On April 18th in Downers Grove: `Essentials of Estate Planning’

“Failing to plan is planning to fail.”

Sometimes attributed to Benjamin Franklin, sometimes to others, the root of the pithy saying isn’t nearly as important as whether you heed its wisdom.

With “Essentials of Estate Planning,” Dr. Jim Flanagan of Bentron Financial Group will lead a free presentation at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18th at Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St.

To fill this vital gap in end-of-life preparation and register, visit https://downersgrove.libnet.info/event/8017849. Contact the library’s “ask us” desk at askus@dglibrary.org or call 630-960-1200 with questions.

The presentation is being held in conjunction with Money Smart Week, a public awareness campaign from April 15-21 that is designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. The campaign was launched in 2002 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; more information about the week is at http://www.moneysmartweek.org/

In the session, Flanagan will cover the estate planning process from beginning to end, including the need to plan, the most common planning techniques and the documents involved. The class will also explain the difference between a will and a trust while providing attendees an understanding of probate, wills, power of attorney for healthcare, power of attorney for financial matters, living trusts, and guardianship appointments.

By the end of the session, attendees will have gained a thorough understanding of the steps they need to take to protect their spouse and heirs.

Flanagan founded Downers Grove-based Bentron Financial Group in 2001. He has provided financial guidance to people at or near retirement age for over 30 years. In that time, he has become a nationally recognized expert on financial issues impacting older adults and late-life transitions. Flanagan is the author of Packing For Retirement: A Practical Guide to Prepare for Retirement at Any Age. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the myriad facets of retirement planning.

He has served on the Oak Park/River Forest Township Senior Services Committee since 2008. In 2010, he founded the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, a not-for-profit organization that provides seniors with emergency services and raises public awareness of issues affecting seniors in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.

Bentron Financial Group is online at www.bentron.com.