Financial workshop to focus on women's planning needs

Springfield area women will be able to learn more about financial planning issues specific to their gender at "Taking Control: A Financial Management Workshop For Women."

"I don't think that there's so much a difference between the needs (of men and women in financial planning), it's just that in the past ... it's been more focused on the men's market, and women might not have really thought about it as much as they should have," said Jana Letterman, a local registered representative of NYLife Securities Inc., who is presenting the workshop with Tracy Myers, New York Life agent.

"We're taking the opportunity to really present women with the options that they have out there as far as their financial situation is concerned, in order for them to take full opportunity and to plan as much as they can for their future," Letterman added.

Letterman said it's possible that women haven't thought about financial planning much in the past because of the traditional roles they played in society.

"Those roles change all the time, and as they do, different needs come into play, and those are some of the things that we address," she said.

Specific topics that will be addressed include cash management, goal setting, risk management, special considerations such as divorce or the death or a spouse, investment planning, tax planning, retirement planning and estate conservation.

Because the workshop focuses on planning needs at all different stages of life, Letterman said women in all age groups can benefit from participation. Participants will receive workbooks that will reinforce the workshop topics.

"Taking Control: A Financial Management Workshop For Women," will be held 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Tower Club, 900 St. Louis St.

There is no fee to attend, but seat reservations are requested and can be made by calling Letterman at (417) 829-2223.