhile, I was an obsessive runner. Not too fast. A seven-minute mile was my speed. Not bad, but I wasn’t in a race. Once, before we were married, I got the bug and we ran together five days a week. Then, in addition, I didn’t hesitate to get up in time for a morning 3.1-mile run, come hell or high water. That includes pouring rain and cold air. I never wore a shirt. Just running shoes and shorts. Discomfort or faint of heart was not in my then programmed life and my drive to impress Dawn, who had been running for years.
When I felt confident, we got up early one morning for a 5K race. We ran side by side at a good clip. When we could see the finish line, Dawn took off like a rocket. I tried to beat her to the finish line. I lost my
Deadline for the September Issue is August 12
Mail or email to:
Bill Thompson, 18583 Lake Bend Drive billthompsonsoj@gmail.com
The Shores of Jupiter website:
www.theshoresofjupiter.org
Disclaimer
Copy appearing herewith may not be the viewpoint of The Shores Board of Directors or its newsletter editor. Nor should responsibility be assigned for accuracy or validity or articles contributed by residents or other articles chosen by the publisher or the editor.
Realtime Property Management of South Florida LLC
Alexa Edwards, Property Manager
612 N. Orange Ave., Bldg C-4, Jupiter, FL 33458
The Shores Of Jupiter Homeowners Association Inc.
Board Of Directors, Committee
Board Of Directors:
David Lindley, President
John Hornyak, Vice President
Cynthia Clemente, Secretary
Barry Parker, Treasurer
Sal Greco, Director
Amy Lemelin, Director
Ryan Warren, Director
Architectural Control Committee:
Sal Greco, Chair
John Hornyak
Compliance Committee:
Ryan Warren, Chair
Lakes And Parks Committee:
David Lindley, Chair
Crimewatch Committee: Bill Thompson, Co-Chair
Sal Greco, Co-Chair
Welcoming Committee: Amy Lemelin, Chair
John Hornyak
Infrastructure
David Lindley, Chair
Communications and Newsletter Editor: Bill Thompson, Chair
Events & Social Media Committee: Barry Parker, Co-Chair
Kristi Parker, Co-Chair
Francesca Brown
Tracey Lavoll
Anais Maristany-Diaz
Dena Martin
Webmaster
Kristi Parker
Preparing For College With Learning Differences
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist
Transitioning from high school to college is a significant milestone for students with ADHD, learning disabilities, or autism. With thoughtful planning, self-advocacy, and the right support systems in place, students can thrive in higher education. Here are ways to help students prepare for this exciting new chapter.
Understand the laws and your rights. Unlike high school, where services are provided under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), colleges operate under ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws ensure access, not success, so students must actively request accommodations. By twelfth grade help your teen understand their diagnosis and how it impacts their learning. Discuss how accommodations help.
Update evaluations and documentation. Colleges often require current documentation of a learning difference to grant accommodations. A comprehensive school neuropsychological
Commissioner’s Update from page 1
literacy workshops, English language learning classes, and tech training. Event schedules for all library branches are updated monthly.
Residents are invited to join the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge at the Palm Beach County Library System. Children, teens, and adults can earn prizes by reading and participating in fun activities. Visit any Palm Beach County Library System location and sign up between June 2 and July 31 to receive an activity log. Complete it and return it to receive a prize (while supplies last) and enter the grand prize drawing. Additional Resources
The Library System also serves as a bridge to social services, hosting outreach events with local nonprofits and county agencies. From tax assistance to voter registration, the library is a resource hub for more than just books.
Once again, Palm Beach County has partnered with the School District of Palm Beach County to provide free summer lunches to all children ages 18 and younger. The free summer lunch program starts June 3 through July 25. Lunch is served
evaluation within the last three to five years is typically needed. Work with us to ensure documentation includes specific diagnoses, functional limitations, and recommended accommodations. We test college students as well as provide psychoeducational testing for LSAT, GRE, MCAT, and professional boards.
