Planning for retirement

There are many things to consider when you are planning for retirement. If you are five to 10 years from your target date, you'll no doubt have questions about how to make a smooth transition from full-time employment to post-work life.

Be sure to take advantage of the university's upcoming Pre-Retirement Program, which will offer insight into retiree benefits, Medicare, and even social aspects, such as planning where to live and how to spend your time in retirement. It also will present an opportunity to learn about JHU's new decision-support resource, Prosper Wise, a tool the offers online access to information. You also may want to schedule a one-on-one appointment with a financial coach at Marsh McLennan Agency to get a better handle on your financial investments through JHU.

The virtual summer program will take place from Wednesday, June 8, through Wednesday, June 15. See the webinar descriptions and registration links below, or visit the Benefits & Worklife website.

Retire Right from Johns Hopkins, Wednesday, June 8, 11 a.m. to noon
This presentation covers the many nonfinancial considerations of retirement such as the social aspects of where you'll live, what you'd like to do with your time, and how you'll remain intellectually engaged. You also will learn how your current Johns Hopkins benefits can help you plan for retirement. Q&A to follow. Register in advance for this webinar.

Transitioning to Medicare, Thursday, June 9, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Join Shelby Jones, program manager of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at the Baltimore County Department of Aging, to learn about transitioning to Medicare. She will cover when to enroll; the basics of the program, including Medigap and Advantage plans; and assistance available to low-income individuals. Register in advance for this webinar.

Retirement Readiness Support Group, Friday, June 10, noon to 1 p.m.
For many people, their career is a large part of their identity, and the journey to retirement can cause them to feel a lot of emotions. Are you feeling anxious, dread, or even excitement as you approach your retirement and want to network with others feeling the same way? The Office of Benefits & Worklife is hosting and facilitating recurring virtual networking meetings for those wanting to talk about the psychological and emotional aspects of retirement—things such as how you will spend your time, how retirement will affect your relationships, and how you will find your purpose. Exchange thoughts, concerns, and resources about the retirement journey to better prepare for a successful transition. Come share information, ask questions, and even make social connections for after you retire. Space is limited. This session will not be recorded. Register here.

Housing Considerations in Retirement, Monday, June 13, noon to 1 p.m. How do you anticipate housing needs in your future years, and how do you decide whether to stay in your current home or move? What are some approaches people take to remain at home as long as safely possible? What should you consider if you think a move might be in your future? Learn about the many housing options in retirement so that you can make proactive decisions about where to call home. Q&A to follow. Register in advance for this webinar.

JHU Benefits in Retirement, Tuesday, June 14, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
This presentation covers the benefits to which university retirees are entitled, including medical and dental coverage, life insurance, tuition benefits, pension and/or 403(b) plan, vacation/sick time, and more. Q&A to follow. Register in advance for this webinar.

Introduction to Marsh McLennan Agency's Prosper Wise, Wednesday, June 15, noon to 1 p.m.
Learn about JHU's new financial education and consultation services through Marsh McLennan Agency's Prosper Wise. Jennifer Conklyn and Jay Fisher will provide a demonstration of the website. You will learn how to:

• Create your Prosper Wise account.
• Complete your Financial Wellness Assessment to build a personalized action plan.
• Explore courses, calculators, articles, videos, and webinars to make understanding where you are, and where you want to be, easy and approachable.
• Schedule appointments with MMA's financial coaches that can answer questions about retirement, debt and budgeting, college savings, investments, and more.

Register in advance for this webinar.

And be sure to save the dates for the Fall Pre-Retirement Program, which will be held Sept. 12 to 23. Information will be available on the Benefits & Worklife website.

Questions can be directed to the Benefits Service Center at benefits@jhu.edu or 410-516-2000.