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Member Education

Classes

Overview

Financial Planning Classes

SamCERA’s free financial planning classes can help you learn more about financial planning, taxes, retirement, and more. Get the skills you need to take control of your financial future. In addition, San Mateo County employees can use these classes to count toward their 20-hour training target.

If you are registered for an online financial planning class with SamCERA, you will be emailed instructions to access the webcast 1-2 days before the scheduled class. A computer and internet connection are needed to participate.

Please feel free to call us at (650) 599-1234 or email samcera@samcera.org for more information.

Step-by-Step Class Registration

County & Court Employees:

To register, follow the instructions below.

  1. Head to the LMS site via the County’s Okta single sign-on.
  2. Click on”LMS”.
  3. Browse the course offerings by selecting “Events Calendar” under the “Learning” tab or search by the course name.
  4. Click on the course you’d like to register for, and then select “Request.” LMS will then send you a confirmation email.

Need more help enrolling? Contact your department’s LMS administrator. If your administrator is unavailable, please call SamCERA at (650)599-1234, or email samcera@samcera.org.

Mosquito District and Library Employees:

Register for classes in LMS or email SamCERA, at samcera@samcera.org, to make your request. Please provide the name and date for the class(es) you would like to attend.

Retirees

To register, email samcera@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date for the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Choosing Financial Professionals

Course Information

Location: 100 Marine Parkway – Suite 160, Redwood City CA 94065

Date: Tuesday, 9/10/24

Time: 10:00 am – 10:30 am

The course equips you with the knowledge to identify and understand different types of financial professionals and their unique responsibilities, empowering you to make informed choices when selecting the right advisor for your financial needs.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Estate Planning Essentials

Course Information

Location: 100 Marine Parkway – Suite 160, Redwood City CA 94065

Date: Tuesday, 9/10/24

Time: 10:45 am – 12:45 pm

Navigate the intricate world of estate planning with ease. Explore a simplified three-step process to establish your estate plan, demystify specialized jargon used by financial and legal professionals, and discover the fundamental estate planning documents. Gain clarity on the probate process and estate taxation, laying the foundation for a secure legacy.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Retirement Readiness: Planning for All Ages

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Thursday, 9/12/24

Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of retirement planning tailored to individuals of all ages. Whether you’re just starting your career, mid-career, or approaching retirement, you’ll gain insights and strategies to secure your financial future.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Estimate the money needed to be saved each year until retirement. 
  • Assess the role of Social Security benefits in retirement planning. 
  • Explain tax implications of distributions from employer retirement accounts. 
  • Compare the different types of IRAs. 
  • Identify different ways to approach investing for retirement. 
  • Estimate the amount of annual income needed in retirement. 
  • Discuss health care and long-term care costs.
  • Explain important portfolio management principles for retirees. 
  • Name crucial tips to successful retirement planning.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Discovering Your Money Mindset

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Wednesday, 9/18/24

Time: 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Embark on a journey of self-discovery in Discovering Your Money Mindset. Uncover how diverse influences shape your attitudes and beliefs about finances, profoundly impacting your money decisions and fostering a deeper understanding of your relationship with money.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Evaluate the benefits of a positive money mindset and its impact on financial well-being
  • Analyze personal attitudes and beliefs towards money and their impact on decision making
  • Develop strategies for changing negative money mindsets and cultivating a positive money mindset

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Charting Your Path to FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Wednesday, 9/18/24

Time: 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Are you curious about the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement? Dive into the world of early retirement and financial freedom in this short, eye-opening course. Discover the principles behind FIRE, learn how to calculate yourFIRE number, and explore the diverse paths to financial independence. More importantly, you’ll gain insights to help you determine whether the FIRE lifestyle is your key to financial peace and the freedom to live life on your terms.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Examine the key components of the FIRE movement to understand the core objectives
  • and principles.
  • Assess the feasibility of different paths to FIRE in the context of your financial goals and
  • lifestyle preferences.
  • Utilize actionable strategies to accelerate progress toward early financial independence

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Social Security Benefits for All Ages

