OLLI Classes
Trusted financial guidance for the senior community
OLLI Classes for Retirement Planning
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Southern Oregon University provides over 1,800 members with intellectually stimulating courses and social functions.
Volunteer instructors, most often OLLI members, share their expertise and passions in courses spanning such diverse topics as art, hiking, history, investments, landscaping, music, political science, science, travel, theatre, and writing. Since there are no tests, papers or grades, and the classroom environment is casual and relaxed, classes are fun for both students and instructors.
Feb 15 - Mar 8, 2023
Fundamentals of Investing
In this mostly lecture class, we’ll cover the basics of stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments before moving on to address how to combine various asset classes into a diversified portfolio. Investment vehicles such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds will also be discussed, as well as passive vs. active investing, market timing, investor behavior, socially responsible investing, and tax considerations.
At the end of the class, students will have the tools either to do their own investing or to be able to evaluate what their advisor is doing. No prior investing experience required. There will be some class discussion and home assignments.
4 Sessions - Wednesdays
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
SOU: Campbell Center Room: Room A
655 Frances Lane Ashland, OR 97520
Adam Thompson
Adam Thompson
Jan 10 - Feb 7, 2022
Fundamentals of Investing
In this mostly lecture class, we’ll cover the basics of stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments before moving on to address how to combine various asset classes into a diversified portfolio. Investment vehicles such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds will also be discussed, as well as passive vs. active investing, market timing, investor behavior, socially responsible investing, and tax considerations.
At the end of the class, students will have the tools either to do their own investing or to be able to evaluate what their advisor is doing. No prior investing experience required. There will be some class discussion and home assignments.
4 Sessions - Mondays
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Classes online via Zoom
For more information and to register: OLLI at SOU
April 19 - May 3, 2022
Retirement and Your Money: What You Should Know
“I’m worried about running out of money.” “I need to get my finances organized.” “I want to make sure I’m making good financial decisions.” If you have made any of these statements recently, this class may help you feel more secure. This mostly lecture class will cover the basics in each of the six main areas of financial planning: financial position (preparing a net worth statement), insurance, taxes (how to minimize them), retirement planning (Social Security, taking withdrawals, how to know how long your money will last), investments (basics of asset allocation), and estate planning (wills, trusts, etc.). At the end of the class, students will have the tools to make better financial decisions in retirement. The instructor will not make specific investment recommendations. There will be home assignments and time for class discussion. No prior investing experience is needed.
3 Sessions - Tuesdays
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Classes online via Zoom
For more information and to register: OLLI at SOU
Oct 23 - Nov 6, 2019
Retirement and Your Money: What You Should Know
“I’m worried about running out of money.” “I need to get my finances organized.” “I want to make sure I’m making good financial decisions.” If you have made any of these statements recently, this class may help you feel more secure. We will cover the basics in each of the six main areas of financial planning: financial position (preparing a net worth statement), insurance (including long-term care), taxes (how to minimize them), retirement planning (Social Security, taking withdrawals, how to know how long your money will last), investments (basics of asset allocation), and estate planning (wills, trusts, etc.). The course is mostly in lecture format with some student participation and optional home assignments.
3 Sessions - Wednesdays
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Building: ScienceWorks Museum Rm: New Classroom
1500 East Main St Ashland, OR 97520
April 10-24, 2018
Inside Wall Street
What you don’t know about Wall Street can hurt you. In this lecture and discussion class, we’ll explore the history of Wall Street, how Wall Street firms make money, how stock brokers are licensed and regulated, deceptive practices used by brokers, hidden fees in mutual funds, why annuities are oversold, the four kinds of “financial advisers” (and how to choose an adviser), the 2008 crisis, some recent scandals, changes proposed by the Trump administration, and more. This class will leave you a better-informed citizen and consumer.
3 Sessions - Wednesdays
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
SOU: Campbell Center Room: Room A
655 Frances Lane Ashland, OR 97520
Jan 9 - 30, 2018
Fundamentals of Investing
In this mostly lecture class, we’ll cover the basics of stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments before moving on to address how to combine various asset classes into a diversified portfolio. Investment vehicles such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds will also be discussed, as well as passive vs. active investing, market timing, investor behavior, socially responsible investing, and tax considerations.
At the end of the class, students will have the tools either to do their own investing or to be able to evaluate what their advisor is doing. No prior investing experience required. There will be some class discussion and home assignments.
4 Sessions - Tuesdays
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
SOU: Campbell Center Room: Room C
655 Frances Lane Ashland, OR 97520