TOP 10 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT Saving
Remember
Matters!
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
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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
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
+ Signature Event
# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored
^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
* Schedule subject to change
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
OCT 1 - 4
OCT 9 - 12
OCT 16 - 19
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT
* Schedule subject to change ** Purse subject to change
LOTTE Championship presented by Hoakalei Ewa Beach, Oahu, HI | Hoakalei Country Club
Buick LPGA Shanghai
Minhang District, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China | Qizhong Garden Golf Club
| To be Confirmed
OCT 23 - 26 Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown Goyang, Republic of Korea | New Korea Country Club
OCT 30NOV 2 Maybank Championship Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, West Course
NOV 6 - 9 TOTO Japan Classic Otsu-shi, Shiga, Japan | Seta Golf Course
M
M
NOV 13 - 16 The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Belleair, FL | Pelican Golf Club $3.25
NOV 20 - 23
12 -
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CONNECTICUT
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 1 - 19 | REN FEST
Step back in time to a 16th-century harvest festival at Connecticut Renaissance Faire! Since 1999, we’ve been the gateway to a magical world where you can shop in New England’s largest Medieval Marketplace, feast on juicy turkey legs and craft beers, and enjoy hilarious comedy and thrilling acrobatics on 12 stages. All ages can enjoy the magic of the Renaissance – costumes are encouraged, but not required. For more info visit: ctfaire.com
OCT
18
- 19 | FOOD & WINE FEST
This Free admission event takes place on the grounds of one of Connecticut’s premiere Wineries Priam Vineyards. Enjoys Wines and food while enjoying the views, music, and shopping of small businesses from across the state. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc576v7e
NOVEMBER
NOV 2 | FIZZ FEST
Get ready for Fizz Fest — a celebration of community, creativity, and dirty soda! Join us at Mill Street Marketplace in Wethersfield, CT for a day full of food, craft vendors, thrifting & more! We’re launching our brand new Dirty Soda Trailer and you’re invited! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mkvavpnp
NOV
1
- 2 | HOME SHOW
If you’re planning on remodeling or renovating your home, this is the home improvement event you can’t afford to miss. Whether it’s finding a house builder for new home construction or finding a general contractor for a kitchen or bathroom remodel, there are multiple home improvement contractors you can connect with at our Hartford Connecticut home fair. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2xa7eeax
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CONNECTICUT
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
DEC 1- 23 | WINTERFEST
This season, Winterfair will take place inside Union Station’s Great Hall and will be home to over 30 vendors each of the 14 market days. Over 100 small and micro businesses are set to participate. For more info visit: winterfairhartford.com
DEC 13 | HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Explore a vibrant marketplace of handmade goods — from art, jewelry, and home décor to tasty treats and one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or even yourself, you’ll discover thoughtful treasures that celebrate creativity and local talent. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mryp63fr
JANUARY
JAN 3 - 4 | HOME SHOW
At the Home Show, our goal is simple: to inspire, motivate and excite you for your upcoming home improvement - whether it’s a minor renovation or a major remodel. Our events feature a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. After meeting with and comparing our expert exhibitors, we know you’ll be inspired and motivated to start planning with confidence. More importantly, we want you to be excited for all the fantastic possibilities that come with your project! For more info visit: homeshowhartford.com
FEBRUARY
FEB 19 - 22 | GARDEN SHOW
The colorful, fragrant show features acres of spacious gardens with the 2024 theme, “Bursting Into Spring”, with creative and practical ideas for house, apartment and condo dwellers alike. We encourage you to bring your
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CONNECTICUT
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.
families along to come and enjoy the scents & sights of Spring, while enjoying plenty of things to do for all ages! For more info visit: ctflowershow.com
MARCH
MARCH 17 | SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Come join us for the Greater Bridgeport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade! The original parade was small by comparison to later efforts; but nonetheless a proud display of Irish spirit, led by our first Grand Marshal, Martin Reidy, a respected member of the Irish-American community of Greater Bridgeport and a charter member of the Gaelic-American Club and the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Bridgeport. For more info visit: stpatricksdaybridgeport.com
APRIL
APRIL TBA | DAFFODIL FESTIVAL
Since 1978, The Daffodil festival is Meriden’s largest and most color-
ful community event, held during the peak season for daffodils to bloom. With food, crafts, music, fireworks, amusements and a spectacular parade, the Meriden Daffodil Festival is a springtime funfest for all! For more info visit: daffodilfest.com
MAY
May 9 -10 | Craft Festival
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend and the beauty of springtime at the spectacular New England Spring Craft Festival! For more info visit: nespringcraftfestival.com
MAY 16 - 17 | CRAFTS FESTIVAL
The artisan vendors will showcase and sell their fine contemporary hand-made crafts in many categories including jewelry, wearable and decorative fiber, furniture, glass, housewares, pottery, and more. It will also have art demonstrations and delicious food. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2vpe36tm
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CONNECTICUT
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 -
7 | ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW
The Celebrate! West Hartford Arts & Crafts Show held on the beautiful Town Hall Common in West Hartford, CT attracts master artists from Connecticut, the greater New England region and many eastern states including Tennessee and Florida. The juried show prides itself on its creative mixture of long-term exhibitors with devoted followers and newly accepted artisans showcasing their work to our supportive community. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4bnbhr8m
JULY
JULY
17
- 19 | FESTIVAL OF JAZZ
The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz is a non-profit organization originally conceived by Paul Brown, noted Hartford jazz bassist and music educator. For 25 years, Paul had produced the Monday Night Jazz Concerts in Bushnell Park, drawing thousands of music lovers to Hartford’s Bushnell Park
for picnics and world-class entertainment. For more info visit: hartfordjazz.org
JULY 25 - 27 |
PICKLE FESTIVAL
Get ready for the tangiest, wildest, most DILL-lightful event of the summer – the Connecticut Pickle Festival is taking over Mohegan Sun like never before! Held inside the entire Mohegan Sun Expo Center AND outside in the Winter Parking Lot, this is a massive indoor/outdoor experience you don’t want to miss! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2r9585ts
JULY 25 - 27 | FOOD FESTIVAL
Get ready for a weekend full of flavor, fun, and fantastic entertainment as the Hey Stamford! Food Festival returns for its 8th year at Mill River Park!For more info visit: heystamfordfoodfest.com
AUGUST
AUG 14 - 15 | OYSTER
FESTIVAL
The Milford Oyster Festival will have 30,000 oysters! All oysters
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CONNECTICUT
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. harvested in Milford waters by Briarpatch Enterprises, Inc. Try the sweet taste of Milford oysters and enjoy them with a craft beer or premium wine. For more info visit: milfordoysterfestival.com
SEPTEMBER
SEPT TBA | PANDA FEST
Panda Fest is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcases the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia. For more info visit: pandafests.com
OCTOBER
OCT 10 - 11 | GARLIC FESTIVAL
We would like to invite you to join us for the Annual Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival. Visit our garlic cooking demonstrations, stay for a live band performance, and learn how to grow garlic at our informative lectures. Many garlic dips, spreads, cheeses, and oils will be available for purchase from our diverse garlic specialty food vendors – most offering FREE samples to try before you buy! For more info visit: garlicfestct.com
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
DATE PLAY START SESSION
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
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.
- a place like no other!