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Tuesday, 10/1/24

Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Are you looking to secure your financial future? This course helps you grasp the ins and outs of Social Security. While this program is often associated with retirement, understanding it is crucial at every stage of life. This class will guide you through Social Security’s complexities, helping you make informed decisions that can positively impact your financial well-being, now and in the future. Whether you’re just starting your career, approaching retirement, or anywhere in between, this course empowers you to maximize your benefits and build a solid financial foundation.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Demonstrate why Social Security benefits planning is important even when young. 
  • Summarize the basics of Social Security Disability Insurance. 
  • Analyze income history. Estimate future Social Security benefits. 
  • Evaluate Social Security filing strategies while considering your own unique circumstances. 
  • Explain how Social Security retirement benefits are calculated and the effects on your fixed monthly payment. 
  • Apply Social Security’s cost of living adjustments and possible delayed retirement credits to your retirement planning.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

The Early Career Advantage: Planning for Financial Independence

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Thursday, 10/17/24

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Secure your retirement from the outset of your career. This class equips early-career professionals with essential retirement planning strategies, empowering you to build financial stability and peace of mind for your retirement years. Learn how to set achievable retirement goals, manage debt, and make smart investment decisions. Future you will thank you!

Learning Outcomes 

  • Understand the retirement planning landscape as an early-career professional. 
  • Formulate compelling goals. Establish and effectively use a spending plan. 
  • Calculate savings needed to achieve goals.
  • Assess the power of compounding. 
  • Calculate the money needed to save each year for a secure retirement. 
  • Review the features of employer retirement plans. 
  • Compare the two types of IRAs. 
  • Describe the benefits of the Health Savings Account. 
  • Discuss the fundamentals of investing. 
  • Apply tips and resources for early financial independence planning.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Money Moves to Manage Inflation

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Monday, 10/21/24

Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

In today’s world of soaring prices, financial savvy is your secret weapon. This course equips you with powerful strategies to not only stay ahead of inflation but thrive in its face. Unearth smart saving techniques, craft realistic goals, vanquish debt, boost your income, and fine-tune your investment portfolio for maximum impact. Don’t just survive inflation; let’s make your money work for you!

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain what inflation is and how it is measured. 
  • Identify various solutions for managing and reducing expenses in major categories. 
  • Discuss ways to increase income as an inflationary measure.
  • Evaluate potential modifications to investment portfolios to appropriately weather inflation. 

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Leaving a Legacy

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Tuesday, 10/22/24

Time: 11:00 am – 11:30 am

Discover the profound significance of leaving a legacy that goes beyond monetary value. Through this experience, you will gain clarity on the intentional legacy you will leave behind. Uncover valuable insights that will empower you to shape a lasting impact and leave a meaningful mark on the world.

Learning Outcomes

  • Define what is meant by leaving a legacy and explain why it is important for individuals to consider their legacy.
  • Identify different ways that individuals can leave a legacy, such as through charitable giving, passing down family traditions, or leaving an inheritance.
  • Evaluate the impact of cultural and societal norms on legacy planning and identify strategies for navigating these factors in a global context.
  • Develop a plan for leaving a legacy that aligns with personal values and goals and implement strategies to ensure the plan is carried out effectively.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Thriving in the Transition to Retirement

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Monday, 11/4/24

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Conquer the art of transitioning into a fulfilling retirement. This class is tailored for those nearing retirement age, providing essential strategies and insights to ensure a secure and satisfying post-work life.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Plan out the goals desired for retirement. 
  • Utilize retirement calculators to keep you on track. 
  • Assess important retirement income sources.
  • Discuss how Social Security benefits are calculated. 
  • Assess retirement income needs and expenses. 
  • Analyze how much can be safely withdrawn from an investment portfolio. 
  • Review how to manage a dynamic retirement portfolio. 
  • Evaluate real estate options for retirees like refinancing, remodeling, and relocating. 
  • Prepare to make more-informed decisions about healthcare and long-term care.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Thriving in the Transition to Retirement

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Monday, 11/4/24

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Conquer the art of transitioning into a fulfilling retirement. This class is tailored for those nearing retirement age, providing essential strategies and insights to ensure a secure and satisfying post-work life.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Plan out the goals desired for retirement. 
  • Utilize retirement calculators to keep you on track. 
  • Assess important retirement income sources.
  • Discuss how Social Security benefits are calculated. 
  • Assess retirement income needs and expenses. 
  • Analyze how much can be safely withdrawn from an investment portfolio. 
  • Review how to manage a dynamic retirement portfolio. 
  • Evaluate real estate options for retirees like refinancing, remodeling, and relocating. 
  • Prepare to make more-informed decisions about healthcare and long-term care.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Making Confident Choices: Executors, Beneficiaries, and Guardians