Learn and practice self-advocacy skills. In college, students are expected to take charge of their own learning needs. This means contacting the disability services office, attending meetings, and communicating with professors about accommodations. Practice self-advocacy in high school and have your student ask for help, schedule their own appointments, and take responsibility for organizing materials.
Explore campus support services. Most colleges have an office of disability services, tutoring centers, and academic coaching. Some even offer specialized programs for students with learning differences. Visit the campus and schedule a meeting with the disability services office to ask questions about the types of support available.
Work with a college planner. My wife is a college consultant and works one-to-one with ninth through twelfth grade students. She provides a comprehensive approach and specializes in helping students with diverse needs.
Call (561) 625-4125 if you would like to discuss your child and your concerns for possible learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Learn more at www.JimForgan.com.
Additionally, each child (ages 18 and younger) is eligible for one free weekend meal kit every Friday while supplies last. Each includes kid-friendly, nutritionally sound and culturally appropriate food sponsored by the Palm Beach County Food Bank. Participating north area libraries are Gardens Branch, Jupiter Branch and Tequesta Branch. Professional research librarians can help you find reliable information on any topic: in-person, over the phone or through our website. Most branches offer in-person BookA-Librarian sessions for one-on-one assistance. Meeting Spaces And Technology Access
Many branches offer free meeting rooms and study spaces. Free Wi-Fi, public computers, and low-cost printing services are available at every location, helping ensure all residents can stay connected, regardless of their personal access to technology.
If you live in Palm Beach County and haven’t signed up yet, please visit a Palm Beach County Library location and sign up for a library card today! For more detailed information contained in this article, please visit www.pbclibrary.org. If my office can be of additional assistance, please call (561) 355-2201 or contact me at mmarino@pbc.gov.
Mayor Maria G. Marino is the District 1 Commissioner
The Singles Scene Column©
Tradition Takes The Crown (Again)
By Award-Winning Matchmakers Kelly Leary, M.S. & Miranda Capparelli
“keep your way of being love, keep this glow, others will come to you just to feel this”~~butterflies rising
Welcome to the Matchmaking Era. The recent exodus away from digital dating and AI algorithms has driven upscale singles back to traditional dating methods. Fear of over sharing information online leaves only one option for quality singles: In-Person Matchmaking. Read on to learn more about this powerful movement away from internet dating, and do share this article with your single family and friends. People need more hope and inspiration in an age of cold technology. Thank us later!
Fun Fact: We have had an astronomical number of phone calls from parents of adult children, as well as adult children calling for their divorced or widowed parents. In the past, we had issues with this type of phone call, and we requested that the actual (potential) client call us directly. However, there have been so many in the last few years that we have adapted to the needs of our society. Many adults are concerned about their single parents dating online, and parents worry about their single adult children. They don’t want them online dating as the horrors have reached new heights. In a world where dating values are collapsing, quality singles are shutting down, and we are happy to be part of the solution. Signs You Have Been Online Dating For Too Long And Need To Stop:
1. Your possible dates are coming on too strong, quickly. Mystery is still a part of dating, but society has become wary of it. Everyone wants to know it all up front. This takes the fun out of traditional courtship at the very best and could be a complete nightmare at the very least.
2. Your list of must-haves has morphed into a list of what you don’t want. When did this happen? It likely comes
from a long line of disappointing dates, catfish, ghosts, and wasted years.
3. You find yourself doing a deep dive into your date’s social media. Are you a P.I.? Most of what you see on social media is not accurate. What exactly are you looking for and why can’t you find out on your dates? This is the way it was done before social media became an (unreliable) tool.
4. You are tired of mind games and wasting your time. You are ready to throw in the towel on love altogether. Dating (online) is worse than waking up at 4:00 am to go to the gym. Most would agree they would rather go to the gym that early than go on an online date.
5. You keep thinking the next one will be the big win, just like in Las Vegas. Everyone is feeling down about the dating process in 2025, and this has given rise to our favorite topic: MATCHMAKING. Tradition has gone sideways, and technology is no longer helping people find love. Marriage is on the decline, and divorce is on the rise.
