Join us for an engaging 60-minute session filled with education, light humor, and practical advice. The events of recent years have reminded us how quickly life can change, making it more important than ever to have accurate, up-to-date plans in place. In this class, we’ll cover key components of end-of-life planning, including powers of attorney, wills, trusts, health care directives, funeral or cremation wishes, and long-term care options. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of what these documents mean, how they work together, and why they matter. This program is a valuable opportunity to dispel common myths, reduce uncertainty, and get straightforward answers to your questions—helping you feel more confident and prepared for the future.

There’s a shift in your mindset when you switch from saving and investing all those years to spending that money – and paying taxes on it. There are many options if your goal is to grow or spend and give more of your wealth, but it takes planning. Join us for our workshop on the 5 Phases of an IRA to discover: How the 5 phases of an IRA relate to stages of your retirement, how time can have a great impact on tax-deferred retirement accounts, and strategies for reducing the taxes you and your heirs could pay.

Aging and the changes that come with the need for additional caregiving can have a significant impact on personal finances as well as family relationships. This workshop reviews the considerations to make in planning for changes that arise as we age and provides tips for starting healthy conversations with family members that can lead to positive outcomes. The workshop suggests the Vital Records Workbook as a resource for attendees to explore their own situation and enable further conversations with a financial advisor. Workshop outline Conversation tips Essential legal documents Financial aspects of providing care Emotional challenges Resources

Real estate transactions often involve significant financial and legal consequences, yet many of the most common problems arise from issues that are preventable with the right planning and awareness. This presentation will highlight several common pitfalls that can arise during real estate transactions and attendees will gain practical insight into how these issues develop, how they can impact buyers and sellers, and what steps can be taken in advance to reduce risk and ensure a smoother transaction. This session is designed to provide a clear overview of key considerations so individuals can approach real estate transactions with greater confidence and understanding.

Wondering if you’ll be able to help your student finish college and still retire someday? With guidance from a college planning expert, you can. In this workshop, you will learn how academics, admissions, and financial strategies can work together to help save you and your student money on college. You will leave knowing: • What to expect when transitioning from high school to college. • Why published costs may not be as important as you think. • Tips about the FAFSA and its importance to you. • About cost of attendance, out-of-pocket, expected family contribution, need-met and gift-aid ratios, and how they apply to you. • How to improve your student’s odds of graduating in four years. • And more!

With a variety of cremation options and plans available, it’s hard to know what fits your needs. Learn about the options, costs, and laws governing cremation and burial. Get answers on setting money aside, which plans can be guaranteed, and where.

Are you tired of watching your hard-earned money go down the drain in taxes? Get ready to discover some game-changing strategies for reducing your tax liability and keeping more of your money in your pocket! We’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of estate planning, gift tax laws, and income tax strategies that can help you retain more of your wealth. Don't wait any longer! Learn how to preserve your family’s wealth. This class is held online and in person. Look for the online notation for the class that is being held online.

This workshop helps attendees discover five keys to unlocking a retirement where they could have confidence in their ability to live out their dreams. The Five Keys are guaranteed income, protection from volatility, don’t outlive your savings, pick your own tax bracket, and protection from the “what ifs.” www.Thrivent.com

Do you have a business idea but don’t know where to begin? This free two-session training is designed to show you the basic steps on how to move from just an idea to “NOW OPEN!” You will walk away with relevant skills and information on how to: Register your business and everything needed to get started Find money to start your business Market and grow your business Take care of your money, pay required taxes, and more! Session One: Introduction to starting a business Objective: Understand what it takes to own a business, set up and register your business to operate legally, know the type of license you may need, and all other relevant information. Getting started Value for Customers: Why should we buy from you? Marketing: Target market, customer segments, and marketing outlets Business structure: LLC, S-Corp., Sole Pr., etc. Business registration needs: EIN, MN Revenue ID, Business license Session Two: Money Matters Objective: Learn how to fund your business, what a loan involves, how to have a business bank account, taxes, and keeping your money. Funding and funding sources Loan fundamentals Setting up a business bank account Bookkeeping and Taxes Getting paid (payment systems)

You will learn terms and language easily understood on the following topics: saving and investing wisely; types of investments; stocks, bonds, cash; investing through mutual funds and EFTs; asset allocation; and balancing your risk and return. www.Thrivent.com

Explore generosity far beyond the dollars you give and the volunteer hours you serve. Discover the five primary ways each generation expresses generosity, and learn about the factors that shape and influence it.

Medicare can be complicated, but Minnesota Aging Pathways is here to help. Whether you’ve been on Medicare for a few years and just need a refresher, or you’re brand new to Medicare, Medicare 101 will help you understand the basics so you can manage your health care options. Please note: Minnesota Aging Pathways does not charge a fee for its services, classes offered, etc. Any and all fees charged are that of the rochesterschools Community Education. * Cosponsored with the SE MN Area Agency on Aging (SEMAAA).

The lessons in this workshop provide an overview of Medicare program basics, including Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance), Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage), the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, and additional programs and resources for individuals with limited income and assets. This training module was developed and approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Health Insurance Marketplace. www.Thrivent.com

Are you concerned about the hassle and expense of probate? Learn the secrets to avoiding it! With our proven strategies, protect your assets and ensure your loved ones receive their inheritance without the headache of probate court. Say goodbye to costly legal fees and lengthy court proceedings. It’s time to take control of your estate and secure your legacy for generations to come. Join us and learn how to avoid probate like a pro!

This informative class provides guidance, insight, and peace of mind around important end-of-life and financial planning considerations. Participants will learn about essential documents such as wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives, as well as recent updates to Minnesota’s medical assistance laws. The class will also explore which assets may or may not be protected, address common questions about long-term care, and review the basic information typically needed by a funeral home. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to prepare and make informed decisions for yourself and your loved ones.

The Savvy Tax Strategies workshop, from Horsesmouth, helps provide answers to critical tax questions many retirees face. The workshop offers the Guide to Taxes and You Key topics Before you retire Social Security & Medicare Manage your tax brackets

Planning for disability benefits requires careful coordination to ensure that financial resources are protected while maintaining eligibility for important government programs. In this presentation, we will discuss common planning strategies that help individuals and families preserve assets, avoid unintended disqualification from benefits, and provide long-term financial security. Topics will include supplemental needs trusts and practical steps families can take today to protect the future of a loved one receiving disability benefits. This class will be held online. You will receive an email 2 days prior to the class date with the link to join the class.

Making the most of Social Security is all about timing. When is the best time to apply for benefits, the best time to stop working, and the best time to take withdrawals from 401(k)s and IRAs? Learn how you can determine the timing that's right for you! www.Thrivent.com

Learn how business valuation can help ensure you’re on track to meet your personal and professional goals.

Passing a farm on to the next generation involves more than simply deciding who will receive the land. It requires careful planning to balance family relationships, financial realities, and long-term stewardship of the operation. This presentation will explore key issues families should consider when developing a succession plan, including how to transfer farmland and equipment, how to treat on-farm and off-farm heirs fairly, tax considerations, and strategies to help preserve the farm for future generations. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the planning tools available and practical steps they can take now to help ensure a smooth and successful transition. This class will be held online. You will receive an email 2 days prior to the class date with the link to join the class.

It's critical to have a solid understanding of the tax status of investments to make informed decisions and avoid paying more than your fair share. In this seminar, attendees learn how future tax changes may create the potential for higher taxes, ways to create tax-free retirement income, how Social Security is taxed, and how to work efficiently within current tax brackets. www.Thrivent.com