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Ready to retire?

Educational workshops held for retirement planning

Theresa Sell, workshop organizer and Encore Financial Marquette financial advisor, introduces Curt Hewitt, of Medicare Supplement Insurance Services of Michigan, to a group gathered at the Thrive Community Center in Chippewa Square in Marquette last Thursday. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

MARQUETTE — Encore Financial Marquette is hosting a series of workshops called Preparing for Retirement Transition every Thursdays, with the exception of today, Valentine’s Day, til April 4 at the Thrive Community Center in Chippewa Square in Marquette.

“This workshop is open to all who are interested in looking for information on retirement,” Theresa Sell, Encore Financial Marquette financial adviser, said in an email.

The eight-part series offers basic information on best retirement practices from area experts on various subjects such as estate planning or socially responsible investing. Workshops run twice during each scheduled day, once at 2 p.m. and the other at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be provided during the afternoon session and dinner will be provided during the evening session. All workshops are free to attend and open to the public.

During the first session last Thursday, Curt Hewitt, of Medicare Supplement Insurance Services of Michigan, walked attendees through the process of signing up for Medicare and answered common questions about the program.

“Any improved knowledge in what steps they need to take next in order to pick a Medicare advantage or Medicare supplement plan was my goal,” Hewitt said about the presentation. “I just wanted them to be able to walk away without being so scared of the unknown or having the fear of the unknown. I think we were able to accomplish that.”

Curt Hewitt, of Medicare Supplement Insurance Services of Michigan, discusses the basics of Medicare with workshop attendees at the Thrive Community Center in Chippewa Square in Marquette last Thursday. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

Hewitt passed out packets to summarize his presentation and then elaborated on each part. Attendees were able to ask questions and receive in-depth answers during the presentation.

“My advice to everybody is to seek a competent licensed professional in their local area,” Hewitt said. “I think too many people are getting their information via unethical people over the phone or unethical websites that are just fishing for information, or just doing what’s best for the agent on the other end of the phone or email. It’s always good to work with a professional locally.”

The next workshop will take place on Feb. 21 with attorney Marybeth Marin, who will give an overview on estate planning. Marin will discuss with attendees how to make sure that your final wishes are followed among other things. The following Thursday, Feb. 28, Sell will unpack the practice of socially responsible investing and how to get involved. On March 7, Bryan Langdon will present on long-term care planning and the following week, March 14, Sell will return to talk about having a tax efficient retirement. On March 21, Scott Buber, of Farm Bureau Insurance, will give a presentation on property and casualty insurance. On March 28, Hewitt will return to present on health insurance for the pre-65 retiree. Lastly, on April 4, Jen Cosco, of Select Realty, will speak about downsizing or looking for a home in retirement.

“We will not talk about products or services in these workshops,” Sell said. “We want people to be able to hear the information and feel comfortable asking the questions that they have and to get expert advice. We want people to feel confident in their retirement and in their financial future.”

For more information, email kelsey.braden@efgrp.net or call 906-225-8001. A list and description of upcoming workshops can be found online at Encore Financial’s Facebook page at ww.facebook.com/pg/theresa.sell.encore/events.

Pictured is a selection of refreshments for the afternoon session. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

A couple shares a moment together. (Stock photo from pexels.com)

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