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.
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 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
RAI $1,422,000 * Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
MAY 29 - JUN 1
JUN 5 - 8
JUN 12 - 15
JUN 19 - 22
JUN 26 - 29
JUL 3 - 6
JUL 10 - 13
JUL 10 - 13
JUL 17 - 20
JUL 17 - 20
Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club • Dublin, OH • USA
Canadian Open TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) • Caledon, Ontario • CAN
Country Club • Oakmont, PA • USA
Championship + TPC River Highlands • Cromwell, CT • USA
Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club • Detroit, MI • USA
Deere Classic TPC Deere Run • Silvis, IL • USA
Renaissance Club • North Berwick • SCO
Championship Hurstbourne Country Club (Championship Course) • Louisville, KY • USA
Open Championship Royal Portrush Golf Club • Portrush • NIR
Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood) • Truckee, CA • USA
JUL 24 - 27 3M Open
Twin Cities • Blaine, MN • USA
JUL 31 - AUG 3
Championship Sedgefield Country Club • Greensboro, NC • USA
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BALTIMORE
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.
JUNE
June 6 - 8 | TITLEHERE
Capital Jazz Fest is a musical culture and art fiesta that is held every year at the start of June. Local and tourists reach the town to enjoy quality music shows and lots of surprises. The festival is not about concerts alone but it is an event that brings together jazz and soul lovers who reach the place from all over the US. They come to enjoy quality music, good food and drinks, parties and festive atmosphere. For more info visit: capitaljazz.com
June 14 | TITLEHERE
Let us introduce you to new drinks and cocktails that are soon to become your favorites. The Annual Baltimore Wine & Food Festival offers fun, food & spirits in a day-drinking party that will have you bubbling as much as the champagne. For more info visit: baltimore.uncorkthefun.com
JULY
July 4 | Waterfront Festival
This free waterfront festival was founded for residents of Cherry Hill, a culturally and economically diverse neighborhood along the Patapsco River, to celebrate their community’s artistic legacy. Performers represent a wide range of genres from soul to gospel to reggae, salsa and more, and activities include historic reenactments, fashion shows and a fireworks show. For more info visit: cherryhillfest.com
JULY 25 - 30 | RESTAURANT WEEK
The most delicious week of the year, Baltimore Restaurant Week! For one week only, enjoy $35-55 dinner menus, plus carryout specials and $15 breakfast and lunch menus, from top Charm City eateries. Keep reading for more details, then head to the Restaurant Week website to plan your culinary adventure. For more info visit: baltimorerestaurantweek.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BALTIMORE
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.
AUGUST
AUG 7
- 9 | BALTIMORE FESTIVAL
The Baltimore Festival started 30 years ago. It came from an idea of the festivals hosted in the past, and the current firefighter’s fish fry. Officers were selected from a very large attendance, and the festival started and has continued to this day. For more info visit: baltimorefestival.org
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 13 - 14 | BOOK FESTIVAL
This free literary arts celebration is book lover’s dream come true. Featuring poetry readings, workshops, panel discussions and book signings, this is place to revel in the spirit of the written word. Past festivals have featured appearances by chef and television host Carla Hall, poet Samantha Thornhill, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jason Reynolds, Terry McMillan. For more info visit: baltimorebookfestival.com
SEPT 27 | PIGTOWN FESTIVAL
Come see what the other communities are squealing about. Named for the hogs that were once herded through the streets of the neighborhood, Pigtown is one of the most cultural and economically diverse neighborhoods in the city. Go hog wild and see the pigs hoof it at the Pigtown Festival, Baltimore’s only community festival wild enough to bring you the “Squeakness” running of the pigs! The free event features food, music and a sense of humor. For more info visit: pigtownmainstreet.org
OCTOBER
OCT 10 - 12 | FUN FESTIVAL
What began as a festival to protect the neighborhood from development and preserve its historic integrity is now one of the city’s largest community celebrations. Across six blocks in Fell’s Point, explore tasty bites from local vendors, craft cocktails and beers, one-of-a-kind products from area artisans and energetic live music
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BALTIMORE
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.
