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.
(. . .continued on page 6)
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
* 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
JUL 3 - 6
Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club • Detroit, MI • USA
John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run • Silvis, IL • USA
DECHAMBEAU $4,300,000
2025 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
JUL 10 - 13
JUL 10 - 13
TOURNAMENT
Genesis Scottish Open The Renaissance Club • North Berwick • SCO
ISCO Championship
Hurstbourne Country Club (Championship Course) • Louisville, KY • USA
JUL 17 - 20 The Open Championship
Royal Portrush Golf Club • Portrush • NIR
JUL 17 - 20
Barracuda Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood) • Truckee, CA • USA
JUL 24 - 27 3M Open TPC Twin Cities • Blaine, MN • USA
JUL 31 - AUG 3
Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club • Greensboro, NC • USA
AUG 7 - 10 FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind • Memphis, TN • USA
AUG 14 - 17
AUG 21 - 24
BMW Championship Caves Valley Golf Club • Owings Mills, MD • USA
TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club • Atlanta, GA • USA
BRADLEY $3,600,000
SCHEFFLER
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
OCT 9 - 12
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT
-
OCT 30NOV 2
NOV 6 - 9
13 -
NOV 20 - 23
DEC 12 - 14
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
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 7 | ART WALK
Art Walk venues stretch across Downtown Jacksonville’s Northbank core and include James Weldon Johnson Park, The Jessie, The Breezeway at VyStar Tower, galleries, museums, restaurants, bars, Downtown businesses, and more. This event is a great way to meet artists, buy and appreciate their work, and be part of Jacksonville’s rapidly growing art scene. For more info visit: iloveartwalk.com
MAY 22 - 25 | JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival returns Memorial Day Weekend, May 25 - 28, 2024! The festival will kick off with the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition presented by Keyboard Connection on Thursday, May 25th followed by three days of live, free entertainment along the St. Johns River! For more info visit: jacksonvillejazzfest.com
JUNE
JUNE 7 | BEER FEST
In an exciting partnership with Visit Jax and Jacksonville Brewing Alliance breweries, we’re proud to bring you a one-of-a-kind tasting experience to celebrate a decade of the Jax Ale Trail! From bold IPAs to creative pilsners, hefeweizens, smooth reds, and fun smash brews, this exclusive collaboration showcases the diversity and talent of our local brewing scene. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdctdvu5
JUNE 14 | COUNTRY FEST
Get ready for a night of boots, beats, and beachside country music! Mark your calendars for Jax Beach Country Fest 2025, returning to the Seawalk Pavilion on Saturday, June 14th. Stay tuned for more details, including an exciting artist lineup you won’t want to miss! For more info visit: jaxbeachcountryfest.net
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
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 25 | BLACK EXCELLENCE FESTIVAL
This festival is a prominent celebration of Black culture, featuring a variety of events and activities. For more info visit: fbxfest.com
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Enjoy live music, food vendors and spectacular free firework displays. Whether you are looking for a riverfront fireworks show in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville or in Jacksonville Beach at the Stars and Stripes at the Sea Walk Pavilion July 4th Celebration Jacksonville is where you’ll want to be this summer. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/33zQpbn
JULY 9 - 19 | KINGFISH TOURNAMENT
Reel in a big one! This is the largest kingfish tournament in the country. Anglers of all experience levels are welcome.For more info visit: kingfishtournament.com
AUGUST
AUG 21 - 23 | CARIBBEAN
CARNIVAL
Come visit the Jacksonville Caribbean Carnival, to enjoy new experiences, get to know a new and diverse culture, and spoil yourself in our weekend’s festivities. For more info visit: jacksonvillecarnival.com
AUG 30 | FESTIVILLE
The Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department, along with other community organizations, are hosting a City Festival in the Ville! The Annual FestiVille in Jacksonville will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, on Main Street. This fun-filled community event has everything you expect and more. Join us as we celebrate and create “Family Fun for Everyone”. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/bddm46s4
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHEAST FLORIDA
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 4 | 904 DAY!
