Minnetonka Community Education

End-of-life talks are tough but vital. Learn how to approach these conversations with clarity, compassion and confidence to support your loved ones and honor their wishes. You'll learn how to talk about values, wishes and practical matters like medical decisions, legal documents and legacy planning. By opening the door to honest dialogue now, you can bring peace of mind to your family and ensure that final wishes are known, respected and honored.

Dreaming of trading snow boots for flip flops? Discover what you need to consider before becoming a Snowbird—from choosing your destination to finding the perfect rental. You'll get a clear overview of the logistics, tips for getting started and practical advice to make your winter escape smooth and stress-free. Because the instructor is a seasoned Florida Snowbird, much of the personal insight will focus on experiences in the Sunshine State.

Now is the time to start planning for income in retirement. Learn about Social Security and Medicare benefits in this informative class. 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