On September 23rd in Oak Park: `Estate Planning Explained’

“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 “Estate Planning Explained,” Dr. Jim Flanagan of Bentron Financial Group will lead a free one-hour presentation at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23rd at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake Street.

To learn more and register, visit https://tinyurl.com/EPE-OakPark. You can also call the library at 708-383-8200.

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.

Thereafter, attendees will be introduced to 10 critical questions that every retiree must answer before embarking on a successful retirement. In addition, the session will cover the basic need for an estate and/or a financial plan, as Flanagan provides an estate analysis questionnaire and an example of a balance sheet.

“In a real practical way, this program helps people assess whether they are ready to retire,” Flanagan said. “And if not, what steps do you need to take to get there?”

Flanagan founded 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.

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.

Dr. Flanagan also has a series of financial pointers, dubbed My Generation Minute, that air regularly on the radio at 87.7 METV FM in the Chicago area.

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