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According to one recent survey, only 4% of Americans have $1 million or more in retirement savings, which means 96% of us dont.

Of course, depending on your situation, a million bucks may be overkill: Many people could fund their retirement years for a lot less. Still, its a nice, round number, and one worth shooting for.

Obviously, however, thats a lot of money. Is it even possible to get there? In a word, yes. And thats what were going to talk about today: building a million-dollar nest egg, and just as important, how to figure out how much youre actually going to need.

As usual, co-hosts Stacy Johnson and Miranda Marquit are joined by producer Aaron Freeman. This weeks special guest is Roger Whitney, the Retirement Answer Man.

Remember, even though we sometimes talk about specific investments on this show, dont take them as recommendations because theyre not. Before investing in anything, do your own research, and make your own decisions.

You can watch this episode below, or if youd prefer to listen, you can do that with the player at the top of this article. Or, you can download the episode wherever you get your podcasts:

Dont forget to check out our podcast page for more episodes designed to help you make the most of your money and our YouTube page for more videos.

It sounds like a lot of money, but is $1 million enough to retire on? What you really need to do is figure out how big your nest egg should be and go from there. Whether $1 million is enough depends on your own situation.

Ready to build your wealth? We talk about ways you can get your nest egg to that elusive $1 million mark.

Roger has been a financial adviser for more than 25 years and is the host of the award-winning Retirement Answer Man podcast. He is on a mission to change the way the world thinks about retirement, one little conversation at a time.

Roger established Rock Retirement Club in 2018 to help foster a safe online space for soon-to be retirees to learn, plan, and interact with other like-minded folks on the path to retirement.

As if thats not enough to keep him busy, he is the author of Rock Retirement: A Simple Guide to Help You Take Control and Be More Optimistic About the Future, a Forbes online contributor, creator of the Agile Financial Planning process, and past instructor of the Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits CFP certificate program at the University of Texas at Arlington and of Wealth Management at Texas Christian University.

Investopedia has named him to the Top 100 Most Influential Advisors 2017-2021, and he has brought home Plutus Awards for Best Financial Planner Blog (2019) and Best Retirement Blog (2015 and 2017).

A podcast is basically a radio show you can listen to anywhere and anytime, either by downloading it to your smartphone, or by listening online. Theyre awesome for learning stuff and being entertained when youre in the car, doing chores, jogging or riding your bicycle.

You can listen to our latest podcasts here or download them to your phone from any number of places, including Apple, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher and RSS.

If you havent listened to our podcast yet, give it a try, then subscribe. Youll be glad you did!

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. Hes a CPA, and has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. Shes been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.

Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.

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7 Tips to Retire with a Million Dollar Nest Egg - Money Talks News

Feeling down in the dumps? Perhaps another orange or apple will fix that.

People who eat fruit regularly are more likely to report feeling positive and less likely to report symptoms of depression, according to recent research out of the College of Health and Life Sciences of Aston University in the United Kingdom.

The survey of 428 adults, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, found that eating fruit more often was associated with better mental well-being. In fact, it was the frequency with which people ate fruit rather than the total amount they consumed that conferred the biggest benefit.

On the other hand, those who indulge in low-nutrient savory snacks like potato chips are more likely to report feeling anxious and to experience what Aston University describes as general mental lapses, also known as subjective cognitive failures or memory errors. Examples include:

Eating vegetables appeared to have no impact on mental health. In a press release, lead author and doctorate student Nicola-Jayne Tuck says:

Both fruit and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, fibre and essential micronutrients which promote optimal brain function, but these nutrients can be lost during cooking. As we are more likely to eat fruit raw, this could potentially explain its stronger influence on our psychological health.

Tuck cautioned that not much is understood about how diet may impact mental health and well-being, and that the study did not examine cause and effect directly.

For more on diet and your health, check out:

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Eat This More Often If You Want to Boost Your Mood - Money Talks News

Tom Bateman has revealed the claustrophobia he suffered while filming Ron Howards film Thirteen Lives telling the story of the real-life rescue of 12 Thai boys and their coach from deep inside the Tham Luang caves.

