District 196 Community Education

Have you been thinking that now might be the time to downsize, but aren't sure where to start, how to do it or what your options are? Access to preferred service providers and discount coupons are provided, as well as a no cost home evaluation for those who want to know the value of their home and recommended suggestions to make it more salable. Receive the Downsizing Made Easy Guide.

Does your family have a cabin, homestead, hunting land, farm or second home? How do you protect this family legacy and move its use and enjoyment into the future? Various sources and forces may threaten its very existence like the nursing home and Medicaid (MA), estate taxes, family divorces, creditor and bankruptcy issues, taxes and operating expenses, unequal resources of owners, the in-laws, and use and enjoyment equality. Gain real-life solutions and explore four paths to resolution that will solve problems without driving the family apart or sacrificing the family legacy asset.

Learn about land transfers and figure out if keeping the cabin in the family is workable. Explore how taxes will affect the land, ideas of who to contact during this process and ways to distribute the family cabin/land fairly with the family.

Learn about land transfers and figure out if keeping the cabin in the family is workable. Explore how taxes will affect the land, ideas of who to contact during this process and ways to distribute the family cabin/land fairly with the family.

Walk-thru an actual Minnesota Probate Estate from the filing of the Application for Probate to the final accounts ... and all the steps in between. Learn the entire process with current forms, court and filing requirements, accounting and procedural steps, as well as the procedures for the sale and distribution of estate assets. Discuss the roles, responsibilities and liabilities of a person who is appointed as the executor/personal representative. Explore real-life examples and solutions to the multitude of issues involving a typical (or not typical) Minnesota Probate Estate. Learn the answers to: is there a “reading of the will”? What about personal items? Does the executor get paid? What about estate bills and creditors?

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.

If you are a baby boomer, retirement is likely on your mind in some way, shape or form. Identify areas of focus for those retired, about to retire or who still have a little to go before you cross that retirement finish line. All 3 scenarios are critical times in life to be making good decisions for your financial future. Pensions, Social Security, 401ks, IRAs, Roth IRAs, annuities, life insurance and long-term care … how does it all work together for the betterment of your retirement? Come to learn, ask questions and walk away with a better understanding of what your next financial steps could be. Securities and Advisory Services offered through Harbour Investments, Inc Member SIPC

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 Deciding when to claim Coordinating with other income sources Taxes and Social Security Working while receiving benefits Techniques 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 have earned.

Compare trusts and wills and learn which is best for you. Learn what estate planning entails including property and how to avoid probate in case of disability or death. Understand the probate process and when it is and isn't necessary and why. Make informative estate planning decisions.

The trust is a very popular component and tool to be used in our estate planning. However, there is a variety of vastly different trust options to be used and the question arises: Am I using the right trust for my needs and goals? Often used trusts include: Living Trusts, Testamentary Trusts and Irrevocable Trusts, each serves a different purpose, each has a different result. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of these different types of trusts and when to use them. Explore your goals and wishes to see where they fall in the realm of trusts.

Having a will is important for married couples, singles and divorced people. If you are without a will, the laws of Minnesota and a judge will make all the decisions regarding your estate. Don't let this happen. Learn about estates and wills, and prepare a legal will in class. Receive instructions and a professionally prepared form, have access to witnesses and a notary public. Prior to class, review the information forwarded to you. The will form is designed for individual use; couples cannot share this form (each person must register individually). Appropriate for people who have an estate of less than $2,000,000, including life insurance, and do not own a business. Sorry, no discounts apply.