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.gov for more information.


Step-by-Step Class Registration

County & Court Employees:

To register, follow the instructions below.

1

Head to the Workday site via the County’s OKTA single sign-on

2

Click on “Workday”

3

Go to the “Personal” menu, then click on “Learning,” and click on “Discover,” and finally go to “Browse Learning”

4

Search for “SamCERA” to see our full course offering or the specific course title you are interested in

5

Click on the course you’d like to register for, and then select “Select Offering” to request enrollment for a specific date/time

Need more help enrolling? Contact your department’s Workday Learning administrator. If your administrator is unavailable, please call SamCERA at (650) 599-1234, or email samcera@samcera.gov.

Mosquito District and Library Employees:

Register for classes in Workday Learning or email SamCERA, at samcera@samcera.gov, 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.gov. Please provide the name and date for the class(es) you would like to attend.


Additional Details

Eligibility
SamCERA members and their spouses or domestic partners are welcome to register for these financial planning classes.

Supervisor Approval
If you plan to attend a SamCERA class during your regular work hours, supervisor approval is required.

Course Materials
For online classes, course materials will be emailed to registered participants 1-2 business days before the class.
For in person classes, course materials will be provided during the class.

Attendance and No-Shows
If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration in Workday Learning or contact SamCERA directly. A no-show fee may apply if you register but do not attend and do not cancel in advance.

Accessibility
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact SamCERA in advance.


Upcoming Classes

Navigating Education Costs: Funding Strategies and Resources

Financial Planning Classes

August 27, 2026

02:00 PM – 04:00 PM

Online Webcast

Secure your family’s educational future by learning the art of education planning. Discover essential strategies and valuable resources like the 529 plan. Gain insights into diverse financial aid options and demystify the federal aid system. Empower your educational dreams with sound financial planning

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Social Security Benefits for All Ages

Financial Planning Classes

September 9, 2026

09:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Online Webcast

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.

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Retirement Readiness: Planning for All Ages

Financial Planning Classes

September 15, 2026

02:00 PM – 04:00 PM

Belmont Library – Taube Room
1110 Alameda de las Pulgas,
Belmont, CA, 94002

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. 

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Sustainable Retirement: Crafting Your Decumulation Plan

Financial Planning Classes

September 17, 2026

09:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Online Webcast

Retirement isn’t just about saving—it’s about making your money last. This course breaks down the decumulation process, helping you turn your retirement savings into a sustainable income stream. You’ll learn how to balance withdrawals, minimize taxes, and manage risks like inflation and market downturns, all while aligning your strategy with your personal goals. Whether you want to fund healthcare costs, leave a legacy, or simply enjoy your retirement worry-free, this class will equip you with the tools to make it happen.

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Demystifying Federal Income Taxes

Financial Planning Classes

September 22, 2026

02:00 PM – 04:00 PM

Online Webcast

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.

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

Financial Planning Classes

October 5, 2026

01:00 PM – 02:00 PM

Online Webcast

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.

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Building Generational Wealth

Financial Planning Classes

October 7, 2026

09:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Online Webcast

Unlock the secrets to building lasting wealth and securing a brighter future. This course introduces advanced strategies for amassing and preserving wealth across generations. Explore topics such as trusts, estate planning, advanced investing, tax optimization, real estate, entrepreneurship, and more. Join the conversation that wealthy individuals are having with their financial advisors and take proactive steps toward building generational wealth.

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Thriving in the Transition to Retirement

Financial Planning Classes

October 20, 2026

09:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Online Webcast

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.

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Elevate Your Legacy: Exploring Wills and Trusts

Financial Planning Classes

November 5, 2026

09:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Online Webcast

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

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Navigating Life's Financial Transitions

Financial Planning Classes

November 17, 2026

09:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Online Webcast

Life’s major transitions can be financially challenging, but they don’t have to be. This course equips you with the skills to confidently manage your finances during pivotal life changes. Whether you’re entering the workforce, starting a family, getting divorced, planning for retirement, or have lost a partner, this course ensures you’re always in control of your financial destiny.

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Estate Planning Essentials

Financial Planning Classes

December 8, 2026

02:00 PM – 04:00 PM

Online Webcast

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.

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