Northern New Jersey

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 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 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 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

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 2

- 4 | WINE & FOOD FEST

Held at New Jersey’s premier culinary destination, Crystal Springs Resort, the Festival’s events are designed to allow food and wine connoisseurs to meet and mingle with the world’s finest chefs and winemakers. Over the past ten years, the Festival has grown in stature as a showcase for culinary talent with a who’s who of attending chefs! For more info visit: njwinefoodfest.com

MAY 17 - 19 | FILM FESTIVAL

New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival features amazing celebrities, amazing horror films and vendors from around the horror world. Additionally, there will be Q & A sessions, vendors, and more! For more info visit: newjerseyhorrorcon.com

JUNE

1 - 8 | RENAISSANCE FAIR

Come enjoy over 30 unique Merchants, Vendors and Crafters that make up Crossford’s Artisan Village. There’s delicious food, drinks and snacks await! See what treats you can find about the shire. Colorful characters, charming artists and playful scenes are here to entertain you all day!

For more info visit: njrenfaire.com

JUNE 12 - 15 | COUNTY FAIR

Come out and enjoy heart-pounding rides such as the Polar Express or the Sky Hawk; classic rides like the Ferris wheel, kiddie rides, games of chance and pony rides; and fun fair foods such as Cold Stone ice cream, handmade zeppoles, fried Oreos, tacos, empanadas, sausage and peppers, delicious homemade lemonade and much more! For more info visit: tricountyfair.org

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

JUNE

27 - 29 | FESTIVAL

OF BALLOONING

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No! It’s a balloon! The family friendly festival will feature mass ascensions, balloon rides, sunrise yoga, non-stop family entertainment, headlining concerts, crafters, vendors, balloon glow, food, fireworks, and much more. Experience a weekend of family friendly fun! For more info visit: balloonfestival.com

JULY

JULY 12 - 13 | ARTS

FESTIVAL

A two day family festival celebrating community music and art. The event features local music from more than 20 performers and arts put on by friends and neighbors of Maplewood. The event also includes art, collectibles, crafts, clothes, provided by local artists and merchants, food from many local food vendors. For kids there is a Kidzone with bouncy rides, face painting, arts and crafts, and ice cream. For more info visit: maplewoodstock.com/

JULY

- 14 | FOOD FESTIVAL

The Atlantic City Vegan Food Festival is taking over for the biggest and most epic vegan festival New Jersey has seen yet. To add to the exciting festivities this year, there will be a 5K race on an early summer morning right on the Atlantic City boardwalk!For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/235r4mw3

AUGUST

AUG 1 - 3 | CLAM FESTIVAL

Food and Music lovers will fill the streets at the Highlands Business Partnership’s Annual Clam Fest at Huddy Park on Bay & Waterwitch Avenues. The famous Clam Fest is a two-day spectacular event, a wide variety of food trucks, along with other festival favorites including the Lions Club Funnel Cakes, and the Highlands Fire Department BBQ tent. Admission and parking are free, and the event takes place rain or shine. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5tchvz33

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

AUG 1 - 9 | STATE FARE

The New Jersey State Fair includes 4-H shows and exhibits, horse shows, carnival, performing art, family entertainment, demo derby, exhibits, food, and more. This is a great way to enjoy the summer with your family!

For more info visit: sussexcountyfairgrounds.org

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 24 - 28 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

Celebrate the Middlesex County Jazz Festival! Enjoy great jazz and experience the communities of New Brunswick, Woodbridge, Edison, Perth Amboy, Carteret, and Metuchen with their great music, food, and friendliness.

