New tool for struggling seniors: EconomicCheckUp®

 From 

A new online tool can help older adults improve their financial security. EconomicCheckUp® asks a series of questions to help seniors identify benefits and services that could save them money, cut expenses, get trained for and find a job, and better utilize their assets. Early tests in 25 communities found that seniors using the tool saved up to $3,000 a year on average.

Visit EconomicCheckUp® now | Sign up for a webinar to learn more

Volunteers Needed: 

Help prepare taxes for seniors and people with low incomes. 

Sign up now to train for Tax Season Volunteering:

Use your skills to support free tax help for those in need.

Short-term volunteer opportunities at multiple metro locations during tax season:

--Individual Tax Preparers--Prepare simple state and federal returns using tax software. Free training now through January.

—Tax Site Greeters--welcome customers, no previous tax experience is necessary.

--Tech Support--Help set up, maintain, and troubleshoot computer systems at tax sites. Tech experience required.

RSVP can connect you to these opportunities and more ways to help seniors and people with low incomes.. 
                                                         

For more info: Call 952-945-4162 or Email 

Volunteers 55 and over receive special RSVP benefits

Medicare Open Enrollment Information

Dec. 7 is the last day for this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment period. 

Find the info you need on the newly enhanced My Medicare Matters website, a service of the National Council on Aging.   Visit My Medicare Matters now

 

Volunteers needed:

Train to be a health insurance counselor--or--help older adults in other ways.Training is provided.                                 

RSVP can connect you to volunteer opportunities at local organizations. Volunteers 55 and over receive special benefits.  For more info: Call  952-945-4162 or Email                       

New to Medicare?   Learn everything you need to know about coverage and enrollment.  

Have Medicare? Find out whether you can save money on your coverage.

Veterans Day Events and Deals

Thank You  For Your Service!                                                                                                 Screening of "Honor Flight: One Last Mission"

When: Nov. 10, 1 p.m. Where: Chautauqua Theatre, Mahtomedi High School About: Opportunity to watch a heartwarming documentary about four living World War II veterans and a Midwest community coming together to give the veterans the trip of a lifetime. Free and open to the public.  More Info: Flyer

Free Entree for Veterans!

When: Nov. 11, 2013 Where: IKEA Twin Cities, Bloomington About: Free entree - includes a sandwich, hot dish entree or entree salad - for active, reserve or retired Servicemembers with military identification. More Info: Website

Free Haircut from Great Clips

When: Nov. 11, 2013 Where: All Great Clips locations About: All veterans and current active duty Servicemembers may receive a free haircut on Veteran's Day. Any civilian that gets a haircut on Veteran's Day may receive a free haircut coupon that can be given to a veteran of the civilian's choice. Also, Great Clips always offers a $2 military discount to any active duty Servicemember.

Build a Burger for the Troops When: Nov. 11, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Where: White Bear Lake VFW About: FREE hamburger and fries to all veterans and their families, compliments of the White Bear Lake VFW and Yellow Ribbon Chapter of Suburban Ramsey County. More Info: Flyer Veteran's Day events in Mahtomedi When: Nov. 11, 2013 Where: Mahtomedi High School and Mahtomedi's Triangle Park About: Two events to honor veterans include lunch and other programs, performances and speakers. More Info: Event information

2nd Annual LSCV Veterans Recognition Dinner When: Nov. 12, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Lake St. Croix Beach About: The Yellow Ribbon Alliance of Lower St. Croix Valley is hosting a veterans recognition dinner to honor local veterans and their families. The event will include a free dinner, music and prizes. More Info: Flyer

