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
DATES TOURNAMENT
SEP 11 - 14
SEP 26 -28
OCT 2 - 5
OCT 9 - 12
OCT 23 - 26
NOV 6 - 9
NOV 13 - 16
DEC 4 - 7
DEC 12 - 14
Procore Championship Silverado Resort Napa, CA • USA
Ryder Cup
Bethpage State Park (Black) Farmingdale, NY • USA
Sanderson Farms Championship
The Country Club of Jackson Jackson, MS • USA
Baycurrent Classic
Yokohama Country Club Yokohama • JPN
Bank of Utah Championship
Black Desert Resort Ivins, UT • USA
World Wide Technology Championship
El Cardonal at Diamante Los Cabos • MEX
Butterfield Bermuda Championship
Port Royal Golf Course
Southampton • BER
Hero World Challenge
Albany GC Albany • BAH
Grant Thornton Invitational
Tiburón Golf Club
Naples, FL • USA
+ Signature Event
# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored
^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
* Schedule subject to change
PREVIOUS WINNER
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
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CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
SEP 11 - 14
SEP 19 - 21
OCT 1 - 4
-
NOV 6 - 9
NW Ark Championship presented by P&G Rogers, AR | Pinnacle Country Club
Championship presented by Hoakalei Ewa Beach, Oahu, HI | Hoakalei Country Club
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
RALEIGH DURHAM
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 27 | FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Enjoy a fun atmosphere with food, games, cultural dances, music and a raffle. This festival was designed to bring us together and ignite a new spark of life by enjoying the food of our parishioners’ diverse backgrounds. For more info visit: thefoodfestival.com
OCTOBER
OCT 4 - 30 | RENAISSANCE FEST
Fans of the medieval times mixed with circus-themed attractions and shows. Interact with more than 500 costumed villagers, including mermaids and jousting knights. For more info visit: carolina.renfestinfo.com
OCT 11 | OKTOBERFEST
We’ve got lots of reasons for you to grab your beer stein, put on your Lederhosen or your dirndl. The Harbor Towne Fest Band will provide a festive Bavarian atmosphere to Sugar’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. Take in the beautiful fall foliage, cool, comfortable mountain temperatures, and a weekend full of festival activities! For more info visit: oktoberfest.skisugar.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 1 - 2 |
WHIRLIGIG FESTIVAL
People who can appreciate an arts fest with its own hometown twist. Catch more than 200 vendors, live entertainment and more fun. Try your hand at the free extreme challenges or see if you have what it takes to tackle the Whirligig-Warrior course.. For more info visit: whirligigfestivalnc.org
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
RALEIGH DURHAM
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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DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 31 | ART WALK
Downtown Raleigh shines every holiday season with Illuminate Art Walk! Illuminate Art Walk has transformed downtown into a wonderland of art and light—fun for people of all ages. For more info visit: downtownraleigh.org
DEC 1 - 31 | LIGHT SHOW
One of the largest and most spectacular Christmas light displays in North Carolina is at 10 S. Cypress St, Wendell. Lake Myra Christmas Lights features almost a quarter of a million lights that dance in a synchronized show, with special effects, to holiday music. There’s also a 50-foot decorated Christmas tree. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/f6jb9jas
JANUARY
JAN 9 - 11 | FISHING
EXPO
The Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo is the place to get ready for the season. With units rigged and ready to hit the water, truckloads of the latest tackle, newest electronics and a seminar series that is second to none. The Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo is hands down the best show of its kind in the southeast. For more info visit: bassandsaltwaterfishingexpo.com
FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | KRISPY KREME CHALLENGE
2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour. The mantra of the Krispy Kreme Challenge epitomizes the test of physical fitness and gastrointestinal fortitude. What started as a challenge among ten friends has transformed into a nationally publicized charity race, and the number one tradition to complete before graduating from North Carolina State University. For more info visit: krispykremechallenge.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RALEIGH DURHAM
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.
