If you look at advertising, it’s all about expanding your portfolio and enjoying the good life. While that may be true for some, most Americans will experience something quite different.

“Retirement for ‘Average’ Folks” explores what most people will face when they approach retirement. It will also offer practical tools that will help people better prepare for their retirement years based on costs and resources available in Pierce County.

“Many people have a goal to retire someday,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. “However, there are inescapable realities that will make those retirement days different from what advertising often describes.”

The average length of retirement today is about 18 years. Yet, the average 50-year-old has $43,000 in retirement savings. About one-third has no savings at all and will rely solely on Social Security benefits. At the same time the cost of living – including health care – continues to outpace increases in benefits.

“Retirement for ‘Average’ Folks” will examine the retirement experience that most people without significant savings will have and the resources that they will have available. In addition, participants will be introduced to various tools that will help them access other public and private benefits to help them remain active and independent in the community for the long term.

“Retirement for ‘Average’ Folks” will be offered eight times in January and February throughout Pierce County in 2015.

Jan. 5 – 7 p.m., Bonney Lake Library, 18501 90th St. E., Bonney Lake

Jan. 12 – 12:10 p.m., Pierce County Annex, 2401 S 35th St., Tacoma

Jan. 12 – 7 p.m., Gig Harbor Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor

Jan. 13 – 12:10 p.m., County City Building 7th Floor, 930 S. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma

Feb. 2 – 7 p.m., South Hill Library, 15420 Meridian E., South Hill

Feb. 3 – 7 p.m., University Place Library, 3609 Market Place W., University Place

Feb. 7 – 10 a.m., Soundview Building, 3602 S. Pacific Ave., Tacoma

Feb. 10 – 7 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Parkland

In case of bad weather call (253) 798-8787 for information about possible postponement or cancellation. Additional information about this workshop is available by calling the Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332.