Dating apps were intended to make love easier to find. On the contrary, love is not valued the way it used to be, nor is commitment. Temptation abounds. Being lured into the next best thing by artificial intelligence has given us a sense of false reality. Apps promised convenience, access, and a range of options. Yet, all you see is burnout, disconnection, and a whole lot of wasted energy and emotion…oh, don’t forget the significant mental health effects.
The truth is, dating apps have ultimately gamified love. The sacredness of love has been misunderstood and exploited. Sincere and successful human beings are becoming shallow behind a screen. Technology has trained our brains to chase the next swipe or the next dopamine hit. Worst of all, they have led many to believe it is normal. It is not normal, hence the massive return to tradition.
Studies show digital dependence is designed to keep you single (and hooked).
• App users reported experiencing dating-app fatigue at a rate of 78% (80% of women, 74% of men), with young adults being the most affected.
• Prolonged app use leads to emotional exhaustion, validation addiction, and mental strain, amplifying anxiety, depression, and sometimes eating disorders.
• Clinicians note users can become hooked on the dopamine rush of matches, with continuous swiping
leading to feelings of objectification, low self-esteem, and psychological fatigue.
These statistics above are why matchmaking is more important than ever. This is the reason family and friends are worried about their single friends. Due to high demand, new clients are encouraged to reserve their spot immediately. Lucky for you, our headquarters is close to you. As soon as you reserve your first appointment, a sense of enthusiasm, inspiration, and relief will take over. Cuffing Season is in full swing, and your timing is exquisite. These are the days (and nights) to remember. Make them revolutionary.
We are looking forward to seeing you this August before the Fall Season 2025 hits! It is going to be a very busy season ahead and having a Plus One makes it all more fun. LIVE Matchmakers are standing by to guide you to the next step in our fun and easy process. Do call or register for more information today. You got this!
Xoxo - Kelly & Miranda
Kelly Leary, M.S.© is CEO and Founder of Revolution Dating which she launched in 2014. Kelly has 34 years in the dating industry and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She has been written about in Modern Luxury Magazine Palm Beach and Modern Luxury Manhattan, The Palm Beach Post, The Shiny Sheet, Stuart News, Jupiter Magazine, and many more. Revolution Dating clients are pre-screened in person, including background checks and ID verification. Professional photos are taken by the staff. Revolution Dating is NOT online dating or blind dating. In addition to providing matchmaking services that make singles “UNsingle” through their exclusive club memberships, Kelly and Miranda also provide feedback from dates when appropriate. Mock Dates are available by request. Single Coaching Sessions and Evaluations are also available by request for non-members or as an add-on to some memberships. *All inquiries are confidential. *Specializing in representing jet-setting clients with a second home in the Northeast Area. Do call the central hotline at 561-6309696 (XOXO) or scan the QR code to the right to hold your place in the club. Why wait? Just Date!
The Singles Scene Column© on page 4
Start SAT Prep
Early: Why Fall Is Best For Juniors
By Peggy Forgan, M. Ed., Class 101 Owner/ College Advisor
For high school juniors with college on the horizon, preparing for the SAT is a critical step and timing makes all the difference. While many juniors wait until spring to begin test prep, starting in the fall offers several key advantages that can lead to better scores and reduced stress.
First, taking a practice SAT in the fall of junior year gives students an early baseline to work from. It familiarizes them with the structure of the test, types of questions, and time constraints. With this insight, students can begin to identify their strengths and areas for improvement long before official test dates approach. This extra time allows for more targeted studying, fewer cramming sessions, and greater confidence going into the real test.
Second, fall prep also helps balance the demanding junior year schedule. Spring is often packed with AP exams, finals, and extracurricular responsibilities. Starting SAT prep in the fall spreads out the workload, giving students the ability to prepare at a more manageable pace. This reduces anxiety and increases retention of strategies and content.
