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
SCHEFFLER $3,600,000 * Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
FEB 6 - 9
FEB 13 - 16
FEB 20 - 23
FEB 27 - MAR 2
MAR 6 - 9
WM Phoenix Open TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) • Scottsdale, AZ • USA
The Genesis Invitational + The Riviera Country Club • Pacific Palisades, CA • USA
Mexico Open at VidantaWorld VidantaWorld • Vallarta • MEX
Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) • Palm Beach Gardens, FL • USA
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard + Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge • Orlando, FL • USA
MAR 6 - 9
MAR 13 - 16
MAR 20 - 23
MAR 27 - 30
APR 3 - 6
APR 10 - 13
Puerto Rico Open
Grand Reserve Golf Club • Rio Grande • PUR
THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) • Ponte Vedra Beach, FL • USA
Valspar Championship Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) • Palm Harbor, FL • USA
Texas Children’s Houston Open Memorial Park Golf Course • Houston, TX • USA STEPHAN JAEGER $1,638,000
Valero Texas Open
TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) • San Antonio, TX • USA
Masters Tournament
Augusta National Golf Club • Augusta, GA • USA
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2025 LPGA
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHARLOTTE
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.
FEBRUARY
FEB 21 - 23 |
HOME & GARDEN SHOW
The Southern Spring Home and Garden Show will have home improvement, deals and sales, inspirational ideas, experts and so much more at their annual home event. Come for inspiration for your next home project! For more info visit: charlottehomeandremodelingshow.com
MARCH
MARCH 7 - 8 | HAMFEST
Hamfest brings you the best charlotte has to offer in ham. We hope we will be able to bring you the quality, multidimensional hamfest that you’ve come to enjoy. Come on down and have an exciting and good time! For more info visit: charlottehamfest.org
APRIL
APRIL 12 - 13 | HIGHLAND GAMES
The Loch Norman Highland Games at Rural Hill is a family
friendly event presented by Historic Rural Hill. Come and experience all the fun with Highland dancing, bagpipe bands, Highland athletics, merchants, Celtic Rock and Traditional Performers, historic reenactments, scottish country dancing, hearth cooking, throw a battle axes and so much more!For more info visit: lochnorman.com
APRIL 23 - 27 | WINE & FOOD WEEK
Charlotte Wine & Food Week brings together leading winemakers and chefs from around the world to celebrate and advance public knowledge of and appreciation for great wine and food. This event is making significant contributions to charitable organizations that benefit children and their families in Charlotte. Taste your way around Charlotte while contributing to your community! For more info visit: charlottewineandfood.org
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHARLOTTE
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 1 - 2 | JIGGY WITH THE PIGGY
This annual event with a fun name, is coming back for three days in May. Jiggy with the Piggy includes a Kansas City Barbeque Society Competition, rides, 5k race, over 100 artisans, concerts, an outdoor family movie night, a pancake breakfast, and people’s choice BBQ and wings tasting. Bring your family or friends for an exciting weekend you won’t forget! For more info visit: jiggywiththepiggy.com
MAY 14 - 18 | FILM FESTIVAL
Reel Out Charlotte, the Queen City’s Annual LGBTQ+ Film Festival, is back for another year! Join us as we celebrate the beauty of independent cinema and see our LGBTQ+ lives, loves, and triumphs on the big screen. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2nx3unv7
MAY 20 - 25 | LES MISERABLES
Against this backdrop of simmering rebellion, we follow the story of Jean Valjean, an escaped convict who manages to build a new life for himself and his adopted daughter Cosette. Yet his new found happiness cannot last for long, because the unrelenting police inspector Javert, who has been hunting Valjean for two decades, is close on his tail. As Valjean’s past finally catches up with him, all of the characters are swept up in the chaos that breaks out on Paris ‘streets, in an epic story of thwarted love, forgiveness and the enduring strength of the human spirit. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3mj6w98y
JUNE
JUNE 5 - 8 | FILM FESTIVAL
The mission of the Charlotte Black Film Festival (CBFF) is to provide a platform for African American filmmakers and content creators to showcase their work, celebrate their culture, and tell their stories. We promote diversity and inclu-
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHARLOTTE
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.