Bateman told the BBC how he had to use meditation to cope with the conditions, and even got stuck underwater himself at one point during filming.

The British actor plays Chris Jewell, a British computer software consultant and expert cave diver who joined the rescue mission in northern Thailand in June 2018, after the boys went into the caves after football practice and got trapped by flood water. Their plight was monitored tirelessly around the world until, after 18 days, they were brought out by an international team, supported by thousands of volunteers at the site.

Of the filming process on set in Queensland, Australia, directed by double Oscar winner Ron Howard, Bateman told the BBC: Every single day was a challenge for me. I didnt quite realise how it made you feel I suffer greatly from claustrophobia and I did meditate a lot.

On one occasion, Bateman got stuck underwater for about seven minutes while guiding a stunt double through a narrow passage, when he got wedged between rocks.

I can remember feeling really hot and thinking, Im underwater, but Im sweating. I could just see my heart rate going up and up and up [on a pulse monitor].

But the beautiful gift of it was overcoming that its all in your head. It was a really safe environment, so getting over that hurdle of I can do this is a small victory each time you do it.

Besides Bateman, Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, Joel Edgerton and Paul Gleeson star as the divers who guided the boys through the narrow passages, and the actors had to replicate the conditions endured by the real-life divers.

The cast definitely all felt fear at various times, Ron Howard told the BBC.

Thirteen Lives is released in cinemas on Friday July 29 and launches on Amazon Prime Video on Friday August 5.

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Thirteen Lives Actor Tom Bateman Reveals Claustrophobia Filming Ron Howards Drama Of Thai Caves Rescue - Deadline

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To state the obvious, we are living through difficult times. Not only does COVID-19 remain a major threat to our health, but now our pocketbooks increasingly are under attack.

Recently, F&G a provider of retail annuity and life insurance products surveyed nearly 1,300 Americans age 50 and older and asked them to identify what keeps them up at night when they think about retirement. Those surveyed all own financial products valued at $10,000 or more.

Respondents named three issues related to their financial health that have them on edge. Following are the trio of things making older Americans nervous.

Respondents age 50 and older who cite this worry: 80%

Recent surveys consistently have shown that inflation is the biggest worry on the minds of all Americans, even displacing fears about COVID-19.

Inflation is big trouble regardless of your age. But it may be even scarier for those in retirement, who see their purchasing power ebb month by month while also knowing they dont have a steady paycheck coming in to help.

If rising prices have you on edge, read about the 5 Ways Retirees Can Lower Their Inflation Risk.

Respondents age 50 and older who cite this worry: 71%

With inflation raging like a wildfire, the Federal Reserve has been trying to throw a little cold water on the economy by raising the federal funds rate.

The goal is to cool the economy without freezing it. But policymakers have a history of getting this sort of thing wrong. Some experts fear the Fed might go too far, sending the economy into recession. Survey respondents appear to share that anxiety.

If you too are worried about a recession, prepare yourself with the tips in 5 Things You Must Do Before the Next Recession.

Respondents age 50 and older who cite this worry: 66%

Long before inflation and a recession were major worries, older Americans fretted about rising health care costs. They still do, with two-thirds citing this concern.

Some may expect Medicare coverage to ride to the rescue and tame their health care costs. But thats probably asking too much. For all its virtues, the nations retirement health program is far from comprehensive, as we note in Medicare Will Not Cover These 6 Medical Costs.

Older Americans have had to endure plenty of rough patches during their lives. They know that the right response to hard times is not to complain but to take action.

The survey respondents said they are planning to take several actions to stay afloat during the current turmoil.

For example, 62% plan to change how they budget due to inflation. And among pre-retirees, 55% now plan to work part-time in retirement to cover day-to-day expenses.

Youll learn about more proactive steps you can take in Heres How to Budget in Retirement So You Dont Run Out of Money.

Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.

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80% of Older Americans Are Worried About This - Money Talks News

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When home sweet home starts to turn sour, its time to pull up stakes and look for more promising places.

During the second quarter of this year, a large number of residents in some of the nations biggest cities threw in the towel and decided to leave, Redfin reports.

