Pre-Retirement Planning Program (PRP)

As early as 1999, the Retirement Center recognized a need for a comprehensive program to assist active faculty and staff at the UC Berkeley campus with the process of planning for retirement. The PRP program aims to help attendees plan and implement a successful strategy for their next phase -- a phase described not as retirement from life but rather a time to refocus energy on activities that contribute to a meaningful and valuable life.

Traditionally, pre-retirement planning programs emphasized the employee benefits and personal financial factors affecting one's retirement planning. The Center presents a dynamic and collaborative PRP that not only addresses these important issues, but also goes beyond them to actively and creatively define retirement.

With expert faculty, PRP has six discrete modules that complement and build upon each other; all modules are applicable to both academic and non-academic employees and are continually updated. The modules are described below.

The PRP is open to active faculty and staff from UC Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. UC Office of the President offers Retirement Readiness Workshops to its employees. If you would like to register for the next session, please send an email to projects@berkeley.edu.

Course Schedule

The fall 2009 Session is now complete. Spring 2010 dates will be announced in mid-to-late January. If you would like to be notified of the next program by email send us a message.

The following is a typical schedule of workshops:

Session 1: Maximizing Your UC Benefits in Retirement

Introduction by Center Director, Patrick Cullinane, "A Redirected Life, Continuing Value and Contribution"
Kim Martin, Senior Benefits Analyst, Human Resources and Benefits, "Financial Benefits for UC Retirees"
Sharon Johnson, Health Care Facilitator, Human Resources and Benefits, "Health Benefits for UC Retirees"

Session 2: Personal Financial Planning

June Yee, CLU, CFP, CLTC, ChFC (and Cal Graduate); Eagle Strategies, LLC, "Financial Planning for Retirement"
Fidelity Retirement Specialist, Retirement Services, Fidelity, "Fidelity Investments and your 403b"

Session 3: Legal and Estate Planning Considerations

Edward Chetan Edwin, Gift Planning Officer, University Relations (Brief presentation on gift planning)
Bonnie K. Bishop, Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Attorney (State Bar of California and UC Hastings Graduate)

Session 4: Supplementing Your Income: Call Back to Service and Social Security

Aaron Couts, Social Security Administration, "What Social Security Can Do For You"
Heather Archer, Director, Academic Personnel Office, "Called Back to Service in Cal’s Academic Arena"
Jeannine Raymond, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Human Resources, "Called Back to Service in Cal’s Staff Arena"

Session 5: Long Term Care Insurance and Housing Considerations in Retirement

Janet Van Deusen, "Long Term Care Insurance"
Barrie Robinson, "Housing in Retirement"

Session 6: Wellness in Your Next Phase and Successfully Making Your Transition To Retirement

John Swartzberg, MD, UCB School of Public Health, "Wellness in Retirement"
Retiree Staff and Faculty Panel, Yin and Yang of Retirement

Email us to register or be notified of future courses.

Program Information

Program is ideal for, and enrollment priority is provided to, employees retiring in one to five years
Comprehensive workbook includes resource lists and materials to facilitate successful pre-retirement planning
Attendees must request release time to attend, as sessions take place during normal business hours
Sessions are typically held in the late afternoon on six consecutive weeks
Location information is dependent on the number of registrants and will be provided at time of registration