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
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
JAN 2 - 5
JAN 9 - 12
JAN 16 - 19
JAN 22 - 25
JAN 30 - FEB 2
FEB 6 - 9
FEB 13 - 16
FEB 20 - 23
FEB 27 - MAR 2
MAR 6 - 9
The Sentry + Plantation Course at Kapalua • Kapalua, Maui, HI • USA
Sony Open in Hawaii Waialae Country Club • Honolulu, HI • USA
The American Express Pete Dye Stadium Course • La Quinta, CA • USA
Farmers Insurance Open Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) • San Diego, CA • USA
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am + Pebble Beach Golf Links • Pebble Beach, CA • USA
WM Phoenix Open TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) • Scottsdale, AZ • USA
The Genesis Invitational + The Riviera Country Club • Pacific Palisades, CA • USA
CLARK $3,600,000
MAR 6 - 9
Mexico Open at VidantaWorld VidantaWorld • Vallarta • MEX JAKE KNAPP $1,458,000
Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) • Palm Beach Gardens, FL • USA
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard + Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge • Orlando, FL • USA
Puerto Rico Open
Grand Reserve Golf Club • Rio Grande • PUR
ECKROAT $1,620,000
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2025 LPGA
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
PITTSBURGH
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.
FEBRUARY
FEB 22 | BEERS OF THE
BURGH
What do you do if you want to try out our 50+ breweries without making the drive all over the western half of the state? The answer is simple, go to Beers of the Burgh. This one is the best festival for local beer in western Pennsylvania, and will be a new tradition for us moving forward. For more info visit: beersoftheburgh.com
MARCH
MARCH 20 - 29 | FRINGE FEST
Spanning venues throughout the city, Pittsburgh Fringe is a performing arts festival featuring international, national and local artists and includes theater, comedy, visual arts, puppetry, music, opera, spoken word and much more.For more info visit: pittsburghfringe.org
APRIL
APRIL 24 - 30 | FILM FESTIVAL
Film Pittsburgh’s JFilm Festival, the largest Jewish cultural event in the region, will return to theaters April 24 - May 4, 2025. For 31 years, JFilm has showcased Jewish-themed, independent feature films from around the globe. For more info visit: filmpittsburgh.org
MAY
MAY 4 | MARATHON
With more than 40,000 runners of all ages and abilities, Pittsburgh is excited to welcome back the Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend on May 4, 2025! This year’s Race Weekend features the Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, Kids Marathon, Toddler Trot and Pet Walk. For more info visit: thepittsburghmarathon.com
MAY 23 - 25 | FOOD TRUCK FEST
Get ready to taste the best food on four wheels! Dozens of the region’s best food trucks will be in
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
PITTSBURGH
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.
attendance, plus live music and entertainment, craft beer and wine, regional artisans and vendors, and lots more. For more info visit: pghfoodtruckfest.com
JUNE
JUNE
5
- 8 | ARTS FESTIVAL
One of the biggest festivals in Pittsburgh every year is the Three Rivers Arts Festival. This massive event runs for roughly 10 days and features artists from all over southwest Pennsylvania and the country at large plus musical acts, unique art exhibits, and a whole lot more. For more info visit: traf.trustarts.org
JUNE 19 - 22 | FOOD FESTIVAL
Spice up your weekend at Pittsburgh’s Soul Food Festival – a mouthwatering celebration of the city’s Black culinary, butchery, and food businesses. Established in 2019, this festival honors Pittsburgh’s rich history of food service pioneers and entrepreneurs, dating back to 1795 when
Charles Richards opened the city’s first Black-owned restaurant and lodge. Spend the weekend feasting on soul food dishes from more than 100 small business vendors and food service proprietors, while enjoying live entertainment and engaging activities. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/hspastfu
JUNE 28 | TACOS & TEQUILA FEST
Tacos and Tequila Festival is coming to Pittsburgh, PA at Wild Things Park! DON’T MISS these hip hop legends… Enjoy food from the area’s best taco chefs, a queso & salsa competiton, lucha libre wrestling, and our famous Chihuahua Beauty Pageant. Plus, fully stocked bars and more surprises! For more info visit: tacosandtequilafestival.com
JULY
JULY TBA | PICKLESBURGH
Picklesburgh is a dill-icious weekend in Downtown Pittsburgh dedicated to the humble Pickle. Headlined by a giant flying Heinz
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
PITTSBURGH
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.
