SAN FRANCISCO — This April, in keeping with Financial Capability Month, San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) offers virtual and in-person programs all month-long on topics including financial advice, debt management, education repayments, avoiding scams and more to help build the financial literacy skills needed for success. 

“The level of financial savviness needed to tackle the diverse range of today’s economic challenges can be high,” said Personal Finance Librarian Jonathan Steimnitz. “Every individual’s situation is unique, which is why SFPL is offering educational programs for all backgrounds and experience levels, along with personalized help from certified financial experts. Financial Capability Month, together with our ever-available wealth of free resources, are a part of SFPL’s greater dedication to financial empowerment for the City's residents.” 

Financial Capability Month kicks off on April 1 with a virtual introduction to smart investing and an in-person workshop on debunking tax misconceptions at North Beach Branch. It culminates on April 29 with a virtual presentation on how to save for education and a workshop on building financial strength at the Main Library.  

Other programs in Financial Capability Month's jam-packed lineup include retirement planning with Heather C. Liston, CFP®, EA and principal at Clarity Financial; navigating property taxes with San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Joaquin Torres; a student loan and repayment workshop with Kue Lee, Director of Targeted Outreach at the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and Student Loan Servicing Ombudsperson Celina Damian, and more. To learn more about Financial Capability Month, visit on.sfpl.org/fcm. 

After Financial Capability Month, continue to build financial literacy through pro bono expert insights from Certified Financial Planners™ with Advisers Give Back and one-on-one financial counseling from the San Francisco Financial Empowerment Center. To set up an appointment, visit on.sfpl.org/personal-finance. 

Advisers Give Back’s services are available to people who are single with no dependents, not earning more than $100,000/year and have less than $250,000 in total savings or who are single with dependents or married (with or without dependents), not earning more than $150,000/year and have less than $250,000 in total savings. 

San Francisco Financial Empowerment Center offers free, confidential, basic financial guidance for anyone living, working or receiving services in San Francisco, regardless of citizenship status. Coaches are fluent in Spanish and Mandarin, with additional translation services as requested.  

 
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS 

Introduction to Smart Investing 
An introduction to investing in the stock and bond markets, how to create an overall investment plan that suits you, options for implementing your plan and good reminders for managing investments over time. Presented by CFP® s Gretchen Hollstein and Chris Remedios. April 1, 2026, 2–3 p.m. 

Best Retirement Savings Plans for You 
Learn about 401(k)s, 403(b)s, SEP-IRAs, SOLO 401(k)s, Traditional and Roth IRAs and other tax-advantaged savings opportunities with Heather C. Liston, CFP®, EA and principal at Clarity Financial. April 2, 2026, 2–3:30 p.m. 

Managing Debt 
Explore several debt management strategies and tools for controlling your spending, dealing with creditors and starting your wealth-building journey. Presented by Kue Lee, Director of Targeted Outreach at the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. April 7, 2–3 p.m. 

Ask an Estate Planning Attorney 
Get an overview of estate planning essentials and leave with actionable insights designed to take the guesswork out of estate planning. Presented by Marlyn Schulz, Attorney at Law. April 8, 12–1:30 p.m. 

Annuities 
Explore annuities as a potential financial planning and their different types with Robert Mascio, Director of Investor Education Outreach at FINRA. April 9, 12–1 p.m. 

The Inspired Retirement 
Nathalie Martin, author of The Inspired Retirement: Purpose and Passion in Your Next Adventure, shares strategies on how to design a fulfilling and impactful post-retirement life. April 13, 3–4 p.m. 

Digital Financial Services 
Learn the fundamentals of electronic banking, whether it’s opening and managing accounts, transferring money or paying bills. A part of San Francisco Empowerment Center’s Financial Skills Building series. April 16, 12–1 p.m. 

Long-Term Care: Start Here 
Learn how to evaluate long-term care options and make informed decisions that protect your finances, independence and family as you age. Presented by Carly Ebenstein, CLTC of CJB Insurance Services, Inc. April 17, 12–1 p.m. 

Prop 19: Intergenerational Property Transfers 
Explore property tax basics, Prop. 19's impact on intergenerational property transfers and homeowner resources with San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Joaquin Torres. April 18, 2–3:30 p.m. 

Navigating California’s Insurance Crisis 
Join this presentation on how to best navigate the changing insurance environment, including tips on finding the best coverage, with Brian Trouette of the Trouette Insurance Agency. April 21, 1–2 p.m. 

Cryptocurrency 101: Understanding Digital Money in Today's Economy 
Demystify the world of Bitcoin, blockchain technology and digital currencies, including its potential opportunities and risks, with Martin Guerrero, Director of Business Empowerment at Block, Inc. April 22, 4–5 p.m. 
 
Avoiding Scams, Fraud and Identity Theft 
Attorney Oak Dowling provides an overview on how to protect older adults against common financial scams. April 23, 4–5 p.m. 

Student Loan Updates and Repayment Options 
Learn important information on upcoming student loan changes and repayment options from Kue Lee, Director of Targeted Outreach at the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and Student Loan Servicing Ombudsperson Celina Damian. Additionally, learn about the Student Loan Empowerment Network. April 28, 12–1 p.m. 

Saving for Education 
Make the most of your savings for future education and training expenses using programs available to San Francisco families in this workshop presented by Mohan Kanungo, Program Manager of Kindergarten to College and Dana Salas, Outreach Specialist with the ScholarShare Investment Board. April 29, 1–2 p.m. 

IN-PERSON 

Debunking Tax Misconceptions That Could Drain Your Wallet 
Learn the most common misunderstandings people have about taxes, including deductions, tax brackets, gift rules and more with Wilko Schutzendorf, LPL Investment Advisor Representative of Becker Financial Group. April 1, 2–3:30 p.m., North Beach Branch 

Tax Prep 
Get free tax return assistance from AARP Tax-Aide IRS-trained volunteers. Visit the Bayview Branch and connect with staff in-person to schedule an appointment. April 3, 1–4 p.m.; April 10, 1–4 p.m.; Bayview Branch 

Financial Literacy 101 
Discover how to establish and maintain healthy financial habits, including how to save money, reduce debt, understand FICO scores and create a budget system. For teens, families and adults. Presented by Carly Matthews, personal finance speaker and financial literacy advocate. April 4, 2–3 p.m., Presidio Branch 

How Money Works: Saving, Budgeting and Investing Basics 
Learn money fundamentals that schools often overlook: budgeting basics, smart saving strategies, responsible borrowing, debt management, investing principles, how to develop a system for success and creating a healthy money mindset. April 11, 2:30–4 p.m., Anza Branch. 
 

Caring for a Senior in Crisis 
Join a group discussion about crisis management for senior citizens in today’s healthcare environment, such as how to build a resource team, the importance of advanced healthcare directives, acute care, appeals and more. Presented by Carly Matthews, personal finance speaker and financial literacy advocate. April 25, 2:30–4 p.m., Anza Branch. 

Understanding Money Matters: Four Steps to Financial Strength 
Explore core principles of building wealth, common challenges that can undermine financial progress and strategies for protecting your legacy. Presented by Elaine R. Redus of Elaine Redus & Associates. A partnership between San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce and SFPL’s Small Business and African American Centers. April 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room.