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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

Elevate Your Legacy: Exploring Wills & Trusts

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Tuesday, 1/14/25

Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

This course offers an in-depth exploration of wills, specialized trust types, and intermediate-stage concepts, equipping you with the knowledge to optimize your estate management strategies. Build upon your understanding of wills and trusts to secure a prosperous legacy.

Audience: Recommended for those who want to create and manage wills and trusts. 

Learning Outcomes: 

  • Explain the reasons for setting up wills and trusts. 
  • Explain the essential objectives a will can accomplish. 
  • Examine other types of wills. 
  • Summarize when and how to revise and/or revoke a will.
  • List common reasons to establish a trust. 
  • Distinguish between revocable versus irrevocable trusts. 
  • Analyze many different types of trusts including: living, family, life insurance, testamentary, and other trusts. 
  • Compare and contrast wills versus living trusts.

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

Tax Planning Strategies

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Thursday, 1/30/25

Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Unlock the full potential of tax reduction strategies in this course. Dive deep into the array of benefits, including credits and deductions, available for optimizing your tax planning. Explore how tax considerations impact retirement, employee benefits, investments, family planning, and charitable giving, and emerge with the expertise to minimize your tax burden.

Audience: Recommended for those who are familiar with current federal tax laws and want to broaden their knowledge of tax strategies and how to maximize their money after taxes. 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain how to expand your options for saving in an employer sponsored retirement plan.
  • Analyze the unique tax saving characteristics of Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts.
  • Identify how to navigate towards increasing your Roth IRA accounts for you and your children. Discuss tax gain harvesting as a way to take advantage of lower income years. 
  • Recall how to capture losses from investments for a tax advantage including the wash sale rule. Select investments that provide tax advantages through asset location. 
  • Evaluate the tax advantages of education funding through a 529 Plan. 
  • Illustrate the merits of using a Donor Advised Fund for fulfilling charitable planning and giving objectives. 
  • Outline relevant energy and electric vehicle tax credits. 
  • Summarize the tax implications of giving assets during life and leaving assets upon death.

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

Retirement Readiness: Planning for All Ages

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Wednesday, 2/5/25

Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of retirement planning tailored to individuals of all ages. Whether you’re just starting your career, mid-career, or approaching retirement, you’ll gain insights and strategies to secure your financial future.

Audience: Recommended for working professionals at any stage in their career who would like to be better prepared for retirement or financial independence. 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Estimate the money needed to be saved each year until retirement. 
  • Assess the role of Social Security benefits in retirement planning. 
  • Explain tax implications of distributions from employer retirement accounts. 
  • Compare the different types of IRAs. 
  • Identify different ways to approach investing for retirement. 
  • Estimate the amount of annual income needed in retirement. 
  • Discuss health care and long-term care costs.
  • Explain important portfolio management principles for retirees. 
  • Name crucial tips to successful retirement planning.

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

Social Security Benefits for All Ages

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Thursday, 2/27/25

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Are you looking to secure your financial future? This course helps you grasp the ins and outs of Social Security. While this program is often associated with retirement, understanding it is crucial at every stage of life. This class will guide you through Social Security’s complexities, helping you make informed decisions that can positively impact your financial well-being, now and in the future. Whether you’re just starting your career, approaching retirement, or anywhere in between, this course empowers you to maximize your benefits and build a solid financial foundation.

Audience: This class is recommended for those wanting to know more about maximizing and filing for Social Security benefits. 

Learning Outcomes: 

  • Demonstrate why Social Security benefits planning is important even when young. 
  • Summarize the basics of Social Security Disability Insurance. 
  • Analyze income history. Estimate future Social Security benefits. 
  • Evaluate Social Security filing strategies while considering your own unique circumstances. 
  • Explain how Social Security retirement benefits are calculated and the effects on your fixed monthly payment. 
  • Apply Social Security’s cost of living adjustments and possible delayed retirement credits to your retirement planning.

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

Estate Planning Essentials

Course Information

Location: 455 County Center, Room 101 - Redwood City, CA 94065

Date: Monday, 3/3/25

Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Navigate the intricate world of estate planning with ease. Explore a simplified three-step process to establish your estate plan, demystify specialized jargon used by financial and legal professionals, and discover the fundamental estate planning documents. Gain clarity on the probate process and estate taxation, laying the foundation for a secure legacy.

Audience: Recommended for those who want to better prepare for their future and organize their estate.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Discuss important reasons for estate planning. 
  • Explain federal gift and estate taxes. 
  • Examine valuable information about gifting. 
  • Determine ways property can be transferred upon death.
  • Explain the process involved with intestate succession and probate. 
  • Name important features of wills. 
  • Identify methods that avoid probate. 
  • Discuss the various ways assets can be titled. 
  • Examine living trusts. 
  • List other necessary estate plan documents.

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

Demystifying Federal Income Taxes

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Tuesday, 3/18/25

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 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. 

Audience: Recommended for those who desire broader knowledge of current federal tax laws and how to minimize their taxes. 

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

Getting Out of Debt

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Wednesday, 3/19/25

Time: 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Ready to break free from the chains of debt? This empowering class equips you with the strategies and tactics to crush debt. Say goodbye to financial stress and hello to a brighter financial future.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand the various methods for repaying debt including the snowball and avalanche methods.
  • Create a comprehensive debt repayment plan by setting specific goals, prioritizing debts and developing a realistic budget.
  • Implement strategies for avoiding future debt acquisition.

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

Charting Your Path to FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Thursday, 4/10/25

Time: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Are you curious about the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement? Dive into the world of early retirement and financial freedom in this short, eye-opening course. Discover the principles behind FIRE, learn how to calculate your FIRE number, and explore the diverse paths to financial independence. More importantly, you’ll gain insights to help you determine whether the FIRE lifestyle is your key to financial peace and the freedom to live life on your terms.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Examine the key components of the FIRE movement to understand the core objectives and principles.
  • Assess the feasibility of different paths to FIRE in the context of your financial goals and lifestyle preferences. 
  • Utilize actionable strategies to accelerate progress toward early financial independence.

