ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Clemens Center and John G. Ullman & Associates (JGUA) are proud to present the 2026 Retirement Roadmap Financial Education Series — a quarterly, in-person program designed to help individuals approaching or enjoying retirement gain greater confidence and clarity in their financial future. Each session will explore key areas of retirement planning, offering practical insights to help attendees make informed, strategic decisions for the years ahead.
This marks the third consecutive year of collaboration between The Clemens Center and JGUA, continuing their shared commitment to providing accessible, high-quality financial education to the community. The partnership builds on the success of previous programs, Not Dead Yet! (2024) and Life in Focus (2025), which inspired attendees to take a more proactive approach to managing their financial well-being.
“Our ongoing partnership with The Clemens Center has been an incredibly rewarding way to serve our community,” said Jason Nickerson, CFP®, EA, President and Chief Operating Officer at John G. Ullman & Associates. “Over the past several years, we’ve seen firsthand how valuable these educational programs are for individuals looking to take greater control of their financial lives. The Retirement Roadmap series continues that mission—providing approachable, practical guidance to help people make confident decisions about their futures.”
Throughout 2026, the series will feature four interactive presentations, each highlighting a critical component of a well-rounded retirement plan — from income readiness and tax efficiency to investment management and year-end financial strategies.
Each session will take place at The Clemens Center in Elmira, NY, at 1:00 p.m. Those interested in attending the first session can learn more and secure their spot by visiting the registration link below.
Register Here – https://clemenscenter.org/event/retirement-readiness-planning-for-a-smooth-transition/
Session One – February 18, 2025
Retirement Readiness: Planning for a Smooth Transition
Kick off the series with a deep dive into what it takes to confidently approach retirement. Participants will learn how to evaluate their current financial situation, set achievable goals, and align investments and income strategies with their desired lifestyle.
Key Topics:
- Determining your retirement income needs
- Assessing savings, investments, and employer plans
- Timing Social Security and Medicare
- Creating a retirement budget and transition plan
- Common mistakes to avoid before retirement
Session Two – May 20, 2026
Taxes in Retirement: Strategies to Keep More of What You’ve Earned
Explore how retirees can reduce the impact of taxes through strategic planning and informed decision-making. Learn how different income sources are taxed and how to make withdrawals more tax-efficient.
Key Topics:
- Tax treatment of Social Security, pensions, IRAs, and investment income
- Roth conversions and tax diversification
- Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
- Timing withdrawals to reduce tax burden
- Charitable giving as a tax strategy
Session Three – July 15, 2026
Investing in Retirement: Balancing Growth, Risk, and Income
Once retirement begins, the focus shifts to maintaining income while managing risk. This session will help attendees adjust their investment approach to sustain financial stability and flexibility through the years ahead.
Key Topics:
- Adjusting your asset allocation in retirement
- Generating income from investments
- Managing market volatility
- The role of dividends, bonds, and annuities
- How inflation impacts long-term purchasing power
Session Four – Date TBD
Year-End Planning for Retirees: Smart Moves to Make Before December 31
Conclude the series with a timely and practical discussion on year-end planning. Attendees will learn how to take advantage of financial opportunities before the close of the year, helping to optimize taxes, review investments, and prepare for the future.
Key Topics:
- Reviewing and rebalancing investment portfolios
- Tax-efficient year-end moves (Roth conversions, capital gains/loss harvesting)
- Evaluating charitable giving strategies (QCDs, donor-advised funds, etc.)
- Managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
- Assessing retirement income needs for the year ahead
- Updating key documents and beneficiary designations
All sessions will be held in person at The Clemens Center in Elmira, NY.
This free educational series is open to the public, but registration is required for each session.
For more information or to register, please visit JGUA.com or contact John G. Ullman & Associates at 607-936-3785 or by email at info@jgua.com.
About John G. Ullman & Associates
John G. Ullman & Associates, Inc. is a comprehensive financial planning and investment management firm headquartered in Corning, NY, with additional offices in Rhinebeck, NY, and Charlotte, NC. The firm is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their long-term financial goals through personalized strategies that address everything money touches.
About The Clemens Center
The Clemens Center is the region’s premier performing arts center, dedicated to enriching the community through exceptional programming, cultural engagement, and educational opportunities.