`Packing for Retirement’ Workshop Series Set For Park Ridge, River Forest and Elmhurst

Retirement is one of life's biggest journeys and a growing number of western suburban residents are choosing to prepare for it the same way they would any major trip—with a clear, thoughtful checklist.

That's the idea behind "Packing for Retirement," a free, two-session workshop series in the coming weeks in the western suburbs.

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Led by Dr. Jim Flanagan and Jigar Doshi of Bentron Financial Group, the program helps individuals—particularly those within five to 10 years of retirement—better understand their financial readiness and make more informed decisions about their future.

"It's often said that people spend more time planning their next vacation than their retirement—and, sadly, that's true in many cases," Flanagan said. "Even a little more preparation can make the difference between uncertainty and confidence during your retirement years."

Each location hosts the program as a two-part series:

In Park Ridge at Paula Hassell O'Connor Community Building, 733 N. Prospect Ave. on Wednesday, September 23 and Wednesday, Sept. 30. from 6 to 9 p.m. Click here to register.

In River Forest, at Concordia University, Krentz 120, 7400 Augusta St. on Thursday, September 24 and Thursday, October 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Click here to register.

In Elmhurst, at the park district's HUB Lee Daniels Pavilion, 493 N. Oak Lawn Ave., on Saturday, September 26 and Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. Click here to register.

Attending both sessions enables individuals and couples to build on the first one to provide a comprehensive view of retirement planning. The sessions walk attendees through a practical, hands-on process—starting with self-evaluation exercises that help reveal their current level of preparedness. From there, participants are introduced to key concepts and tools that can shape a more secure financial future.

Among the topics covered:

·How to create a reliable income stream in retirement

·Strategies that may help reduce tax burdens

·When and how to begin taking Social Security benefits

·Ways to manage risk and protect savings from market volatility

·Planning for long-term care and healthcare costs

·The importance of estate planning and having a structured financial plan

Attendees will also work through an estate analysis questionnaire and review sample balance sheets, giving them a clearer understanding of how their own financial picture stacks up. A central component of the program is a set of 10 critical questions that every retiree should be able to answer before leaving the workforce.

The workshops are designed to be approachable and interactive, allowing participants to ask questions and reflect on their personal goals. While the subject matter can be complex, the delivery focuses on clarity and practical application.

Flanagan, who founded Bentron Financial Group in 2001, has long been active in advocating for seniors and retirement readiness. He also established the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting older adults and raising awareness of issues affecting them.

Flanagan is the author of Packing For Retirement: A Practical Guide to Prepare for Retirement at Any Age, which 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.

Doshi, a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, brings nearly two decades of experience helping clients navigate investment strategy, risk management and long-term planning.

Together, the pair emphasizes that retirement planning is not just about numbers—it's about aligning financial decisions with the kind of life individuals want to lead in their later years.

The expansion of "Packing for Retirement" into multiple western suburban locations reflects growing demand for accessible, community-based financial education.

Registration is required for each two-session series, and space is limited.