VENTURA COUNTY CALIFORNIA | VOL. 3
TOP 10 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT
Remember
Saving Matters!
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.
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
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
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2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE VENTURA COUNTY
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
JULY 16 - 20 |
HERITAGE DAYS FIESTA
Bring your family & friends to the Heritage Days Fiesta located in Old Town Camarillo. Join us in celebrating Camarillo’s rich heritage with carnival rides, food, local craft vendors, live music, live art, car show and much more! For more info visit: camarilloheritagedays.org
AUGUST
AUG
1 -
10 | COUNTY FAIR
The Ventura County Fair is one of California’s most popular seaside attractions. Enjoy exciting rides, attractions, and free concerts featuring top artists. Use this travel guide to inspire you with recommended restaurants, breweries, the best beaches, hotels, and fun things to do. For more info visit: venturacountyfair.org
AUG
16
- 17 | AIR SHOW
Experience the Thrills of California’s Premier Air Show! Witness high-speed aerial acrobatics, live performances, captivating displays, and exhilarating helicopter and airplane rides. But wait, there’s more! Enjoy a spectacular car show, explore the veterans hangar, witness historical reenactments, marvel at a robotics demonstration, and much more! For more info visit: wingsovercamarillo.com
AUG 22 - 24 | CORNHOLE FEST
The Throwdown Cornhole Festival is back, this time bigger and better than ever! As the largest cornhole tournament in the world, finalists will get a chance to win huge cash prizes as well as festival goers. The cornhole tournament will feature live music, a carnival, fun activities, brews and good grub.For more info visit: thethrowdowncornholetournament.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
VENTURA COUNTY
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 - 28
| ARTWALK
This free, family-friendly event will feature the work of regional artists and musicians in local galleries, businesses and restaurants Downtown and on Ventura’s west side, a large fine arts fair on the grounds of Mission Park, and artists in popup spots along Main Street. For more info visit: artwalkventura.org
SEPT 27 - 28 | LEMON FESTIVAL
You’ll find wonderful food, a fantastic family atmosphere, and a variety of entertainment and activities that have made this the most anticipated event on the Goleta coast. This weekend also includes the Goleta Fall Classic Car and Street Rod Show and the ever-popular ‘Safety Street.’ Don’t miss our pie-eating contests, and the arts and crafts vendors. For more info visit: lemonfestival.com
OCTOBER
OCT 1 - 31 | HARVEST FESTIVAL
Come celebrate fall harvest at one of Ventura County’s most beloved family farms. The annual fall harvest festival offers up a fun and unique experience with special themes on the weekends. See below for details. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3fm5rajy
OCT 11 - 12 | HIGHLAND GAMES
Southern California’s Seaside Highland Games is the premier Scottish festival on the Pacific Coast. Staged on the Ventura County Fairgrounds in coastal Ventura, California, the venue is transformed into an immersive Scottish village for folks of all ages. Set on the Pacific shores, the festival is fortunate to enjoy the ocean breezes and October is the optimal time to enjoy the time between summer and fall! For more info visit: seasidehighlandgames.org
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
VENTURA COUNTY
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 | DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
Dia De Los Muertos Downtown Ventura street festival is a lively, engaging events that offers a rich blend of the cultural practices, artistic expressions and community spirit. Attendees can immerse themselves in the traditions, various activities and honor the memory of those who have passed away.For more info visit: diadelosmuertosventura.com
NOV 8 - 9 | GOTHIC MARKET
Inspired by Pop-culture & classics like Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Harry Potter, and American Horror Story, Our Goth & Witch Exhibition is a folklore-themed market & exhibition that works to bring together various aspects of witchcraft, Halloween, horror, tarot, folklore, renaissance, couture, supernatural, strange things, & metaphysical items, and more. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/nvxetu75
DECEMBER
DEC 6 | THE WINE WALK
The Wine Walk will showcase Wine, Sparkling Wine, and Craft Beer sampling in your favorite downtown businesses. Plus, the Vendor Fair will feature hundreds of local vendors and crafters lining the streets of downtown with goods available for sale! For more info visit: venturawinterwinewalk.com
DEC 12 - 13 | THE PARADE OF LIGHTS
The Christmas Event of the year is back! The Parade of Lights at Ventura Harbor water parade filled with decked out boats that the entire family will love. Head over to the carnival for a thrill ride and cotton candy. End the evening with a spectacular fireworks display. Arrive early and bring warm clothes and lawn chairs for preferred seating. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/24d72kh2
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
VENTURA COUNTY
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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DEC 14 | SANTA TO THE SEA
In 2008, we started our half-marathon that raises money to give Christmas gifts, food, college scholarships, and more to the underserved in Ventura County. Each year, around 3000 toys are given out, $500,000 in scholarships have been awarded, and basic needs like food have been given through Santa to the Sea. For more info visit: santatothesea.com
JANUARY
JAN 1 | ROSE PARADE
Every New Year, visitors experience the beauty of the floral floats along with spirited marching bands and high-stepping equestrian units along the 5 1/2 mile route down Colorado Boulevard. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3mfx8spb
JAN 31 | TRAIN SHOW
A large train show featuring hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, operating exhibits, and activities for kids. For more info visit: venturacountyfair.org
FEBRUARY
FEB 20 - 22 | HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Your Space, Reimagined! Shop and browse and get new ideas for all things home improvement, design, and decorative. For more info visit: venturahomeshows.com
MARCH
MARCH 7 - 8 | GEM
&
MINERAL SHOW
The VGMS holds its annual Gem and Mineral Show on the first full weekend in March. Join us for 2 days of exhibits, dealers, kid’s activities, silent auctions, raffles, plant sales and a rummage sale. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/urnb2njm
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE VENTURA COUNTY
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 12 | KHAY FEST
KHAY FEST Music Festival returns-, with musical performances by Country superstars Justin Moore, LoCash, and Dillon Carmichael. Proceeds benefit Ventura County First Responders and FoodShare. Information at www.khay.com For more info visit: khay.com
APRIL 18 - 19 | COWBOY FEST
Step into the heart of the Old West with a one-of-a-kind shopping experience at the Cowboy Festival! Explore a carefully curated selection of vendors offering authentic western goods, unique finds, and delicious cowboy-inspired cuisine. For more info visit: cowboyfestival.org
MAY
MAY 16 - 17 | STRAWBERRY FEST
The highly-anticipated California Strawberry Festival is making a grand return, and this time it’s bigger and better than ever before! Get ready to indulge in everything strawberry. For more info visit: castrawberryfestival.org
JUNE
JUNE 7 | WINE, FOOD & BREW FESTIVAL
Your all-inclusive ticket grants your access to hundreds of top-tier wineries, restaurants, bakeries and breweries from Ventura County and the Central Coast. Sip, savor, and indulge in an unforgettable day of delicious delights! For more info visit: winefoodandbrewfestival.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!
