Financial Experts in Jonesboro Have Teamed Up with A-State to Offer Retirement Planning as Public Service
JONESBORO – Four of the top financial services firms in Jonesboro have unified their efforts to bring timely retirement planning services to the citizens of this region, according to Dr. Beverly Boals Gilbert, dean of Continuing Education and Community Outreach (CECO) at Arkansas State University.
The four firms – Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Stephens, and Wells Fargo Advisors – are working together with Arkansas State because they believe so strongly in the importance of all individuals having access to quality financial guidance for retirement.
The next event in the series is “Planning for Retirement, 101” to be presented Tuesday, March 12, by John Gay with Stephens. The session will run 5-6:30 p.m. in Room 201 of the Delta Center for Economic Development on the ASU campus.
“We believe this is significant that four big groups who compete on a daily basis are coming together on a rotating basis to provide a service collaboratively for ASU and the community,” Dr. Gilbert said. “Because of the potential benefit to all individuals, whether early in one’s career or nearing retirement, CECO and Arkansas State University are thrilled to work with representatives from these firms by hosting the seminars as a public service.”
Those who will be retiring need to consider various options concerning Social Security, pension plans, and private investments, and how to adjust the mix to best meet personal needs for the retirement years.
“We are proud to be a part of such a worthy endeavor that will benefit Jonesboro and the surrounding area. For several firms in our community to work together to provide such important information to the community says a lot about all the people involved,” commented Scott Durham of Wells Fargo Advisors.
“I concur with Scott, teamwork is great in Jonesboro,” Gay added.
Stacey Harral with Merrill Lynch conducted the first seminar in the series last fall.
“Merrill Lynch is proud to partner with the other major investment firms and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro,” Harral said. “The economy has changed, and there's a new financial landscape. For these reasons, Merrill believes now is the time to educate our community and assist people in making wise investment decisions. The collaboration with this project demonstrates the strength of our financial community.”
David M. Bettis with Morgan Stanley emphasized the advantages to seminar participants.
“Morgan Stanley is pleased to participate with our competitors and ASU to provide this important information to investors in Northeast Arkansas and the surrounding area,” he said.
CECO will announce dates for future sessions in the series.
The Delta Center for Economic Development is located at 319 University Loop, immediately northeast of the Health, Physical Education and Sports Sciences Building. Parking will be available at no charge to those attending.
For more details about this and other programs, individuals may contact Continuing Education and Community Outreach at Arkansas State by calling (870) 972-3052 or e-mailing ceco@astate.edu.
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