Its likely that high housing costs were a factor for a large number of these departing citizens. According to Redfin:

The housing market has slowed following a pandemic-driven buying frenzy, with home sales falling and supply starting to rise due to rising mortgage rates, high home prices, inflation and a faltering economy. But the people who can still afford to buy continue to relocate at unprecedented levels, largely because surging housing costs are putting expensive metros further out of reach.

Following are the big cities that Redfin users are abandoning in droves and where they are headed.

Metros net outflow of residents in the:

Housing costs are through the roof in the Golden Gate City, as they have been for many years. So, its no wonder that people are leaving, even if San Francisco is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S.

Redfin says that among those leaving the Bay Area, Sacramento is the top destination.

Metros net outflow of residents in the:

An exodus from the City of Angels that began last year has accelerated in 2022. Departing residents gravitate toward San Diego most commonly.

In fact, California as a state has lost some of its luster. Population growth has stalled since 2017, leading to the loss of a U.S. congressional seat the first time that has happened in the states 170-year history.

Metros net outflow of residents in the:

New Yorkers fleeing NYC are not staying in the Empire State. Overwhelmingly, they are headed to Philadelphia, Redfin says.

But there may be a glimmer of hope for the Big Apple: Unlike in San Francisco and Los Angeles, the exodus from New York City appears to have slowed significantly.

Here are the other top-10 cities for net outflow of residents during the second quarter, and the destinations they most commonly moved to:

Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.

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People Are Abandoning These 10 Big Cities: Here's Where They're Moving - Money Talks News

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Have you ever wondered what the normal Social Security amount might be?

How much you made in your 35 highest-earning years, the age at which you retire and your spouses work history are major factors in calculating your retirement benefit, as we explain in 7 Social Security Rules Everyone Should Know by Now.

Your benefit amount, of course, is a very personalized number. But the Social Security Administration publishes data on average benefits for different groups. Following is a look at Social Security benefits as of June 2022.

Average monthly benefit: $1,669

The broadest category, representing 73% of all beneficiaries, is of course people retired from work. There are about 48 million of them currently.

Average monthly benefit: $835

These folks are receiving spousal benefits, which provide up to half of a husband or wifes monthly benefit amount regardless of how much theyve worked themselves. About 2 million people currently fall into this category.

Spouses can take whichever benefit is higher between their own or the spousal benefit amount but not both starting as early as age 62. Even divorced individuals, if they meet certain criteria, can receive this benefit.

Average monthly benefit: $1,562

Its also possible to receive benefits from a spouse who has died. This is known as a survivor benefit, and there are currently more than 3.5 million beneficiaries who fall into the nondisabled widow or widower category.

Unlike the spousal benefit, survivor benefits can be as much as 100% of a late spouses benefit. Again, divorced spouses may be eligible. These benefits can generally start as early as age 60.

Younger disabled surviving spouses and widowed mothers and fathers may also be eligible for monthly benefits. These individuals receive average monthly amounts of $819 and $1,129, respectively.

Average monthly benefit: $1,362

Currently, about 7.8 million workers receive disability benefits. To be eligible, one must have earned a certain number of Social Security credits based on their age. Up to four credits are awarded each year to workers who have sufficient earnings. People must also be deemed unable to continue employment because of a long-lasting or permanent medical condition.

Spouses and children of disabled workers may also be eligible for benefits.

Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.

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Here's the Average Social Security Benefit - Money Talks News

Good Sunday morning, and welcome back to Brunch, a pop-up newsletter about the 2022 campaign cycle in Florida. Brunch will be delivered each Sunday before the General Election.

As many of you know, I have embarked on a journey to better health. A lot of what I am doing is making reasonable changes to what I eat and drink.

My favorite cocktail is the Bloody Mary, followed closely by the Dirty Martini. Ive pretty much given up the Dirty Martini, but I still enjoy a Bloody Mary. Except Im just not into vodka the way I once was. But I still love a spicy Bloody Mary at Brunch or when Im out on a boat. What to do?