Let’s support all things local — from one-of-a-kind shops and independent restaurants to attractions and destinations that contribute to Northeast Florida’s unique quality of life. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/vkeddedf
SEPT 12 - 13 | FIN FEST
Florida Fin Fest is a free two-day Ocean Conservation, Education, and Music Festival. For more info visit: flfinfest.com
OCTOBER
OCT 18 - 19 | FALL FESTIVAL
The Town of Orange Park Fall Festival is Clay County’s oldest and largest Arts and Crafts Festival! The Fall Festival began in 1982 with roughly twelve craft boths and a couple guitar players. Forty-two years later, this two-day festival has over 200 artists & vendors and two stages packed with entertainment from regional and
local artists! For more info visit: opfallfestival.com
OCT 21 - 26 | COUNTY FAIR
The biggest little fair in florida. Livestock shows, live entertainment, awesome midway, and some of the best fair food in town. Come on by with the whole family to enjoy all the fair has to offer! For more info visit: bakercountyfair.com
NOVEMBER NOV 8 | PORCHFEST
Jacksonville PorchFest Presented by Corner on Main is a free, family-friendly event held in Historic Springfield. During the afternoon, dozens of bands perform on porches throughout this beautiful neighborhood. Food trucks are plentiful and a variety of craft beer and wine is available for purchase. Proceeds of PorchFest support arts related activities in Jacksonville’s urban core. For more info visit: jacksonvilleporchfest.org
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHEAST FLORIDA
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.
NOV 29 - 30 | SHOPAPALOOZA FESTIVAL
LocalShops1 is excited to bring the annual Shopapalooza Festival to downtown St. Petersburg. Join us at the beautiful waterfront Vinoy Park for the best and biggest celebration of local artists, crafters, makers, and small businesses. Shopapalooza showcases 250 local businesses and community organizations, plus a full lineup of local entertainment, special activities, prizes, surprises, raffles and more. For more info visit: shopapaloozafestival.com
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 31 | NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Nights of Lights has been listed among the top ten holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic. During Nights of Lights, St. Augustine glows with holiday magic – from the ground to the rooftops. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s Oldest City, and best of all
it’s free of charge. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2GjYqrN
JANUARY
JAN TBA | FILM FESTIVA
The St. Augustine Film Festival is a four-day festival in which foreign films, independent films, and documentaries are played daily at three of the city’s beautiful theaters. However, unlike an opening weekend at a big box office, you won’t see any films created by Spielberg or Hitchcock headlining the festival. For more info visit: staugfilmfest.com
JAN 30 | MARATHON WEEKEND
The Annual DONNA Marathon Weekend is January 30 - February 1, 2026. In 2025, DONNA Marathon Weekend saw record participation with over 7,500 runners both virtually and in-person. On top of record-breaking numbers, USA Today’s 10Best awards recognized two races from the signature weekend series, with the half-marathon earning the #3 spot na-
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHEAST FLORIDA
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.
tionwide and the full marathon securing #4! For more info visit: breastcancermarathon.com
FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | Wine Festival
The St. Augustine Spanish Wine Festival is all about Spanish wine, cuisine and culture! All proceeds of the event will benefit local charities and organizations. Experience this one of a kind wine tasting event in the Nation’s Oldest City. For more info visit: spanishwinefestival.com
MARCH
March TBA | SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
An all-American musical line-up once again lights up the stage at the St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival this weekend. The nonstop entertainment features an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, acoustic, country and bluegrass. All of this with amazing Florida seafood. For more info visit: lionsfestival.com
APRIL
APRIL TBA | SPRINGING THE BLUES
The Springing The Blues is a free, outdoor blues music festival that celebrates America’s indigenous musical form. The three-day oceanfront event features national, regional and local blues artists on two stages. Please join us for a great time with blues on the beach! For more info visit: springingtheblues.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
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
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.
