Social Security Planning Seminar – Richfield Branch Library
The Richfield Branch Library will host this comprehensive Social Security planning seminar, presented by fee-only certified financial planning professionals. This free community educational workshop is specifically designed for Richfield area residents and Northeast Ohio families who want to make informed Social Security claiming decisions.
Why Social Security Planning Is Important
Your Social Security claiming decision is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make in retirement. Different claiming strategies can result in significantly different lifetime benefit amounts. Our Ohio-based CFP professionals will help you understand the complex rules so you can make an informed decision for your unique situation.

Register Below for The Class
Comprehensive Social Security Topics Covered in This Richfield, Ohio Workshop
Understanding Your Social Security Benefits
Learn how your benefits are calculated based on your earnings history, what counts toward your benefit amount, and how to access your Social Security statement. We’ll explain the fundamentals every Richfield area resident needs to know before claiming.
Full Retirement Age vs. Early vs. Delayed Claiming
Discover the differences between claiming at age 62, your Full Retirement Age, or waiting until age 70. We’ll analyze the permanent impact of early claiming penalties and delayed retirement credits, helping you understand the long-term financial implications for Ohio residents.
Spousal and Survivor Benefits
Understand how spousal benefits work, including eligibility requirements and coordination strategies for married couples. We’ll cover survivor benefits and potential approaches to maximize lifetime benefits for Richfield area families through strategic claiming decisions.
Working While Receiving Benefits
Learn about the earnings test and how working while collecting Social Security before Full Retirement Age affects your benefits. We’ll explain what happens to withheld benefits and considerations for Northeast Ohio residents who want to continue working.
Social Security Taxation
Understand how your Social Security benefits may be taxed at the federal level and how other retirement income affects the taxable portion. We’ll discuss provisional income calculations and tax considerations specific to Ohio residents. This is educational information only and does not constitute tax advice.
Divorce, Remarriage, and Social Security
Discover how divorce affects your Social Security options, including ex-spousal benefits and eligibility requirements. We’ll cover remarriage considerations and benefits for survivors of divorced spouses.
Coordinating Social Security with Your Overall Retirement Plan
Explore how your Social Security claiming decision integrates with your other retirement assets, including IRAs, 401(k)s, and pensions. We’ll discuss considerations for optimizing your overall retirement income for Richfield area families.
Meet Your Presenters

James C. Sexton III, CFP®, CFS
Partner

Gage Paul CFP®, RICP®, EA
Partner
Register for Richfield’s Retirement Education Class
Space is limited in the Community Room. Richfield area residents are encouraged to register early to secure their spot.
Convenient Richfield Location
Date: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Richfield Branch Library Community Room 3761 South Grant Street Richfield, OH 44286
Location Benefits:
- Convenient Richfield location on South Grant Street
- Easy access from Route 176 and Route 303
- Free parking available
- Accessible community room facilities
- Central to Richfield’s residential areas
Who Should Attend This Richfield Adult Education Class
This workshop is ideal for:
- Richfield area residents within 10 years of retirement
- Current retirees looking to optimize their income strategy
- Couples planning coordinated retirement strategies
- Anyone with 401(k), IRA, or other retirement savings
- Individuals concerned about retirement tax planning
- Those wanting to maximize Social Security benefits
What Makes This Class Unique
Adult Education Focus: Designed specifically for adult learners with practical, actionable information
Local Expertise:Presented by fee-only CFP professionals who understand Ohio retirement planning
Comprehensive Yet Concise: Three essential topics covered efficiently in 90 minutes
Community Partnership: Hosted by Richfield Branch Library
No Sales Pressure: Educational focus with no products sold
What to Bring to the Class
- Questions about your retirement planning concerns
- Notepad for taking important notes
- Spouse or partner (retirement planning is a family decision)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be sales presentations or product pitches?
No. As fee-only fiduciary advisors, we do not sell financial products or earn commissions. These are purely educational seminars with no sales component. We are compensated solely through advisory fees paid by clients who choose to engage our financial planning services.
What age range are these seminars designed for?
Our seminars are designed for adults age 55 and older, particularly those within 5-15 years of claiming Social Security or those who have already started benefits but want to understand their options and strategies.
I’m already receiving Social Security – will I still benefit from attending?
Yes. While some claiming strategies are only available before you start benefits, our seminars cover important topics like taxation, working while receiving benefits, spousal coordination, and information that can still be valuable even after you’ve claimed.
Will you provide personalized advice about my specific situation?
The seminar provides general education on Social Security planning strategies and does not constitute individual advice. We cannot provide personalized recommendations during the seminar, but attendees are welcome to schedule a complimentary private consultation afterward to discuss your specific situation with one of our advisors.
Can I schedule a private consultation after the seminar?
Yes. We offer complimentary initial consultations for seminar attendees who are interested in learning more about our personalized financial planning services. There is no obligation, and this gives you an opportunity to discuss your specific Social Security strategy at no cost. If you choose to become a client, we are compensated through advisory fees for ongoing planning services.
Is parking available at the venue?
Yes. Richfield Branch Library provides free parking for attendees.

About the Author
Gage Paul CFP®, RICP®, EA
Gage Paul, CFP®, EA, RICP®, is a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor with Western Reserve Capital Management, LLC, serving Ohio families approaching and in retirement from offices in Hudson, New Philadelphia, and Akron. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Financial Planning from the University of Akron. Learn More about Gage
Beyond the Seminar – Comprehensive Financial Planning Services
While this seminar provides broad Social Security education, our Ohio-based fee-only financial planning practice offers personalized Social Security analysis and retirement planning services for local residents, including:
- Personalized Social Security Analysis – Detailed claiming strategy recommendations
- Break-Even Analysis – Understanding when different claiming strategies may be advantageous
- Spousal Coordination Planning – Exploring benefit options for married couples
- Tax-Efficient Income Planning – Strategies to potentially minimize taxes on Social Security benefits
- Comprehensive Retirement Planning – Integrating Social Security with all retirement assets
- Ongoing Strategy Updates – Adjusting plans as rules and situations change
Fee-Only Fiduciary Approach
As fee-only certified financial planners, we are fiduciaries committed to acting in your best interest. Unlike commission-based advisors, we don’t sell products or receive kickbacks from financial companies. This adult education class reflects our commitment to providing educational information to the Richfield community.
Serving Richfield and Summit County Communities
Our Ohio-based fee-only financial planning practice regularly serves families throughout the Richfield area and surrounding Summit County communities, including:
- Richfield, Ohio
- Brecksville, Ohio
- Broadview Heights, Ohio
- Macedonia, Ohio
- Boston Heights, Ohio
- Peninsula, Ohio
- Hudson, Ohio
- Hinckley, Ohio
Our Hudson Office: Conveniently located for Richfield residents, easily accessible from Route 176 and Route 8.
This educational seminar is provided as a community service by Ohio-based fee-only certified financial planning practice. No products will be sold, and no individual tax advice will be provided during the seminar. For personalized tax planning and financial planning services, schedule a consultation with our local CFP professionals.