Well, try a Sake Bloody Mary. Sub in a couple of ounces of premium Sake for the vodka. Maybe substitute good soy sauce for the Worcestershire. And definitely use a couple of pops of Sriracha to spice it up. Heres a simple recipe if you are interested.

As you enjoy that Sake Bloody Mary, be sure to check out Joe Hendersons choices for Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics.

Another must-read, which is sure to make your blood boil, is from The Daily Beast about How the Feds tracked down the Trump fanatic accused of bombarding Parkland dad with depraved threats.

Also, a reminder, Monday is the last day to register to vote or change party affiliations before the Aug. 23 Primaries. I actually have to switch parties from Republican to Democrat so I can vote in the Gubernatorial Primary.

GOP Leaders meet for Sunshine Summit

Florida GOP leaders gathered at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino this weekend for the Republican Party of Floridas Sunshine Summit.

Florida Senate President-designate Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker-designate Paul Renner greeted attendees at the start of the events with a talk on the future of Florida politics.

The 2023 Session will need to address attainable housing for workers, Passidomo said. Renner talked about the effort to expand school choice. Both leaders mentioned the Hometown Heroes program a $100 million program set up this year to help with down payments and other housing costs for teachers, health care workers and police officers.

Looking forward: The talk, moderated by Dave Rubin, touched on the future of the state itself, as well as some priorities of their legislative leaders like school choice and parental control in education. The pair want to move Florida toward greater freedom and opportunity, Renner tweeted.

Red wave Ron

Its the thrill of the fight: Prefacing his appearance by blaring Eye of the Tiger, Floridas Republican Governor delivered the conventions opening remarks. In his speech, Gov. Ron DeSantis predicted a red wave in the upcoming midterms and emphasized the importance of the increasingly politicized school board races.

Map, map: DeSantis also boasted about his congressional map, saying it will likely increase the number of Republicans in Floridas Congressional Delegation.

No cameras, please: In case it wasnt obvious by the sparse media presence at the convention, DeSantis took time in his opening to slam legacy media, which he said wont be part of the GOP Primary or debates.

Didnt you hear him? NO CAMERAS

While the event has traditionally been open to the media, this years convention was invite-only and invites were few.

Let me check the list: POLITICOs Matt Dixon obtained a list of the events credentialed news agencies. Who could be there? Mostly conservative media, with approved agencies including Daily Wire, Floridas Voice, and Breitbart.

Mainstream: A select few mainstream publications, such as the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and The News Service of Florida were granted access, but most Florida newspapers and media werent credentialed.

You cant sit with us. DeSantis representative Christina Pushaw boasted about the exclusionary event, tweeting It has come to my attention that some liberal media activists are mad because they arent allowed into #SunshineSummit this weekend My message to them is to try crying about it.

Turning point

With Turning Point USA hosting its Student Action Summit in Tampa this weekend, it looks like the kids had something to say about the critical Florida elections.

Holy Toledo: State Rep. Jackie Toledo earned the endorsement of Turning Point Action, TPUSAs campaign arm. That could be a significant lift in Floridas 15th Congressional District, where shes one of five Republicans seeking an open seat.

Joining the company: She joins the ranks of other TP faves like Anna Paulina Luna in Floridas 13th, Anthony Sabatini in the 7th and Rod Dorilas in Floridas 22nd. The group also supports incumbent Reps. Matt Gaetz, Kath Cammack and Byron Donalds.

Ron-mania: Less surprising, but the group also took the occasion of rallying in Florida to back DeSantis as he seeks a second term.

Neo-Nazis gathered outside the event to protest and distribute flyers, one of which said, every single aspect of abortion is Jewish. This elected a quick response from gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried the first Jewish woman elected to the Florida Cabinet. She tweeted: Let my (sic) be clear: when Im Governor, you will not be welcome here. You will not terrorize us. And we will never back down from condemning hate and White supremacy.

Out of left field

Fried is demanding an apology from her Democratic Primary opponent, U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, for bigoted comments he made about immigrants during their Thursday gubernatorial debate.

Farmers only? Crist said during the debate that he supports comprehensive immigration reform. Pressed on what hed do if elected Governor again, he said, Florida would be a place where people could continue to come and work in agriculture.

