Upcoming EBSA Webcast Will Focus on Helping Women Save for Retirement

As women often face additional obstacles when saving for retirement, the Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau and Employee Benefits Security Administration will host a webinar next month centered around ways women can make the most of their employer-provided plan and make prudent financial decisions when nearing retirement. 

The webcast, “Helping Women Take the Mystery Out of Retirement Planning,” will be held on August 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. EDT. The Social Security Administration, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will also provide information on key issues for women in planning for retirement. 

While some women may be able to rely on employer retirement plans, many women interrupt their careers to raise children or act as caregivers. That can result in less savings in a workplace retirement plan, reduced personal savings and fewer Social Security benefits. 

Women’s retirement resources also need to last longer, because women typically leave the workforce earlier and live longer than men, often into their 80s and 90s, EBSA’s description of the webinar stated. 

“This webcast will help women nearing retirement unravel the mystery of preparing for life after work including the decisions you need to make, when you need to make them and what to consider so you can have a financially secure retirement,” EBSA stated.  

The webcast will cover: 

• Challenges and circumstances women face and why it is important to plan ahead; 
• Making the most of employer-provided retirement plan and checking to see if retirement savings are on track;  

• Social Security and Medicare benefits, including factors to consider in deciding when to sign up for Medicare and when to begin claiming Social Security benefits and what they cover; and 
• How to avoid financial abuse, fraud and scams. 

The webcast can be helpful for people nearing retirement or helping a relative prepare for the future, according to EBSA. 

Registration is available, and a link to the webcast will be emailed to each registrant.  

Individuals with disabilities who need special accommodations are advised to email golding.debra@dol.gov.