Big Island Pre-Retirees Can “Think of Your Future” at Free Workshop

You can do more than dream about retirement; you can start planning for it at a free “Think of Your Future” workshop in Waimea on Saturday, April 29 .

The free workshop runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Tutu’s House, 64-1032 Mamalahoa Highway.

No individual advice will be given and no products or services promoted or sold. The workshop is just about helping you plan for retirement and it’s free. You don’t have to be an AARP member to attend.

The following sessions are included in the workshop:

• 10 Steps to Get Ready for Retirement – Many pre-retirees overlook the rising cost of medical care. According to estimates, the savings needed to cover most health care expenses in retirement, including premiums, is $116,000 for men and $131,000 for women.

• Understanding Your Social Security Retiree Benefits – Begin claiming your benefits at age 62 and your monthly check will be 76 percent less than if you wait until age 70. Conversely, some people need the money or fear they won’t live long enough to collect what they paid into the system.

• Medicare 101 – You generally have a seven-month window to sign up, starting three months prior to turning 65. Not doing so could trigger late penalties and delay coverage – unless you’re covered beyond 65 by insurance from your or your spouse’s employer.

Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/future4-29 or call toll free 1-877-926-8300.

AARP Volunteer Speaker Ed Hickey will also be speaking at public libraries on the Big Island during the Hawaii Public Library’s Money Smart Week to promote financial literacy.

On Friday, April 21, Hickey will be at the Naalehu Library at 1 p.m. to talk about Medicare Basics. He’ll speak about Social Security Retirement and Family Benefits on Saturday, April 22 at 1 p.m. at the Hilo Library and on Monday, April 24 at 5 p.m. at the Honokaa Library. On Tuesday, April 25, Hickey will speak at the North Kohala Library and 11 a.m. on Budgeting and Saving and will talk about Improving Credit and Reducing Debt at the Kailua-Kona Library at 5:30 p.m. He’ll also give his Improving Credit and Reducing Debt presentation on Wednesday, April 26, at 6 p.m. at the Thelma Parker Library in Waimea.