TOP 10 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT
Saving Matters! Remember
Financial security in retirement doesn’t just happen. It takes planning and commitment and, yes, money.
FACTS
✔ Only about half of Americans have calculated how much they need to save for retirement.
✔ The average American spends roughly 20 years in retirement.
Putting money away for retirement is a habit we can all live with.
1. START SAVING, KEEP SAVING, & STICK TO YOUR GOALS!
If you are already saving, whether for retirement or another goal, keep going! You know that saving is a rewarding habit. If you’re not saving, it’s time to get started.
Start small if you have to and try to increase the amount you save each month. The sooner you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Devise a plan, stick to it, and set goals. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start saving.
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2. KNOW YOUR RETIREMENT NEEDS!
Retirement is expensive. Experts estimate that you will need 70 to 90 percent of your preretirement income to maintain your standard of living when you stop working. Take charge of your financial future. The key to a secure retirement is to plan ahead.
3. CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR EMPLOYER’S RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN!
If your employer offers a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan, sign up and contribute all you can. Your taxes will be lower, your company may kick in more, and automatic deductions make it easy. Over time, compound interest and tax deferrals make a
big difference in the amount you will accumulate. Find out about your plan. For example, how much would you need to contribute to get the full employer contribution and how long would you need to stay in the plan to get the money.
4. LEARN ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYER’S PENSION PLAN!
If your employer has a traditional pension plan, check to see if you are covered by the plan and understand how it works. Ask for an individual benefit statement to see what your benefit is worth. Before you change jobs, find out what will happen to your pension benefit. Learn what benefits you may have from a previous employer. Find out if you will be entitled to benefits from your spouse’s plan.
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5. CONSIDER BASIC INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES!
How you save can be as important as how much you save. Inflation and the type of investments you make play important roles in how much you’ll have saved at retirement. Know how your savings or pension plan is invested. Learn about your plan’s investment options and ask questions. Put your savings in different types of investments. By diversifying this way, you are more likely to reduce risk and improve return. Your investment mix may change over time depending on a number of factors such as your age, goals, and financial circumstances. Financial security and knowledge go hand in hand.
6. DON’T TOUCH YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS!
If you withdraw your retirement savings now, you’ll lose principal and interest and you may lose tax benefits or have to pay withdrawal penalties. If you change jobs, leave your savings invested in your current retirement plan, or roll them over to an IRA or your new employer’s plan.
7. ASK YOUR EMPLOYER TO START A PLAN!
If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, suggest that it start one. There are a number of retirement saving plan options available. Your employer may be able to set up a simplified plan that can help both you and your employer.
8. PUT MONEY INTO AN INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT!
You can put up to $6,500 a year into an individual Retirement Account (IRA); you can contribute even more if you are 50 or older. You can also start with much less. IRAs also provide tax advantages. When you open an IRA, you have two options – a traditional IRA or Roth IRA. The tax treatment of your contributions and withdrawals will depend on which option you select. Also, the after-tax value of your withdrawal will depend on
inflation and the type of IRA you choose. IRAs can provide an easy way to save. You can set it up so that an amount is automatically deducted from your checking or savings account and deposited in the IRA.
9. FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS!
On average, Social Security retirement benefits replace 40 percent of pre-retirement income for retirement beneficiaries. The amount of your wages that Social Security retirement benefits replace varies depending on your earnings and the age you choose to start receiving benefits. You may be able to estimate your benefit by using the retirement estimator on the Social Security Administration’s website.
10. ASK QUESTIONS!
While these tips are meant to point you in the right direction, you’ll need more information. Talk to your employer, your bank, your union, or a financial adviser. Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers. Get practical advice and act now.
Courtesy of US Dept. of Labor
2025 DESIGN TRENDS
EACH YEAR BRINGS NEW TRENDS IN INTERIOR DESIGN & 2025 IS NO DIFFERENT.
As the world changes, needs and desires change. Interior design can enhance your home environment with new ideas. We want our homes to appeal to all our sensesSensorial design. Vivid colors, environmentally friendly materials and luxury comfort are a few of the current trends.
