Examine your estate plan at April 23 personal finance workshop

Join University of Illinois Extension for an in-depth estate planning program from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 23, at the St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. Topics include estate, financial and advanced planning, and each will be led by industry professionals who will show how all three points work together.

"According to an AARP survey, two out of every five Americans over the age of 45 do not have a will," said Sasha Grabenstetter, Consumer Economics Educator from the University of Illinois Extension. "Without proper planning, a court could determine the distribution of your assets in accordance to Illinois state laws. It is important to know and understand your options, and to properly execute the process and documents to ensure the outcome you want."

In this Money Smart Week workshop, three different professionals will educate participants on how to: organize legal documents, wisely choose advisors, properly navigate the trust process, protect assets, determine long-term care needs and understand irrevocable trusts.

Grabenstetter, who is a national award-winning economic blogger, will be joined by Linda M. Strohschein of the Strohschein Law Group, LLC, and financial analyst Kyle Grabenstetter, a candidate for CFP certification. This three-hour estate planning workshop also will include breaks and a question-and-answer session.

To learn more about the program or to register, visit the St. Charles Public Library "calendar and registration" section at www.stcharleslibrary.org or call (630) 584-0076, ext. 1. Registration is required to attend.

Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. All personal finance events are free and taught without sales pitches. Money Smart Week is April 23-30. For a complete listing of programs in your area, visit www.moneysmartweek.org.

For more tips on saving and investing, follow the National Award-Winning University of Illinois Extension "Plan Well, Retire Well" blog at www.RetireWell.uiuc.edu. For more information on University of Illinois Extension programs in Kane County, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/.

University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems.