On June 1st in West Chicago: Retirement Expert Jim Flanagan Shares 'Essentials of Estate Planning'

"Failing to plan is planning to fail."

Sometimes attributed to Benjamin Franklin, sometimes to others, the root of the pithy saying isn't nearly as important as whether you heed its wisdom.

With "Essentials of Estate Planning," a retirement expert is coming to West Chicago on Wednesday, June 1st to fill this vital gap in individuals' knowledge of end-of-life preparation.

Jim Flanagan of Bentron Financial Group begins his free one-hour presentation at 7 p.m. at the West Chicago Park District's ARC Center, 201 W. National Street.

There are two ways to register for the session: go to the front desk at the ARC Center (201 W National) or go to www.we-goparks.org and insert the program registration code, 111000-01.

If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact Mary Lester, Recreation Supervisor, at 630-231-9474 or by email at mlester@we-goparks.org.

Flanagan will cover the estate planning process from beginning to end, including the need to plan, the most common planning techniques and the documents involved. The class will also explain the difference between a will and a trust while providing attendees an understanding of probate, wills, power of attorney for healthcare, power of attorney for financial matters, living trusts, and guardianship appointments.

By the end of the session, attendees will have gained a thorough understanding of the steps they need to take to protect their spouse and heirs.

The founder of Naperville-based Bentron Financial Group, Flanagan has been advising people at or near retirement age for more than 20 years. For the past 15 years his specialties have included counsel on how and when to tap into Social Security benefits.

Bentron Financial Group is online at www.bentron.com, and can be reached at 630-505-8375.

In 2005, Flanagan joined the Oak Park/River Forest Township Senior Services Committee, for which he has served as chairman since 2008. In 2010, he founded the Celebrating Seniors Coalition, a not-for-profit organization that, among other services, helps seniors with emergency needs and raises public awareness of issues affecting seniors in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.

The organization's 6th annual Celebrating Seniors Week is May 12-19. For more information, visit www.CelebratingSeniors.net.