Colors such as reds, oranges, purples, and maroons will be popular. These are called lucky colors in some cultures.
Accordingly they attract wealth and business success. No more plain walls - wallpapered and colored ceilings as well as textured walls are back. In addition, bold patterns and textures add drama, depth and visual interest to your room. Ceiling treatments also create visual interest. Beams or a coffered ceiling bring texture, depth and character to plain surfaces. They also reduce noise and add a bit of elegance.
Earth tones such as terracotta, ochre, rust and sage are always popular as they reflect nature and create a calm environment that makes a space feel warm and welcoming. To add a little luxury to any space, use gold, bronze, copper or silver finishes with small touches.
Furniture tends to be comfortable and relaxed without sacrificing style. Oversized sofas, comfortable chairs, lounge chairs and even daybeds are popular again. Curved and rounded furniture as well as accent pieces will be popular. They work with either traditional or modern design.
Dark warmer wood tones are back after years of light wood. To change the look of a piece of furniture or cabinet, stain it a walnut hue. Mix in modern with traditional. Darker
tones bring a warm, grounded feeling.
Lighting is an important part of any design project. Consider a layered lighting scheme that incorporates a mixture of overhead lighting, floor and table lamps and sconces. Think of fixtures as art and jewelry for your home. Lighting helps create a functional and welcoming home. Be sure to use dimmable lights as that enhances the mood in any room.
Small changes can reinvigorate your home in keeping with the 2025 design. Paint a wall, wallpaper a bathroom ceiling, add a colorful rug to a neutral room. It’s all about enjoying your home and feeling comfortable.
2025 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATES TOURNAMENT
* Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
OCT 2 - 5
OCT 9 - 12
OCT 23 - 26
NOV 6 - 9
NOV 13 - 16
DEC 4 - 7
DEC 12 - 14
Sanderson Farms Championship The Country Club of Jackson Jackson, MS • USA
Baycurrent Classic Yokohama Country Club Yokohama • JPN
Bank of Utah Championship
Black Desert Resort Ivins, UT • USA
World Wide Technology Championship
El Cardonal at Diamante Los Cabos • MEX
Butterfield Bermuda Championship
Port Royal Golf Course
Southampton • BER
Hero World Challenge
Albany GC Albany • BAH
Grant Thornton Invitational
Tiburón Golf Club
Naples, FL • USA
PREVIOUS WINNER
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT
OCT 1 - 4 LOTTE Championship presented by Hoakalei Ewa Beach, Oahu, HI | Hoakalei Country Club
OCT 9 - 12 Buick LPGA Shanghai
OCT 16 - 19
* Schedule subject to change ** Purse subject to change
Minhang District, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China | Qizhong Garden Golf Club
Ladies Championship Republic of Korea | To be Confirmed
OCT 23 - 26 Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown Goyang, Republic of Korea | New Korea Country Club
OCT 30NOV 2
Championship
Lumpur, Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, West Course
M
M NOV 6 - 9
Japan Classic Otsu-shi, Shiga, Japan | Seta Golf Course
NOV 13 - 16 The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Belleair, FL | Pelican Golf Club
NOV 20 - 23 CME Group Tour Championship Naples, FL | Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, Tiburón Golf Club
DEC 12 - 14
Thornton Invitational Naples, FL | Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, Tiburón Golf Club
M
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ATLANTA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU. (. . .continued on page 20)
OCTOBER
OCT 1 - 29
| PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Play by day as you enjoy family-friendly park attractions and special fall entertainment featuring some of your favorite classic storybook characters. Then, after the sun goes down, you’ll glow by night in a whole new light with plenty of not-so-spooky outdoor experiences! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/fdynnhmp
NOVEMBER
NOV
1
- 30 | FALL FLING
This November, step into the legendary Greenwood as the Village of Nottingham comes alive after dark for the Georgia Renaissance Festival’s Fall Fling! For more info visit: garenfest.com
NOV 22 | CHILI SHOWDOWN
This much-anticipated event promises an afternoon full of delicious food, lively competition, and family-friendly fun. This year’s Chili Cook Off offers something for
everyone, whether you’re donning your chef’s hat to compete for the title of best chili or just eager to sample from over 50 different chili recipes crafted by amateur chefs, restaurants, and caterers. Attendees can cast their votes for their favorite chili, adding to the excitement as competitors vie for coveted trophies. For more info visit: atlantachilicookoff.com
