Uncertainty about finances is one of the top fears confronting retirees.  Financial planner Louise Schroeder will present “Financial Planning for Successful Aging,” which will help retirees address these concerns.  The class is part of the OSU Emeriti Association’s monthly retirement series which meets at Stillwater Public Library.

“Financial planning as a retiree includes determining what kind of lifestyle you would like to have based on what you value,” said Schroeder.  “Just getting started with a financial plan is usually the biggest hurdle for most retirees.  This session will help attendees by discussing what factors can influence successful aging.”

According to Schroeder, participants will learn why they need to plan for success aging, what should be included in their plans and how such plans will affect their financial situations.

“I think people will be surprised to learn which factors can have a positive or negative impact on their financial plan,” said Schroeder.  “Factors such as personal values, the quality of life they want to live in retirement and their spending decisions all affect whether or not they will be able to achieve their goals.”

Schroeder is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and is part of the Garrett Planning Network of hourly-fee financial planners.  She has been in private practice since leaving the OSU Foundation in 1998, where she served as the Assistant Director of Planned Giving. 

She is particularly interested in serving retirees, and has worked with a number of agencies and organizations throughout the state to make retirement more successful.  She serves on Stillwater’s Certified Retirement Community committee, which promotes Stillwater as an attractive retirement community.  They are also working to determine the needs of Stillwater retirees and provide a means for retirees to connect with resources.

In 2008, Schroeder completed the Oklahoma Aging Advocacy Leadership Academy, which is sponsored by the Area Agencies on Aging and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Aging Division.  She serves on the Oklahoma Aging and Disability Resource Consortium committee, which is in the process of developing a state-wide database of resources, programs, and services to help Oklahomans who need assistance in finding they help that they need.

“I’m hoping this session will help participants get comfortable talking about retirement and planning for their future,” said Schroeder.  “It is important that they be comfortable with the topic so that they can involve their family members in the process.  Family members are often involved in the later years of life, so communication of values, desires, and plans is very important.  A Certified Financial Planner™ can help in getting the discussion started, and in determining what questions need to be answered. ”

“Making the Most of Retirement” is free and open to all retirees.  It meets the third Wednesday of each month.  Upcoming programs include “Preparing for the Severe Weather Season” by Kirk Mittelstet on Feb. 19, “Tips to Avoid Identity Theft” by Sissy Osteen on March 19 and a tour through OSU’s new art gallery on Monday, April 14.

For more information, visit http://retiredinstillwater.wordpress.com or contact the library at 405-372-3633 x106 or askalibrarian@stillwater.org.