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San Mateo County Employees' Retirement Association
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There are some important things inactive members should know about retirement

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Member Education

Classes

Overview

Financial Planning Classes

SamCERA’s free financial planning classes can help you learn more about financial planning, taxes, retirement, and more. Get the skills you need to take control of your financial future. In addition, San Mateo County employees can use these classes to count toward their 20-hour training target.

If you are registered for an online financial planning class with SamCERA, you will be emailed instructions to access the webcast 1-2 days before the scheduled class. A computer and internet connection are needed to participate.

Please feel free to call us at (650) 599-1234 or email samcera@samcera.org for more information.

Step-by-Step Class Registration

County & Court Employees:

To register, follow the instructions below.

  1. Head to the LMS site via the County’s Okta single sign-on.
  2. Click on”LMS”.
  3. Browse the course offerings by selecting “Events Calendar” under the “Learning” tab or search by the course name.
  4. Click on the course you’d like to register for, and then select “Request.” LMS will then send you a confirmation email.

Need more help enrolling? Contact your department’s LMS administrator. If your administrator is unavailable, please call SamCERA at (650)599-1234, or email samcera@samcera.org.

Mosquito District and Library Employees:

Register for classes in LMS or email SamCERA, at samcera@samcera.org, to make your request. Please provide the name and date for the class(es) you would like to attend.

Retirees

To register, email samcera@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date for the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Demystifying Federal Income Taxes

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Tuesday, 12/3/24

Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Ever wondered how your tax refund is calculated? Find out in this enlightening course. Decode the complexities of federal income taxes with real-life examples and hands-on workbook exercises. Gain clarity on how taxes function and unravel the intricacies of the current tax law. You’ll also discover fundamental strategies for reducing your tax burden.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Recall the income and capital gains tax rates currently in effect. 
  • Explain how taxes are calculated. 
  • Outline the estimated tax rules. Identify essential tax planning terms. 
  • Define the contribution and “catch-up” limits for your employer retirement plan. 
  • Distinguish between a Traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. 
  • Determine how investment income from stocks, bonds, and mutual funds is taxed. 
  • Examine the wash sale rule. 
  • Summarize IRS home loan interest deduction rules. 
  • Discover what records must be kept to prove charitable donations. 
  • Contrast between tax credits and student loan interest deductions for education. 
  • Name tax credits for children and dependents.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Navigating Long-Term Care and Aging Decisions

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Thursday, 12/12/24

Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Discover the essential knowledge you need to make informed decisions about long-term care options for yourself or your loved ones. This comprehensive course provides valuable insights into navigating this crucial aspect of aging with confidence.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Determine important characteristics for healthy aging. 
  • Identify the most common concerns about aging. 
  • Examine projected costs for medical care and long-term care. 
  • Define what Medicare insurance does and does not cover. 
  • Analyze the different ways to pay for long-term care. 
  • Discuss strategies for self-funding the cost of care. 
  • Assess long-term care insurance policies for essential features. 
  • Explain the Medicaid program and its strict eligibility requirements concerning income and assets. 
  • Evaluate the services, amenities, and costs associated with various care options.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

Event

Planning for a Fulfilling Retirement

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Thursday, 12/12/24

Time: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Retirement is a significant life transition with diverse meanings across cultures.  Whether you’re months or decades away from this transformative phase, this class, Planning for a Fulfilling Retirement, offers expert guidance to shape your ideal retirement.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Evaluate the concept of retirement and its evolving meaning in different cultures. 
  • Assess personal values, goals, and priorities to develop a holistic retirement vision that goes beyond financial considerations, incorporating elements such as health, relationships, personal growth, and leisure activities.
  • Develop effective communication and collaboration skills to navigate retirement transitions, including discussions with family members, loved ones, and potential caregivers.
  • Reflect on the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement, including adjusting to new routines, finding meaning and purpose, and managing potential challenges like identity shifts and the loss of professional identity.

Course materials and instructions will be emailed to all registered members 1-2 days before the date of the class.

How to Register:

County & Court Employees: Register on LMS via OKTA. This class can count toward your annual 20-hour training target!

Mosquito District & Library Employees: Register on LMS here. If you do not have access or experience any issues, email communications@samcera.org with the name and date of the class that you would like to attend.

Retired Members: To register, email communications@samcera.org. Please provide the name and date of the class(es) you would like to attend.

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Go to LMS
Click here and jump to the County's Learning Management System (LMS) to register for a class

With LMS, you can register for upcoming SamCERA classes!

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