Veterans Play Project - "Created by Footprints Collective" When: Nov. 15 to 24, 2013 Where: Base Camp at Fort Snelling About: Inspired stories gathered from more than one hundred Minnesota military veterans, this new play tells the story of veterans and civilians living in the fictional small Midwest town of Smedley. Those planning to attend may make a paid reservation to guarantee a seat, although those that show up will be allowed to view the performance for free. More Info: Website 2013  Chain Restaurants with Veterans Day Free Meals  Applebees Free Meal On Monday, November 11th, veterans and active duty military can choose from a free signature Thank You Meal menu that includes some of Applebee’s favorite items, including a 7 oz. House Sirloin, Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger, Three-Cheese Chicken & Sundried Tomato Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Double Crunch Shrimp, Chicken Tenders Platter or Oriental Chicken Salad. Must present valid Veteran’s form of identification or be in uniform. Boston Market Stop into any Boston Market on Veterans Day and show your military ID and receive a free whole chicken with the purchase of a family meal. Champps Free Cheeseburger and Fries Veterans and active-duty receive a free handcrafted burger and fries all day. Choose from a select menu. Participating locations only, check to confirm. Chili’s Free Meal Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special Veterans Day menu on Monday Nov. 11th. Must show proof of military service. Denny’s All You Can Eat Pancakes All active, inactive and retired military personnel, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 11th and at all participating Denny’s restaurants nationwide, diners with a valid military ID will receive free all-you-can-eat pancakes. Einstein Bagels Free Bagel and Shmear This Veterans Day from 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all active, inactive and retired military personnel are invited to receive a Free Signature or Classic Bagel and Shmear, or any other topping, and no purchase is necessary. Famous Dave’s Free or Discounted Meal Famous Dave’s is providing a variety of free meals and discounts at participating locations to former and current military personnel on 11/11/2013. Offers vary by location. Hooters Free Meal Monday, Nov. 11, Hooters invites all veterans and current servicemen and women to a free meal, up to $10.99 in value with any drink purchase, by presenting a military ID or proof of service at any Hooters location across the country. Krispy Kreme Free Doughnut & Coffee Offering a free doughnut and coffee to all those served or currently are serving. Proof of military service required or those in uniform. Only at participating locations. Little Caesars Free Crazy Bread All United States armed forces veterans and active military members get a free order of Crazy Bread® with proof of military status at participating stores nationwide this Veterans Day, 11/11/13. Olive Garden Free Meal All veterans and military active duty will receive a free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day. Also, all November current military service members and their families get 10% off in honor of Military Appreciation Month. Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage Military personnel and veterans get a Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage. Must have valid identification. Plus, get 10% off all meals from Nov. 12 through Dec. 31. Red Lobster Free App & drink From Nov. 11 – Nov. 14, service members receive a complimentary Texas Tonion appetizer and non-alcohol beverage. Includes veterans and current service members. TGI Fridays Free Lunch Veterans and active duty military service members are invited have lunch on T.G.I Friday’s this Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Read more: http://militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/#ixzz2k5rPTakt

Vets Helping Vets

Volunteers needed-- The RSVP volunteer program can connect you to volunteer opportunities that benefit veterans and the families of deployed military. Volunteers 55 and over receive special benefits. For more info: Call 952-945-4162 or Email 

Join Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran’s Day Build in Robbinsdale

Monday, November 11^th,

8:30 am—4 pm 

Anyone can come — no experience required. 

Sign up at http://tchabitat.volunteerhub.com  More info: tchabitat.org  or  612-305-7114

Thank you for helping provide families with safe, stable and affordable homes!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY: In Honor of Our Service Men & Women

Assemble Care Packages  For Local Troops

Saturday, November 30 - 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon    

Watertown-Mayer Primary School Multi-Purpose Room

Donations needed: The community will be collecting donations beforehand: toiletry items, individually wrapped food items, reading materials etc. A list of appropriate items can be found online at www.ustroopcarepackage.com  or call Community Ed at 952-955-0280 for a copy of the list and drop off sites. Donations at drop off sites will be picked up prior to November 26th.

Together we can make a difference!

Help Wrap Gifts for Children of Deployed Soldiers

-The 850th Horizontal Engineer Company deployed out of Cambridge to Afghanistan in March 2013.  

-Beyond the Yellow Ribbon will host a holiday party for their children on December 7th . 

-Volunteers are needed to assist with gift wrapping for nearly 110 children on November 21st, from 5pm-7pm, in Cambridge. 

-Volunteers also needed for additional gift wrapping sessions and the partyon December 7th.  

Cambridge is a short drive from the northern suburbs. Consider car pooling to help at this important event!

For more information contact Monique Mendyke at: mmendyke@voamn.org   or    call: 612-390-5218.

November is National Caregiver Month

Thank you caregivers everywhere!  

Did you know that there are 65 million people in the United States
providing care for chronically ill, disabled or aged family members during any given year? Those 65 million caregivers spend 20 hours a week providing that care. The American Society on Aging reported that if this care was put into dollars it would be valued at $375 billion a year, which is almost twice as much as is spent on homecare and nursing home services combined.

