Experts to discuss saving strategies at Celina library event, Celina Record, Feb. 2019

Experts to discuss saving strategies at Celina library event Lisa Ferguson, Star Local Media Contributor Feb 14, 2019 When it comes to planning for retirement, it is likely that most people think about where they’d like to travel or decide what new hobby to take up during their free time. However, according to local financial professional Chianna Rodgers, there is much more to consider, especially when it comes to properly funding the so-called “Golden Years.” “Usually people retire, and they’ll have a large lump sum of money. They go on vacation, they buy cars, they buy a house,” said Rodgers, a registered financial representative with Principal Financial Group. “Then they realize their money isn’t going as far as it did when they had a regular paycheck coming in, so they have to adjust. You can still do those things, but you have to plan accordingly.” A resident of Celina, Rodgers serves as chairperson of Celina Public Library’s Advisory Board. At the library, 142 N. Ohio St., she and her Principal Financial Group colleague Fred Shlesinger will present a free Retirement Educational Strategies Training (R.E.S.T.) workshop from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 21. Among the topics to be discussed are investment and tax-diversification strategies as well as asset protection. Informative handouts and worksheets will be available to those in attendance. No solicitation or selling of financial products will occur during the event. Linda Shaw, head of library services, said the decision to include the retirement workshop in Celina Public Library’s 2019 programming was an easy one. “What is important to members of our community as individuals is important to us at the library,” Shaw said. “This is an awesome program. … It is a terrific opportunity for people to become better educated about all of the benefits that are available to them.” A married mother of three children, Rodgers holds both Series 6 and Series 63 securities licenses. A native of Chicago who relocated to North Texas seven years ago, she is also licensed to sell life, health, property and casualty insurance, and previously was an agent for State Farm. Prior to retirement, Rodgers said, “Most people don’t know how to calculate how much money they’ll need” to pay for routine expenses while maintaining the lifestyle they enjoyed during the years that they were employed full time. “They don’t take into account medical and tax expenses, how much that costs when you’re older and don’t have a constant income stream.” Meanwhile, she explained, “All of the things you learned about investment strategies reverse at retirement. That’s a big flip for people.” The R.E.S.T. workshop is designed to educate those preparing to retire soon, as well as people who plan to remain in the workforce for years to come. “It’s never too early to start thinking about retirement,” Rodgers said. “It’s your job to be prepared.” You must be logged in to react.