Disclpate Ahora! Frieds political director, Cramer Verde, quickly seized on Crists gaffe and said he should apologize, pointing out that many immigrants are teachers, nurses, doctors and lawyers who are as much a part of Florida as citizens born here. Verde, a former Chair of immigration for the League of United Latin American Citizens, added: We know the way to victory in November is with the support of our Hispanic communities, (and culturally) disconnected comments like this do not help.

Red shift: Florida is home to some 775,000 undocumented immigrants, the majority of them from South America, but support for Democrats among Latino voters appears to be softening. A recent Axios-Ipsos Latino Poll found DeSantis favorability among Latinos improved by 7 percentage points between December 2021 and 2022, from 39% to 46%.

Fenced in: Whether Crists comments and Frieds response to them affects the Aug. 23 Primary Election remains to be seen. Polling and campaign finance reporting shows Crist maintaining a solid lead over the Agriculture Commissioner in voter support and funding.

Crist adding support

On top of that, Crist picked up a new round of endorsements following the debate, with Sen. Jason Pizzo, Rep. Kevin Chambliss and Brevard School Board member Jennifer Jenkins all throwing their support behind Crist.

Pizzos praise: Charlie is the unifier Florida needs right now to right the wrongs of Gov. DeSantis and put our state back on track, Pizzo said. Florida families are suffering from a lack of affordable housing, a failed insurance market, and disregard for the neighborhoods ripped apart from gun violence. Ive been on the front lines during the pandemic, and thousands of my constituents were stranded waiting for unemployment and housing assistance its time we had a governor who actually cares, and thats why Im proud to endorse Charlie to be Floridas next Governor.

Genuinely cares: I could not be more thrilled to endorse Charlie Crist to be Floridas next Governor, Chambliss said. Florida is facing an affordability crisis with skyrocketing costs of living as well as a gun violence epidemic, but Gov. DeSantis continues to do next to nothing. Its unacceptable. Charlie genuinely cares for Floridians and will always work to alleviate their burdens, not ignore them.

Classroom advocate: There is no greater unifier than our childrens future, Jenkins added. Charlie Crist understands the value of Floridas public education system, and he believes our schools perform when parents, educators, and students work together. By preserving instructional autonomy, providing competitive compensation, and significantly increasing funding for special programs, Charlie Crist will ensure all of our children have a classroom with a qualified teacher, equipped with resources, at the forefront.

Humbled and grateful: I am humbled and grateful to earn the support of these incredible public servants who are working every day to build a Florida we are all proud to call home, Crist said. Florida deserves a governor who will work for the people, not for themselves. A Governor who will always have your back and will fight for you every single day. Lets go win this thing and flip Florida blue.

Fried going on TV

Fried is hitting the airwaves with less than a month until the Election.

The buy: It measures at $624,220 and includes broadcast networks in most Florida media markets, although Orlando and Miami account for about two-thirds of the overall spend.

First ad: Its her first flight of the campaign cycle, and it was booked about a week after her chief opponent in the Democratic nominating contest, U.S. Rep. Crist, became the first Governor candidate to put ads on broadcast.

To watch Frieds post-debate clip: click on the image below:

Wait for it: The ad wont land for a while. According to AdImpact, the media reservation was made for the week of Aug. 15, so Crist will hold on to air dominance for a bit longer.

Frieds ad campaign will be a crucial part of her close. She has consistently trailed Crist in fundraising and most polls and the gap hasnt narrowed since the Primary season entered full swing.

Lawson stumps in Tally

U.S. Rep. Al Lawson headlined an event for Democrats in North Florida.

Blue breakfast: Lawson was one of the dozens of North Florida candidates to drum up support during Saturdays Flip Florida Blue breakfast at Bradleys Pond in Tallahassee. The Democratic Club of North Florida event also featured many candidates for local and statewide offices.

Roasting Ron: Several speakers took aim at DeSantis, including Lawson. Ive served two years with Ron DeSantis, Lawson told the crowd. And all he did for two years was sit in a corner and play with his cellphone. Surrogates for Democratic gubernatorial candidates Crist and Fried referred to the Governor as (Donald) Trump with a brain and Trumpy Jr.

