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 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.
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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
AUG 7 - 10
AUG 14 - 17
AUG 21 - 24
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
FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind Memphis, TN • USA
BMW Championship Caves Valley Golf Club Owings Mills, MD • USA
TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club Atlanta, GA • USA
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
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
SOUTHWEST 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.
AUGUST
AUG 1 - 3 |
MULLET MADNESS
Come down and enjoy all things Mullet with a mullet tossing contest and a Joe Dirt look-alike contest on Fort Myers Beach. For more info visit: thewhalefmb.com
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 6 | CRAFT FESTIVAL
The tremendous support of the Venice community is one reason why this craft festival is so successful! Located on Florida’s west coast, Venice is a vibrant town on the Gulf of Mexico, filled with historic charm, natural beauty, and independently owned shops and restaurants. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5n6v3xya
SEPT 7 | FOOD TRUCKS FEST
The taproom at Fort Myers Brewing is Southwest Florida’s ultimate destination for award-winning craft beer and Spyk’d Hard Seltzers while experiencing an awesome lineup of local food trucks and jamming out to live tunes
from talented bands and musicians. There is always something fun happening at FMBrew for the entire family, and pets too! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2p9dna4
SEPT 20 | KEY LIME FEST
It’s all about the lime! Key Lime that is! Join us for the Annual Key Lime & Tropical Fest at Fishermen’s Village! Merchants and vendors along the Village promenade will feature key lime and tropical specialties while you enjoy shopping and dining! For more info visit: fishermensvillage.com
OCTOBER
OCT 17 - 19 | ROCKTOBERFEST
Join us in downtown Sarasota for three unforgettable days of free live music, amazing food, and refreshing drinks! Whether you’re here to shop, enjoy the lively atmosphere, or groove to fantastic tunes, there’s something for everyone.Bring your family, friends, and even your furry companions – our
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
SOUTHWEST 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.
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event is dog-friendly and family-friendly. With free admission and a shopping area full of local vendors, it’s the perfect way to spend your weekend!
For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/52etn32f
OCT 18 - 19 | FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Discover art and inspiration at the St. Armands Fall Festival of the Arts on October 19th-20th, 2024. Hosted by Paragon Festivals and the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association, this event transforms St. Armands Circle Park into an outdoor gallery of unique, handmade artwork by talented artisans from Florida and across the United States. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mw64bhxa
NOVEMBER
NOV 1 - 30 | MEDIEVAL FAIR
Welcome one and all to the 21st anniversary of the Sarasota Medieval Fair with exciting tournaments, scrumptious feasts & pure family fun! Step back in time & watch full-contact jousting, human combat chess matches & other fantastic shows on 14 stages! Enjoy rides & play games! Enjoy music & shop for the holidays in our artisan marketplace with over 140+ shops! Each festival weekend has a unique theme and a full lineup of unique acts! Come one & all for all-around medieval family fun & merriment. Huzzah!
For more info visit: sarasotamedievalfair.com
NOV 23 | BRICK UNIVERSE
Join thousands of fellow fans at the Robarts Arena for the ultimate LEGO Fan experience and celebrate the endless possibilities of LEGO bricks during the BrickUniverse 2025 Imagine Tour. Attendees will meet professional artists from around the country, explore
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
SOUTHWEST 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.
incredible LEGO exhibits and creations, have a chance build their very own LEGO masterpiece, and shop treasure troves of LEGO brick accessories and rare finds in our expansive and diverse Exhibit Hall. For more info visit: brickuniverseusa.com
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 31 | FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Get into the holiday spirit this year! View over one million traditional Christmas themed lights and decorations throughout Fishermen’s Village. For more info visit: fishermensvillage.com
DEC 12 - 13 | THE NUTCRACKER
Witness Clara and the Nutcracker battle with the Mouse King before journeying off to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince in this treasured family classic. Featuring lavish sets and costumes, live music, The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company, and over 100 students from across The Sarasota Ballet’s Education pro-
grams, The Nutcracker is our gift to you this holiday season. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/9x7tyvnm
JANUARY
JAN 2 - 4 | SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
This festival is crafted like a gourmet meal, blending the finest ingredients to create an unforgettable experience. Indulge in a wide selection of dishes including fresh seafood, meats, and vegetarian options, all cooked onsite. Pair your meal with a variety of side dishes, beverages, and delectable desserts. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mtdecw5j
FEBRUARY
FEB 6 - 8 | ARTFEST
Embark on an artistic journey amidst the creations of over 200 meticulously chosen artists, savor the melodies of live entertainment, tantalize your taste buds with culinary delights, engage in immersive children’s art activities, and be mesmerized by captivating
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTHWEST 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.
live art demonstrations. For more info visit: artfestfortmyers.com
FEB 21 | PARADE OF LIGHT
Named as the largest night parade in the Southeast, the Grand Parade is a two-hour extravaganza featuring national participants & local marching bands, floats, local government and law enforcement officials, clowns and much more. For more info visit: edisonfestival.org
MARCH
MARCH 20 - 22 | SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Join us at Largo Central Park for the inaugural Largo Seafood & Music Festival. This exciting new festival promises a weekend filled with delicious seafood, live music, and vibrant community spirit. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdfmcwzc
APRIL
APRIL 11 | CRAFT FESTIVAL
Set against the backdrop of the bustling Corey Avenue, surrounded by fantastic retail shops and fine dining restaurants, this festival is the perfect location to peruse local hand-crafted works and wares. Find unique creations and connect with a community of like-minded artisans in this picturesque beach town. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4fcdxjf5
APRIL 17 - 19 | SEAFOOD FEST
This seafood and music festival is crafted like an outstanding meal, incorporating the finest ingredients. Choose from a variety of entrees including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, all cooked fresh onsite. Complement your meal with an array of side dishes and scrumptious desserts. A selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will also be available. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2nwuhbj4
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTHWEST 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.
MAY
MAY
20 - 24
| FILM FESTIVAL
Get ready for the Fort Myers Film Festival’s annual festival which will be held in the sunny, beautiful SWFL region at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, IMAG, Babcock Ranch, BIG ARTS, Alliance for the Arts, Broadway Palm Theater and more. For more info visit: fortmyersfilmfestival.com
JUNE
JUNE 25 | SUMMER FEST
Join US for our annual Summer Fest! Where we kick off Summer with good tunes & good vibes during our Summertime concert with your favorite local vendors all in one place! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/ydxsad99
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Come celebrate our great nation and town pride as the Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July parade makes its way down Estero Blvd. with its colorful floats and costumed participants! For more info visit: myriverdistrict.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
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!
