What changes if Big Cypress National Preserve becomes a Wilderness Area?Method to treat IBD being used for other health issues
BIG CYPRESS PRESERVE What changes if Big Cypress National Preserve becomes a Wilderness Area? America’s first nationally designated preserve is in Southwest Florida’s backyard, and it is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary.
Method to treat IBD being used for other health issues Trying to get treatments for the brain when fighting neurological diseases like epilepsy and ALS is a challenge.
FORT MYERS NTSB report reveals new details in helicopter crash after Hurricane Ian The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on a helicopter crash that occurred in Iona, Florida, shortly after Hurricane Ian.
‘Latinos in Action’ empowers all students to succeed WINK News talked with teachers who are a part of the program, helping kids reach their full potential.
Immokalee ‘The eyes always draw me in’; Immokalee portrait artist turns dark times into color One of Southwest Florida best portrait artist, Martha Maria Cantu, almost gave up art. Now she’s on the forefront of the city of Immokalee, to make her community filled with color.
GOLDEN GATE Collier commissioners approve agreement for golf complex in Golden Gate Collier commissioners unanimously approved a long term lease and operating agreement to reopen the Golden Gate golf course Tuesday.
PUNTA GORDA Motorcyclists ride in SWFL to help veterans battle suicide A group of veterans from the American Legion are grabbing their helmets and boots for a motorcycle ride to bring awareness to the staggering rates of suicide among veterans.
SARASOTA Alleged sexual abuse victims of Port Charlotte priest comes forward Father Riley worked at three churches in Charlotte County and another in Naples. On Friday, new allegations emerged from a news conference in Sarasota.
PORT CHARLOTTE Port Charlotte priest accused of sexual abuse appears in court A priest accused of sexually abusing four altar boys in Iowa nearly 40 years ago returned to Charlotte County court.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema prepares for opening at Mercato The newest movie theater in Southwest Florida opens April 29, and it does so with an array of entertainment offerings that go beyond the usual options across the region.
Let’s Waffle opens in Cape Coral Let’s Waffle is one of two businesses the Feix family launched locally, with the FMS Florida Boat Tours and Limousine Service owned and operated by Feix’s husband, Alexander.
Planned Punta Gorda hotel, pub, brewery faces construction delay Kevin Doyle, owner of Celtic Ray Public House Irish pub in downtown Punta Gorda, and his partner, S4 Global Investments, were found in violation of the city’s exposed soils code.
Three Sisters Spring Toast the manatee released by FWC, SeaWorld and Casey DeSantis near Crystal River A manatee named Toast was released back into the Florida waters after a final medical evaluation from wildlife officials.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral Man arrested and charged with over 90 counts of fraud The Cape Coral Police Department arrested a man for allegedly stealing items from a business and then pawning them.
Man accused of pulling gun on someone ordering at Collier County Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru A man has been arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on someone ordering at a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru in Collier County.
BIG CYPRESS PRESERVE What changes if Big Cypress National Preserve becomes a Wilderness Area? America’s first nationally designated preserve is in Southwest Florida’s backyard, and it is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary.
Method to treat IBD being used for other health issues Trying to get treatments for the brain when fighting neurological diseases like epilepsy and ALS is a challenge.
FORT MYERS NTSB report reveals new details in helicopter crash after Hurricane Ian The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on a helicopter crash that occurred in Iona, Florida, shortly after Hurricane Ian.
‘Latinos in Action’ empowers all students to succeed WINK News talked with teachers who are a part of the program, helping kids reach their full potential.
Immokalee ‘The eyes always draw me in’; Immokalee portrait artist turns dark times into color One of Southwest Florida best portrait artist, Martha Maria Cantu, almost gave up art. Now she’s on the forefront of the city of Immokalee, to make her community filled with color.
GOLDEN GATE Collier commissioners approve agreement for golf complex in Golden Gate Collier commissioners unanimously approved a long term lease and operating agreement to reopen the Golden Gate golf course Tuesday.
PUNTA GORDA Motorcyclists ride in SWFL to help veterans battle suicide A group of veterans from the American Legion are grabbing their helmets and boots for a motorcycle ride to bring awareness to the staggering rates of suicide among veterans.
SARASOTA Alleged sexual abuse victims of Port Charlotte priest comes forward Father Riley worked at three churches in Charlotte County and another in Naples. On Friday, new allegations emerged from a news conference in Sarasota.