For more info visit: middlesexcountyjazzfestival.org

SEPT 26 - 28 | BOAT SHOW

This show has something for every age and interest with hundreds of new boats on sale from the top dealers in the state representing boating’s most popular brands. At-

tendees will be able to board and shop all the top boat brands and models of all sizes. The show also has a Boater’s Marketplace, FREE Seminars and Boating Safety Classes and the Kids Cove. For more info visit: jerseyboatexpo.com

OCTOBER

OCT 4 - 5 | CRANBERRY FEST

The Downtown Bordentown Association is proud to sponsor the Annual Cranberry Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts on Farnsworth. Featuring over 100 juried crafters, artists and makers, the Cranberry Festival annually draws over 40,000 visitors to historic Bordentown City, N.J. For more info visit: btowncranfest.com

OCT 4 - 5 | CHOWDER COOK-OFF

The Beach Haven Chamber of Commerce is partnering with The Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean County to bring this beloved community event back to its pre-pandemic greatness. The

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

Beach Haven Chowder Cook-off is a celebration of LBI culinary traditions and the amazing restaurants that create them. Together with other local vendors and volunteers we pair everyone’s favorite Clam Chowders with other festivities to benefit our unique coastal region. For more info visit: bhchowdercookoff.com

NOVEMBER

NOV 7 - 9 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Exit Zero Jazz Festival debuted in November 2012 in the national historic landmark city of Cape May, a picturesque beach town. You might find yourself one minute second-lining to a New Orleans brass band, and, in the next, snaking through town behind a 22-piece Brazilian drum bloco. The joy of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival is in the discovery of incredible music and musicians you may never have known existed. For more info visit: exitzerojazzfestival.com

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 31 | WINTER WONDERLIGHTS

Welcome to Winter WonderLights, NJ’s largest animated holiday light show drive thru! If you’re looking for the perfect festive Christmas light experience near you, you’ll find it in East Brunswick! Our dazzling drive-thru event features over 2 million animated lights, offering something truly magical for everyone. For more info visit: winterwonderlightshows.com

JANUARY

JANTBA | FISHING SHOW

An entertaining and informative consumer show dedicated to connecting customers with business owners, manufacturers and other fly fishing professionals. For more info visit: thearticulatefly.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

FEBRUARY

FEB 12 - 15

| BOAT EXPO

The New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo and the Jersey Shore Boat Sale & Expo are produced by the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ). The MTA/NJ is a non-profit trade organization of over 300 marine related businesses dedicated to promoting, protecting and advancing the recreational marine industry and waterways in the State of New Jersey.For more info visit: jerseyboatexpo.com

MARCH

March 26 -

29 | Film Festival

The Garden State film festival is held together by the philosophy of promoting an engendering independent films and new and inspiring filmmakers, and they have garnered support from Hollywood heavyweights like Glenn Close, Frank Vincent, Michael Uslan and James Gandolfini.For more info visit: gsff.org

APRIL

APRIL 1 - 30 |

TULIP FESTIVAL

Holland Ridge Farms is a family-owned flower grower and flower farm in New Jersey. Our U-Pick Tulip season opens when the millions of bulbs we planted in the fall burst into bloom. Rows and rows of colorful tulips as far as the eye can see! For more info visit: hollandridgefarms.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

* Schedule subject to change

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

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

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!

ALZHEIMER’S RESOURCE

Alzheimer’s Association 23

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

Mercy Throne Behavioral Health .........................5

CEMETERY

Holy Cross Cemetery ................................................5

CHILD SAFETY PROGRAM

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Back Inside Cover

DINNER THEATER

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse 1

DISASTER RESOURCES

Disaster Prep .................................Front Inside Cover

ELDER CARE ABUSE

New Jersey Medicaid Fraud ...........................12-13

EMERGENCY PLANNING

Disaster Prep Front Inside Cover

EXTERIOR PAINTING

Spray-Net Essex County Front Cover, 16-17

FENCE CONTRACTOR

National Fence Systems Inc ...................................3

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Michael Morgan - Edward Jones .........................5

NON PROFIT

Alzheimer’s Association ....................................... 23

PAINTER

Spray-Net Essex County Front Cover, 16-17

PICKLEBALL

The Pickle Jar .............................................Back Cover

SECURITY SERVICES

1 Security ...................................................... 9