Minnetonka Community Education

Learn safe and defensive driving practices with the Minnesota Safety Council. This course is one 4-hour classroom or virtual session - there is no written or behind-the-wheel test. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate you can then share with your insurance provider to receive a discount. The first and last name you enter when you register for the class will appear on the certificate. To ensure that you will receive your certificate at the end of class, register one week before the class date. If you register after that deadline, you will receive a handwritten certificate at the conclusion of class.

Designed for caregivers and loved ones, this class offers hands-on tools, reflection and creative strategies to reduce stress, build meaningful connections and enhance daily care for those with memory loss. Grounded in art, music, storytelling and mindfulness practices, the class emphasizes how creativity can become a bridge, helping caregivers not only engage with their loved ones in new ways, but also care for their own emotional well-being. Participants will leave with adaptable, low-cost strategies they can bring into home or professional care settings, along with a supportive community of peers.

Aging often involves transitioning to different, downsized housing while coordinating financial and physical health considerations. Learn to navigate these circumstances to make your transition more enjoyable. Housing discussed: buying and renting, subsidized and elderly waivers, market-rate apartments, 55+ communities, continuing care retirement communities, independent and assisted living, aging in place, memory care, cooperatives, and condos and townhouses. Explore alternatives to single-family living.

Moving mom and dad is often a challenge, especially when they are reluctant. We will discuss and give an overview of the housing market as you face the tough decision of finding appropriate housing options for your parents. Participants will receive a Moving Mom & Dad guide.

Ready for retirement? Discover how to maximize your income with smart planning. This engaging class covers essential Social Security and Medicare strategies to help you retire confidently and make benefits work for you. Social Security Topics Discussed: 5 factors to consider when deciding to apply for benefits When it makes sense to delay benefits and when it does not How to estimate your benefits Innovative strategies for coordinating benefits with your spouse How to minimize taxes on Social Security Benefits How to coordinate Social Security with your other forms of retirement benefits Medicare Topics Discussed: How Medicare enrollment periods work – and what you need to do to avoid late-enrollment penalties How much you can expect to pay in healthcare costs after going onto Medicare How Medicare works with private insurance to provide comprehensive coverage Why most people pay too much for private insurance and how you can avoid excess costs Why you must plan for higher healthcare costs in retirement – including the possibility of needing long-term care

In retirement, your tax rate may vary widely based on timing and order in which you use different sources of money to pay for your living expenses. Apply the tax code in an organized and efficient way to ensure you receive the best return. In this class, you will learn: The critical tax question you must answer BEFORE retirement The surprises that often make retirement more expensive What the Social Security “tax trap” is and how you can avoid it Why tapping assets in the wrong order can trigger higher Medicare premiums Why you need to manage taxes even before you retire The four stages of retirement and important tax actions in each stage, including tricky IRA challenges Mistakes to avoid when it comes to your investment portfolio, health care, and estate