Wilmington NC 2 by The 55 Spotlight

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

* Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

JAN 2 - 5

JAN 9 - 12

JAN 16 - 19

JAN 22 - 25

JAN 30 - FEB 2

FEB 6 - 9

FEB 13 - 16

FEB 20 - 23

FEB 27 - MAR 2

MAR 6 - 9

The Sentry + Plantation Course at Kapalua • Kapalua, Maui, HI • USA

Sony Open in Hawaii Waialae Country Club • Honolulu, HI • USA

The American Express Pete Dye Stadium Course • La Quinta, CA • USA

Farmers Insurance Open Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) • San Diego, CA • USA

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am + Pebble Beach Golf Links • Pebble Beach, CA • USA

WM Phoenix Open TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) • Scottsdale, AZ • USA

The Genesis Invitational + The Riviera Country Club • Pacific Palisades, CA • USA

CLARK $3,600,000

MAR 6 - 9

Mexico Open at VidantaWorld VidantaWorld • Vallarta • MEX JAKE KNAPP $1,458,000

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

Puerto Rico Open

Grand Reserve Golf Club • Rio Grande • PUR

ECKROAT $1,620,000

2025 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

* Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

MAR 13 - 16

MAR 20 - 23

MAR 27 - 30

APR 3 - 6

APR 10 - 13

APR 17 - 20

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

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

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

Myrtle Beach Classic

Dunes Golf and Beach Club • Myrtle Beach, SC • USA CHRIS GOTTERUP $720,000

2024 - 2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

WILMINGTON

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.

DECEMBER

DEC

6 | CHRISTMAS PARADE

Join the Holiday fun the Friday after Thanksgiving celebrating the annual evening Carolina Beach Christmas Parade. Floats, bands and Santa Claus will be there to add to the festivities of the season and provide a night of free family entertainment and holiday cheer. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/558kwefy

JANUARY

JAN 2 | JAZZ CONCERT SERIES

Enjoy the wildly popular Jazz at the Cam Concert Series. Offering a mixture of new and familiar jazz musicians in a variety of combinations performing a range of jazz genres, many of these evenings sell-out. Please check their website for additional information about performing artists. Performers announced and tickets available closer to the event. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/54kvtekt

FEBRUARY

FEB 6 - 8 |

JAZZ FESTIVAL

Wilmington gives a warm welcome to all of the jazz lovers attending our North Carolina Jazz Festival! This historic city located on the bank of the Cape Fear River has many interesting shops, art galleries, museums and restaurants, as well as a movie studio, nearby beaches, plus Revolutionary and Civil War sites to explore during your days here. For more info visit: ncjazzfestival.org

FEB 22 | WILMINGTON

MARATHON

The backdrop for setting personal bests with a fast, flat, and scenic point to point race. With a flat course we are the fastest paced course on the East Coast. Enjoy a fun and scenic race running by the beach and historic downtown! For more info visit: wilmingtonncmarathon.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

WILMINGTON

MARCH

MARCH 1 | UNDER THE BRIDGE

Our Hooley has become almost as big of a tradition as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade itself. Come join in some of the most beloved Irish traditions—dancing, and heart-thumping music. For 2025, the tent and seating have been expanded. Feel free to bring your own seats to enjoy the Hooley. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/45phuepp

MARCH 15 | BEER & BOURBON FESTIVAL

Get ready to enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass, and Smoked Beasts! It’s a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbecue eatin’. ALL RIGHT IN WODWNTOWN WILMINGTON!

For more info visit: wilmington.beerandbourbon.com

MARCH 24 - 30 | FEAST WILMINGTON

Craft & Cuisine, in partnership with Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance, invites you to experience the Feast Wilmington event. Held this year at the Live Oak Pavilion in downtown Wilmington, select local chefs are paired with local breweries. Their best offerings will showcase the capabilities of pairing food and beer together. Chef and brewer will be on site to talk about their pairing, providing insight into the experience of food selection and creation. For more info visit: feastwilmington.com

APRIL

APRIL 2 | AZALEA FESTIVAL

Join the excitement as The North Carolina Azalea Festival celebrates Wilmington’s exceptional artwork, gardens, rich history and culture during its five days of pageantry. Celebrate Spring Southern style with Colorful Parades, bustling Street Fairs, charming Home and Garden Tours, Art Shows, Spectacular Fireworks, nationally-known