NOV 22 - 30 | FESTIVAL OF TREES
There is something for everyone at the Georgia Festival of Trees! This experience is fun for all ages and includes a forest of fully-decorated Christmas trees, children’s activities, lying entertainment, boutique gift shops, sugar cookie decorating, a Christmas Gingerbread competition… and so much more! For more info visit: gafestivaloftrees.org
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ATLANTA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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DECEMBER
DATES | THE NUTCRACKER
Scored by the iconic music of Tchaikovsky, this show is a wondrous adventure that has thrilled audiences the world over for over one hundred years. The story follows young Marya as she’s led through magical lands by her Nutcracker doll, which has sprung magically to life. Come enjoy this magical show full of wonder! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2tyu7eaz
DEC 13 - 14 | WINTERFEST
The Winterfest weekend will kick off with the Tour of Lights Block Party! This ticketed event will feature safe streets to enjoy festive holiday lights, food trucks, s’mores, and drinks for purchase, as well as live music. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4kyh7rav
JANUARY
JAN 8 - 11 | BOAT SHOW
Georgia’s biggest boating extravaganza returns to downtown Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. The Show is a must-see for boating enthusiasts of all ages, with 600+ of the newest boats available, along with the latest advancements in marine accessories, technology and gear. Don’t miss a thing at this year’s show! For more info visit: atlantaboatshow.com
JAN 23 - 24 | ANTIQUES SHOW
Visit the Cathedral of St. Philip to explore the worlds of antiques, architecture, art, florals and design. This event offers attendees first choice of fine period furniture, art, jewelry and accessories and a viewing of the beautiful Flower Festival. Enjoy wine and delicious food and stroll the Cathedral! For more info visit: cathedralantiques.org
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ATLANTA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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FEBRUARY
FEB 28 | BEER BOURBON & BBQ FESTIVAL
Enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass and Smoked Beasts! It’s a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. For more info visit: atlanta.beerandbourbon.com
MARCH
MARCH 14 | ST. PATRICK’S PARADE
Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Day parade dates back to 1858, making it one of the country’s oldest. Participation in the parade is not just an “Irish thing”. The parade attracts individuals and groups from around the city and the South including clowns, floats, bands, Bagpipe & Drum Corps, children, dancers, drill teams, and more!
For more info visit: atlantastpats.com
MARCH 19 - 22 | FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
A three-day food and wine festival in Georgia featuring over 200 wines from vintners across the globe as well as the most sought-after international liquors for your tasting pleasure. The festival highlights our region’s most creative chefs and culinary talent and includes an eclectic mix of performers and visual artists. Lake Oconee provides a scenic backdrop for this fabulous lakeside food and wine festival. For more info visit: lakeoconeefoodandwine.com
APRIL
APRIL 23 - 30 | FILM FESTIVAL
The Atlanta Film Festival is one of the largest and longest-running film festivals in the country. It showcases a variety of genres, among them documentaries, narratives, foreign films, experimental film, animation and local production. Come join us for this 7 day film spectacular! For more info visit: atlantafilmfestival.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ATLANTA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
MAY
MAY TBA | RENAISSANCE FEST
The Georgia Renaissance Festival brings a 16th-century European country fair to the Atlanta area. The renaissance festival offers visitors a variety of activities from jousting tournaments to glass-blowing demonstrations to sword-swallowing shows. So come travel back in time with us for some fun fantasy action! For more info visit: garenfest.com
MAY 16 | PORCHFEST
Celebrating community through music on the front porches. Get ready to rock the picturesque porches. Porchfest will kick off with a Rock n Run jog starting at 11 am, followed by local bands playing live music on porches for 1-hour slots between 12 and 6 pm, with a finale performance in John Howell Park. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/34dfbuy6
JUNE
June 5 - 7 | Summerfest
