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
APR 3 - 6
APR 10 - 13
APR 17 - 20
APR 17 - 20
Valero Texas Open TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) • San Antonio, TX • USA
Masters Tournament
Augusta National Golf Club • Augusta, GA • USA
RBC Heritage + Harbour Town Golf Links • Hilton Head Island, SC • USA
Corales Puntacana Championship
Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course) Punta Cana • DOM
* Schedule subject to change
APR 24 - 27
MAY 1 - 4
MAY 8 - 11
Zurich Classic of New Orleans TPC Louisiana • Avondale, LA • USA
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson TPC Craig Ranch •McKinney, TX • USA
Truist Championship + The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) • Philadelphia, PA • USA
PENDRITH $1,710,000
MAY 8 - 11
MAY 15 - 18
MAY 22 - 25
MAY 29 - JUN 1
Myrtle Beach Classic Dunes Golf and Beach Club • Myrtle Beach, SC • USA
PGA Championship Quail Hollow Club • Charlotte, NC • USA XANDER SCHAUFFELE $3,330,000
Charles Schwab Challenge
Colonial Country Club • Fort Worth, TX • USA DAVIS RILEY $1,638,000
The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club • Dublin, OH • USA
+ Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
SCHEFFLER $4,000,000
2025 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
JUN 5 - 8
JUN 12 - 15
JUN 19 - 22
JUN 26 - 29
JUL 3 - 6
JUL 10 - 13
JUL 10 - 13
JUL 17 - 20
JUL 17 - 20
JUL 24 - 27
JUL 31 - AUG 3
AUG 7 - 10
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTH FLORIDA
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.
APRIL
APRIL 25 | WINE & FOOD FEST
. Come together to enjoy the fantastic culinary talents of South Florida, while raising money for a good cause. You will sip, sample and enjoy dishes from 50+ of South Florida’s finest restaurants and more than 40 wineries and breweries and the event is infused with more fun and excitement. For more info visit: lasolaswff.com
APRIL 27 | JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Palm Beach International Jazz Festival is a full, one-day music event which will feature highly acclaimed, award winning jazz artists. The festival will honor the many wonderful facets of jazz including the Great American Songbook, jazz standards, Bebop, Brazilian and Latin jazz. A true feast for the ears. For more info visit: palmbeachinternationaljazzfestival.org
MAY
MAY
2
- 4 | GRAND PRIX
Buckle up, Fort Lauderdale! The all-new Beachfront Grand Prix Festival is coming to Las Olas Oceanside Park. Free Admission! Enjoy Live Music, Pit Stop Challenge, Racing Simulators, Merch, Food, Drink and more. For more info visit: beachfrontgrandprixfest.com
MAY 3 - 4 | AIR SHOW
Experience a thrill like no other during the Fort Lauderdale Air Show at Fort Lauderdale beach. This annual spectacle showcases precision flying teams and military demonstrations, captivating spectators with daring displays of aviation skill. For more info visit: fortlauderdaleairshow.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTH FLORIDA
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.