sion in the film industry by highlighting the talents and contributions of Black artists and those telling the stories of the African diaspora. For more info visit: charlotteblackfilmfestival.com
JUNE 6 - 8 | TASTE OF CHARLOTTE
Taste of Charlotte is a three-day food festival in Charlotte, NC. It features samples from area restaurants and various performances and activities that will surely delight the festival-goers. Aside from that, a large variety of local, regional, and national partners will provide information, coupons, and free stuff!For more info visit: tasteofcharlotte.com
JUNE 12 - 14 | BLUEBERRY FEST
The award-winning NC Blueberry Festival has been one of the most widely attended festivals in our state. This year we have a BBQ cook-off, craft beer, car & truck show, and of course locally grown blueberries. This festival provides an opportunity for people to enjoy
a full day of family entertainment while experiencing the southern hospitality of a small town! For more info visit: ncblueberryfestival.com
JULY
JULY 4 - 6 | JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Ocean City Jazz Festival is committed to presenting the gold-standard of jazz by producing a showcase event that raises an appreciation of the genre of jazz, fosters economic growth, unites artists and attendees, and inspire a new generation culturally through the history of the Ocean City Beach Community. For more info visit: oceancityjazzfest.com
AUGUST
DATES | TITLEHERE
DETAILSHERE. For more info visit: LINKHERE
DATES | TITLEHERE
DETAILSHERE. For more info visit: LINKHERE
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHARLOTTE
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 TBA | SHRIMP FESTIVAL
The Shrimp Festival is loaded with non-stop good eating. We will have a variety of food, drink and snacks sure to please everyone. Come on down and enjoy plates full of fresh fried or boiled shrimp with Slaw, Fries and Hush Puppies! For more info visit: sneadsferryshrimpfestival.org
SEPT 5 - 13 | COUNTY FAIR
It’s that time of year again, our time for the fall county fair. Come on over and experience rides, food, entertainment, friendly competitions, a petting zoo and fun for the whole family! For more info visit: cabarruscountyfair.com
OCTOBER
OCT 1 - 30 | TRICKS AND TREATS
Everyone in the family is sure to have a spook-tacular time with our fun Halloween activities for kids and adults. Dress up in your best Halloween costume for our exciting costume contest. Plus, en-
joy a plethora of delicious seasonal treats, drinks, and, of course, candy! If that’s not thrilling enough, hop on your favorite family rides for an unforgettable experience filled with chills and thrills, exclusively at Carowinds. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2a6657pw
OCT 17 - 19 | BALLOONFEST
Bring your cameras, lawn chairs, and blankets to experience a family-friendly festival featuring more than 50 hot air balloons, live music, food, wine and craft beer, kids’ zone, and artisan marketplace. For more info visit: carolinaballoonfest.com
OCT 25 | WHISKEY, WINE & FIRE FESTIVAL
This exclusive foodie celebration features whiskey bars, elegant wines, cocktails, great music, tented food stations, food trucks, restaurants and bonfires throughout. Relax around the fire gardens and enjoy an inspired take on fire-kissed BBQ, specialty grilling
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CHARLOTTE
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.
and drink pairings. Enjoy the fire breathers and artists setting the night ablaze. For more info visit: charlotte.whiskeywinefire.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 4 - 9 | SIX
Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, Katherine Parr. You know the names, and you may know how each of their marriages to a certain king came to an end, but these six women are far from just a historical footnote. In Six, the floor is theirs as they tell you what really went down in the court of Henry VIII. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4jpfnmua
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 30 | CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
The uptown, German-inspired Christmas Market includes traditional German foods and treats, homemade crafts and gifts, and featured programming.The aromas of specialty foods will drift
across the village, from classic Austrian strudels, Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, and glazed nuts. Visitors can also enjoy hot mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate and alcoholic-free Glühwein in a souvenir village mug! For more info visit: cltchristmasvillage.com
DEC 27 | FILM FESTIVAL
Join us for an evening of eye-opening entertainment as we celebrate the art of truly independent cinema in Charlotte, North Carolina and showcase the very best of original films from around the southeast and beyond! For more info visit: strangerdaysfilmfestival.com
JANUARY
JAN 1 | NEW YEAR’S DAY 5K
Kickstart your New Year with an invigorating experience that promises fun and fulfillment for all. Join us for the Charlotte New Year’s Day 5k! For more info visit: cltnewyearsday5k.org/
2025 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
* Schedule subject to change
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
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
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
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!
