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.

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.

Discover what to expect as you age and explore simple lifestyle choices to stay healthy, active and thriving through every stage of life. While you may not have control over the passage of time, you do have control over how you approach the aging process. Why not face it fearlessly? Fearless aging empowers you to take charge of your future and create a positive impact on your life. Let’s embrace the forces of change with confidence, and be fearless in our approach to aging!

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.

Downsizing is about more than decluttering, it's a thoughtful transition to a new chapter. Discover the practical steps and emotional journey of moving to a smaller, more intentional space. You will talk through common challenges, helpful strategies and how to approach the process with confidence and peace of mind.

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

Are you turning sixty-five and wondering about Medicare? Learn when you can enroll and where you can make comparisons to select the right option. The class includes a presentation, takeaway handouts and a reference guide. Optional one-on-one meetings are free for attendees to discuss specific options.