JUNE
JUNE
7
| DIVE INTO SUMMER
Celebrate the start of summer with us at Dive Into Summer! We’ll have local vendors, performers, and family-friendly activities to enjoy. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/6af7yat2
JUNE 14 | FOOD FESTIVAL
Welcome to the Dade vs Broward Food Festival! Join us at the Pegasus at Gulfstream Park for a culinary showdown between two of Florida’s most delicious counties. Taste the best dishes each region has to offer, from savory dishes to mouthwatering desserts. Get ready for a day filled with food, fun, and friendly competition. Don’t miss out on this epic gastronomic battle! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/fdthpy6x
JULY
JULY 4 |
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Celebrate America’s Independence Day at the City of Fort Lauderdale’s free 4th of July Spec-
tacular! The Independence Day Celebration will feature a patriotic extravaganza on and along Fort Lauderdale Beach featuring live bands, a kids zone, beach games, contests, family activities and a dazzling fireworks display. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/38pr2Os
JULY 5 | BLOCK PARTY
The festival features epic plant based food, drinks, music, and family fun! Local and out-of-state vendors join us to serve a wide variety of vegan cuisines, brews & beverages, merch, specialty goods, arts, crafts, and more! For more info visit: veganblockparty.com
AUGUST
AUG
1
- 30 | DINE OUT
Dine Out Lauderdale will be back serving delicious bites, creative cocktails, and innovative gastronomic experiences. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5c9bxh3h
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTH FLORIDA
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
5
- 7 | ANTIQUES FESTIVAL
The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival exhibits the products such as jewelry, vintage, porcelain, pottery, china, glass, dolls, toys, furniture, art, home decor products, ceramic items and paintings and much more. Stop on by to find something new for your collection! For more info visit: wpbaf.com
OCTOBER
OCT
1
- 31 | FRIGHT NIGHTS
Fright Nights is the premier haunted house attraction in South Florida, bringing you bone chilling haunted houses, creepy characters, live entertainment, scare zones, and more! For more info visit: myfrightnights.com
OCT
4
- 12 | MIAMI CARNIVAL
Once a year, one of the greatest carnivals is held in Miami. In Miami Broward One Carnival, a colorful street parade is held as well as over 10 mass bands that participate.The visitors can enjoy Steel
Pan competition, Floats, King & Queen election and other more Individual competitions. Plenty Caribbean food, drinks, arts and craft vendors on site, and more! For more info visit: miamicarnival.org
OCT 10 - 19 | OKTOBERFEST
Dine on authentic meals of bratwurst and schnitzel; sip imported and domestic beers, schnapps, 30 different types of liquor; and listen to entertainment by two original Oktoberfest bands direct from Germany. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment with arts and crafts, carnival and games, folk-dancing, vendor displays and souvenirs. For more info visit: oktoberfestflorida.com
NOVEMBER NOV 9 | JERK FESTIVAL
The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is the biggest Caribbean Food Festival in the USA. Excite your palate and explore spicy jerk delicacies, culinary demonstrations and
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTH FLORIDA
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.
competitions, enjoy hot music, traditional and contemporary cultural presentations and bask in the cool vibes of this uniquely Jamaican event. Come savor the island flavor! For more info visit: jerkfestival.com
DECEMBER
DEC 5 | BOAT PARADE
Look up in the sky – not for Santa, but for fireworks, because it means the “Merry and Bright” Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade on its way! See boats decked with dancing lights, holiday adornments, and more than a few surprises as they make their way up the Intracoastal Waterway from the North Palm Beach Marina to Jupiter. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3ooSz7u
DEC 6 | WINE, BEER, & SPIRITS FEST
Enjoy a session at with your favorite local brew, exotic wine & craft spirit. Guests will enjoy beer, wine and spirit samples for the session
paired with live entertainment, food and interactive games. For more info visit: floridasummerfest.com
DEC
11
- 14 | FOOD & WINE FEST
This gastronomic experience hosts an unprecedented collection of talent for this four-day foodie festival. Residents and visitors alike will savor the many culinary creations, as master chefs mix, blend and create culinary magic in an unmatched resort destination. For more info visit: pbfoodwinefest.com
JANUARY
JAN
19
- 25 | FOOD & WINE FEST
The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is the premier culinary event in Broward County! Featuring activations throughout the year and culminating with a week-long celebration, the festival puts the spotlight on Greater Fort Lauderdale’s hospitality industry all year long. Produced by 66 Productions, VLFWF showcases
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTH FLORIDA
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.
Broward County’s renowned and emerging chefs, restaurateurs and local food & beverage establishments. For more info visit: vlfoodwine.com
FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | GARLIC FEST
Still Stinkin’ After All These Years! The “Best Stinkin’ Party in South Florida” returns for garlicky goodness! Join us as this Internationally Award Winning Event continues the tradition of being the signature food and entertainment event in South Florida. Eat, drink & STINK with us! For more info visit: garlicfestfl. com
MARCH
MARCH TBA | RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Travel back in time to the 16th century at the Annual Florida Renaissance Festival at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. You’ll meet sword fighters, magicians, heroic knights and over 100 performers ready to entertain you. Feast on a cornucopia of food fit for a king or queen. Visit the Enchanted Artisan Marketplace where merchants will demonstrate and sell their wares - blown glass, wooden toys, unique pottery and more.For more info visit: ren-fest.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
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 * Schedule subject to change
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!
