St. Paul's United Methodist Church
Friday, May 18, 2012
To know and follow Christ, and to help others know and follow Christ

Passport to Retirement Class

Passport to Retirement®

St. Paul’s Foundation invites you to learn more about planning for your retirement. Passport to Retirement is a three week class - two hours of class each week. Everyone is welcome - this class is not only for St. Paul's members. Please contact the office at 363-2058 to enroll. A class is not currently scheduled.

Find answers to these important questions:

  • Can I retire early?
  • How much money will I need to retire? 
  • Could my investments be earning more?
  • Are there better ways to manage my taxes?
  • What are my retirement plan distribution options?
  • How will I provide for my heirs?
  • Which investments will work best for me?

Insights and Tools That Make a Difference

Passport to Retirement

This recently updated course has been developed to help you learn more about planning for a comfortable retirement. It is designed to give you the tools necessary to make more informed decisions regarding your financial future.
The course includes the information you need to assess the costs associated with retirement, determine your sources of retirement income, improve your investment potential, reduce your financial risk, and help preserve your estate for your heirs. You’ll also find out how to fight the effects of inflation, avoid unnecessary taxes, and protect yourself from the potentially devastating costs associated with long-term-care expenses.
You’ll learn how to integrate important concepts to help you prepare for retirement. The decisions you make in these key areas will ultimately determine your financial success. Through examples, exercises, and case studies, you’ll discover how to take control of your finances and position yourself for a brighter financial future. To register, please call the St. Paul's office at 363-2058.

An Educational Learning Experience

The course curriculum illustrates how time-tested financial principles can be applied to a variety of financial situations. In addition to receiving the latest facts and figures on retirement planning, you’ll also benefit from visual aids and handouts that are clear, concise, and easy to understand. Your homework will reinforce class work and build a foundation for your personal financial program. The instruction is designed to show you a number of financial concepts that will expand your knowledge base.

Course Materials

You’ll receive a 140-page workbook that contains current information about financial concepts and tools. The workbook is designed to follow the presentation and serve as a reference tool in the years to come. It includes valuable exercises, worksheets, and key descriptions that will reinforce concepts learned during class. There will be a $25 cost for materials associated with the class.

Detailed curriculum

One-on-One Consultation

As a course participant, you will be given an opportunity to sign up for a one-on-one meeting in a private setting to review your needs and concerns. At that time, you’ll have a chance to ask your instructor specific questions about your situation, your investments, and your goals.

Picture of Gary SpeicherAbout Your Instructor

Our instructor is Gary Speicher, a 25 year member of St. Paul’s. Gary is from Gladbrook, Iowa and resides in Cedar Rapids with his wife Susan. He and Sue have four children: Christopher, Amy, Matthew and Sarah. Gary graduated from Iowa State University in 1969 where he majored in Agricultural Communications.

Gary began his insurance and investment business while he was a college student. In 1982, he formed Financial Planning Services and he currently has over 41 years of experience. In 1978, he became a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and in 1984, he became a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

Gary is a 32 year member of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, a 28 year qualifying and life member of the Million Dollar Round Table, a 23 year member and past president of the Cedar Rapids Estate Planning Council, and a past chairman of the St. Paul's United Methodist Church Foundation. Gary also teaches the Passport to Retirement program for the faculty and staff of Kirkwood Community College.

Gary’s staff consists of St. Paul’s member and current Foundation board member Diana Irvin, his administrative assistant of over 22 years, and his wife, Susan, who has served as office manager for over 20 years. In his free time, Gary fishes professional walleye tournaments and enjoys time with family and friends.