Chesapeake Bay MD - 5 by The 55 Spotlight

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 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.

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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

* Schedule subject to change

JAN 2 - 5

JAN 9 - 12

JAN 16 - 19

JAN 22 - 25

JAN 30 - FEB 2

FEB 6 - 9

FEB 13 - 16

FEB 20 - 23

FEB 27 - MAR 2

MAR 6 - 9

The Sentry + Plantation Course at Kapalua • Kapalua, Maui, HI • USA

Sony Open in Hawaii Waialae Country Club • Honolulu, HI • USA

The American Express Pete Dye Stadium Course • La Quinta, CA • USA

Farmers Insurance Open Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) • San Diego, CA • USA

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am + Pebble Beach Golf Links • Pebble Beach, CA • USA

WM Phoenix Open TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) • Scottsdale, AZ • USA

The Genesis Invitational + The Riviera Country Club • Pacific Palisades, CA • USA

CLARK $3,600,000

MAR 6 - 9

Mexico Open at VidantaWorld VidantaWorld • Vallarta • MEX JAKE KNAPP $1,458,000

Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) • Palm Beach Gardens, FL • USA

Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard + Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge • Orlando, FL • USA

Puerto Rico Open

Grand Reserve Golf Club • Rio Grande • PUR

+ Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

ECKROAT $1,620,000

2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2025 LPGA

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHESAPEAKE BAY

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.

FEBRUARY

FEB 1

- 2 | RESTAURANT WEEK

Baltimore is a delicious city. See for yourself during Baltimore Restaurant Week, held twice annually in both winter and summer. Enjoy pre-fixe lunch, brunch, and dinner menus at nearly 100 Baltimore restaurants. For more info visit: baltimorerestaurantweek.com

FEB 22 | MARDI GRAS

We’re turning Baltimore into Bourbon Street for the biggest Mardi Gras celebration and party. It’s an incredible day of green, purple, and gold New Orleans style fun! For more info visit: mardibarcrawl.com

MARCH

MARCH 1 - 9 | HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Leave the cold winds of winter 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

MACH 28 - 29 | BBQ & BREW FEST

A day filled with great food, beer, and fun! What more could you ask for? Come join us and enjoy all this delicious mouth watering BBQ. For more info visit: timonium.beerandbourbon.com

APRIL

APRIL TBA | BLUEGRASS FEST

What could be better than sitting outside, listening to live music, enjoying a local brew and letting your grandkids play with bubbles? Each spring Baltimore hosts the best in national and regional talent from across the old time, bluegrass and roots music traditions at Charm City Bluegrass Festival. For more info visit: charmcitybluegrassfestival.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHESAPEAKE BAY

APRIL 1 - 6 | SHUCKED

Shucked follows the story of Maizy and Beau, a couple residing in Cob County. They face a setback in their plans to get married when the corn, crucial for the economic vitality of their rural town, starts withering. In response, Maizy embarks on a journey to seek assistance from an expert in Tampa... but things take an unexpected turn. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yarh2bxa

APRIL 3 - 6 | IRISH TRAD FEST

Some of the world’s finest traditional Irish musicians will gather in Baltimore to teach workshops, perform and lead sessions. We work hard bringing in and hiring some of the best Irish traditional performers and teachers for your entertainment. Spend this day learning and enjoying Irish Culture! For more info visit: baltimoreirisharts.com

MAY MAY 3 | KINETIC SCULPTURE RACE

For more than 20 years the American Visionary Art Museum‘s Kinetic Sculpture Race has been a beloved tradition. Teams of inventive artists build and pilot original sculptures over land and sea from one end of Baltimore to another. The race is a day of good-humored merrymaking, fun mishaps in engineering and creative costumes. For more info visit: kineticbaltimore.com

MAY 18 | 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. For more info visit: arbutusartsfestival.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHESAPEAKE BAY

MAY 24 - 25 | ARTSCAPE

Artscape Festival features a full schedule of performing arts events including theater, dance, childrens entertainers and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. An expansive international menu of food and beverages will also be available to festival goers. For more info visit: artscape.org

JUNE

JUNE 14 | FOOD & WINE FEST

Experience The Revolution. Don’t Let Wine Drinking Be Intimidating, 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 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

Maryland starts celebrating America’s Independence already in the last days of June. Lots of patriotic events take place in Baltimore and Annapolis, while the Chesapeake Bay and Ocean City offer perfect beach weather and stunning fireworks over the waterfront. As events are scattered throughout the Fourth of July Weekend, please check the official website for more detailed information on date, time, and location. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/y5t48ept

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHESAPEAKE BAY

JULY 11 - 12 | CARIBBEAN FEST

Experience the magic of Carnival without leaving Charm City at the Baltimore Washington One Caribbean Festival, a tradition more than 40 years old. Modeled after Trinidadian street festivals, this two-day event typically begins with a larger-than-life parade of performers, masqueraders, drummers, stilt walkers, floats and steel bands, and is followed by a lively fair and concert consisting of delicious Caribbean food, costumes and entertainment. For more info visit: baltimorecarnival.org