performances—all with a spectacular view of the harbor. For more info visit: fellspointfest.com
OCT 18 | RUNNING FESTIVAL
Join us at the event that many are calling one of the best races on the East Coast. With five distances to choose from, and all runners snagging a great Under Armour shirt for participating, this event is for you! You won’t want to miss the Baltimore Running Festival! For more info visit: thebaltimoremarathon.com
OCT 18 - 20 | ANIMATION FEST
Sweaty Eyeballs Animation
Festival is a juried international festival of the world’s most boundary-pushing, mind-blowing animation. We support independent and emerging animators with dynamic programming & networking and seek to ignite a hub for professional animation opportunities. For more info visit: sweatyeyeballs.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 5 - 9 | FILM FEST
The Maryland Film Festival (MdFF) is an annual multi-day international film festival hosted by the Parkway Theatre in the Station North Arts & Entertainment District each May. The festival screens approximately 40 feature films and 100 short films of all varieties, and the audience members get opportunities to meet and mingle with the creative minds behind the movies. For more info visit: mdfilmfest.com
NOV 22 | ARTS FESTIVAL
This edition will highlight more than 90 exhibitors from around the country. These artisans and craftspeople will be selling an array of unique coastal and sea-glass related goods, including jewelry, home décor, art, and more. For more info visit: seaglassfestival.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BALTIMORE
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.
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 24 |
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Christmas Village in Baltimore returns to the Inner Harbor for another season. The waterfront along the Baltimore Visitor Center through the Maryland Science Center will transform into a magical winter wonderland, bringing over 60 local and international vendors with unique holiday giftware. Don’t miss the famous vendor Käthe Wohlfahrt with authentic German ornaments and Christmas gifts. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4b7cvtdx
JANUARY
JAN TBA | ICE FESTIVAL
Experience a fun-filled day for the whole family at the Harbor Point Ice Festival! This free-to-attend festival on Harbor Point’s idyllic Central Plaza will feature live ice carving demonstrations throughout the day, plus interactive ice sculptures, delicious food and drinks, and much more! For more info visit: harborpoint.com
FEBRUARY
FEB 28 | HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Leave the cold winds of March behind! Tour landscapers’ beautiful indoor gardens bursting with cheerful blooms and demonstrating new trends. Get tips and check out products from more than 400 home improvement exhibitors. Take home artwork and unique creations from juried artists and crafters. For more info visit: mdhomeandgarden.com
MARCH
MARCH 15 | ST. PATRICK PARADE
Baltimore’s St. Patrick Parade is truly the jewel in Maryland’s emerald crown. For more than 65 years, thousands of spectators from the region have crowded the streets and sidewalks of downtown Baltimore and the famous Inner Harbor to watch thousands more march and celebrate Irish culture, music, song and dance. For more info visit: irishparade.net
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BALTIMORE
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.
APRIL
APRIL TBA | ARTS FESTIVAL
There’s something for everyone at the Arbutus Arts Festival. Whether you’re in the mood to browse handmade arts & crafts, savor delicious food and drink, listen to great local music, or just relax in the beer garden, you can do it all at the Baltimore area’s premier one-day arts & crafts show. Mark the day on your calendar now! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone there! For more info visit: arbutusartsfestival.com
MAY MAY 2 | KINETIC SCULPTURE RACE
Kinetic Sculptures are amphibious, human powered works of art custom built for the race. Each May, the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) produces and hosts the East Coast Kinetic Sculpture Race Championship on the shore of Baltimore’s Harbor in central Maryland. The eight-hour race covers 15 miles—mostly on pavement, but also including a trip into the Chesapeake Bay and through mud and sand. For more info visit: kineticbaltimore.com
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT
SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’
JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single
JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single
DATE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
JUNE 30 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 1 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 2 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 3 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 4 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 5 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 6 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 7 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 8 - TUE 11:00 AM
JULY 9- WED 11:00 AM
JULY 10 - THU 1:00 PM
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final
JULY 11 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals
JULY 12 - SAT 2:00 PM
JULY 13 - SUN 2:00 PM
Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final
Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
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.
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
