Not Just a Pretty Face

Care Costs, Career Costs: The Hidden Price Women Pay As Caregivers

Decisions made throughout your lifetime can have a big impact on your future financial security. Women especially face unique challenges that put them at greater financial risk, including longevity, lower lifetime earnings, out-of-pocket healthcare costs, and unpaid caregiving. From navigating savings options to managing debt, caregiving responsibilities, and long-term care, this session will highlight common retirement planning “pitfalls” and specific actions you can take at every stage of your life to build greater financial security. Information and resources provided can also be shared and incorporated into workplace aging and wellness programs to help underserved and under-resourced women and families improve their financial outcomes.

The Gang's All Here

Think you know the ARA sisters? Join us for an interactive panel discussion featuring representatives from the five powerhouse organizations under the ARA umbrella—ASPPA, ASEA, NAPA, NTSA, and PSCA. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow within the retirement industry, this engaging session will spotlight what each group does, how they collaborate, who they serve, and how you can get involved. Explore career-advancing certifications, volunteer opportunities, and real-world insights from leaders in the field. With opportunities to ask questions, connect in breakout rooms, and reflect on your career goals, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and clear next steps to elevate your future.

Unlocking the Potential of Women-Led Mentorship

Get Involved: Thrive Mentoring Program [https://www.usaretirement.org/get-involved/special-initiatives/thrive-mentoring-program/] Get Involved: NOW Mentoring Program [https://www.usaretirement.org/get-involved/special-initiatives/ara-now/] Looking to take your career to the next level while building connections that matter? Join us for a dynamic virtual event on the importance of mentoring in shaping successful careers for women in the retirement industry. A panel of three accomplished women professionals will share their personal experiences with mentoring—both as mentors and mentees. They’ll discuss how mentoring has influenced their career trajectories, strategies for making the most of these relationships, and the unique challenges and opportunities women face in the industry. Whether you’re seeking insights from another corner of the industry, looking to give ack as a mentor, or simply craving a bigger, brighter network, this event is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and thrive—together! Learning Objectives: * Understand the Impact of Mentoring: Gain insights into how mentoring can accelerate career growth, build confidence, and navigate the unique challenges women face in the retirement industry. * Learn Best Practices for Mentoring Relationships: Discover practical strategies for fostering meaningful and productive mentor-mentee connections, including setting goals, effective communication, and managing expectations. * Explore Opportunities to Get Involved: Learn about the available mentoring programs through ARA and how to participate as a mentor or mentee, including actionable steps to sign up and maximize the program’s benefits. * Speakers: * Kirsten Curry, APM, Attorney, CEO & Founder, Leading Retirement Solutions * Colleen Windham, CPC, QPA, CBS, QKC, QKA, TGPC, Relationship Manager & CPA, RPSI-Retirement Plan Solutions Inc * Margaret Younis, CPC, QPA, QKA, TGPC, Vice President, Head of Consultant Relations, Lincoln Financial Group

Crush it on LinkedIn: Attract More Prospects & Win More Business

Discover the revolutionary strategies to elevate your LinkedIn presence and unlock new professional opportunities with insights from LinkedIn Lindsay, a renowned global speaker and credibility consultant. Hosted by Melissa Hoffman and Donna Kaluuya, this episode is a treasure trove for women in the retirement industry, featuring actionable advice for actuaries, service providers, HR, and financial professionals. We promise you'll walk away with the tools to stand out and make meaningful connections that can transform your career. Dive into the art of maintaining a compelling LinkedIn profile picture and the strategic art of communication. Learn how real-life examples, like Mike's and Randolph's success stories, can guide you in transitioning online connections to meaningful offline engagements. We'll explore targeted networking techniques, emphasizing the power of personal touches, like customized audio messages that can set you apart in the vast digital space of LinkedIn. Unlock the secrets to LinkedIn success as retirement nears and beyond. Whether you're looking to maintain connections, explore new ventures, or empower your professional journey, our discussion covers it all. Our conversation with Lindsay McMillian-Steeman underscores the importance of mindset, discipline, and consistency. With over a billion users, LinkedIn can be overwhelming, but with our guidance, you'll learn how to navigate it effectively to build a dynamic network, ensuring your professional story shines brightly.

Not Just a Pretty Face

Sponsored by: Commonwealth Financial Network [https://www.commonwealth.com/] In this episode of Women in Retirement: Third Thursdays, the vital role of how branding plays in both personal and corporate success. Featuring insights from Jennifer Lawrence, Director of Retirement Operations at Element Financial, Kelli Beckstrom, Brand Manager at Legacy Planning, Valerie McClendon, Financial Advisor with Boston Wealth Strategies, and the dynamic team from Commonwealth Financial Network—Angela Streba, Patricia Marcel, and host Kara Tierney—this episode is packed with strategies to help you stand out in a crowded marketplace. From creating emotional connections to building consistent, authentic brands, our panelists share actionable advice on strengthening your brand presence and ensuring it reflects your values. Discover how branding can transform your business and career. Featuring: * Jennifer Lawrence, Director of Retirement Operations, Element Financial * Kelli Beckstrom, Brand Manager, Legacy Planning * Valerie McClendon, Financial Advisor, Boston Wealth Strategies * Angela Streba, Director, Advisor Brands - Marketing, Commonwealth Financial Network * Patricia Marcel, Director, Marketing Client Services, Commonwealth Financial Network * Kara Tierney, Manager, Marketing & Communications, Strategic Retirement Solutions  Hosted by: ARA. Third Thursday Committee