MARCH
MARCH TBA | ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Celebrate Irish heritage at the annual Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Watch amazing floats go by with traditional food and drink. Everyone can feel Irish for the day! For more info visit: raleighstpats.org
MARCH 13 - 14 | FIBERFEST
The FiberFest is a wonderful opportunity to learn heritage craft skills and to connect with those who are passionate about fiber arts! It’s exciting to see the heightened popularity of handmade goods at this festival. For more info visit: carolinafiberfest.org
APRIL
APRIL 16 - 19 | FILM FESTIVAL
The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is an internationally recognized, Academy Awards qualifying event that proudly presents the best of nonfiction films on the festival circuit each year. The annual festival gathers many enthusiastic fans from around the globe to celebrate the documentary art form, engage in meaningful conversation, and experience the impact of exceptional nonfiction cinema first hand. For more info visit: fullframefest.org
APRIL 24 - 25 | BREWGALOO
Brewgaloo is a 2 day festival featuring over 110 craft breweries from around NC and partnering with local food trucks, local vendors, and local bands to bring you North Carolina’s largest craft beer festival! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3z5m29tj
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RALEIGH DURHAM
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 TBA | TASTE OF SOUL
The popular food festival Taste of Soul holds several food and merchant events throughout the year in Durham and Raleigh, NC. Taste of Soul NC is the ultimate cookout experience, with food, merchants, DJ, live performances, and kids’ activities. For more info visit: tasteofsoulnc.com
JUNE
JUNE 6 | BEAVER QUEEN PAGEANT
This festival is a special mix of folly, pageantry, humor and competition. Vote for your favorite contestant by bribing a judge. $5 per bribe. This event benefits Keep Durham Beautiful. For more info visit: beaverqueen.org
JUNE 6 | FOOD FESTIVAL
This very popular festival will feature a wide variety of international food, international beer and wine, international performers and more. Over 50 countries will be represented and there will be nonstop performances. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/38kcxcfm
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Independence Day traditions in North Carolina are all about parades, fireworks, and great barbecues. Celebrations start in late June culminating on July 4th. The areas around Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill offer some of the most lively celebrations in the state with street fairs, festivals and baseball games. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/33ddYWd
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RALEIGH DURHAM
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.
JULY 19 - 21 | PEACH FESTIVAL
Ok, we’re just going to say it. The peach is the best fruit of the summer, and the North Carolina Peach Festival celebrates it in all its sweet, tangy, juicy glory. Sample some of the best peach ice cream in all of North Carolina, enjoy a parade, and live music! For more info visit: ncpeachfestival. com
AUGUST
AUG TBA | BBQ FESTIVAL
Cary’s Favorite Festival is Back and Better than Ever. Get ready to enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, and Bluegrass! Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an all you care to taste sampling of beer and bourbon. For more info visit: cary.beerandbourbon.com
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATE
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
MAY 24 - SUN 12:00 PM First Round
MAY 24 - SUN 8:15 PM First Round
MAY 25 - MON 12:00 PM First Round
MAY 25 - MON 8:15 PM First Round
MAY 26 - TUE 12:00 PM First Round
MAY 26 - TUE 8:15 PM First Round
MAY 27 - WED 12:00 PM Second Round
MAY 27 - WED 8:15 PM Second Round
MAY 28 - THU 10:00 AM Second Round
MAY 28 - THU 8:15 PM Second Round
MAY 29 - FRI 12:00 PM Third Round
MAY 29 - FRI 8:15 PM Third Round
MAY 30 - SAT 12:00 PM Third Round
MAY 30 - SAT 8:15 PM Third Round
MAY 31 - SUN 12:00 PM Fourth Round
MAY 31 - SUN 8:15 PM Fourth Round
JUNE 1 - MON 12:00 PM Fourth Round
JUNE 1 - MON 8:15 PM Fourth Round
JUNE 2 - TUE 12:00 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 2 - TUE 8:15 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 3 - WED 12:00 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 3 - WED 8:15 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 4 - THUR 2:30 PM Ladies Semifinals
JUNE 5 - FRI 2:30 PM Mens Semifinals
JUNE 5 - FRI 8:15 PM Mens Semifinals
JUNE 6 - SAT 3:00 PM Ladies Singles Final, Mens Double Final
JUNE 7 - SUN 3:00 PM Mens Singles Final, Ladies Doubles Final
DATE
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
JUNE 29 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1st Round
JUNE 30 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1st Round
JULY 1 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 2 - THU 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2rd Round
JULY 3 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 4 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 5 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 6 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies’ 4th Round
JULY 7- TUE 11:00 AM Ladies' and Gentlemen's Quarterfinals
JULY 8 - WED 11:00 AM Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Quarterfinals
JULY 9 - THU 11:00 AM Ladies’ Semifinals
JULY 9 - THU 11:00 AM Gentlemen’s Semifinals
JULY 10 - FRI 11:00 AM Ladies’ Singles Final & Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles
JULY 11 - SAT 11:00 AM Gentlemen’s Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
HEALTH & FOOD
Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.
Sugar intake is a concern for many.
A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.
To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.
The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.
The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.
The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.
The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.
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CORPORATE LAW
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RETREATS Passionate Intimacy Retreats 3
CUSTOM ISLANDS
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DISASTER RESOURCES
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DRY EYE CARE
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EMERGENCY PLANNING
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ESTATE PLANNING
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FAMILY LAW
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