Moreover, early preparation can open doors to scholarship opportunities and competitive summer programs that require SAT scores early in the year. Students who wait until spring may miss out simply because they weren’t ready in time.
Confidence is another major benefit. Students who start early feel more in control of the process and less overwhelmed as deadlines approach. With less pressure and more preparation, performance typically improves which can lead to more Bright Futures funding.
To support students, Class 101 North Palm Beach is offering a 6-week SAT prep course beginning Aug. 9. This course is limited to 10 students and is a strategic move that can give juniors a valuable edge in the college admissions process. Students will take a practice SAT test on Aug. 9 in order to receive a baseline score.
For more information or to register, call or text Peggy at (561) 418-7897, email pforgan@class101.com, or visit class101.com/northpalmbeachfl.
Bill’s Box from page 1
last-moment’s kick and she beat me. That girl was and is a tough good-looking woman. We married on October 8, 1988 and moved into our new house in The Shores in January 1989. Never happier. As newlyweds, we moved ourselves with help of two good friends. Next time, not thinking about it, we will engage a moving company.
Wrapping it up … Until next time
Sir Winston Churchill … “So they {the Government} go on in strange paradox, decided only to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute, adamant for drift, solid for fluidity, all-powerful to be impotent.”
As Roy Rogers said, “May the good Lord take a liking to you.” Fini
The Singles Scene Column© from page 3
Let Cuffing Season Commence!
started. Life is very exciting in this office, and they love to share the love with all of you. Have and wonderful August! #TellYourFriends
Enjoy these Behind The Scenes photographs from the Corporate Headquarters of Revolution Dating on PGA Boulevard where this landmark business has been for eleven successful years. Upscale single, divorced, and widowed clientele are attracted to the “love offline” approach to dating and the demand for quality matchmakers is soaring. Romance and opportunities are heating up at this wildly successful Matchmaking Firm. Revolution Dating specializes in screening and representing clients from the Northeast to Palm Beach for decades. Lucky for you, their main office is in our local area. Isn’t it time you did something for you? If so, secure your First Interview today. Summer is flying by and we are officially entering Cuffing Season so don’t miss out on finding your match before the holidays. Every day, clients are pairing off two at a time, and every day, new enrollments are getting
See Kelly & Miranda in the August Issue of Modern Luxury Palm Beach! #DynamicWomen
Welcome New Client (Former Member of the British Parliament)! #SeniorSingles
It’s Wedding Season! #YoungProfessionalSingles
Revolution Dating Newlyweds Looking Fabulous! #SummerLove25
Cupid’s at Deck84 for a Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce Event! #PBSingles
Northern Notes
Reptile Identification – How To Keep Everyone Safe
By Katie Roundtree
Reptiles have a mixed reputation; some people admire them, while others fear them. However, these incredible animals deserve protection and support to thrive. Two types of reptiles that are often misunderstood and mistreated are turtles and snakes. Let’s discuss how to keep both them and ourselves safe.
Turtles Vs. Tortoises
Did you know that tortoises are a type of turtle, but not all turtles are tortoises? All tortoises are, in fact, turtles—that is, they belong to the order Testudines or Chelonia, reptiles having bodies encased in a bony shell—but not all turtles are tortoises. Most people use the term “turtle” to reference any reptile with a shell on its back. Still, there are several differences between these two unique creatures.
The most important thing to remember about tortoises is that they are exclusively land creatures—they do not swim. One way to further distinguish tortoises from other turtles is to look for certain anatomical features. Tortoises are easily recognized because they all share a unique hind-limb
anatomy made up of elephantine (or columnar) hind limbs and hind feet. Their forelimbs are not flipper-like, and their hind feet are not webbed. Each digit in their forefeet and hind feet contains two or fewer phalanges.
