South Washington County Schools Community Education

What exactly is estate planning and who needs it? We discuss property, and how it should be titled to avoid probate and make for an easy transition in case of disability or death. We compare wills and trusts, and see which is better for a particular individual. Finally, we look at the probate process, and discuss what it is, when it's necessary, and why.

Discover more about planning a secure retirement than most people learn in a lifetime. This course blends financial education with life planning to help you build wealth, align your money with your values, and achieve your retirement lifestyle goals. Learn how to manage investment risks, use new tax laws to your advantage, make informed decisions about your company retirement plan, and adjust your estate plan to function properly under the new laws. A 225-page illustrated textbook is included. (Add your Spouse to your registration, at no charge, and share materials.)

Would you like to better understand your day-to-day spending, your monthly bills, your current wages, and other monthly expenses? Discover ways to live comfortably on what you already make, identify areas of overspending, clarify needs vs wants, prioritize where you owe, and more. Then learn how to apply strategic plans to help you reduce debts at a much more rapid pace. Gain a better understanding of your income vs debts, how to help reduce interest rates on credit cards, how to start setting goals, prioritize savings, create an emergency fund, and other financial goals. Along with others’ ideas and tips, this class will help you reach the goal of financial freedom. You'll improve your quality of life, gain mental clarity, reduce stress, and become more confident in your decisions and yourself.

Better understand Medicare—and get the right care for you: Choosing a Medicare plan that meets your needs begins with understanding your options. It can be challenging to learn what’s out there and to figure out what’s most important to you. We’re here to help make the process as simple as possible. That way, you can choose your plan with confidence and peace of mind. We’ll talk about: Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, and what they cover Medicare options When you can enroll Eligibility

Looking for ideas on improving your kitchen? This class offers tips and tricks to create a beautiful kitchen within your budget. We will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of open concept and how to make selections on cabinetry, layout, countertops and the task of putting it all together. We will talk about how to choose a contractor and resources that will make the most of your budget and make the project as stress-free as possible!

Ever considered becoming a landlord or investing in real estate but needed more information? Learn about opportunities in today’s Twin Cities market, how to analyze a property, tax considerations, and things to put in a lease. We review all aspects of becoming a landlord from buying, selling and renting.

A Home Equity Conversion can allow qualified borrowers age 62+ to access their home equity and turn it into tax-free* cash to fund the retirement they have always dreamed of. Home Equity Conversions need to be better understood by baby boomer retirees as it represents a viable retirement income solution for millions. However, biases and misconceptions are holding people back from unlocking the full potential of their home in retirement.The funds from a "reverse" mortgage can greatly supplement your retirement income with the possibility of eliminating your monthly mortgage payment. You remain the owner of the home, stay on title, and never owe more than the home is worth at the time the home is sold for both yourself and your heirs.

If you have 1-5 years to prepare for the sale of your home, then join Dan & Mary Tillman, Seniors Real Estate Specialists, as they offer a seminar on Simple Home Improvements. They will give insight into what sets home values and helpful tips to get the most out of your upgrades. They will also share what improvement will give you the best return, what repair should be done prior to selling a home and where to find resources to help with your projects.

Is your garage, storage unit and/or attic full? Or are you in charge of the contents of a loved one's home after they pass? You're not alone. It hard to sift through years of memories & possessions and many people don't know where to begin. Join Dan & Mary Tillman, Seniors Real Estate Specialists, as they partner with Old Is Knew LLC (Estate Sale Company) on tips where to begin, what sells and what doesn't and the cost of an estate sale. Plus, we do our own version of An Antique Road Show. Feel free to bring one item or picture of something that you've been curious about the value. Eric Holseth, owner of Old Is Knew LLC, will be available to assess each item and give an estimated value. Workshop includes a sandwich lunch.

Military Veterans have hundreds of available benefits, and are not aware of them including Presumptive Benefits, which are related to war time service activity. The challenge comes in understanding who is eligible and how to apply for compensation. If you are a retired veteran or approaching retirement age, there are a host of resources waiting to assist you. Join Dan & Mary Tillman, Seniors Real Estate Specialists, as they partner with County VA Services to provide veterans with the information to help them thrive.

Explore alternatives to single family living from cooperatives, subsidized apartments, market rate independent rentals, and housing complexes that offer a continuum of care ranging from independent living to assisted living. Come with your questions to decide what will work best for you and what are your next steps?

Are you and your spouse nearing retirement age? Learn how to get the most out of your Social Security benefits as a couple. Topics include: How marriage impacts Social Security - The spousal and survivor benefits you may be eligible for based on your work records. Deciding when to claim - Strategies for timing when each spouse claims benefits to maximize your household income over your lifetimes Coordinating with other income sources - Factoring Social Security into your overall retirement income plan alongside 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, etc. Taxes and Social Security - How benefits are taxed and ways to minimize taxes on your benefits in retirement Working while receiving benefits - The earnings limits that may affect your benefits Technique higher-earning couples can utilize this class is essential for married couples wanting to ensure they receive their full share of the Social Security benefits they've earned. Attend with your spouse or partner.

Did you know that women face unique challenges when it comes to maximizing their Social Security benefits? Attend this women-focused seminar to learn proven strategies for getting every dollar you deserve from the Social Security system. As women, we tend to have lower lifetime earnings, more breaks from the workforce for childrearing or caregiving, and longer life expectancies. That's why it's critical to understand key Social Security provisions like: How to qualify for spousal and survivor benefits off your husband's record Increasing your payments by delaying claims as long as possible Managing the earned income limits if you continue working Collecting on your ex-spouse's record after divorce Minimizing taxes on yur Social Securitty income in retirement This seminar is tailored specifically to the needs of women like you. Get the facts, dispel the myths, and walk away with valuable information for a more secure retirement income. You've worked hard your whole life - don't let your Social Security benefits go underutilized!

In retirement, your tax rate may vary widely over the years based on the timing and order in which you use different sources of money to pay for your living expenses. You want to apply the tax code in an organized and efficient way. You need a retirement tax strategy that will: Identify the types of taxes you will face at various stages Address how taxes impact Social Security and Medicare Plan when to tap different accounts so you don't overpay taxes Attend this class and learn: The critical tax question you must answer BEFORE retirement The surprises that often make retirement more expensive What the Social Security "tax trap" is and how you can avoid it Why tapping assets in the wrong order can trigger higher Medicare premiums Why you need to manage taxes even before you retire The four stages of retirement and important tax actions in each stage, including tricky IRA challenges Mistakes to avoid when it comes to your investment portfolio, health care, and estate