PORT CHARLOTTE Port Charlotte priest accused of sexual abuse appears in court A priest accused of sexually abusing four altar boys in Iowa nearly 40 years ago returned to Charlotte County court.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema prepares for opening at Mercato The newest movie theater in Southwest Florida opens April 29, and it does so with an array of entertainment offerings that go beyond the usual options across the region.
Let’s Waffle opens in Cape Coral Let’s Waffle is one of two businesses the Feix family launched locally, with the FMS Florida Boat Tours and Limousine Service owned and operated by Feix’s husband, Alexander.
Planned Punta Gorda hotel, pub, brewery faces construction delay Kevin Doyle, owner of Celtic Ray Public House Irish pub in downtown Punta Gorda, and his partner, S4 Global Investments, were found in violation of the city’s exposed soils code.
Three Sisters Spring Toast the manatee released by FWC, SeaWorld and Casey DeSantis near Crystal River A manatee named Toast was released back into the Florida waters after a final medical evaluation from wildlife officials.
CAPE CORAL Cape Coral Man arrested and charged with over 90 counts of fraud The Cape Coral Police Department arrested a man for allegedly stealing items from a business and then pawning them.
Man accused of pulling gun on someone ordering at Collier County Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru A man has been arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on someone ordering at a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru in Collier County.
MGN 401(k) plans are the most popular type of retirement savings account for American workers. But they require workers to make important decisions that can have a major impact on how much they’ll ultimately have saved by retirement. Here are some findings from the Plan Sponsor Council of America’s most recent annual 401(k) study, and what you need to do to increase the odds of having enough money saved by the time you retire. Participation Only 72 percent of workers enroll in their employer’s 401(k) plan. If your company offers one, you need to know when it allows you to participate: Join as soon as you’re eligible. Also find out how much you need to contribute to receive the maximum matching contribution from your employer. The average employer contribution is about 4.6 percent of pay, up from 2.9 percent in 2007. Just more than 40 percent of plans make contributions in the form of a matching formula. The most common matching rate is 50 cents on the dollar up to a stated percentage of pay, typically 6 percent. Each pay period that you aren’t contributing is a pay period you’re missing out on free money from your employer to be deposited into your account. Contributions Workers joining an employer’s 401(k) plan, either voluntarily or through automatic enrollment, can contribute to their account. According to the PSCA study, nearly 85 percent of participants contribute, up from about 77 percent in 2010. The average participant contribution rate is 6.8 percent, which is also up, but only slightly, from 6.2 percent over the same period. But saving at a rate of 6 percent or 7 percent simply isn’t enough. According to the National Savings Rate Guidelines for Individuals, most workers who expect to collect Social Security benefits will also need to save at least 10 percent of their pay throughout their entire working lifetime to attain a reasonable chance of having enough savings to fund their retirement living expenses. Almost 60 percent of 401(k) plans automatically enroll new employees into the plan. But when you’re automatically enrolled, you need to also increase your contributions to an amount at least enough to get your employer’s full matching contribution. After that, hike your contribution rate each time you get a raise, and do so until you’re contributing at least 10 percent. Loans and withdrawals About half of 401(k) plans allow participants to borrow against their account, and about 25 percent of participants have an outstanding loan. Those who do borrow from their account see it as a good way to get to their money in a hurry. But 401(k) loans have a dark side: They’re habit forming and can make you poorer. When offered two loans, nearly 15 percent of participants take advantage of that. When offered three or more loans, about 12 percent of participants take them. But workers who take loans from their 401(k) save less (6.7 percent) than participants with no loans (8.3 percent). Workers who don’t take loans are projected to save up to $749,000 by retirement age, whereas those with loans are on track to save about $100,000 less. Loans are also a disaster for those who suddenly lose their job. If you can’t pay off the loan immediately, the unpaid balance will be included in income as a taxable distribution, which can wipe out your retirement savings in the plan. Account balances The PSCA study found the average account balance in a 401(k) plan, including those with profit sharing, is $131,355. The good news is that’s higher than a few years ago. In 2013 this was $116,333. According to the most recent figures from Fidelity Investments, the average plan balance is about $104,000, which is also up about 6 percent from a year ago. For workers age 65 and over, these balances should be higher, and they are. According to Vanguard, this group’s average account balance is $209,984. But a closer look shows a dimmer picture: The median balance for those 65 and older is just $64,811, which isn’t enough for many workers to retire on. Fidelity Investments says your retirement savings should total at least 10 times your final average pay by age 67 — which is attainable, if you enroll as early as possible, contribute enough and stay on track.