If you find a turtle, examine its legs and shell. If the back feet are webbed and the forefeet are flipper-like, they are a turtle and can swim. They can be placed near a water body to find their way back into the water. If their forefeet are stumpy with claws and their hind feet are similarly stumpy with claws, then it is likely a tortoise. The shells of a tortoise are mostly rounded or dome-like. Shells of water turtles are more flattened and streamlined.
positively identified as harmless should not be handled. Many people believe that all snakes with triangular-shaped heads are potentially venomous. Although all pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths) in the eastern United States have broad, triangular heads, so do some non-venomous species, such as water snakes (Nerodia). In addition, a nontriangular head does not signify the absence of venom: the two species of coral snakes in the United States, both venomous, have slender heads with little distinction between head and neck. Another over-generalization is that venomous snakes have elliptical pupils, whereas all harmless snakes have round pupils; however, venomous coral snakes also have round pupils. Unfortunately, there is no single rule that separates all venomous species from all the harmless ones.
Do NOT place tortoises in a water body. They CANNOT swim and will drown. Please put them in a safe area on land, generally pointing in the direction they were heading. Snakes: Venomous Vs. Non-Venomous Ophidiophobia, or the fear of snakes, is a common specific phobia characterized by an intense, irrational fear of snakes. While some people fear them, snakes are beneficial to the environment.
Snakes play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of rodents, insects, and other small animals, which can be pests. They also serve as a food source for other animals, contributing to the overall biodiversity of an ecosystem. Unfortunately, there is no simple way to distinguish between a venomous snake and a non-venomous snake. The best possible advice you can follow is that any snake that cannot be
Mark Wilson, President & CEO Of The Florida Chamber Of Commerce
Statement On Elimination Of The Florida-Only Business Rent Tax
“After nearly a decade of Florida Chamber-led advocacy, the Florida-only Business Rent Tax—once a $3 billion burden on local businesses—has finally been eliminated, and this final round provided another $900 million in annual savings for Florida’s job creators. This
is a major win for Florida’s competitiveness and local businesses, who will reinvest those dollars into their employees, growth, and communities. We appreciate the Florida policymakers who have helped chip away at this tax on local business over the years and are thrilled to see it eliminated altogether, once and for all.”
– Mark Wilson, President & CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce
Florida Chamber of Commerce – EST – Fairhair, 136 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
There is no foolproof way to prevent snakes from entering one’s property. Some products are sold with claims of deterring snakes; however, the effectiveness of these products remains to be proven. The repellent products that are most commonly advertised contain either sulfur or naphthalene (mothballs). However, the amount of product required to be effective against snakes would make the treated area intolerable for almost everything else, including people. There are other ways to encourage snakes to move to different habitats. Remove brush piles, logs, bushes, or any other objects that could give snakes cover to hide under. If you have a pond or water feature in your yard, remove any fish or other animals that could be a safe and consistent food source for them. If you find an unwanted snake, the most effective way to get it to move along is to spray it with a hose. This keeps both you and the snake safe. Do not try to kill it again; they are beneficial to the environment. While you may be afraid of them, snakes generally leave people alone unless they are harassed. Just walk the other way, walk around it and leave it alone.
Financial Focus®
Does The 4% Rule Still Make Sense For Your Retirement?
By Sally Sima Stahl, Edward Jones
You may have heard of the “4% rule” when it comes to retirement. The idea is simple: After you retire, you withdraw 4% of your investment portfolio each year. In theory, this helps ensure your savings last for your lifetime. While this rule can be a helpful starting point, it’s not a one-size-fits-all—and it’s definitely not a substitute for a plan tailored to your specific needs, wants and wishes.
The truth is, how much to withdraw in retirement depends on factors like when you retire, if you’ll work part time, how long you expect retirement to last, your lifestyle goals, inflation and whether you want to leave a financial legacy to heirs. So, the 4% rule should be viewed as more of a guide than a strict rule.
Let’s start with age. The 4% rule is often based on someone retiring at 65 and expecting to live until about 92. But if you retire earlier, you may want your portfolio to stretch further. In that case, you might need to start with a lower
Tax Talk
Dear friends:
withdrawal rate, maybe closer to 3%. And if you retire later, you might safely withdraw a little more—perhaps 4.5% to 5%—depending on your financial situation.
