San Francisco Public Library presents Financial Planning Day on October 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Main Library. The event takes place on the Lower Level, with sessions held in the Koret Auditorium and the Latino/Hispanic Community Room. It features free financial workshops and the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a Certified Financial Planner™ for objective, no-strings-attached advice. Select workshops will also be livestreamed on Zoom. 

“So many people have financial questions but don’t know where to turn for trustworthy, unbiased advice, or cannot afford to pay for it,” says Personal Finance Librarian Jonathan Steimnitz. “Our annual Financial Planning Day reflects the Library’s mission to ensure that all San Franciscans have the tools and information to thrive—no matter their background or income.” 

The event is a great opportunity for a private consultation with an expert on a wide variety of personal finance issues, including budgeting, retirement planning, investment strategies, income taxes and insurance, among other topics.  In addition to the one-on-one in-person sessions, five financial workshops will take place in the Main Library’s Koret Auditorium. This year’s workshops include presentations on investing, financial inclusion, new tax laws, property tax basics and behavioral finance. Select workshops will also 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. 

Can’t make Financial Planning Day? The Library offers year-round financial literacy programs and one-on-one coaching through the Business, Science & Technology Center on the 4th Floor of the Main Library. Programs cover essentials like resume writing, job searches, applying for City and State jobs, tax preparation, budgeting and more. Each week, San Francisco residents can meet with a financial counselor for budgeting basics or connect virtually with a Certified Financial Planner™ through Advisers Give Back to create a personalized plan. Learn more at sfpl.org/bst 

Financial Planning Day Agenda  

October 18, Main Library, Koret Auditorium, Lower Level 

Diving Into Investments, 10:15–11:45 a.m. | In-person & Zoom 
Learn about asset allocation, financial behaviors, stock and bond investing, and alternative investments such as REITs, commodities and crypto. 
Panelists: Jenny Coffey Smith, MSAPF, CFP®; Cynthia Flannigan, CFP®; Deirdre Hegarty, CFP® 

Economic Justice Programming from the SF Treasurer’s Office, 11:55 a.m.–12:35 p.m. | In person only 
Discover free programs advancing economic justice and financial inclusion, including Kindergarten to College, SF Financial Counseling and the Financial Justice Project’s Fine and Fee Discounts. 
Presenter: Andrea Yee, Office of Financial Empowerment 

What 2025 Tax Reform Means to You, 12:45–2:15 p.m. | In-person & on Zoom 
Review new tax law changes taking effect in 2025 and 2026, and learn what moves you may want to make now to prepare. 
Presenter: Larry Pon, CPA/PFS, CFP®, EA, USTCP, AEP 

Property Tax Basics and Intergenerational Transfers, 2:25–3:05 p.m. | In-person only 
Presenter: Joaquín Torres, San Francisco Assessor 

Behavioral Finance: How to Bring Your Best Instincts to Your Plan, 3:15–4:45 p.m. | In person & on Zoom 
Explore Nobel Prize–winning research on economic decision-making and discover strategies to overcome biases and make better financial choices. 
Presenter: Heather C. Liston, CFP®, EA 

One-on-One Financial Counseling Sessions, 10 a.m. –5 p.m. | In-person only

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