District 196 Community Education

Are you ready to take the first step toward homeownership, but unsure of where to begin? This comprehensive course equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the home-buying process confidently. Learn about various mortgage options and the financing process, discover essential budgeting strategies and explore down payment assistance programs. Leave with practical knowledge and a clear understanding of the steps needed to successfully achieve your homeownership goals.

The biggest fear for most baby boomers is how to pay for the nursing home and still leave something for the next generation. With ever changing estate planning laws and great increases in nursing home costs, the fear is real. Understand what your options are. Is long term care insurance for you? What about home care? Should I gift my money away? Would I qualify for Medicaid? Does my current trust avoid the nursing home? What is the 60 month claw back? What if my spouse goes into the nursing home and exhausts our money? Discuss these questions and many more, including how to plan and place your assets to meet your nursing home goals.

You work your whole career with the goal of someday retiring. Discuss the importance of the crucial years leading up to your retirement date, the active years of your retirement and the winding down of your retirement years. Topics include: estate planning while working, during retirement and at the end of life, when to take your social security, key financial products and services available in the market (Medicaid compliant annuities, long term care insurance, life insurance long term care riders), what to look for in a professional (financial advisor, CFP, RIA, fiduciary), and the final plans before the end – what can be too little, too late? Please bring your questions, this class is an interactive forum.

Aging often involves transitioning to different housing. The process involves coordinating financial and physical health considerations and frequently downsizing a home. Explore alternatives to single-family living from buying and renting - subsidized and elderly waivers, market-rate apartments, 55+, CCRC, independent/assisted living age in place, memory care, cooperatives and condo/townhouses. Come with your questions to decide what will work best for you and what are your next steps.

Medicare can be very confusing. Learn how to navigate the Medicare maze. Explore Medicare Parts A (Hospital), B (Clinic), and D (Drug plans). Learn how a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or Medicare Supplement can help you cover the costs that Medicare does not. The class will review how to enroll, when to enroll, why to enroll and more. Question and answer session time included.

Gain an in-depth overview of retirement planning including financial education to help you build wealth, align your assets 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 book is included in fee. Spouse/partner may attend at no additional charge (and share the materials). Please include spouse/partner name when registering.

Learn what baby boomers should consider when coordinating their retirement income and social security. Do you know how to estimate your benefits? We discuss five factors to consider when applying for benefits. Does it make sense to delay or not? Also, might it be better to delay benefits and coordinate with your spouse? Other innovative strategies, as well as how to minimize taxes on benefits are reviewed.

Learn how to be more successful when acquiring real estate by understanding the purchase agreement, strategies for accepting your offer in multiple offers, and different ways to cover closing costs and mortgage insurance. Explore Twin Cities housing market data, an overview of loan programs - including a loan for escrowing improvements, appraisal issues affecting a home sale and small things to improve your chances of selling your property. Making updates such as paint, carpet, light fixtures and de-cluttering are discussed. An opportunity for a no obligation price evaluation of your home by the instructor is included with class tuition.