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

WILMINGTON

entertainment performing concerts, as well as the majestic coronation of a Festival Queen and Princess. For community pride and springtime pageantry, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has no equal! For more info visit: ncazaleafestival.org

APRIL 10 - 13 | FILM FESTIVAL

Wilmington is well-known for both its diverse cultural scene as well as its status as one of the biggest filming destinations west of Hollywood, and these two attributes are beautifully combined at the annual North Carolina Black Film Festival. This annual and invitational festival features a wealth of talented African American filmmakers of all genres who will share their works to the delight of audiences and movie buffs everywhere. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4dfartm6

APRIL 27 | STRAWBERRY & WINE FESTIVAL

A world of great taste is waiting at the Strawberry & Wine Fest – an annual event that is held in the town of Sunset Beach, and which is quickly becoming known as a dream for food lovers everywhere. With a focus on fresh strawberries in all forms – from chocolate covered, to a star ingredient in shortcake – this event is a great way to explore the flavors of coastal North Carolina while indulging in a tempting array of local fare. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/47vnyw9z

MAY MAY 16 - 18 | GREEK FESTIVAL

Join the Greek community for a celebration of their culture, faith, heritage and delicious food during this three day festival that includes authentic Greek food prepared with time-honored family recipes. Held at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church across the street from UNCW, enjoy fantastic food, traditional music and dancing, a

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE WILMINGTON

lively marketplace and cooking demonstrations. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3vup3jwu

MAY 24 - 25 | STREET FEST

Join the fun when Wilmington’s largest downtown arts festival returns with works of more than 90 artists from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Participants will exhibit oil and watercolor paintings, pottery, jewelry, wood, glass, and paper creations. The Orange Street Arts Fest is both relaxing and exhilarating with live entertainment, old-fashioned fair food, and a wine and beer tent. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/muab5nu7

JUNE

JUNE 21 | BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL

The NC Blueberry Festival celebrates the historic, economic, and cultural significance of blueberries! For more info visit: ncblueberryfestival.com

JULY

4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

Have a star-spangled Fourth of July in Wilmington and our island beaches filled with patriotic things to do from the Riverwalk to piers, marinas, lakes and boardwalks. Ooh and Aah at fireworks by the river or sea, attend a baseball game, enjoy live music and more. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mu2kcmvc

JULY 13 | ALL THINGS GROOVY

Join us at Waterline Brewing Co. in Wilmington this July 13th from 12 - 4 PM for a super, fun afternoon celebrating ‘all things groovy’! Our event will feature good eats from local food trucks, craft beer, live jams from local musicians, and more. For more info visit: groovyhippiefestival.org

AUGUST

AUG 10 | BUBBLES FESTIVAL

A day of gathering for the love of bubbles! Join us at ‘The Bend’ in Wilmington this August 10th from

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

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12 - 4 PM for a super, fun afternoon. Our event will feature good eats from local food trucks, craft beer, local musicians, local venders, and lots of bubbles! For more info visit: thebubblefestival.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT TBA | PLANT FESTIVAL

The mission of the Native Plant Festival is to educate the public on the benefits and importance of native plants for our local ecosystems, and to promote and support native plant growers to increase demand and supply of native plants in our region. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2wpu3fy3

OCTOBER

OCT 18 - 19 | OYSTER FESTIVAL

Hungry visitors will want to bring along a big appetite for the North Carolina Oyster Festival, which is a popular annual event that offers a whole lot more than the staple shellfish. Featuring everything from BBQ and pizza, to music,

arts, and crafts, this extensive festival has plenty of ways to delight attendees of all tastes, and of all ages. For more info visit: ncoysterfestival.com

NOVEMBER

NOV TBA | KITE FESTIVAL

Come join the fun as serious kite flyers share their sky art at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for the Cape Fear Kite Festival presented in partnership with the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce. This is the final kite event of the professional kite flying season with more than just your average kites filling the sky on the seashore. See incredible shapes, sizes, styles and of course colors float, soar and ride the air. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/37y46mzd

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

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.