Replacing Ramon: Two Democrats running for outgoing Rep. Ramon Alexanders House District 8 addressed the small crowd. HD 8 hopeful Gallop Franklin said, Its time for us to have a war on poverty. Another candidate, former legislative aide Marie Rattigan pleaded, The time is now for us to no longer be complacent.

Down on Doak: Several local candidates criticized the $27 million economic development grant to upgrade Florida State Universitys Doak Campbell Stadium. Tallahassee mayoral candidate and current Leon County Commissioner Kristin Dozier was applauded when she brought up her opposition to the deal as Mayor John Dailey looked on. That was not what we intended to use the money for, she said. They could have paid for it themselves.

AFPI to host top Florida Republicans

Several Florida GOP officials will speak at the America First Policy Institutes two-day America First Agenda Summit, which kicks off this Monday in Washington D.C. Theyre set to talk gas prices, inflation, parental rights, fighting crime and securing the border.

Monday lineup: Sen. Rick Scott, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi will be among the Day One speakers, starting at 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday roster: U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack will speak on Day Two, which starts at 8 a.m.

Trump returns : The former President, who is set to deliver the events closing address, will be making his first visit back to Washington, D.C. since leaving office.

with support: AFPI CEO Brooke Rollins lauded Trump, saying, It wasnt that long ago that America was flourishing. Paychecks were growing. Poverty was shrinking. The price of gas was down. The stock market was up. And there were no new wars. What a difference 16 months makes.

Import-ant visit

During a swing through Tampa, Sen. Marco Rubio spoke with WFLA about important issues to the port, with a bit of China-bashing on the way.

Supply-side: He discussed the importance of imports and suggested the Tampa Port could connect to allies in Latin America. Instead of having all the factories in China, wed probably be better off if they were in Honduras or Haiti or Guatemala so that people there would have jobs and not have to illegally emigrate to the United States.

Made in America: Ideally, hed like more goods made in the U.S. and may be shipped out. He said Congress could spur lower manufacturing costs to encourage that.

Drawing up plays: The avid Dolphins fan compared government to a sports league. Senators dont play on the field but can change rules and regulations to encourage a certain type of play, like when the NFL wanted more passing and made it so defense cant rough up quarterbacks so much.

Waste of time?: A recent comment slamming an upcoming vote on marriage equality also came up. Rubio will vote no, but said hes upset that Congress needs to focus on this instead of inflation. Not a single state seeks to ban it Its a non-issue.

Jones goes to Israel

South Florida Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones has departed from Miami to visit Israel for a trip where he hopes to connect to his faith and learn from different religious leaders.

Its all in the journey: Jones sees this trip as an opportunity to learn and understand a land that holds deep spiritual value to many, including himself. The journey is a chance to connect not just with his faith, but the land of Israel and the people who form its diverse society, he said.

Agenda: Jones plans to walk the streets of the old city, where the histories of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam intersect to form a Holy Land for billions of people, he said. On the trip, Jones will meet with people of all three faiths, various races and differing political views.

Faith: Jones father is a pastor, and the state Senator credits his parents for teaching him values through his Christian education. Such values, he said, continue to inform his views of the world and his public service.

Following Biden: Jones makes the trip shortly after President Joe Biden visited Jerusalem and reaffirmed U.S.-Israel relations.

With butter?

Its spiny lobster season in Florida. There are the basics: July 27 and 28 are the sport season days this year, with the regular season running from Aug. 6 through March 2023. However, it also leads to thoughts as to why some creatures get the names they do.

Rock stars: Of course, another name for spiny lobster is rock lobster, which featured in the B-52s signature odd song. Why its not regulated as the rock lobster, who can say? It certainly looks like it has a lot of spines on it.

Bag em: Folks like to go spiny lobster fishing in the Keys, but the limits are tighter. The bag limit is six in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, but 12 elsewhere around the state.

Size matters: The lobsters harvested must have a carapace at least 3 inches long as measured in the water.

