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.
(. . .continued on page 8)
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
(. . .continued on page 10)
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
OCT 9 - 12
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT
OCT 30NOV 2
NOV 6 - 9
-
NOV 20 -
DEC 12 - 14
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE OCEAN COUNTY
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 16 - 18 | 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
MAY 17 - 31 | 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
JUNE 19 - 22 | MUSIC FESTIVAL
Give your friends a holler and get ready for some fun in the sun ‘cause country music’s biggest stars are coming to the beautiful beaches of Wildwood, NJ! This three-day event will host 30+ of the industry’s biggest stars and up-and-comers on multiple stages. With the combination of country music and the scenic backdrop of the Wildwood shores, this family-friendly, three-day fest is a summer vacation destination. For more info visit: barefootcountrymusicfest.com
JUNE 26 - 30 | BEARDFEST
Escape with us for a weekend in the Jersey Pines where you’ll experience music, visual art, nature, discussion, playtime, and community building unlike anywhere else. Our team works hard to cultivate & curate a breathtaking participatory experience to engage and stimulate festival goers of all ages. For more info visit: beardfest.net
(. . .continued on page 24)
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
OCEAN COUNTY
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)
JULY
JULY 4 |
INDEPENDENCE DAY
It’s exciting. It’s epic! This Annual Jersey City Freedom Fireworks Festival takes place right on the Hudson River! Come one, come all to the biggest Independence Day celebration in New Jersey for a full day filled with live music on two stages, super fun amusement rides, and a mouth-watering myriad of eats and drinks. The festivities will culminate with an amazing fireworks extravaganza against Lady Liberty and the New York City skyline.For more info visit: freedomandfireworks.com
JULY 12 - 14 | VEGAN FOOD FEST
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
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
(. . .continued on page 26)
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE OCEAN COUNTY
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 24)
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 13 - 14 | SEAFOOD FEST
The Downbeach Seafood Festival will be highlighting all the fantastic dining options this coastal area has to offer. Whether it’s trying the vast selection of local restaurants, sipping Jersey made craft beers, cooking with local chefs, shopping for unique exhibitors, or playing in the sand, you will find yourself immersed in the festival and all it has to offer.For more info visit: downbeachseafoodfest.com
SEPT 26 - 28 | 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
SEPT 27 | ROCK THE FARM
This festival is about connection, friendship, hope, and music. For the past nine years, friends have gathered and listened to their favorite tunes while supporting a great cause. Don’t miss out on the best event of the locals summer season! For more info visit: rockthefarmnj.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
(. . .continued on page 28)
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE OCEAN COUNTY
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 28) (. . .continued on page 30)
beloved community event back to its pre-pandemic greatness. The 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
FEBRUARY
FEB 27 | HOME & GARDEN SHOW
New Jersey’s premier home & garden event features over 200 exhibitors with the area’s top services &
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
OCEAN COUNTY
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 30)
products. Attend expert presentations, meet kitchen and bath designers, improve your home’s curb appeal, find outdoor furniture for spring, shop home decor, attend a painting class, enjoy the kid’s activity area and more! For more info visit: newjerseyhomeshow.com
MARCH
MARCH TBA | ATLANTIC CITY BEER
The Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival powered with two epic sessions of awesome tunes, lip-smacking brews, and outrageous fun! It’s time for the SUMMER SESSIONS! Picture our spring fling but under the open sky. Dive into over 100 breweries, seltzers, and uniquely crafted adult beverages, as you savor refreshing flavors while grooving to a killer soundtrack and stirring up some mischief on the side! For more info visit: acbeerfest.com
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
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
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
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
