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.
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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
* Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
MAY 1 - 4
MAY 8 - 11
MAY 8 - 11
MAY 15 - 18
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson TPC Craig Ranch •McKinney, TX • USA
Truist Championship + The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) • Philadelphia, PA • USA
Myrtle Beach Classic Dunes Golf and Beach Club • Myrtle Beach, SC • USA
Championship
Hollow Club • Charlotte, NC • USA
MAY 22 - 25 Charles Schwab Challenge Colonial Country Club • Fort Worth, TX • USA
MAY 29 - JUN 1 The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club • Dublin, OH • USA
JUN 5 - 8
RBC Canadian Open TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) • Caledon, Ontario • CAN
JUN 12 - 15 U.S. Open Oakmont Country Club • Oakmont, PA • USA
JUN 19 - 22 Travelers Championship + TPC River Highlands • Cromwell, CT • USA
JUN 26 - 29 Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club • Detroit, MI • USA
JUL 3 - 6
John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run • Silvis, IL • USA
DECHAMBEAU $4,300,000
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LONG ISLAND
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 24)
MAY
MAY 3 - 4 | FAIRY FESTIVAL
Join us to celebrate nature, the power of creation, and the magic of imagination with an all-day festival. As a nature preserve with four major ecosystems – forest, pond, meadow and beach – the Sands Point Preserve is perfectly situated for a celebration that combines a passion for the natural environment with a sprinkling of fairy magic! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3j6vnctv
MAY 15 - 18 | MUSIC FESTIVAL
Join us in Montauk for the 14th Annual Montauk Music Festival from May 15 to 18th, presented by the Montauk Sun! This is a great family fun event for all ages. Come out to Montauk for 4 days of live music and fun. This year’s Main Stage will be on the Montauk Town Green. For more info visit: montaukmusicfestival.com
JUNE
JUNE 8 | STREET FAIR
Come enjoy the Annual Farmingville Street Fair where hundreds of vendors offering a variety of crafts, toys, jewelry, clothing, accessories and other wares have filled Portion Road making the Street Fair the greatest event in Farmingville. Since the first year we scheduled live music, classic cars, bounce structures, beer garden, food, and more providing an all around great time for the entire family to enjoy. For more info visit: farmingvillestreetfair.com
JUNE 27 -30 | STATE FAIR
The Empire State Fair is returning! The all-new fair features amazing entertainment such as the Royal Hanneford Big Top Circus, Kid Bucks Game Show, an educational experience at the Exotic Animal Zoo, and brand-new amusement rides and attractions. See you at the fair! For more info visit: empirestatefair.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LONG ISLAND
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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JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE
DAY
A Fireworks extravaganza above the shores of Jones Beach State Park simulcast to a musical array of patriotic songs. Celebrate America’s birthday with a bang! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3awd3mZ
JULY
11
- 12 | NOSTALGIA FEST
he festival features over 100+ exhibits, including nostalgia shops, and immersive displays Attendees enjoyed a lively food court, kids zone, and a variety of entertainment, including Live 90s Tribute Bands, a DJ spinning 90s throwbacks, a Live Skateboard Trick Show, Live Street Art, cosplay, photo-op areas, Character Meets, and a 90s Trivia Show. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc5mx94t
AUGUST
AUG 1 - 10 | 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
AUG
16
- 17 | WINE & FOOD FEST
Sample ciders, spirits or wines from New York’s and beyond most renowned producers. And, if you like what you taste, purchase by the bottle to go or buy a case to enjoy your favorites all year long. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy savory foods while rocking to the rhythmic sounds of live music. There will be arts and crafts, exhibits, and two full days of live entertainment! For more info visit: putnamcountywinefest.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LONG ISLAND
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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SEPTEMBER
SEPT 12 - 14 | FAIR
Step back into the days of old at the annual Long Island Fair. Thousands of exhibits are entered and compete for blue ribbons in areas including culinary, horticulture, livestock, needlework, and even agricultural skills. Fun includes a wild west show, butterfly encounters, puppet and magic shows, and tons of carnival eats. We can’t wait to see you there! For more info visit: lifair.org
SEPT 12 - 14 | FAMILY FESTIVAL
The Long Island Family Festival is the fastest growing pet friendly and most exciting festival of its kind in the Northeast. Come visit Copiague’s beautiful Tanner Park to experience a fun-filled day with the whole family! For more info visit: lifamilyfestival.com
SEPT 13 - 14 | GARLIC FESTIVAL
The Long Island Garlic Festival is all about celebrating the harvest season, supporting local vendors,
enjoying great garlic, and most of all, having fun on our 40 acre farm. Tiptoe through the Sunflower Fields, go Pumpkin Picking, get lost in the Corn Maze, go on a Garlic Scavenger Hunt, board the Waterdrinker Express, learn all about Garlic on the Musical Hay Ride… and let’s not forget about all the GARLICKY goodness at the Vendor Market! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4u7bvh6w
OCTOBER
OCT 11 - 12 | APPLE FEST
The Apple Festival brings the best of the fall season to Long Island; showcasing an assortment of apple varieties, Karl Ehmer specialty meats, grilled bratwurst, a wide variety of cheeses, and plenty of mouth-watering baked goods, jellies, fudge, strudel, and more. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/md8bky3b
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LONG ISLAND
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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NOVEMBER
NOV 2 -
9 | RESTAURANT WEEK
Long Island Restaurant Week is a tri-annual event designed to garner positive publicity and additional business for the region’s restaurants. Some of the finest food on the East Coast is available in this region less than one hour from New York City. At the heart of hospitality services on Long Island are hundreds of restaurants and thousands of men and women serving local and visiting diners. For more info visit: longislandrestaurantweek.com
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. Enjoy this week full of laughter and joy! For more info visit: nycomedyfestival.com
DECEMBER
DEC 6 - 7 | DICKENS FESTIVAL
And not to be missed, the Charles Dickens Annual Festival happening the first weekend of December when the Village of Port Jefferson magically transforms into the Dickensian era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the Town Crier, and the beloved chimney sweeps. The cherished tradition features live performances, theatrical presentations, artisan vendors, and the eye-catching Festival of Trees. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2vch73xk
JANUARY
JAN TBA | JAZZ FEST
Winter Jazzfest features a dazzling array of musical talent and is both a bustling forum of discovery and a guaranteed blast. For more info visit: winterjazzfest.com
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LONG ISLAND
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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FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | FILM FESTIVAL
Winter Film Festival showcases creative fresh voices from emerging filmmakers worldwide in all genres and lengths – feature length and shorts, narrative fiction, documentary, animation, horror, web series and music videos. Our mission is to promote diversity, bridge the opportunity divide and provide a platform for under-represented artists and a variety of genres, viewpoints and approaches. For more info visit: winterfilmawards.com
MARCH
MARCH TBA | ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
The Montauk St. Patrick’s Day Parade has become a part of the fabric of the community over it’s many years, and while the faces in the crowds lining the streets have changed, what has not changed are the smiles on those faces, young and old alike, and the fun all are welcome to join in at this community event.
For more info visit: montaukfriendsoferin.org
APRIL
APRIL 3 - 12 | AUTO SHOW
There is no better place to research your next new car than the New York 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
2026 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
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
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 * Schedule subject to change
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.
- a place like no other!