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Thursday, 11/7/24

Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Want to ensure your loved ones are cared for no matter what life brings? Join us for an enlightening journey into estate planning that goes beyond paperwork and documents. Discover the art of making strategic decisions when selecting executors, beneficiaries, and guardians. Gain the knowledge to navigate these critical roles with confidence and ease. Secure peace of mind for you and your family, knowing that your legacy is in capable hands.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Compile list of contracts/accounts that require beneficiary designations. 
  • Identify beneficiaries for assets. 
  • Determine that designated beneficiaries do not conflict with a will or trust. 
  • Apply a way to keep all beneficiary designations up to date. 
  • Select the proper executor(s) for your estate. 
  • Explain the responsibilities involved in being appointed as an executor. 
  • Choose a guardian for minor children. 
  • Discuss the important duties required of a guardian. Identify additional estate planning documents.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Understanding Your Net Worth

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Wednesday, 11/13/24

Time: 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Net worth is a powerful financial metric that offers valuable insights into your overall financial health.  Join this course to gain a comprehensive understanding of your net worth, enabling you to make informed financial decisions. 

Learning Outcomes 

  • Learn how to implement changes to help you build a financial plan and set financial goals.
  • Define net worth and explain why it is important for individuals to understand their net worth.
  • Identify the components of net worth, including assets and liabilities, and describe how they are calculated.
  • Evaluate the impact of different financial decisions on net worth, such as purchasing a home or taking on debt.
  • Analyze the relationship between net worth and financial goals and use net worth calculations to help you develop and prioritize their financial goals.
  • Apply strategies for improving net worth, such as reducing debt, increasing income, and making smart investment decisions.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Demystifying Federal Income Taxes

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Tuesday, 12/3/24

Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Ever wondered how your tax refund is calculated? Find out in this enlightening course. Decode the complexities of federal income taxes with real-life examples and hands-on workbook exercises. Gain clarity on how taxes function and unravel the intricacies of the current tax law. You’ll also discover fundamental strategies for reducing your tax burden.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Recall the income and capital gains tax rates currently in effect. 
  • Explain how taxes are calculated. 
  • Outline the estimated tax rules. Identify essential tax planning terms. 
  • Define the contribution and “catch-up” limits for your employer retirement plan. 
  • Distinguish between a Traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. 
  • Determine how investment income from stocks, bonds, and mutual funds is taxed. 
  • Examine the wash sale rule. 
  • Summarize IRS home loan interest deduction rules. 
  • Discover what records must be kept to prove charitable donations. 
  • Contrast between tax credits and student loan interest deductions for education. 
  • Name tax credits for children and dependents.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Navigating Long-Term Care and Aging Decisions

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Thursday, 12/12/24

Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Discover the essential knowledge you need to make informed decisions about long-term care options for yourself or your loved ones. This comprehensive course provides valuable insights into navigating this crucial aspect of aging with confidence.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Determine important characteristics for healthy aging. 
  • Identify the most common concerns about aging. 
  • Examine projected costs for medical care and long-term care. 
  • Define what Medicare insurance does and does not cover. 
  • Analyze the different ways to pay for long-term care. 
  • Discuss strategies for self-funding the cost of care. 
  • Assess long-term care insurance policies for essential features. 
  • Explain the Medicaid program and its strict eligibility requirements concerning income and assets. 
  • Evaluate the services, amenities, and costs associated with various care options.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Planning for a Fulfilling Retirement

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Thursday, 12/12/24

Time: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Retirement is a significant life transition with diverse meanings across cultures.  Whether you’re months or decades away from this transformative phase, this class, Planning for a Fulfilling Retirement, offers expert guidance to shape your ideal retirement.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Evaluate the concept of retirement and its evolving meaning in different cultures. 
  • Assess personal values, goals, and priorities to develop a holistic retirement vision that goes beyond financial considerations, incorporating elements such as health, relationships, personal growth, and leisure activities.
  • Develop effective communication and collaboration skills to navigate retirement transitions, including discussions with family members, loved ones, and potential caregivers.
  • Reflect on the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement, including adjusting to new routines, finding meaning and purpose, and managing potential challenges like identity shifts and the loss of professional identity.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

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Click here and jump to the County's Learning Management System (LMS) to register for a class

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