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 8)
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
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
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
SEP 11 - 14
Queen City Championship presented by P&G Maineville, OH | TPC River’s Bend
SEP 19 - 21 Walmart NW Ark Championship presented by P&G Rogers, AR | Pinnacle Country Club
OCT 1 - 4 LOTTE Championship presented by Hoakalei Ewa Beach, Oahu, HI | Hoakalei Country Club
OCT
-
NOV 6 - 9
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND
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
20
- 21 | MUSIC FESTIVAL
Iron Blossom Music Festival will offer two days of top line musical talent, as well as the very best of Central Virginia’s food, beverage and maker communities. For more info visit: ironblossomfestival.com
SEPT
23
- 28 | FILM FESTIVAL
An inclusive and spirited festival designed to honor true film artists. Richmond theaters will show quality flick after quality flick. More than 150 films from over 35 countries to be screened over several days. In between screenings, you can catch panels, awards, musical performances, and more! For more info visit: rvafilmfestival.com
OCTOBER
OCT 1 - 5 | STATE FAIR
The Virginia State Fair features dozens of food vendors offering all-time favorites like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and barbecue
chicken. Vendors offer souvenirs, clothing, belt buckles, and various unusual designs.The beautiful Meadow Park is a great outdoor setting for exciting rides, games, shows, concerts, and other family fun. For more info visit: statefairva.org
OCT
1
- 31 | HARVEST FESTIVAL
Come celebrate with us and create an unforgettable experience picking pumpkins, getting lost in our corn maze and roasting marshmallows at the bonfire. Don’t forget those freshly made Cider Donuts! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3rKGaKc
OCT
17
- 18 | OKTOBERFEST!
The Annual Richmond Oktoberfest is changing dates to the first weekend of October. Come celebrate at the only authentic Oktoberfest in central Virginia. The entertainment will be highlighted with the traditional march of the regional German Societies, the crowning of the Oktoberfest
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND
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.
Queen, and the popular Beer Stein Hoisting Contest. For more info visit: richmondoktoberfestinc.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 7 - 8 | OYSTER FESTIVAL
As you walk through the festival you will find many food & craft vendors, as well as wine tasting, beer tasting, and educational experiences. There is something for everyone at this popular festival & the Urbanna Oyster Festival invites individuals from all over to what has long been known as the Official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth. For more info visit: urbannaoysterfestival.com
NOV 15 | RICHMOND MARATHON
Each of our scenic courses showcases some of our city’s favorite attributes. With street art and river views, historic architecture and beautiful parks, our race routes treat runners to a unique and unforgettable tour of RVA that ends with our renowned downhill
finish and post-race party on the riverfront! During your race, you’ll also encounter live bands, DJs, spirit groups, and Party Zones that will offer plenty of encouragement and motivation. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2SaqCDp
DECEMBER
DEC 4 - 7 | BIZARRE BAZAAR
The Bizarre Bazaar’s Christmas Collection features more than 500 juried exhibitors in four contiguous buildings. The 45th Christmas Collection will feature talented artisans of varied media, unique new shops, boutiques, small businesses, exciting new gift lines, holiday decorations, gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing, accessories, toys, quality crafts, fine art and much more! For more info visit: thebizarrebazaar.com
DEC 6 | CHRISTMAS PARADE
Kick off the holiday season with the annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade. You do not want to miss an exciting parade
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND
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.
line-up full of colorful floats, giant helium balloons, high school and college marching bands, princesses, superheroes, and Legendary Santa himself! For more info visit: richmondparade.org
JANUARY
JAN 10 - 11 | FLY FISHING FEST
The Virginia Fly Fishing Festival is the largest event of its kind in the country and attracts fly anglers from across the United States and the Mid-Atlantic in particular. Nowhere else can anglers learn about the quiet sport in such a beginner-friendly environment. Our unique event combines fine wine tasting, microbrewery beer, and everything you ever wanted to know about fly fishing but were afraid to ask. For more info visit: vaflyfishingfestival.com
JAN 24 - 26 | BOAT SHOW
The Downtown Richmond Boat Show will feature over 150,000 square feet of boats all under one roof. See boats shine under the
first class lighting only found at the Richmond Convention Center. This show will be the largest show Richmond has ever seen!
For more info visit: downtownrichmondboatshow.com
FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | GEORGE WASHINGTON PARADE
The George Washington Birthday Parade winds through a one-mile route along the historic streets of Old Town. It is the oldest and largest parade celebrating the birth of George Washington in the USA, thanks to thousands of participants and spectators.
For more info visit: washingtonbirthday.com
FEB 7 | CHOCOLATE, WINE & WHISKEY FESTIVAL
Enjoy Chocolate in a multitude of decadent presentations – an amazing selection of bean-to-bar artisan chocolates. Quench your thirst with Champagne, Prosecco and premium wines and a sip
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND
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.
of fine whiskies! Hey, and buy some to take home – why not, you deserve it! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/cy2n5vjv
MARCH
MARCH TBA | SHAMROCK THE BLOCK
Shamrock The Block is a free street festival - located in Historic Scott’s Addition - on leigh street between Movieland and Midtown Green! This is our cure for “Cabin Fever” in Richmond. For more info visit: shamrocktheblock.com
APRIL
APRIL 10 - 12 | SPRING MARKET
Two Exhibition Buildings featuring unique gifts, gourmet foods, boutiques, fine artists and crafters and exciting decorative accessories for the home and garden. For more info visit: thebizarrebazaar.com
MAY
MAY 15 - 17 | RIVERROCK
The nation’s largest outdoor sports and music festival is Dominion Energy Riverrock, a three-day riverside experience in an urban setting with great food, craft beer and wine nearby. This isn’t your typical festival, and we’re not your typical town. For more info visit: riverrockrva.com
MAY 26 | FOOD FESTIVAL
Enjoy a beautiful summer day on the island while listening to your favorite songs and sampling the best vendors that Central Virginia has to offer, truly a day dedicated to a feel good time! You don’t want to miss the Stone Soul Music and Food festival! For more info visit: kissrichmond.com
MAY 28 - 31 | GREEK FESTIVAL
In Ancient Greece, the Agora was traditionally a city center or meeting place for a town. It transformed into a marketplace for local vendors to sell goods and
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND
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.
items. At the Richmond Greek Festival, we pay tribute to this ancient tradition and bring in many local and international vendors for the public to browse. For more info visit: greekfestival.com
JUNE
JUNE TBA | TOMATO FESTIVAL
A huge festival located at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville, the Hanover Tomato Festival has just about every variation of tomatoes you can think of: fried green tomatoes, tomato pie, tomato Po’ boy, tomato tacos, tomato burger, fried tomato chips, tomato wraps, salsa, and on and on and on – all, of course, of the Hanover tomato variety. For more info visit: hanovertomatofestival.com
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
From historical happenings and family-friendly events to brewery bashes, baseball, and breathtaking fireworks displays, the Richmond Region is your destination
for July 4th fun and festivities! Check out these awesome ways to spend your 4th of July in Richmond! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/duc7krbx
AUGUST
AUG TBA | JAZZ FESTIVAL
This is a world-class jazz event that’s worth traveling for. Every year, the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival lines up some of the best names in jazz, funk and blues. Make plans now to join us at this monumental festival! For more info visit: richmondjazzandmusicfestival.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.
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