The National Family Caregivers Association is working hard to bring
more attention to caregivers and the major role they play in the health care of care receivers. If you know someone who is caregiving give them a thank you for their devotion to serve their loved one or maybe offer a little assistance. Thank you caregivers everywhere!
Visit their website for more  info

Free Event at Lyngblomsten's 5-5-1 Club

Caregiver Cafe: Caregiving & the Holidays

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Caregiver Café is an opportunity for caregivers to connect with one another about caregiving while enjoying each other’s company in a café-style atmosphere.  The theme of the topics will be around caregiving and the holidays.  There will be guided “table talk” that keeps the focus on you as a caregiver and your unique experiences related to providing care for a family member, friend or neighbor. 

Please bring a lunch or pick up something at Anna’s (café located on campus).  Dessert, coffee, tea and water will be provided. 

4 sessions—Join us for all four, or stop by when you are able: 

Repeats every week until Tue Dec 10 2013 except Tue Nov 26 2013.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

 Tuesday, November 19, 2013 - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

 Tuesday, December 3, 2013 - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

 Tuesday, December 10, 2013 - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: 

 5-5-1 Club - lower level of the Lyngblomsten campus at 1415 Almond Ave, St. Paul 55108

Download the flyer.

Fee:  FREE

Register:  Please RSVP to (651) 632-5330 or 551club@lyngblomsten.org.
Program # 1112-1210

Caregiver support volunteers needed:     

RSVP can connect you to volunteer opportunities such as respite care, friendly visiting, errands and more.                                                                 

Volunteers 55 and over receive special benefits.

For more info: Call 952-945-4162 or Email 

Free Theater for, by and about MN Veterans!

Free Tickets to "An Iliad" When: Performances scheduled daily until Oct. 19 Where: Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis About: Military personnel, veterans, and their immediate families are invited to attend a performance of "An Iliad," now playing in the Dowling Studio. Experience one of the best performances of 2013 - a solo performance the Star Tribune hailed a "tour de force" and City Pages called "riveting!" More Info: Flyer Telling: Minnesota When: Oct. 19, 10 a.m., and Oct. 20, 1 p.m. Where: Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis Detailing military service from Vietnam through to the present, six  Minnesota veterans will step onstage at the Guthrie Theater’s Dowling  Studio to give their first-hand accounts of their lives and the military.  Telling: Minnesota is an original play written from interviews with the  performers themselves, interwoven into three continuous acts.  Stories range from capture and escape in Southeast Asia and Scud missile  attacks in Saudi Arabia, to accompanying Lynn Anderson to the Marine  Corps Ball, flying injured soldiers out of Iraq and Afghanistan, repairing  helicopters in South Korea and military sexual trauma in the Army. Telling:  Minnesota is an unvarnished look at the heroism, absurdity, horror, wonder  and banality of military life as told by the Minnesotans to whom these  things happened TELLING: MINNESOTA PERFORMANCES ARE FREE, BUT TICKETS ARE REQUIRED.  Call the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224 (toll-free at 1.877.44STAGE) to reserve your ticket.  More Info: Flyer More Theater Discounts for Veterans and Active Military

When: Oct. 2013 Where: Various locations About: The Minnesota Theater Alliance is offering discounted tickets to several theater shows throughout Minnesota all month long! More Info: Website and Ticket Information    Vets Helping Vets Volunteers needed-- The RSVP volunteer program can connect you to volunteer opportunities that benefit veterans and the families of deployed military. Volunteers 55 and over receive special benefits. For more info: Call 952-945-4162 or Email

Saturday is Financial Planning Day-- Free Advice!

Twin Cities Financial Planning Day

Saturday, October 5, 2013
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation

451 Lexington Parkway North
Saint Paul, MN 55104

City of St. Paul and Financial Planning Association of Minnesota invite you to attend Twin Cities Financial Planning Day on Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, where you'll be able to meet one-on-one with dozens of professional financial planners to discuss your personal finance questions, concerns and interests.

Information will be provided on a pro-bono basis by experts from the Financial Planning Association and highly qualified CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals. There are no strings attached - volunteering financial planners will not pass out business cards, marketing materials or sell products or services.