Your retirement lifestyle also plays a big role. Are you planning to travel the world or spend more time at home? If you expect higher spending in the early years of retirement, you may need to adjust your withdrawal rate or plan to reduce spending later to balance things out.
Your financial flexibility matters too. If you have less wiggle room with your expenses, rely heavily on your portfolio for income or want to preserve wealth for your heirs, a more conservative approach might be wise. In this conservative scenario, your portfolio withdrawals may be met from interest and dividends. Think of your withdrawal rate as existing on a spectrum from more conservative to less conservative, with your personal situation determining where you land.
Then there’s inflation. A well-built strategy usually includes small annual increases in withdrawals to keep up with rising costs—about 2.75% per year. But you don’t need to take a raise just because the calendar says so. If the markets have had a tough year or you don’t need the extra income, it might be smart to skip an increase. Being flexible can improve the chances your money will last.
It’s also important to understand what’s known as your “portfolio reliance rate”—how much of your retirement income comes from your investments versus other sources like Social Security or pensions. The higher this percentage, the more conservative you may want to be with withdrawals.
And don’t forget the IRS. If you’re drawing from a traditional IRA or 401(k), you’ll need to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) once you reach age 73. Your RMD for any year is the account balance as of the end of the prior calendar year divided by a life expectancy factor according to the IRS. These RMDs need to be accounted for in your strategy.
The bottom line? The 4% rule is a useful starting point, but it’s just that—a starting point. A good financial advisor can help you build a strategy that reflects your age, your goals and your full financial picture. By revisiting your plan regularly and staying flexible, you’ll give yourself the best shot at turning your savings into a secure, fulfilling retirement.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC.
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax advice. You should consult your qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Contact us at (561) 748-7600, Sally Sima Stahl, CFP®, AAMS™, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste. 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.
Sometimes when I am out in the community, a resident will ask me why my office continues to require a reservation for in-person service at one of our service centers. There is a very good reason, and it simply is to make more efficient use of your time in our service centers. Prior to requiring reservations in our offices, you could experience upwards of an hour waiting to be called to a service window. With our current reservation system, we are seeing wait times of less than 20 minutes – that is time that we can give back to you! But this does require some planning on your part as reservations do fill up; however, you can make your reservation months in advance. In fact, you can renew your driver’s license 18 months before the expiration and your vehicle registration can be renewed up to three months prior to expiration. So, you see, there is plenty of time to make a reservation to visit one of our service centers – it just takes some planning.
to use their TLSAE course completion certificate for one year after the completion date. First time drivers 18 years of age or older will still be required to complete the TLSAE course.
For more information, please visit www.flhsmv.gov/ driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses.
We Got Our Steps In, Did You?
This August, as we celebrate National Wellness Month, we are excited to highlight our organization’s Journey to Good Health program, designed to support employee well-being.
Anne
M. Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County
New Requirement For FirstTime Teen Drivers
If you have a first-time teen driver getting ready to come in for their learner’s permit, there is a new requirement in place. Beginning Aug. 1, Senate Bill 994 will require all teens aged 15 to 17 to complete a six-hour, state-approved Driver Education Traffic Safety course (DETS). This will eliminate the four-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course (TLSAE) that has been a requirement over the years; however, if your teen driver completed the TLSAE course prior to Aug. 1, he/she will be grandfathered in and allowed
In partnership with CareATC, this program encourages healthier lifestyles through two main components. First, employees undergo a health screening. If results are within recommended guidelines, they receive a prorated insurance rebate. If results fall outside the healthy range, employees enroll in the Journey to Good Health program, receiving yearlong support from a dedicated nutritionist and a re-assessment to track progress.
