SAN FRANCISCO, September 30, 2026—On October 24, 2026, San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) invites all to begin the journey toward future-proof financial stability with its annual Financial Planning Day. Visit the Main Library or join online for a lineup of free hybrid events with professional finance experts.
“San Francisco’s economic recovery should create opportunity for everyone, not just those who already have access to financial resources and expertise,” said Personal Finance Librarian Jonathan Steimnitz. “The San Francisco Public Library is committed to helping people make informed financial decisions by connecting them with trusted, accurate and unbiased information. No matter where you are starting from or what circumstances you face, everyone deserves access to the resources and guidance they need to build a stronger financial future.”
Hear from CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP® ) professionals on how to build a portfolio, allocate assets, stay updated on the latest tax changes and get started on investments through presentations or one-on-one counseling; get insights on property tax basics and intergenerational transfers from San Francisco Office of the Assessor-Recorder; access economic justice and financial inclusion resources provided by San Francisco Treasurer’s Office; and the ins and outs of budgeting with the founder of Made Possible Financial LLC.
Select workshops will be available to watch live on Zoom. Registration is required for Zoom attendance. In-person attendance does not require registration; seats are available first-come, first-served. To learn more about the workshops and presenters, and to register for Zoom sessions, visit sfpl.org/financial-planning.
In-person counseling takes place in the Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room on the Lower Level of the Main Library. These sessions are purely educational; financial planners are volunteers who do not sell or promote products. Registration is strongly encouraged, but walk-in appointments will be accepted based on availability. To reserve a one-on-one consultation, register here.
SFPL offers a free, comprehensive list of financial resources and one-on-one coaching year-round, available through the Main Library’s Business, Science & Technology Center.
Financial Planning Day
Diving Into Investments — 10:15–11:45 a.m.
Panelists: Jenny Coffey Smith, MSAPF, CFP®, Cynthia Flannigan, CFP®, Deirdre Hegarty, CFP® and Tim Connolly, CFP ® (Moderator)
Learn about asset allocation, the behavioral habits that make or break returns, stocks vs. bonds, and where alternatives like REITs, commodities and crypto fit — if at all — in a well-built plan.
Property Tax Basics and Intergenerational Transfers — 11:55 a.m.–12:35 p.m.
Presenter: San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres
Explore property tax topics, changes in State law and how the Office of the Assessor-Recorder serves you, whether you're a homeowner or not.
Tax Update — 12:45–2:15 p.m.
Presenter: Larry Pon, CPA/PFS, CFP®, EA, USTCP, AEP
Tax laws keep changing and being refined. Learn about the latest trends and topics in taxes.
Economic Justice Programming from the SF Treasurer’s Office — 2:25–3:05 p.m.
Presenter: Mandy Ngu, Community Engagement Specialist
Learn about the San Francisco Treasurer’s Office’s free programming, including Kindergarten to College, SF Financial Counseling, StopScamsSF and the Fine and Fee Discounts.
The Misunderstood B-word: Budgeting — 3:15–4:45 p.m.
Presenter: Serene Lau
Learn the foundations for building a budget, tips on organizing your money and see how this often misunderstood “b-word” can empower you to fund what truly matters.
###
About San Francisco Public Library
San Francisco Public Library connects our diverse communities to learning, opportunities and each other. The library system is made up of 27 neighborhood branches, the San Francisco Main Library at Civic Center and four bookmobiles. View our Strategic Plan, Vision 2030.