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 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
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
WESTERN CAROLINA
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 1
- 9 | COUNTY FAIR
The Charlotte County Fair starts a 10-day run every January, and usually runs into February. Don’t miss rides, live entertainment, food galore, and all kinds of animals! For more info visit: thecharlottecountyfair.com
MARCH
MARCH 2 | MARDI GRAS PARADE
Annual Mardi Gras parade featuring colorful floats, lively music, and costumed performers. Spectators line the streets of the South Slope in Downtown Asheville to catch beads, trinkets, and other “throws” at this FAMILY FRIENDLY event. For more info visit: ashevillemardigras.org/
March 8 | COOK OFF
Test your skills with a friendly competition at our inaugural The Golden Pig Cook Off! Compete for the coveted title of Pit Master of Cast Iron Chef! Not a chef? Listen to a live band and taste the
delicious bbq, chicken, and sides for only $15/person! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/y8f6ddus
MARCH 16 - 23 | FRINGE FEST
The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival provides artists with opportunities to explore the edges of their work, to collaborate across genres and to bring new and innovative performances to culturally adventurous audiences. Our continual goal is to curate experiences that expand the minds and hearts of our audiences and to be inclusive of artists who work within a myriad of genres, styles, and forms to create truly unique and original pieces in our community. For more info visit: ashevillefringe.org
APRIL
APRIL 26 | ROCK N’ ROLLER
The MTA invites you to experience the Rock n Roller, a bike ride that showcases what makes McDowell County a cycling destination. You experience the scenic beauty of
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE WESTERN CAROLINA
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.
the mountains, rivers, and foliage. This early spring ride serves as an excellent training ride to set the tone for the remainder of the cycling season. Let’s show the world what we can accomplish when a community rallies behind its own.
For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2crxcuj5
APRIL 26 - 27 | BREAD FESTIVAL
This two-day event will bring together bread enthusiasts and professional bakers to break bread, improve their baking skills, share ideas, and network within the artisan bread community. This year’s theme, “A Sense of Place,” will highlight the distinctive, resilient and abundant nature of our region. This gathering serves as a collaborative space for bakers, millers, farmers, brewers, and chefs, both enthusiasts and professionals, in celebrating the unifying power of bread.
For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/ybtys7s9
MAY
MAY 10 - 11 | ARTS FESTIVAL
Hendersonville Arts Festival is a vibrant art focused event and showcases American handcrafts and fine art while uniting art lovers, collectors, tourists, and the local community for an elevated and accessible art experience. The event is family friendly and includes art installations, workshops, fun kid-friendly art projects and more throughout the weekend. For more info visit: hendersonvilleartsfestival.com
MAY 24 | FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Residents and visitors will see some of the finest locally made art alongside national artists’ works during this free, outdoor event. A scenic stroll amongst sparkling jewels, one of a kind paintings, exquisitely crafted glasswork, stunning sculpture and every medium of hand-made art! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4h3xjtuh
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
WESTERN CAROLINA
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.
JUNE
JUNE 7 - 8 | TRAINS & TRAILS FESTIVAL
Mark your calendar and help us celebrate North Carolina as the Great Trails State by joining us in downtown Old Fort, North Carolina. Come celebrate with us the rich history of our Blue Ridge Mountain community by focusing on its pathways and connections through the town’s notable railroad and Pisgah National Forest history. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5ena6sxe
JUNE 22 | VEG FEST
This vegan festival takes place to promote the benefits of a plantbased diet to the community! Fun Patrol will be playing spin to win with many prizes including Beach Balls for the Summer! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/w9s33ecf
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
JULY
17
- 20 | HIGHLANDS CRAFT FAIR
Don’t miss the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands! This fair brings together over 200 craftspeople who are members of the esteemed Southern Highland Craft Guild. From traditional to contemporary crafts, you’ll find an impressive selection of works made from clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, natural materials, paper, wood, and jewelry. For more info visit: southernhighlandguild.org
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
WESTERN CAROLINA
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 23
| HARVEST FEST
Join us at Olivette’s Riverside Park on Saturday August 23rd for a very special benefit show in support of ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program.We are honored to have the opportunity to celebrate and support this great program with a fun filled day of music, activities, and nature. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2wd38buh
AUG 30 | APPLE FEST RACES
The 2025 event will offer an Individual 8k run, an Individual 5k and the Chick-fil-A Mini Moo One Mile fun run. Come join us for this classic, family friendly event! For more info visit: ncapplefestival.org
SEPTEMBER
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 competi-
tions, a petting zoo and fun for the whole family! For more info visit: cabarruscountyfair.com
OCTOBER
OCT
14
- 19 | FILM FESTIVAL
The Carolina Film Festival is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to enhance the love of filmmaking through education and providing a platform where the cinematic works from diverse filmmakers are celebrated. For more info visit: carolinafilmfestival.com
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
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE WESTERN CAROLINA
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 | VERSE & VINO
Verse & Vino is Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s signature annual fundraiser. For a decade, this celebration of reading, writing and the joy of libraries – shared with a community of readers and New York Times best-selling authors – has become one of our region’s most anticipated events. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5cmd8x6d
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
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, a fantastic event that’s designed for runners and walkers alike. 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
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!
