On Feb. 27th in Riverside: `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,” a retirement expert will be at the Riverside Public Library on Thursday, February 27th to fill this vital gap in individuals’ knowledge of end-of-life preparation.

Dr. Jim Flanagan of Benton Financial Group begins his free hourlong presentation at 7 p.m. at the library, 1 Burling Road.

Registration is encouraged through the library’s online calendar at http://www.riversidelibrary.org/. The library may also be contacted at 708-442-6366.

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.

For over 30 years, Dr. Flanagan has provided financial guidance to people at or near retirement. Over that time, he has become a nationally recognized expert on financial issues impacting older adults and late-life transitions.

Since forming Bentron in 2001, Flanagan has built a comprehensive practice that combines professional expertise with vast experience in coming alongside clients as they make crucial decisions with far-reaching impact.

Flanagan’s charitable and volunteer work revolves largely around seniors. Since 2008, he has chaired the Oak Park/River Forest Township Senior Services Committee. 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.

He is also the author of “Packing for Retirement: A Practical Guide to Prepare for Retirement at Any Age.” Published in 2019, the book offers a comprehensive overview of the myriad facets of retirement planning. In addition, he has attained certification as a Master Registered Financial Consultant, a distinction that reflects integrity and transparency in business and is achieved by fewer than one percent of financial professionals.

The next Celebrating Seniors Week is from May 14-21, 2020. For more information about Celebrating Seniors, visit www.CelebratingSeniors.net. Bentron Financial Group can be reached at 630-505-8375 and is online at www.bentron.com.