The second component is our 10,000 daily steps challenge. Throughout the month, employees averaging 10,000 steps per day are rewarded with incentives. Last year our organization
walked a combined 173,088 miles – that is the equivalent of walking around the Earth at the equator approximately 7 times! Now that is a lot of steps!
We encourage you to join us in celebrating National Wellness Month by finding ways to incorporate more movement into your own day.
HOV Decal Notice
If you drive a hybrid or other low-emission vehicle, and you have been using a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) decal, you will no longer need the HOV decal.
Effective July 1, 2025, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will no longer be issuing, renewing or replacing HOV decals, due to the Florida legislature passing SB 1662, repealing Section 316.0741 of the Florida Statutes, which eliminates designated HOV lanes, most of which have been converted to pay-as-you-use express lanes. We want to advise vehicle owners who have received this decal in the past with their vehicle registration will no longer receive it, as it is no longer required.
If you have any questions about the passage of this law, please reach out to your state legislator(s) by visiting www. flhouse.gov and www.flsenate.gov/senators/find.
The Pet Cottage Post
The Heart Of Belonging: Life’s Sweetest Season, Shared
By Wendy Derhak, Founder of The Pet Cottage
At 91 years old, Norma could have been told, “You’re too old for a dog.” But at The Pet Cottage, we believe in something different.
We believe that love has no age limit—and that the deep companionship between a senior person and a senior pet is something worth nurturing and protecting. Norma recently welcomed Ret, a 16-year-old poodle, into her home after his person passed away. They became fast friends, two old souls who found comfort, purpose, and joy in one another.
When You Support The Pet Cottage, You Make This Kind Of Bond Possible
We provide lifelong veterinary care and medication for the pets we place with our Forever Guardians—so people like Norma can say *yes* to love without worrying about the financial burden. Many of our Guardians live on fixed incomes, and while the financial support matters, our commitment goes beyond that. We are also there in emergencies, for check-ins, and whenever help is needed to ensure their pet can remain safely and happily at home. This wraparound support is what makes it possible to
connect senior people with senior pets in a meaningful, lasting way.
That’s where we step in.
That’s what your support makes possible.
Every day, we care for pets who have lost their humans due to death, disability or deployment. Many of these pets are seniors themselves—graying muzzles, cloudy eyes, stiff joints—and often overlooked in traditional shelters. But at
The Pet Cottage, they are cherished. They are promised a forever home.
Some stay at our sanctuary. Others are welcomed into loving homes like Norma’s. And we don’t just drop them off and wish them luck.
We tuck them in—with monthly check-ins, a network of volunteers, vet transport, emergency support, and more. We show up with heart and follow through with structure. Because being part of The Pet Cottage means being part of a pack.
Whether you’re a Forever Guardian, volunteers like Lynn and Lisa (our incredible sister duo who show up every week), or a donor who believes in this mission, you are part of something meaningful. Purposeful. Needed.
You help people feel less alone. You give aging pets a place to land. You make it possible for someone like Norma to open her door, and her heart, one more time.
And in return?
You get to witness what it looks like when love comes full circle—and if you’re lucky, your heart just might grow three sizes bigger.
And if you feel called to do even more, we’re growing our team. We’re hiring a new Guardian support and operations coordinator to help us deepen our impact. If you’re passionate about people, pets, and purposeful work, we’d love to hear from you.
To learn more, become a Forever Guardian, make a donation, or explore how you can be part of The Pet Cottage community, please visit www.thepetcottage.org or call us at (561) 818-5025.
You’re also welcome to reach out directly to Wendy Derhak, founder and executive director, at wendy@ thepetcottage.org.
Together, we write a story where pets and people find each other at just the right time—and every chapter that follows is filled with love, connection, and the kind of belonging that makes life sweeter.
IMPERIUM HOME
Norma, 91 years old, July 2025
Lisa, Ronnie and Lola Grace Lynn, Lisa, Sugar and Tuffy
Nonnie and Fiona, the Shihtzu, 15 years old
Michelle and Sally Ron, Scooter and Holly
Norma and Ret
