Aug. 31—For those close to retirement age or already retired, a class is being offered to help people in this demographic maintain or increase their financial freedom and quality of life.

Melanie Granville, a certified financial planner covering the areas of Lee and Moore counties, has been teaching a class called Wealth Planning for Retirees. The four-week class helps to educate retirees on ways to remain financially strong well into their golden years.

She has an upcoming class scheduled to begin Sept. 1 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., meeting every Thursday at Central Carolina Community College. There is a $40 fee to enroll.

Granville says it's a small price to pay for the information she will share during class.

"I teach them how to do their planned financial strategies regarding their own situation," she said. "I show them how they can save money on their taxes. I show them how to invest in a safe way and how to hedge against stock market decline. I develop an income plan so when they retire they don't run out of money."

"Most (of those in class) have that fear that they are going to run out of money," she added. "Most want to have a plan so they have an income to last throughout their retirement, how to save on their taxes and when to apply for social security."

She said the class is very interactive and students receive a workbook with information that goes along with the coursework as the class progresses.

"There are a lot of question and answer questions sessions throughout the four weeks," she said.

Granville, who has a master's degree in trust and wealth management, and her father, Blanchard, are no stranger to the world of finance. They've run their own financial services business for several years.

She said her father started teaching courses like this for retirees 35 years ago.

"I've been doing this since 2009," she said.

Once the class is completed, students can take a final class, one-on-one, with the instructor.

"We go over every strategy we talked about in class," she said.

Granville said through these classes she's been able to help many people, with former students coming back to attend her class again.

"The feedback (from students) we usually get is 'we wish we would have taken this course earlier,' " she said. "It's always positive feedback."

For those who cannot attend the Sept. 1 class another class will begin on Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., ending on Oct. 11.

For more information and how to register for these classes contact Central Carolina Community College or email Granville at melanie@granvillefinancial.com.