Set in the beautiful Virginia-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta, Summerfest celebrates community and all things summer. Kick off your summer with live bands, shop great art, eat good food, run the 5K, and enjoy everything this neighborhood festival has to offer. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/ysk9rn6s
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Fourth of July in Atlanta offers a host of traditional activities through which visitors and residents alike can celebrate the nation’s birthday! Along with a burgeoning slate of barbecue and concert options, fireworks remain the marquee attraction on Independence Day, and Atlanta offers no shortage of locales that wow. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2SBbuzx
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE ATLANTA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
JULY 18 - 19 | BUTTERNUT CREEK FESTIVAL
The Butternut Creek Festival is one of the finest juried arts and crafts shows in the southeast. The two day festival showcases the work of 70 to 75 artists and craftsmen in categories from basketry, candles & soap, fine art, fabric art, and decorative painting, to glass, jewelry, metal working, photography, pottery, scrimshaw, and woodturning. Join us to explore all of these great artist works! For more info visit: butternutcreekfestival.com
AUGUST
AUG TBA | BEER FESTIVAL
Join us again for one of the best beer festivals of the summer, the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest. We will have over 150 beers, featuring the local Atlanta Breweries, and great breweries from all over the country. We will also have 25+ wine options, ciders, mimosas and hard seltzers. Celebrate the start of summer! For more info visit: atlantasummerbeerfestival.com
SEPTEMBER
SEPT TBA | SHAKY KNEES
MUSIC FESTIVAL
With more than 60 bands each year Shaky Knees is a rock-lover’s dream. While enjoying live music, explore food from all over, from good ol’ southern BBQ to vegetarian friendly corn dogs, the food trucks at Shaky Knees have something for even the pickiest eater. Shaky Knees is more than just a music festival it’s a whole experience! For more info visit: shakykneesfestival.com
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATE
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
MAY 24 - SUN 12:00 PM First Round
MAY 24 - SUN 8:15 PM First Round
MAY 25 - MON 12:00 PM First Round
MAY 25 - MON 8:15 PM First Round
MAY 26 - TUE 12:00 PM First Round
MAY 26 - TUE 8:15 PM First Round
MAY 27 - WED 12:00 PM Second Round
MAY 27 - WED 8:15 PM Second Round
MAY 28 - THU 10:00 AM Second Round
MAY 28 - THU 8:15 PM Second Round
MAY 29 - FRI 12:00 PM Third Round
MAY 29 - FRI 8:15 PM Third Round
MAY 30 - SAT 12:00 PM Third Round
MAY 30 - SAT 8:15 PM Third Round
MAY 31 - SUN 12:00 PM Fourth Round
MAY 31 - SUN 8:15 PM Fourth Round
JUNE 1 - MON 12:00 PM Fourth Round
JUNE 1 - MON 8:15 PM Fourth Round
JUNE 2 - TUE 12:00 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 2 - TUE 8:15 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 3 - WED 12:00 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 3 - WED 8:15 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 4 - THUR 2:30 PM Ladies Semifinals
JUNE 5 - FRI 2:30 PM Mens Semifinals
JUNE 5 - FRI 8:15 PM Mens Semifinals
JUNE 6 - SAT 3:00 PM Ladies Singles Final, Mens Double Final
JUNE 7 - SUN 3:00 PM Mens Singles Final, Ladies Doubles Final
DATE
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
JUNE 29 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1st Round
JUNE 30 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1st Round
JULY 1 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 2 - THU 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2rd Round
JULY 3 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 4 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 5 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 6 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies’ 4th Round
JULY 7- TUE 11:00 AM Ladies' and Gentlemen's Quarterfinals
JULY 8 - WED 11:00 AM Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Quarterfinals
JULY 9 - THU 11:00 AM Ladies’ Semifinals
JULY 9 - THU 11:00 AM Gentlemen’s Semifinals
JULY 10 - FRI 11:00 AM Ladies’ Singles Final & Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles
JULY 11 - SAT 11:00 AM Gentlemen’s Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
BANANA DATE NUT BREAD
• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped
• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan
• Cream butter and date mixture
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well
• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture
• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts
• Pour mixture into the bread pan
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean
• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack
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