On April 14th in Brookfield: `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 will lead a free presentation at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 14th at the Brookfield Public Library to fill this vital gap in individuals’ knowledge of end-of-life preparation.

The library is located at 3541 Park Ave. and the event is open to Brookfield residents as well as anyone else who registers in advance. Event registration can be found on the library’s website at https://tinyurl.com/BrookfieldEOEP.

You can also register by calling the library’s Adult and Teen Services desk, at 708-485-6917, ext. 130.

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.

The presentation is being held in conjunction with Money Smart Week, a public awareness campaign from April 9-16 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/

Dr. 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.

He 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.

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.

Flanagan’s charitable and volunteer work revolves largely around seniors. Since 2008, he has been a member of 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.

The next Celebrating Seniors Week is from May 12-19, 2022. 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.