The hunt is on

If you think Tallahassee has too many taco, pizza or burger places, heres a new venue that offers a more intriguing menu.

Plenty of options: The Huntsman, which opened July 11 in the former home of Cypress Restaurant, features several choices of game, including antelope, black buck elk, wild boar and a few types of deer. But there are several other dining options, including duck, steaks, chops, fish and vegan dishes.

How many courses? The 82-seat restaurant highlights a nightly five-course tasting menu, with a choice of either meat/game picks or all vegan available with a beverage pairing.

Restaurant vets: We wanted to do something a little different, said Danny Renninger, owner of The Huntsman with Ben Williamson and executive chef Skylar Stafford, who all worked together at the fine dining restaurants Sage and Il Lusso.

The details: The restaurant has a 12-seat private room and theres work on outdoor space. The Huntsman is found at 320 E. Tennessee St.; 850-765-1887. The dining room is only for reservation. The bar area accepts walk-ins, with full service.

Brunching out

Its not just the brews. Coffee and breakfast are now daily staples at Ologys new Northside branch

Backstory: Its the third location for Nick Waller, Brian Clark and Paul Woodward, owners of Ology Brewing Co.

Setting: Owners transformed the long-vacated storefront of Beef O Bradys and Subway into a gleaming, 4,800-square-foot venue with a 50 x 30 deck and private party/meeting space.

The menu: Breakfast choices are limited for now, but Ology serves killer burritos. We devoured the Dirty Southwest Burrito, made with bacon, Grady Ranch breakfast sausage, Paradise Found Farm eggs, sauteed peppers and onions, with cheddar cheese and a kicky hatch chile sauce and a dipping sauce of chipotle lime crema. The vegetarian version is equally excellent, with local farm eggs, eggplant, onions, sweet peppers, squash and zucchini. Other options: loaded Tater Tots, avocado toast and house-baked muffins. Expect a mighty good cup of joe from Jason Card, who runs the coffee operation at Northside and Ologys original Midtown spot. The Northside branch features a full menu (breakfast, dinner and late-night choices) from experienced chef Randy Blass.

Details: Ology Brewing (Northside) is found at 2910 Kerry Forest Pkwy., Northampton Shopping Center; 850-296-2809. Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Breakfast 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., with coffee service 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Other locations are at 118 E. Sixth Ave. and 2708 Power Mill Ct.

Can smell the pigskin

The last NFL season for Floridas three teams was a mix of good (Tampa Bay), erratic (Miami), and comically awful (Jacksonville). What does the upcoming season hold? With training camps opening around the league, theres anticipation, expectation, and hope that springs eternal. After all, the Cincinnati Bengals made the Super Bowl last year after going 4-12 the year before.

Whats new? The crystal ball says the Buccaneers will be good again, the Dolphins expect to compete for a playoff spot, and the Jags might be on the road to competence. Well get back to you on that last one. The common thread for Floridas teams is that each has a new head coach.

Going Bowling: Todd Bowles steps up from his defensive coordinator role with the Bucs to the head job after Bruce Arians retired. Bowles spent four seasons as head coach of the New York Jets before joining the Bucs in 2019.

Mike in Miami: Mike McDaniel takes over in Miami after the chaotic firing of Brian Flores after last years 9-8 season. McDaniels task is to turn Tua Tagovailova into a top-level NFL quarterback, a job that should be easier considering the Dolphins sent five draft picks to Kansas City for elite receiver Tyreek Hill.

Jacksonvilles year? And Jacksonville turned to former Eagles coach Doug Pederson to rebuild from the chaos of the Urban Meyer era (or, if you prefer, error). Pedersons job is to restore a sense of sanity to Jacksonville and help second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence reach his potential. It wont be a quick fix in Jacksonville, but Pederson comes with street cred. He coached the Eagles to the 2017 Super Bowl win over New England, which was some quarterback named Tom Brady.

Hes back: Yes, after flirting with retirement after last season, Brady is back for one more round (at least), which means the Bucs are thinking Super Bowl or bust. Are you ready for some football?

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Here's Brunch, a pop-up, weekend email during the 2022 General Election 7.24.22 - Florida Politics