Secure Futures Workshops Offer Estate Planning and Other Legal Tips

By Alexandra Valdivia

More than 35 community members gathered June 9 at The Bright Side Family’s Age Friendly Teaneck Community Room for the first installment of our two-part legal planning series featuring elder law attorney, Jaqueline Yarmo. 

The workshop, Estate Planning Basics, was part of our Secure Futures Workshop Series, a free educational initiative offered through the Senior Checks Program.

Now entering our fifth year, both Senior Checks and Secure Futures continue to address a growing but often overlooked need among older adults: access to financial support, education, and trusted resources.

During the workshop, attendees learned about essential estate planning documents, the differences between probate and non-probate assets, and how proactive planning can help protect their health, finances, homes, and loved ones. The evening was filled with thoughtful questions, meaningful discussions, and personal stories, demonstrating just how important these conversations are for individuals and families alike.

Senior Checks is the first and only free, daily, one-on-one money management program available to older adults in Bergen County. Through the program, trained volunteers work directly with older adults to aid with bill paying, budgeting, mail organization, check preparation, paperwork, and referrals to community resources. Our goal is to help older adults maintain their independence and financial stability as they age in place.

Many of the older adults we serve fall through a gap that society does not always see. Some are overwhelmed by piles of unopened mail after a hospital stay. Others struggle to write checks due to physical limitations, manage monthly bills, or navigate complex paperwork. While one-on-one support remains at the heart of Senior Checks, we recognize that education is equally important. That is why we created the Secure Futures Workshop Series, which brings together experts from across fields to speak on aging, finances, legal planning, healthcare, caregiving, housing, and more.

We strive to host a workshop at least once a month, and we find that holding these community events is an important way to engage older adults. It is also an opportunity to connect with the community and ensure that they learn about Senior Checks and other programs and services in the region that may be available to them.

We are fortunate to be partially funded by the Bergen County Division of Senior Services for this program, which allows us to offer these workshops and our one-on-one services at no cost to participants. However, for those who are able to contribute, every dollar truly helps us continue delivering these services and expand our capacity to serve more older adults.

The second workshop in the series, Long-Term Care Planning, will take place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Age Friendly Teaneck Community Room, 1425 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ. During this session, Jacqueline Yarmo will discuss strategies for planning ahead for future care needs while protecting assets, preserving independence, and ensuring families are prepared for the challenges that can arise later in life.

If you are interested in attending future workshops, bringing a Secure Futures presentation to your community, joining our mailing list, or learning more about Senior Checks services, please contact seniorchecks@agefriendlyteaneck.org.

The Secure Futures Workshop Series is offered throughout Bergen County and is open to older adults, family caregivers, and community members interested in learning more about aging-related topics.

Through Senior Checks and the Secure Futures Workshop Series, The Bright Side Family remains committed to empowering older adults with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to age with dignity, confidence, and financial security. Together, through education, support, and community partnerships, we are helping older adults navigate life's financial challenges with confidence and dignity.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Alexandria Valdivia is Community Programs Manager for The Bright Side Family and supervises the Senior Checks and Secure Futures programs.