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.
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
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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 Grant Thornton Invitational Naples, FL | Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, Tiburón Golf Club
M
M
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CHESAPEAK 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.
OCTOBER
OCT 3 - 5 | EDGAR ALLAN POE FESTIVAL
This free, two-day outdoor event celebrates the famous Baltimorean scribe, with Poe-themed performances, art, vendors, and food. Highlights of the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards include the Black Cat Ball, a cognac and roses graveside masquerade, appearances by world class Poe impersonator Tim Beasley and a tour of Poe’s Baltimore. For more info visit: poefestinternational.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
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/377vcx7z
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 24 | CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Need to start your Christmas shopping? Expect handmade holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry as well as high-quality arts and crafts. Warm yourself with a hot glass of Glühwein while enjoying festive Christmas lights at the Inner Harbor. For more info visit: baltimore-christmas.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CHESAPEAK 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.
JANUARY
JAN
TBA | RESTAURANT WEEK
Presented by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and Visit Baltimore, Baltimore Restaurant Week provides an affordable and exclusive taste of the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Restaurants participating throughout Baltimore’s neighborhoods will offer ten days of special prix-fixe menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. For more info visit: baltimorerestaurantweek.com
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?” An
uplifting and affirming adventure that journeys way below the skin and the heart of life. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdfbc3m6
FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | 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
FEB 1 - 28 | SHUCK & STOUT
Join us in FeBREWary as we celebrate locally made beer and locally harvested Maryland oysters! We’ve put together a list of pairings for you to enjoy that you can find at restaurants across the state in the month of February. Grab your loved ones and introduce them to a palate-pleaser that may tickle their senses and warm their souls. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/y4e4n6sr
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHESAPEAK 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.
MARCH
MARCH 1 - 8 | 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 27 - 28 | 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 9 - 12 | IRISH 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 2 | 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
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHESAPEAK 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.
(. . .continued from 20)
MAY 17 | 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
JUNE
JUNE 13 | 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 | 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
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHESAPEAK 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.
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 activities and beyond. For more info visit: madeinmarylandfest.com
SEPTEMBER
SEPT TBA
|
SWEATY EYEBALLS
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
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
HEALTH & FOOD
Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.
Sugar intake is a concern for many.
A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.
To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.
The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.
The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.
The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.
The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.
ALZHEIMER’S RESOURCE
Alzheimer’s Association Back Inside Cover
DANCE ACADEMY
Annapolis Dance Academy................................... 9
DENTIST
Transcendent Smiles ............................................... 19
EYE CARE
Anne Arundel Eye Center ........Front Inside Cover
EYEGLASSES
Anne Arundel Eye Center Front Inside Cover
INSURANCE
Maryland Medicare Options ................Back Cover
JEWELER
Kent Island Jewelry ...................................................5
MEDICARE
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Copious Medicare Solutions 9
NON PROFIT
Alzheimer’s Association Back Inside Cover
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PAINTING
Toms Painting & Pressure Washing ....................5
PRESSURE WASHING
Toms Painting & Pressure Washing ....................5
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
1st Choice Property Management 3
SUNROOM CONTRACTOR
Mattison Construction............... Front Cover, 14-15
WINDOW TREATMENTS Coastal Blinds ..............................................................5
