ERIE, PA — May 7, 2025 — On May 6th, Jim Masone, a licensed financial strategist at West Advisory Group and certified PREPARE Instructor, wrapped up a dynamic retirement planning course hosted at Mercyhurst University. The class was part of the national PREPARE Program, a trusted educational initiative for individuals approaching retirement age.

Over the course of the program, attendees gained clarity on key areas of retirement planning including income distribution, healthcare and long-term care costs, estate planning, and how to navigate market volatility. The interactive sessions encouraged participants to think holistically about their goals and risks in retirement.

“Preparing for retirement is about more than just numbers,” said Jim. “It’s about aligning your finances with your values and future lifestyle. This class gave people the tools and confidence to start that process.”

West Advisory Group’s involvement in the Erie region continues to reflect its deep commitment to empowering residents through education and proactive planning. As with all Prepare classes, the course emphasized education without a sales agenda.