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

Money Moves to Manage Inflation

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Tuesday, 4/22/25

Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

In today’s world of soaring prices, financial savvy is your secret weapon. This course equips you with powerful strategies to not only stay ahead of inflation but to thrive. Unearth smart saving techniques, craft realistic goals, vanquish debt, boost your income, and fine-tune your investment portfolio for maximum impact. Don’t just survive inflation – make your money work for you! 

Audience Recommended for those who want to gain a better understanding of inflation and to learn strategies to make better spending and investment choices. 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain what inflation is and how it is measured. 
  • Identify various solutions for managing and reducing expenses in major categories. 
  • Discuss ways to increase income as an inflationary measure. 
  • Evaluate potential modifications to investment portfolios to appropriately weather inflation.

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

Creating a Budget for Success

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Thursday, 4/24/25

Time: 9:00 am – 9:30 am

In this experience, you’ll explore the purpose and benefits of creating a personal budget. We’ll walk you through various budgeting methods, helping you evaluate and choose the one that best aligns with your individual needs and financial goals.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Analyze the purpose and benefits of creating a personal budget
  • Evaluate different budgeting methods and choosing the most appropriate one based on your individual needs and goals
  • Develop a comprehensive budgeting plan that tracks income and expenses

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

The Modern Employee’s Guide to Financial Literacy

Course Information

Location: 455 County Center – Room 101, Redwood City, CA 94065

Date: Monday, 5/5/25

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Looking for a comprehensive personal finance 101 experience? Look no further! This is your go-to course for conquering the financial landscape. Dive into setting rock-solid financial goals, crafting and sustaining savvy spending and savings plans, breaking free from debt, elevating your credit score, and initiating your investment journey. Kickstart your financial journey with prowess and chart your path to lasting prosperity! 

Audience: Recommended for those who want to lay a strong foundation for their financial future. 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Illustrate the importance of setting financial goals. 
  • Discuss easy ways to create a savings plan. 
  • Identify appropriate investments. 
  • Evaluate what’s needed to create an effective budget. 
  • Analyze why it’s important to pay down debt. 
  • Evaluate how your actions affect your credit score.

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

The Early Career Advantage: Planning for Financial Independence

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Tuesday, 5/20/25

Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Secure your retirement from the outset of your career. This class equips early-career professionals with essential retirement planning strategies, empowering you to build financial stability and peace of mind for your retirement years. Learn how to set achievable retirement goals, manage debt, and make smart investment decisions. Future you will thank you!

Audience: Recommended for those who want to take charge of their retirement planning during the early years of their career. 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand the retirement planning landscape as an early-career professional. 
  • Formulate compelling goals. 
  • Establish and effectively use a spending plan. 
  • Calculate savings needed to achieve goals. 
  • Assess the power of compounding. 
  • Calculate the money needed to save each year for a secure retirement. 
  • Review the features of employer retirement plans. 
  • Compare the two types of IRAs. 
  • Describe the benefits of the Health Savings Account. 
  • Discuss the fundamentals of investing. Apply tips and resources for early financial independence planning.

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

Financial Goals Unlocked: Your Path to Prosperity

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Tuesday, 6/10/25

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

How many times do we set goals that we ultimately don’t achieve? Often times, the problem isn’t you; it’s your goals! Packed with interactive exercises and thought-provoking discussion, this class helps you craft tangible and achievable financial goals that align with your values. Develop step-by-step plans, tailor savings strategies, and unlock methods for fast progress. 

Audience: The class is recommended for those who want to set goals and accelerate the achievement of those goals. 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Determine what you value. Create effective SMART goals. 
  • Construct a step-by-step plan of action.
  • Develop a savings plan for each goal. 
  • Evaluate the importance of protecting your finances. 
  • Create additional cash flow for accelerated goal achievement. 
  • Develop habits and systems that perpetuate success.
  • Identify tips for successful goal management.

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

Thriving in the Transition to Retirement

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Thursday, 6/12/25

Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Conquer the art of transitioning into a fulfilling retirement. This class is tailored for those nearing retirement age, providing essential strategies and insights to ensure a secure and satisfying post-work life. 

Audience: Recommended for those who want to take charge of their financial future as they approach retirement. 

Learning Outcomes:

  • Plan out the goals desired for retirement. 
  • Utilize retirement calculators to keep you on track. 
  • Assess important retirement income sources. 
  • Discuss how Social Security benefits are calculated. 
  • Assess retirement income needs and expenses. 
  • Analyze how much can be safely withdrawn from an investment portfolio. 
  • Review how to manage a dynamic retirement portfolio. 
  • Evaluate real estate options for retirees like refinancing, remodeling, and relocating. 
  • Prepare to make more informed decisions about healthcare and long-term care.

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

Coping with Financial Stress

Course Information

Location: Online Webcast

Date: Wednesday, 6/18/25

Time: 9:00 am – 9:30 am

We recognize that financial stress can evoke a range of emotions, including frustration, shame, and even a sense of failure. It’s important to remember that these feelings are normal. By participating in this lesson, you are taking a proactive step towards understanding and managing your financial stress, and you are not alone on this journey.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify the signs and symptoms of financial stress and recognize its impact on mental, physical and emotional well-being.
  • Evaluate the role of mindset and attitude in coping with financial stress and explore techniques for cultivating a positive and resilient mindset.
  • Apply effective coping strategies for managing financial stress, such as increasing cash reserves, seeking support, practicing self-care, and setting realistic financial goals.

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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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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