pickle balloon, the Picklesburgh festival is a true culinary celebration. Why pickles? Well, you may be surprised to know that Pittsburgh has a wonderful pickle history and enjoys celebrating the current pickle nostalgia! For more info visit: picklesburgh.com
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
The City of Pittsburgh’s Independence Day celebration returns to the Point on July 4th! Enjoy a family-style picnic at historic Point State Park, complete with patriotic music and food vendors from 4 to 10 pm. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4j43rw7s
JULY 19 - 20 | VINTAGE GRAND PRIX
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) is the nation’s largest vintage street race and the only one staged on public roads. It’s considered by drivers to be the most challenging racecourse worldwide with its tight turns, elevation changes and natural obstacles like
stone walls, curbs, manhole covers and telephone poles. For more info visit: pvgp.org
AUGUST
AUG 14 - 17 | LITTLE ITALY DAYS
For four days in Bloomfield it’s all-Italian-all-the-time! Expect lots of music and food, games and activities for the kids, more food and other fun things to do amidst Bloomfield’s unique shops and fine restaurants. For more info visit: littleitalydays.com
AUG 23 - 24 | BANANA SPLIT CELEBRATION
Latrobe celebrates the birthplace of this all-American dessert with a weekend of live music, goat yoga, kids activities, Yellow Tie Gala, pie-eating contest, 5k banana run and so much more! This sweet treat festival has been a staple in Westmoreland County since 2013! For more info visit: bananasplitfest.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
PITTSBURGH
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.
AUG 23 - 30 | RENAISSANCE FEST
Ready thyself to revel with master revelers, watch artisans create original works of their ancient craft and be taken in by the tantalizing aromas of roast turkey legs, steak on a stake, fresh baked goods and much more. Featuring a cast of hundreds of authentically costumed merrymakers living and working throughout the village and performing, continuously, upon the Festival’s stages, the illusion of a rollicking 16th Century festival day is created. For more info visit: pittsburghrenfest.com
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 5 - 7 | IRISH FESTIVAL
Learn about the ethnic richness of the Irish and Irish-American culture at this three day festival. The Pittsburgh Irish Festival celebrates the Irish experience in America. Our “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Festival” has become a springboard for a new cultural awakening of all things Celtic in Western Pennsylvania, the beauty of Irish dance, music, and literature bridg-
es many borders. For more info visit: pghirishfest.org
SEPT 18 - 21 | JAZZ FESTIVAL
Don’t miss this soulful weekend with more than 140 jazz musicians.The event will continue the legacy of past festivals and feature legendary jazz musicians from around the world! For more info visit: pittsburghjazzfest.org
OCTOBER
OCT 1 - 27 |
FALL FESTIVAL
Our annual Fall Festival on our 150-year-old farm is a tradition for many families in the South Hills and greater Pittsburgh area. There’s something for everyone from grandparents to grandkids. Enjoy a hayride to our pumpkin patch to pick-your-own pumpkin or see if you can find your way through our giant, 3-acre corn maze! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/y95pwh5t
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
PITTSBURGH
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.
NOVEMBER
NOV
TBA | LIGHT UP NIGHT
Even though we haven’t carved into the Thanksgiving turkey yet, Pittsburgh kicks off the two month-long holiday season with Light-Up Night. Several trees scattered around the city illuminate at different times throughout the night, each giving way to a series of holiday-themed shenanigans. You’ll enjoy multi-genre music entertainment, explosive fireworks and creative ice sculptures that most certainly foreshadow your impending doom as an icicle deep into the city’s winter.For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3jZdJb8
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 31 | HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year at Kennywood, when the entire amusement park is transformed into a winter wonderland of dazzling lights. The best place to visit during the holidays in Pittsburgh is Kennywood, without a doubt! For more info visit: kennywood.com
2025 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
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
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.
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
