BRENDA O’FARRELL
The 1019 Report
Are you thinking of retiring? Do you have enough savings to retire? What if your spouse suddenly dies? Would you be able to access the bank accounts and pay next month’s bills?
Maybe you’re wondering: Can I afford to buy a house? Should I have a will? Do I need life insurance? Should I have life insurance?
If any of these questions have crossed your mind – or are on your mind now – you might want to drop by a special event in Hudson on Saturday, Nov. 18, aimed at offering you a few answers and a little peace of mind.
“It’s an opportunity to determine your financial literacy health,” said Cam Gentille, president of the Hudson Creative Hub, which will be hosting the free event.
Called Financial Literacy for All Ages, the event was created as a public service, Gentille said, a welcoming place where you can get a few answers to questions related to your financial affairs that are perhaps worrying you, or that you have been wondering about.
“It’s a service to the community, and there will be no pressure points,” he said.
The idea behind the event, Gentille said, is to gauge people’s needs and interest in practical financial information. Six tables will be set up, where experts will be on hand to answer questions. Each table will be focused on issues geared to different age groups, including individuals in their 30s and 40s, people approaching retirement, retirees, widowers and those who might be interested in learning more about budgeting.
Based on the level of interest and response, a Hub committee aims to provide a series of lectures in the new year that will offer more in-depth information on specific topics.
“We would like to reach different age groups,” said Brenda Rhodes, a Hub volunteer who has been involved in organizing the event.
“If you’re already retired and not sure if your money is going to last, you can find out,” Rhodes added. “I want widowers to come and ask questions.”
Helpful tips, like a checklist of things you need documented – passwords, bank accounts – will be provided, she added.
“I feel really strongly that this is a huge need” for this type of information, Rhodes said, adding one of the main goals will be to demystify some of the issues for people and provide them with information that will help them feel in control of their financial affairs.
Financial Affairs for All Ages: Open House is a free event open to all residents of Vaudreuil-Soulanges. It will be held at the Hudson Creative Hub, 273 Main Rd., on Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.