Introduction to Bonds, CDs, Annuities and Social Security

Learn how bonds, CDs, annuities, and Social Security work and when they make sense for your financial goals. This class covers the basics of fixed income products and how they compare to other investments like stocks and real estate.

You’ll also get a look at liability accounting and how money market funds fit into the picture. By the end, you’ll know how each product works and how to use them to support your financial planning.

• Nov 12, 2025 to Nov 12, 2025 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm (1 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $25
• Item: 41246

Everything You Should Know About Financial Advisors

Financial advisors charge fees that can cut into your retirement savings. Before you hire one, understand how those fees work and how they affect your long-term returns. It’s smart to meet with a financial advisor but come prepared. Know the basics so you can ask better questions.

 

This one-hour seminar breaks down how you can invest for retirement, how compounding interest grows your savings, and how fees reduce your gains. You’ll get a plain-language overview of stocks, bonds, and common investment products like ETFs, mutual funds, insurance policies, and annuities. We’ll also go over tax-advantaged accounts including 401(k)s, IRAs, and others, plus what to know about Social Security. Along the way, we’ll help you think through key questions: What do financial advisors actually do? What kind of investor are you? Should you manage your own investments or work with a pro?

 

If you want a stronger foundation before class, read my book Guidebook to the Federal Reserve. It covers inflation, interest rates, recessions, and how the Federal Reserve works. This background supports the seminar and other financial topics. You can find the book on Amazon at Guidebook to the Federal Reserve or watch more on my YouTube channel Money Refinery.

• Nov 19, 2025 to Nov 19, 2025 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm (1 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $25
• Item: 41249

Welcome to Medicare

Need help understanding Medicare? This workshop is for current and new beneficiaries, those who will soon be eligible and anyone who wants to learn more about Medicare health coverage. Various plan options, prescription drug coverage, supplements and ways to get help paying for Medicare will be discussed. This class is taught by a trained SHIBA advisor (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors). The SHIBA program provides free, unbiased and confidential assistance with health care choices. Au pairs may not take this workshop for hours unless given permission; contact the Continuing Education Director at conted@seattlecolleges.edu.

• Jan 24, 2026 to Jan 24, 2026 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (1 sessions total), Saturday
• Fee: $0
• Item: 31852

First Time Homebuyers Class

Join us as we demystify the entire home buying process from A to Z, and learn what it truly takes to win a deal in this rapidly changing housing market. Whether you are brand new to the process or have been around the block, this class will teach you how to gather data points, analyze a property, and know what to expect from the process. Educate yourself with the tools to win!

• Jan 17, 2026 to Jan 17, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm (1 sessions total), Saturday
• Fee: $50
• Item: 36815
• MicroMart is closed on weekends; students are encouraged to bring a snack/lunch.

Rock Your Retirement

This financial literacy class helps you build an investment strategy you can manage with confidence. You’ll learn how the stock market works and how to use it to support your retirement. We’ll also cover how that same knowledge applies to choosing a life insurance plan, preparing for your child’s college tuition, using health savings accounts, buying a home, and planning your estate.

Rock Your Retirement focuses on real-life investment products and practical strategies. Every investment involves risk, so you’ll also spend time thinking about your own priorities and financial concerns. What matters to you? What do you need for retirement to work? How can you prepare for financial emergencies? How do your current and future obligations shape your decisions? All backgrounds and experience levels are welcome.

Before class starts, you’re encouraged to read Guidebook to the Federal Reserve, a 100-page explainer that breaks down the economy, financial system, bonds, inflation, accounting, and the Federal Reserve. It's written to be clear and easy to follow. You can find the book on Amazon at Guidebook to the Federal Reserve or watch more on my YouTube channel Money Refinery.

• Oct 28, 2025 to Dec 09, 2025 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm (6 sessions total), Tuesday
• Fee: $105
• Item: 41243
• There will be no class 11/11 and 11/25

Rock Your Retirement

This financial literacy class helps you build an investment strategy you can manage with confidence. You’ll learn how the stock market works and how to use it to support your retirement. We’ll also cover how that same knowledge applies to choosing a life insurance plan, preparing for your child’s college tuition, using health savings accounts, buying a home, and planning your estate.

Rock Your Retirement focuses on real-life investment products and practical strategies. Every investment involves risk, so you’ll also spend time thinking about your own priorities and financial concerns. What matters to you? What do you need for retirement to work? How can you prepare for financial emergencies? How do your current and future obligations shape your decisions? All backgrounds and experience levels are welcome.

Before class starts, you’re encouraged to read Guidebook to the Federal Reserve, a 100-page explainer that breaks down the economy, financial system, bonds, inflation, accounting, and the Federal Reserve. It's written to be clear and easy to follow. You can find the book on Amazon at Guidebook to the Federal Reserve or watch more on my YouTube channel Money Refinery.

• Jan 14, 2026 to Feb 18, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm (6 sessions total), Wednesday
• Fee: $105
• Item: 36839