TOP 10 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT
Remember
Saving
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
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
SEP 11 - 14
SEP 26 -28
OCT 2 - 5
OCT 9 - 12
OCT 23 - 26
NOV 6 - 9
NOV 13 - 16
DEC 4 - 7
DEC 12 - 14
Procore Championship Silverado Resort Napa, CA • USA
Ryder Cup Bethpage State Park (Black) Farmingdale, NY • USA
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
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CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
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CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT
SEP 11 - 14 Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G Maineville, OH | TPC River’s Bend
SEP 19 - 21 Walmart NW Ark Championship presented by P&G Rogers, AR | Pinnacle Country Club
OCT 1 - 4 LOTTE Championship presented by Hoakalei Ewa Beach, Oahu, HI | Hoakalei Country Club
LPGA
OCT 9 - 12
-
NOV 6 - 9
-
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HOUSTON
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 16)
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 1 | RESTAURANT WEEKS
Houston’s most anticipated foodie event of the year. Enjoy delicious meals and super deals raising necessary funds for the Houston Food Bank. An extensive list of the most popular restaurants will participate and serve specially priced, multi-course prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch , or dinner, available for dine-in and take-out. For more info visit: houstonrestaurantweeks.com
OCTOBER
OCT 2 - 4 | GREEK FESTIVAL
Countdown the days until you can get your hands on some loukoumades! And what’s a Greek festival without traditional Greek dancing! Make sure to check out our dance performances during the festival this year, OPA!For more info visit: greekfestival.org
OCT 11 - 30 |
RENAISSANCE FEST
Huzzah and welcome to the Texas Renaissance Festival, a grand spectacle that transports visitors to an era of chivalry, merriment, and enchantment. Nestled in the heart of Texas, we are the largest and most acclaimed Renaissance-themed attraction in the United States. Whether one is donned in period garb or simply a curious spectator in their favorite tee shirt and jeans, the Texas Renaissance Festival promises an unforgettable journey into the magic and splendor of the Renaissance era.For more info visit: texrenfest.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 8 | PUPTOPIA
Puptopia encompasses everything that makes your dog happy and everything that makes you happy to have a dog! Dog-focused, science-based, fun-filled activities make this a one-of-a-kind experience that’ll be sure to get all the tails wagging. For more info visit: puptopiafestival.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HOUSTON
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
- 28 | A CHRISTMAS CAROL
A Christmas Carol is a highly inventive adaptation of the Dickens classic, pared down to its essential elements. A resident company of actors assemble to perform a trunk-show production of the heart-warming Christmas story. It will be A Christmas Carol like no other. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2ZrINoO
JANUARY
JAN 16 - 17
| CHILI QUEST
Our annual Chili Quest & Beerfest will return to the Strand. Whip up a batch of your best chili recipe and bring it down to Galveston to compete for the gold and Chili Champion bragging rights. All the best chili you can eat, and beer you can drink! For more info visit: yagaschiliquest.com
JAN 28 - 30 | AUTO SHOW
Houston Auto Show is a business to business event that is intended to promote the automotive industrial sector worldwide. This industrial national event welcomes both trade professionals and general visitors! For more info visit: houstonautoshow.com
FEBRUARY
FEB
6
- 14 | MARDI GRAS
We love celebrating all things Fat Tuesday and Galveston carries the Texas crown for this niche celebration that is unique to Louisiana. Mardi Gras Galveston has plenty of Cajun and Creole food throughout the celebration including, but certainly not limited to, gumbo, jambalaya, seafood and more, all while parades roll by and beads are thrown. Head down to the Texas coast and revel in the carnival season. For more info visit: mardigrasgalveston.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HOUSTON
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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FEB 14 | LUNAR NEW YEAR
Celebrate the impressive qualities of every culture while celebrating the Asian Lunar New Year at the annual Texas Lunar Festival. In the Chinese lunar calendar a different animal or mythological beast represents every year in a twelve year cycle. Come enjoy dance, theatrics, and music in this cultural celebration! For more info visit: texaslunarfest.net
FEB 20 - 22 | MEDITERRANEAN FESTIVAL
The Mediterranean Festival features a tradition that is more than 100 years old, the Syrian Dinner. Along with food, families can enjoy camel rides, Greek and Arabic dance troupe performances, face painting, games, and other fun activities. For more info visit: greekmedfest.com
MARCH
MARCH TBA | STATE FAIR
The YMBL South Texas State Fair & Rodeo brings thousands of visitors to Beaumont each spring to experience food, entertainment, and carnival rides. Come out for a day of fun, music, and great food! For more info visit: ymbl.org
APRIL
APRIL 1 - 13 | RESTAURANT WEEK
Black Restaurant Week is presenting its annual campaign in the Houston Region. Discover blackowned restaurants, food trucks, sweets, and more across Houston, Beaumont, and additional surrounding metro areas. For more info visit: blackrestaurantweeks.com
MAY
MAY TBA | GREEK FESTIVAL
With a legacy spanning over 25 years, the Houston Greek Fest has established itself as the premier festival event in the West Houston area, dedicated to sharing the rich
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HOUSTON
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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tapestry of Hellenic culture with over 15,000 attendees. Hosted by Saint Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church, the Houston Greek Fest serves as a platform for supporting outreach, ministries, and youth programs within the community. For more info visit: houstongreekfest.com
MAY 14 - 17 | STRAWBERRY FEST
The Pasadena Strawberry Festival mission is to produce a large event to help support other nonprofits and to help give opportunity to students to further their education through our scholarships program, to preserve and celebrate the history of Pasadena. For more info visit: strawberryfest.org
JUNE
JUNE 24 - 27 | TEXAS OUTLAW CHALLENGE
Texas Outlaw Challenge, one of the country’s most respected and popular speed boating events. This annual event features a car show, time trials, and a charity
poker run. So come on down and enjoy all this great event! For more info visit: texasoutlawchallenge.com
JUNE 26 - 28 | MUSIC FEST
King Music Fest honors the life and legacy of the King of Rock n Roll Elvis Presley. KMF is in it’s fifth year bringing H-Town incredible talent from local Texas artists and this year we are bringing talent from New York, Tennessee, Colorado, and Louisiana. For more info visit: kingmusicfest.com
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Houston celebrates America’s birthday with lots of free music for any taste. The annual ExxonMobile Summer Symphony Nights Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre features patriotic tunes. The Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular at CityCentre will entertain the whole family. While the main Houston Independence Day event—Freedom Over
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HOUSTON
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 22)
Texas—always boasts top names in country music. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3q3eF0q
JULY 23 - 25 | MOSQUITO FEST
At the Great Texas Mosquito Festival, Willie-Man-Chew greets visitors from near and far to enjoy. Willie quickly marshaled a group of humans as his official goodwill ambassadors. Willie affectionately and jokingly calls them his “Swat Team” present three fun filled days of special events, games, food, carnival rides, and contests, craft booths, cook-offs and much, much more. Ya’ll come down to Clute, Texas and join us .... for the fun of it! For more info visit: mosquitofestival.com
AUGUST
AUG 7 - 9 | FILM FEST
The Houston Horror Film Fest is a Film Festival and Expo, which includes over 70+ Horror Films, Celebrity special guests, special Q&A Panels. Over 100 Vendors, artists, horror memorabilia, filmmakers, apparel, authors and MORE! For more info visit: houstonhorrorfilmfest.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
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 * Schedule subject to change
2025 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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ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Woodlands
Birdsong Cremations ....................... Front Cover, 15
DISASTER RESOURCES
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