BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is offering a free virtual program to help adults over 40 organize their legal and financial documents.
“Organize this: Legal and financial must haves” aims to help participants organize important documents and prepare them ask another person to serve as their power of attorney or personal agent. There will be four virtual sessions via Zoom from 6:30 to 8 p.m. CST on Jan. 14, April 8, July 8 and Oct. 14, 2025.
Registration is required by Dec. 31, 2024, to receive the Zoom link. To register, visit extension.sdstate.edu/events and search “organize”. Technical support will be available.
“We know that navigating this topic can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to understand,” said Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist. “That’s why we’re committed to creating a supportive learning environment where you can turn your plans into action.”
Over a 10-month period, participants will learn about legal situations and outcomes related to family caregiving and probate (e.g., incapacitation, dying without a will), duties and responsibilities of a personal agent and power of attorney, relevant documents and information, organization strategies, security issues and options for professional support.
“Our program is designed to give you the space and time you need to tackle your personal organization tasks at your own pace,” Brown said. “Whether you need to replace important documents like divorce decrees or Social Security cards, or maybe you want to review your credit report, we’re here to help you focus on what matters most to you.”
Participants will also have homework between each meeting to help them work through organization tasks like replacing important documents. Through hands-on education, participants will be able to decide which organizational tasks are right for their specific situation.
“In our group sessions, you’ll have the chance to connect with others who are on similar journeys, all while benefiting from the expertise of our guest speakers,” Brown said. “Together, we’ll navigate your questions and challenges, ensuring you leave each session feeling more empowered and organized. Let’s take this journey together—you’re not alone in this.”
SDSU Extension is collaborating with Nebraska Extension and North Dakota State University Extension to offer the program, which is being developed with support of a grant provided by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
For more information, contact Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist, at 605-394-1722 or Leacey.Brown@sdstate.edu.
