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
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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
RILEY $1,638,000 * Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
MAR 27 - 30 Texas Children’s Houston Open Memorial Park Golf Course • Houston, TX • USA
APR 3 - 6
APR 10 - 13
Valero Texas Open TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) • San Antonio, TX • USA
Masters Tournament
Augusta National Golf Club • Augusta, GA • USA
APR 17 - 20 RBC Heritage + Harbour Town Golf Links • Hilton Head Island, SC • USA
APR 17 - 20 Corales Puntacana Championship Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course) Punta Cana • DOM
APR 24 - 27
Zurich Classic of New Orleans TPC Louisiana • Avondale, LA • USA
MAY 1 - 4 THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson TPC Craig Ranch •McKinney, TX • USA
MAY 8 - 11 Truist Championship + The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) • Philadelphia, PA • USA
MAY 8 - 11
MAY 15 - 18
MAY 22 - 25
Myrtle Beach Classic Dunes Golf and Beach Club • Myrtle Beach, SC • USA
PGA Championship Quail Hollow Club • Charlotte, NC • USA
Charles Schwab Challenge Colonial Country Club • Fort Worth, TX • USA
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DFW
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.
MARCH
MARCH 7 - 9 | FOODIELAND
FoodieLand is a foodie inspired multi-cultural food and entertainment event taking place at Texas Motor Speedway. With over 225+ vendors, we’re bringing you a variety of amazing foods, games, and entertainment for the whole family. Hope to see you there! For more info visit: foodielandnm.com
MARCH 29 - 30 | ART FESTIVAL
Calling all art lovers! See downtown transformed into an art mecca filled with paintings, sculptures, jewelry, music, and food trucks. Enjoy this fun weekend exploring the work of different artists. For more info visit: artcolonyassociation.org
APRIL
APRIL 3 | TACOS & TEQUILA
Tacos are great. Tequila is great. When you put them together, the exponential results really bring the wow. Discover how a variety
of local and regional chefs and beverage vendors can bring their own special spin to this combo par excellence. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5n72vx27
APRIL 10 - 13 | ARTS FESTIVAL
We cordially invite you to apply to the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival, the largest, nationally ranked arts festival in the country. Fort Worth’s signature festival features corner booth spaces with diverse artists. Come walk around and enjoy all the beautiful art that Fort Worth has to offer! For more info visit: mainstreetartsfest.org
APRIL 26 | FESTIVAL OF JOY
The Festival of Joy is a yearly festival that happens in spring at Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas. here will also be a variety of cultural and educational exhibits including traditional crafts and cooking demos, yoga and meditation instruction, face painting, mehndi, traditional dress-up, ethnic street food stalls, and so much more!
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DFW
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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For more info visit: festivalofjoydallas.com
MAY
MAY 1 - 4 | MAYFEST
Mayfest is the biggest party in Fort Worth! Four days of live music, festival food, carnival rides, performing arts, pet adoptions, more than 60 Art and Gift Market vendors, free children’s activities, special attractions - the list goes on and on! For more info visit: mayfest.org
MAY 23 - 25 | ZESTFEST
It will be a flavorfully hot weekend in Texas when Spicy Food Productions returns to Ft Worth for ZestFest, the ultimate party for bold and spicy food enthusiasts. ZestFest is an action-packed weekend featuring the Fiery Food Challenge, Celebrity Chef demos and sampling of hundreds of zesty good products. For more info visit: zestfest.net
JUNE
JUNE 4 | WATER LANTERN FEST
Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mwr2hk32
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
You’re invited to the biggest fireworks show and Independence Day celebration in DFW: Fort Worth’s Fourth! For our 17th year, we’re welcoming a new title sponsor—U.S. LawShield®—as we present an evening of festival food, cold drinks, kids’ activities, live music, and incredible fireworks along the banks of the Trinity River at Panther Island Pavilion. Please join us! For more info visit: fortworthsfourth.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DFW
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 12 | Too Hot Too Handle
Get ready for the ultimate summer challenge in Texas! Don’t let the heat stop you – join us for a legendary Texas Summer Tradition that’s been going strong for 30 years. Experience the thrill of our fast, flat Half Marathon, 10K & 5K courses, and celebrate your victory at the epic after party. Stay cool with refreshing hydration, ice-cold towels, and of course, icecold beer at the finish line. This is the race to put your training and endurance to the test!
For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3jc5deya
AUGUST
AUG 29 - 31 |
JAZZ FESTIVAL
A three day festival that features an array of renowned music artists from around the world where patrons will experience a gumbo of jazz, blues, R&B, soul, pop and neo-soul music. Also, there will be a showcase stage for Promising Young Artists from the Dallas/Fort Worth area schools and music programs in day-long back-to-
back performances. Festival attendees will be able to browse and shop at vendor booths, and experience delectable and diverse food. For more info visit: aalriverfrontjazzfestival.org
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 11 - 14 | GRAPEFEST
The greatly anticipated annual festival is the largest wine festival in the Southwest and was to be held in Grapevine’s Historic Main Street District. Each year the city bands together to plan days of family-friendly festival fun where residents and visitors sip and sample premium Texas wines and champagne while enjoying live entertainment, festival food and so much more. For more info visit: grapevinetexasusa.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DFW
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.
SEPT 19 - 21 | BLUES FESTIVAL
This festival has a long and storied history in Denton. Since 1998, this incredible family-friendly festival has been rocking Denton with the most incredible blues acts around. For more info visit: dentonbluesfest.com
SEPT 20 | OKTOBERFEST
Oktoberfest has been a Fort Bliss tradition for years, so don’t miss your chance to come out and celebrate! There will be live entertainment by Terry Cavanagh and the Alpine Express and performances by Fort Bliss’ very own, German Air Force Schuhplattler Dancers! Traditional German beer, delicious food, snacks and souvenirs will be available for purchase. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4x4sk8z2
OCTOBER
OCT 1 - 31 | FRIGHT FEST
Six Flags Over Texas will present an expansive lineup of terrifying horror franchises for the park’s an-
nual Halloween event, Fright Fest. Visitors to the park can step into a world where nightmarish creatures inspired by legendary horror brands come to life! For more info visit: sixflags.com
OCT 18 | HOT SAUCE FEST
Get ready to spice up your life at the North Texas Hot Sauce Festival - the ultimate fiery celebration of all things hot and saucy! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/y9skrtx9
NOVEMBER
NOV 1 - 30 | RENAISSANCE FEST
Transport yourself back in time! Eat and play like royalty as you experience performers, international fare, hundreds of merchants, and the enchanting atmosphere of a 16th century English village. For more info visit: texrenfest.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DFW
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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DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 27 | PRAIRIE
LIGHTS
If you want to see as many lights as possible, this twinkling drivethrough wonderland in the Dallas suburb of Grand Prairie never disappoints. Every year, folks pile in by the carload to cruise through four million lights and hundreds of custom displays set along 2 miles of path. And as if that weren’t enough, the place boasts the world’s largest animated light tunnel at the end of the drive. For more info visit: prairielights.org
JANUARY
JAN 16 - 30 |
RODEO
This Thing is Legendary! It’s not just a slogan. It’s why the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is the most authentic western lifestyle experience anywhere since 1896. The rodeo also has livestock and horse shows, kid-friendly activities and exhibits, live music, carnival midway, shopping, great food and much more. It’s exciting, it’s fun, it’s 23 days of what makes Fort Worth the greatest city in Texas! For more info visit: fwssr.com
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
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
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!
