SILVER CREEK – The Community Education division of the Silver Creek Central School District is accepting registration for several free, finance-based course offerings as part of its Winter/Spring 2019 program. All classes are led by Brett Komm, a financial services representative from Foresters Financial Services, Inc., and will take place in the High School Library.

Although there is no fee for any of these courses, all enrollees are asked to please visit www.silvercreekschools.org to download and submit a registration form for an accurate head count.

Riskonomics on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 5:30 p.m.: Discussion will center around your retirement income needs; strategies for generating income to meet those needs; making sure you do not outlive your retirement assets; biggest risks retirees face today; most common retirement pitfalls and taking retirement distributions.

New York State Teachers Retirement System on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 5:30 p.m.: Explanation of retirement benefits (eligibility for retirement, explaining the terms will be discussed along with retirement benefit payout options (pension and annuity options, beneficiary options); understanding your Social Security benefits; how to coordinate benefits with your spouse and the impact of the Windfall Elimination provision. Even though this seminar is listed as NYSTRS, it does offer information that is relatable to the NYSLRS and CSEA members. Some details may differ, but the concepts are the same. If you are a member of another organization and would like to attend, Mr. Komm can answer questions that may relate to your specific situation or he can follow up privately after the seminar.

Savvy Social Security Planning on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at 5:30 p.m.: What Baby Boomers need to know to maximize retirement income. Will Social Security be there for me? How much can I expect to receive? When should I apply for Social Security? How can I maximize my benefits? Will Social Security be enough to live on in retirement?

Savvy Medicare Planning on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at 5:30 p.m.: Learn how Medicare enrollment periods work – and what you need to do to avoid late-enrollment penalties. Attendees will also learn how much you can expect to pay in health care costs after going onto Medicare and how Medicare works with private insurance to provide comprehensive coverage. Also up for discussion: Why most people pay too much for private insurance and how you can avoid excess costs. Why you must plan for higher health care costs in retirement – including the possibility of needing long-term care – is also a topic.

Financial Wellness: Life Insurance Workshop on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at 5:30 p.m.: Participants will learn about how much life insurance they need, what types of life insurance to buy and life insurance options/benefits.

Savvy Social Security Planning for Women on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at 5:30 p.m.: Learn how you can maximize your Social Security benefits. Other questions include: Are there survivor benefits if my husband or ex-husband dies? If I get divorced, are there divorced-spouse benefits? How can I best coordinate retirement benefits with my husband? What Social Security planning should I consider before remarrying?

Savvy IRA Planning for Baby Boomers on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at 5:30 p.m.: What type of retirement account is right for you? Can you still contribute to a retirement account and if so, how much? When do you need to take withdrawals and how much do you have to take? How are your IRA withdrawals taxed? How does your IRA fit in to my overall plan? What happens to my IRA when you die? How can you minimize taxes so you can spend more of your hard-earned money?

Registration steps:

1. Call 951-8111 and leave a message with your name, number, and the name of your course(s). You WILL NOT receive a confirmation call. If the course is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, you will be called.

2. Send in your money promptly, with this registration form and your course fees. (Include separate checks for each person.)

NOTE: You are not permanently registered until we receive your course fee. Enroll early. Money must be received before the class begins. Checks or money orders can be made out to: Silver Creek CS Community Ed. Those age 65 and older get a 15% discount. Classes will not meet when school is not in session or due to inclement weather. If you have any questions, please contact your instructor regarding cancellations. The local radio/television stations will also provide weather-related closings. Please register with the form online at www.silvercreekschools.org under “Community.” Mail completed form to: Silver Creek Central School, P.O. Box 270 Dickinson St., Silver Creek, NY 14136, Attention: Donna Roof, Director of Community Education.