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
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
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
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
SEP 11 - 14
SEP 19 - 21
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
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NOV 6 - 9
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HUDSON RIVER
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.
SEPTEMBER
SEPT
6 | JAZZ FESTIVAL
For years, the City of Albany Jazz Festival has featured a wealth of jazz greats, critically acclaimed up-and-coming artists and local favorites at one of the area’s most spectacular venues. This all-day concert features world-class music, great food & beverages. The Jazz Festival is an event for all ages- and admission is free! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/jf8vehss
OCTOBER
OCT 11 - 12 | BARKTOBER FEST
Hudson River Park Friends invites you to our fall Four-Legged Friends to Barktoberfest! Dog owners, dog appreciators and all our Four-Legged Friends are invited! Dog and human costumes encouraged! For more info visit: hudsonriverairdogs.com
OCT 12 | TWILIGHT MARKET
The Albany Twilight Market is the Capital Region’s FIRST alternative market. This is a curated event showcasing the Northeast’s best alternative creators. You’ll find an eclectic mix of taxidermy, dark arts, oddities, curated antiques, macabre jewelry, witchcraft and apothecary, gothic apparel, spooky home decor, tarot readers, vegan food, and more. For more info visit: albanytwilightmarket.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 1- 16 | THE GREAT JACKO’LANTERN BLAZE
Meander through an 18th-century landscape and discover a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns—all designed and hand-carved on site by our team of artisans. Complete with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack, this immersive, one-of-a-kind event is not to be missed! For more info visit: pumpkinblaze.org
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HUDSON RIVER
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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NOV 7 - 16 | COMEDY FESTIVAL
Created in 2004, the New York Comedy Festival is a seven-day festival featuring more than 200 comedians performing in more than 100 shows at over 20 venues throughout the City. The festival is produced by Carolines on Broadway in association with Comedy Central. Enjoy this week full of laughter and joy! For more info visit: nycomedyfestival.com
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 31 | FROSTY FEST
A Frosty Fest features a drive-thru display of holiday lights and animations with music, actors and animatronics, as well as your favorite characters, a magical comedy show, and much more!
For more info visit: afrostyfest.com
JANUARY
JAN 31 | WINGFEST
The original Famous WingFest is back!!! This year the biggest wing event is coming back to Poughkeepsie NY! WingFest is planning their biggest, most delicious wing event ever, where you can expect more restaurants, food trucks and caterers which means more amazing and unique flavors to savor. Vote for your favorite as the best wing places battle it out to see who will be the King of the Wings! For more info visit: midhudsonciviccenter.org
FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | EAGLEFEST
Join Teatown for this amazing hybrid festival as they host a series of engaging virtual presentations and limited in-person programs. This event showcases the migration of bald eagles to the Hudson River, and was named the “Best Outdoor Winter Event” by Hudson Valley Magazine in 2019!
For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3kya4hye
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HUDSON RIVER
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.
FEB 18 - 22 | FILM FESTIVAL
Winter Film Awards showcases films from emerging filmmakers from around the world in all genres, with a special emphasis on highlighting the work of women and under-represented filmmakers. We have a jam-packed schedule of 91 films of all genres with daily screenings of fantastic films and lots of free parties. So get your popcorn ready and enjoy the shows! For more info visit: winterfilmawards.com
MARCH
MARCH 9 | ARTS FESTIVAL
All throughout Rockland County celebrate local artists and art galleries. Come out to meet the artists, celebrate the best of local arts, and explore a broad spectrum of mediums including painting, jewelry, textiles, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. For more info visit: rocklandartsfestival.org
MARCH 14 | ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
The annual Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns. Dress from head to toe in green and head to downtown Albany for the celebration. The parade is full of festive fanfare including Irish pipers, step dancers, decorated floats, and marching bands. The festive parade steps off at 2 p.m. and can be viewed from anywhere along Central Avenue or lower Washington Avenue. For more info visit: albanystpatricksdayparade.com
APRIL
APRIL 3 - 12 | AUTO SHOW
For more than a century New Yorker’s have visited the show in the millions to experience everything that the automobile industry has to offer and to get a glimpse into the future. It’s the one place where the information is comprehensive and engaging and where new technology can be explained and explored freely. For more info visit: autoshowny.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HUDSON RIVER
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.
MAY
MAY 9 - 10 | TULIP FESTIVAL
The Albany Tulip Festival is an annual event that takes place in Albany, New York, typically on Mother’s Day weekend in May. The festival celebrates the city’s Dutch heritage and features thousands of tulips in bloom throughout the city’s parks and gardens. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/56m4xmrv
JUNE
JUNE TBA | GREEK FEST
As the Festival grew over the years, so did our needs. From having one 40 foot truck parked where the tents now stand, we now have walk-in coolers and freezers on the premises. With love and affection, we remember the countless hours we’ve spent multiplying recipe measurements and insuring that the food tasted like Mom’s own home cooking svenska casino, no matter how large the crowds. For more info visit: buffalogreekfest.org
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
The annual event features live music and fun for the whole family, including the best fireworks show in the region. Each year, more than 20,000 people gather on the Plaza and in the surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy the day with special musical performances by some of the Capital Region’s most exciting bands, food and beverage vendors, and a spectacular fireworks show!
For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mrdtvn98
AUGUST
AUG TBA | FILM FESTIVAL
The Asian American International Film Festival features independent films by both local artists of Asian descent and international filmmakers, whose original works shed light on the Asian community. Grab your popcorn and enjoy new films by amazing artists!
For more info visit: aaiff.org
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
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
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!
