Athlone hotel to host two-day retirement planning course

The Retirement Planning Council of Ireland (RPC) has announced it will be holding a two-day pre-retirement programme in Athlone's Radisson Blu Hotel, starting on Thursday, September 28.

The RPC is a registered charity dedicated to helping people to manage the transition from work into retirement.

Its two-day course in Athlone is now open for registration online here, and costs €530.

The council said it will be an interactive course combining theory-based presentations with social and peer-learning as well as self-reflection exercises.

"The course promotes a holistic approach to retirement and comprises emotional, psychological, and financial modules to address the life changes that come with retirement," it said.

Over the two days, topics that are due to be covered include: Coping with change; financial matters such as investment, tax, and pensions; healthy living; social engagement; and maintaining an active brain for a healthy retirement.

Laura Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland, said: "We very much look forward to making yet another move back to in-person courses to engage with course participants once again.

"While so many of our courses can be delivered virtually, and this remote delivery will be an integral part of our growth in the coming years, there is nothing quite like seeing pre-retirees gather with their peers as they all plan for their next steps as part of our workshops.

"The pre-retirement course in Athlone is designed to focus on all aspects of retirement to help participants to prepare and plan for the next stage of living.

"Retirement is a transitional period in life that requires forward planning and adjustment. The move from full time employment to retirement is a significant step that needs to be managed on an emotional level, as well as financially," she concluded.

The RPC added that course attendees would also have access to Knowledge Base, an online resource on the RPC website that provides "key information on retirement".