You may seek information and advice on a wide range of topics, including:

GENERAL FINANCIAL PLANNING Buying a Home - Debt Management Building a College Fund - Savings Goals ______________________________________ SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCESJob Loss and Job Change - Foreclosure Assistance Change in Marital Status ______________________________________ INVESTMENT PLANNING Investment Strategies - Asset Accumulation Generating Investment Income ______________________________________ RETIREMENT PLANNINGBuilding a Retirement Fund - 401(k) and 403(b) Plans IRA Accounts - Social Security ______________________________________

INCOME TAX PLANNINGTax Reduction Strategies Charitable Contributions - Small Business Taxation ______________________________________ ESTATE PLANNING Building an Inheritance - Wills and Trusts Estate Tax Strategies ______________________________________ INSURANCE PLANNING Life Insurance Coverage - Disability Insurance Long-term Care Planning ______________________________________ EMPLOYEE BENEFITSManaging Health Insurance - Health Savings Accounts Pension Benefits ______________________________________

In addition to personalized advice, Twin Cities Financial Planning Day will also feature a series of classroom-style educational workshops addressing popular personal finance topics.

10:00 am - 1:00 pm       Attendee Registration

10:05 am - 10:15 am      Welcome and Opening Remarks

 
10:15 am - 10:45 am      Keynote by Joe Schmit

 
10:45 am - 2:00 pm       One-on-One Counseling with Financial Planners

10:45 am - 2:00 pm       Resource Fair
11:00 am - 11:50 am      Workshop - Early Years - Taking Control: A Financial Planning Starter Kit

  Workshop - Middle Years - Choosing the Right Insurance for Every Stage of your Life

                                      Workshop - Golden Years - Real World Retirement Planning

 
12:00 pm - 12:50 pm     Workshop - Early Years - Budgeting 101:Life's Balancing Act

Workshop - Middle Years - Estate Planning: What Everyone Needs to Know

                                     Workshop - Golden Years - Income Sources in Retirement

 
1:00 pm - 1:50 pm         Workshop - Early Years - Investing Basics: Be a Smart Investor

                                     Workshop - Middle Years - Tax Planning in a Changing Tax World

                                     Workshop - Golden Years - Medicare Programs

Twin Cities Financial Planning Day is a free event where you'll have an opportunity to address specific financial questions to professional financial planners who are volunteering their time and expertise to provide unbiased financial planning information tailored to your unique situation. All financial planners at the event are either CFP^®professionals and/or members of the Financial Planning Association, and are highly qualified to discuss your financial issues and help you find the answers you need.

At the Financial Planning Day, each volunteer is seated at a table. Volunteers will meet with one individual, couple or family at a time but there is no limit to the number of volunteers you can meet with.

Concurrent with one-on-one consultations, the event will feature a series of classroom-style presentations addressing key personal finance topics

Twin Cities Financial Planning Day is a user-friendly event. Just show up with your questions and you'll be sure to leave with useful information. But a little preparation can go a long way to help you get the most out of your experience at the event. Here are a couple of tips to help you prepare:

1. Make a list of questions you want answered. Learn more about financial planning topics and the questions you can addresswith financial planners at www.FinancialPlanningDays.org/topics.


2. Bring relevant financial documents and a financial snapshot of your current financial situation. For a list of useful resources and tools to help you prepare, visit www.FinancialPlanningDays.org/resources.

Free registration for Twin Cities Financial Planning Day is quick and easy. Simply complete the online registration form.

We will not sell your e-mail address or use it for any purpose other than communications about the Twin Cities Financial Planning Day.

Information provided by financial planners at the Financial Planning Day is free and tailored to your needs. The volunteer financial planners are not allowed to sell products and services or hand out business cards or marketing materials. In other words, there are no strings attached.

The objective of the Financial Planning Day is to help people experience first-hand how financial planning can improve their lives and bring the expertise of professional financial planners to people who may not normally have access to reliable and ethical financial planning information.

Any attendee who wishes to follow-up with a volunteer financial planner will have access to the volunteer’s name and contact information in the information package provided at registration.

Twin Cities Financial Planning Day will be held at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation.Amherst H. Wilder Foundation451 Lexington Parkway North
Saint Paul, MN 55104




Click here for Google Map Transportation Directions.

Volunteers needed--Help a refugee prepare for work, visit a veteran, assist at a tax clinic, or tutor a child (for example). There are many ways your skills can make an impact. The RSVP Volunteer Program can get you connected. Volunteers 55 and over receive special benefits. 

For more info: Call 952-945-4162 or Email