Helping Individuals and Families Make More Informed Retirement Decisions
Retirement Education Through PREPARE
At West Advisory Group, we believe that education empowers confidence.
That's why members of our advisory team volunteer their time as instructors for The Prepare Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing retirement education to communities across the country.
Through Prepare Retirement Education Classes, our advisors have the opportunity to share educational information on retirement-related topics in a classroom setting, helping attendees better understand the decisions that can impact their financial future.
Giving back through education.
Helping our community prepare for what comes next.
Why We Teach
Retirement can be one of life's biggest transitions, and many people are searching for reliable educational resources to help them navigate important financial decisions.
Our advisors are passionate about giving back to the community through education.
As Prepare instructors, they lead informational classes designed to help attendees better understand retirement concepts in a welcoming, no-pressure environment.
Topics may include:
- Retirement Income Planning
- Social Security Strategies
- Tax-Efficient Retirement Planning
- Investment Principles
- Estate and Legacy Considerations
- Healthcare and Medicare Planning
- Navigating Market Volatility in Retirement
Classes are educational in nature and are designed to provide attendees with information they can use as they evaluate their own retirement goals.
Better decisions start with better understanding.
About The Prepare Institute
The Prepare Institute is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization focused on helping individuals gain a better understanding of retirement-related topics through community-based learning opportunities.
Prepare works with experienced financial professionals who volunteer their time as instructors to bring educational programming to local communities.
West Advisory Group is proud to support Prepare's mission by participating in educational events throughout the region.
Meet Our Instructors
Our advisory team regularly participates as instructors for Prepare educational events.
Drawing on years of experience helping individuals and families prepare for retirement, our advisors are committed to making complex topics easier to understand and helping attendees become more informed consumers of financial information.
Whether you're approaching retirement, already retired, or simply looking to learn more about your options, our instructors strive to create an educational experience that is engaging, informative, and practical.
Walter J West
PREPARE Instructor
Alan Pershing
PREPARE Instructor
COLIN BARCLEY
PREPARE Instructor
Upcoming Retirement Classes
Join us for an upcoming educational workshop and learn more about the retirement topics that matter most to you.
Classes are offered throughout the year and cover a variety of retirement planning subjects.
What to Expect
Educational classroom environment
Easy-to-understand presentations
Opportunities to ask questions
Helpful resources and take-home materials
No prior financial knowledge required
Education is the first step toward a more confident retirement.
What You'll Gain From Attending
Our retirement classes are designed to help you:
✓ Better understand your retirement options
✓ Learn key concepts in a classroom setting
✓ Gain confidence in important financial decisions
✓ Ask questions and continue your education
Knowledge is powerful. The more you understand, the more prepared you'll be for the road ahead.
Continue Your Retirement Education
Education is often the first step toward making more informed financial decisions.
Whether you're just beginning to think about retirement or looking to refine your existing strategy, we invite you to attend an upcoming Prepare class and learn alongside others in your community.
Ready to Reserve Your Seat?
Explore upcoming class offerings and register today.
La Roche University | 9000 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Sponsored by the Center for Lifelong Learning
- Course Option 1:
- Thursday, September 10, 2026 & Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Course Option 2:
- Tuesday, September 22, 2026 & Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Mercyhurst University | 501 E 38th Street, Erie, PA 16546
- Course Option 1:
- Tuesday, September 15, 2026 & Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Course Option 2:
- Tuesday, September 29, 2026 & Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Don't See a Class That Fits Your Schedule?
Join the Interest List
New Prepare classes are added throughout the year.
Join our Interest List, and we'll contact you as soon as new educational opportunities become available in your area.
Whether you're planning for retirement, recently retired, or simply looking to learn more, we'll make sure you're among the first to hear about upcoming classes.
No obligation. Simply educational updates about future Prepare classes and workshops.
Locations
NATIONWIDE | Virtual Consultations Available Coast to Coast
Pittsburgh | 8160 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Erie | 1946 W 26th Street, Erie, PA 16508
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