AUGUST

AUG 10 | MADE IN MARYLAND

The Made In Maryland Festival, a one-day event that highlights all of our state’s best and most famous offerings, returns to Kurtz’s Beach on Sunday, August 10, 2025! This completely Maryland-themed festival features a fun line-up of vendors and entertainment, from artisans, crafters, live jousting, food vendors, local wineries and breweries, live music, children’s activ-

ities and beyond. For more info visit: madeinmarylandfest.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT TBA | BOOKFEST

The Baltimore Book Festival celebrates Baltimore’s rich literary history, vibrant present, and bright future by connecting readers and authors and making the literary arts more engaging, entertaining, relevant, and accessible for all Baltimoreans. For more info visit: baltimorebookfestival.com

OCTOBER

OCT TBA | ANIMATION FESTIVAL

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 in the Mid-Atlantic region, and Baltimore City. For more info visit: sweatyeyeballs.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

CHESAPEAKE BAY

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

NOVEMBER

NOV 26 - 30 | HOW THE GRINCH

STOLE CHRISTMAS

Christmas is the best time to be living in Whoville - it’s every Who’s favorite time of year! However all the Christmas cheer in the world just isn’t enough to get The Grinch into the festive spirit. Teased as a child, this green grump has grown to become a rather mean old man determined to ruin Christmas for each and every Who! Will the kindness of one tiny Who be enough to melt his icy heart? For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mry7h749

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 31 | CHRISTMAS

VILLAGE

Need to start your Christmas shopping? Keep an eye out for our unique selection of international and local vendors. Warm yourself with a hot glass of Glühwein while enjoying festive Christmas lights at the Inner Harbor. For more info visit: baltimore-christmas.com

JANUARY

JAN 1 - 11 | WICKED

Thrown together as unwilling roommates at The University of Shiz, initially the beautiful, blonde, and effervescent Glinda clashes with the fiery, misunderstood, green-skinned Elphaba. Facing various challenges in their experiences, they learn to put their differences aside and form an unexpected bond that stays with them for years to come, despite the political and magical upheaval that engulfs Oz. What makes someone truly “Wicked?”

For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mseydjcv

2025 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

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

TRAVELING TO ICELAND.

Iceland is a small Nordic country in Europe known for its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields and massive glaciers. It is also known for its distinct Nordic culture based on folklore and mythology, dating back to the Vikings who were first to colonize the land. Later, it was

under Danish rule and gained its independence in 1944 and is a founding member of NATO. Despite having its own distinct language and being a country of only 384,000 people, English is spoken widely as it is taught in school as a second language.

The capital city is Reykjavik which is known for its lively nightlife, modern museums, excellent dining, galleries and shopping. It is the base from which to explore all that Iceland has to offer.

The best time to visit is May through October but those are also the busiest times. Iceland is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There are so many adventures to choose from whether it is the natural wonders under the summer’s midnight sun or seeking the aurora borealis in winter months.

Spend a day touring the Golden Circle and see three incredible natural events. Starting in the capital, Reykjavik, drive into the southern uplands to Pingvellir National Park, onto the Geysir geothermal area and then the Gullfoss waterfall and end back in the city.

Pingvellir is a UNESCO world heritage site and the first place settled in south Iceland. See Iceland’s largest lake, the Langjokull glacier, hike the North American plate and see Game of Thrones scenery at Almannagja gorge and then view the amazing Oxarafoss waterfalls. If you are

really adventurous, snorkel at Silfra, one of the world’s top 10 dive sites.

Drive on to the Geysir Geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley. See the volcanic landscape and arrive at Strokkur which is the geyser that erupts every 6-10 minutes shooting hot water as high as 130 feet into the air. Walking through the valley, view many hot springs, smaller geysers and bubbling mud spots.

The last stop is Gullfoss Waterfall which is famous for its 2 drops, falling 100 feet and view the rainbows that shoot from the spray. Finish the day with a leisurely drive back to Reykjavik allowing time for stops along the way.

The cold waters off the coast attract an abundance of sea life including over 20 species of whales, including dolphins and porpoises. Tours can be found all over the country but the best spot is in the seaside village of Dalvick in the north.

Caving is a popular and extraordinary experience. Because Iceland is one of the most active

and inactive volcanic regions. It has incredible rock formations above and below the earth’s surface. Tube caves inside glaciers form after magma flows underneath the earth’s surface and lava solidifies overhead. Tours operate safely year-round with geologists as guides. Be prepared with proper clothing and footwear as caves are chilly and there is often dripping water. Floors are

rugged, so sturdy boots are necessary. The caves are unexpectedly large and many have staircases and walkways for safe exploration. The most unique is Prihnukargigur (3 Peaks Crater) which takes you across lava fields to the cable car down 400 feet into a volcano that has been extinct for over 4500 years. The crater is the size of 3 basketball courts and as tall as the Statue of Liberty.