Good news for anyone feeling a bit lost about retirement — a local nonprofit in Grand Junction is stepping up with free classes to help residents tackle the big stuff: health care, stock market investing, and even reverse mortgages. It’s a timely boost for a state that’s aging faster than most.

Colorado’s Senior Boom Spurs New Support

Colorado’s got a silver wave rolling in. The Common Sense Institute says the state’s population is graying quicker than almost anywhere else in the U.S. For towns like Grand Junction, that means more families trying to figure out Medicare, investment risks, and how to make a nest egg last.

One local retiree, Donna Blake, summed it up with a laugh: “Nobody ever taught us this in high school. Now I’m trying to learn at 68!”

What These Free Classes Actually Cover

So, what’s in the free three-part series? Organizers say it’s all about tackling the real questions people face as they get older — or as they help parents and loved ones navigate retirement.

The sessions include:

• A deep dive on healthcare options, from Medicare basics to out-of-pocket gotchas.

• A plain-English breakdown of stock market investing. No Wall Street jargon, just simple tips.

• An honest look at using home equity and how reverse mortgages really work.

One sentence: It’s basically stuff that can make or break your golden years.

Who’s Running the Show?

A local nonprofit, whose mission is to boost financial know-how for western Colorado families, is behind this. They’re bringing in local experts — think licensed financial advisors and elder care advocates — instead of big-shot national speakers.

One volunteer instructor, Kevin Ramirez, says he sees too many people blindsided by medical bills or bad investments. “Retirement shouldn’t feel like a minefield,” he says. “These classes are our way of giving neighbors some peace of mind.”

Why Free Matters So Much

Money’s tight for a lot of folks right now, especially older adults on fixed incomes. Grand Junction’s median income for seniors lags behind the state average, and the housing crunch doesn’t help.

That’s why the nonprofit decided to drop all fees. They know plenty of retirees skip help because they can’t afford fancy consultants or pricey seminars.

A quick bullet for perspective:

• Nearly 1 in 5 Coloradans will be over 65 by 2030

• Many seniors have less than $50,000 saved for retirement

• Out-of-pocket healthcare costs keep rising, outpacing Social Security

One-liner: Every dollar saved on classes is a dollar that can stay in the grocery budget.

Small Sessions, Big Impact

The classes are intentionally small — no stadium-style lectures here. Organizers want people to ask awkward questions, compare notes, and swap stories about what’s worked and what hasn’t.

Donna Blake, who signed up for all three sessions, says she’s dragging her husband along too. “We’ve been married 42 years and never talked about reverse mortgages until now,” she said, chuckling. “Better late than never.”

Where to Find More Info

If you’re a Grand Junction local — or you know a neighbor who should probably sit in — details are easy to find online. Sign-ups are first come, first served.

One sentence: Spots are filling up faster than some folks expected.