San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) offers free programs during Financial Capability Month this April to support patrons’ financial success and future goals. Throughout the month, SFPL presents a wide range of financial topics, covering everything from investing, financial planning and cash flow management to retirement planning, fraud prevention and estate planning. Most of the programs are virtual and can be accessed from the comfort of one’s own home or via a computer for free at the Library, with a select few in-person programs available. 

“Financial Capability Month is a cornerstone of SFPL’s year-round commitment to empowering our community with financial knowledge and resources,” says Personal Finance Librarian Jonathan Steimnitz. “Navigating today’s economy can be confusing and intimidating, especially during moments of uncertainty. We are excited about this year’s lineup of events which will provide participants with a broad range of information designed to make their financial lives less daunting. Our programs offer guidance for everyone, from those learning the basics to those looking to enhance their existing skills. This April, come see why the Library is the go-to destination for free, unbiased financial education for all.” 

Financial Capability Month begins on April 1 with a program dedicated to setting financial goals. On April 3, Attorney Marlyn Schulz advises on how to build an estate plan. The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presents on fraud prevention in person at the Excelsior Branch on April 10 in both English and Spanish. On April 24, popular speaker Heather C. Liston, CFP®, EA and principal at Clarity Financial, leads a workshop on organizing your finances before marriage. A full list of programs is available below or on the Library’s website: on.sfpl.org/fcm. 

In addition, the public can access financial literacy counseling weekdays year-round through the Library’s partnership with the San Francisco Office of Financial Empowerment. San Francisco Financial Counseling 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. In a testimonial about San Francisco Financial Counseling, a patron said: "[My financial life] was messy, I have accounts spread out and not well designed and organized. [My financial counselor] checks in regularly and follows up with my progress and addresses any issue that arises as I work on our assignments. This is truly amazing and life changing work y’all are doing!" 

In partnership with Advisers Give Back, patrons can also meet with a pro bono Certified Financial Planner® to help create a financial plan and achieve their goals—pay off debt sooner, figure out investing, plan for retirement, save for the future, boost emergency savings and more. This service is 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. In a testimonial, one patron wrote: “Our advisor helped give us confidence in our financial plan, and offered a lot of guidance in how we should prioritize. He made us feel less dire about the situation. Definitely take advantage!" 

Patrons who are interested in meeting with a San Francisco Financial Counselor or Certified Financial Planner® can visit sfpl.org/personal-finance to find out more and set up an appointment. 

Financial Capability Month Schedule: 

VIRTUAL 

Setting Financial Goals, April 1, 10 a.m.  

Discover strategies to help you achieve your financial goals, whether it’s establishing savings for an emergency, making sure your paychecks last through the month, paying off debt or whatever other objectives you have in mind. We’ll explore the advantages of creating a spending plan, tracking your expenses, creating a map of your goals and how to reach them as well as practical tips for saving and managing debt. 

Demystifying the Financial Planning Process, April 2, 12 p.m.  

Learn about the financial planning process, the areas covered by a comprehensive financial plan and its value proposition, along with suggestions on how to choose a financial advisor. Presented by Rachna Bijlani, CFP®.  

Ask an Estate Planning Attorney, April 3, 11 a.m.  

Have estate planning questions? Here’s your chance to get clear, expert answers. Join attorney Marlyn Schulz for a live Q&A session designed to take the guesswork out of estate planning. 

Why Invest in Stocks?, April 8, 2 p.m.  

Learn about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, how to decide which investment concept works for you, how to start investing and why equities might make sense for you.   

Avoiding Scams, Fraud, and Identity Theft, April 10, 4 p.m. 

Attorney Oak Dowling will enlighten and educate on how to protect older adults against common financial scams.  

Prop 19: Intergenerational Property Transfers, April 11, 2025, 1 p.m. 

Learn about property tax basics, Prop. 19's impact to intergenerational property transfers, and homeowner resources.  

Introduction to Smart Investing, April 17, 3 p.m.  

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 Gretchen Hollstein, CFP® and Chris Remedios, CFP®. 

Insurance: Know Your Sub-Limits, April 22, 4 p.m. 

How insurance works and how sub-limits affect insurance coverage: carriers often place limits on areas of coverage that you are likely to need if you have a claim.     

Marriage and Financial Planning, April 24, 2 p.m.  

Come learn about the sometimes surprising ways your marital status may affect your financial life.   

Balancing Debt and Dreams, April 25, 1 p.m.  

Student loan planning is a topic that can be overwhelming and confusing, especially in the current political environment. Juggling student debt while pursuing careers, raising families and managing other financial priorities can be a challenge, but a well-structured student loan strategy can make a difference. 

Finances for the Sandwich Generation, April 30, 11 a.m. 

Explore the financial dynamics of the "sandwich generation"—those caring for aging parents while supporting their children—and discover strategies to navigate these unique challenges. 

IN-PERSON PROGRAMS: 

Organizing Critical Information and Documents, April 2, 2 p.m., Glen Park Branch 

Join San Francisco Village member and retired lawyer Susan Pollack for a conversation about organizing and sharing information about one's estate and other critical documents — both for oneself and for those who will have to deal with it.  

The Seven Pillars to a Successful Retirement Plan, April 9, 2 p.m., Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room 

Learn how to build the foundation for a financially secure and fulfilling retirement. Led by Lee Michael Murphy, an experienced wealth manager and retirement planning specialist, this presentation will empower you with actionable strategies to achieve your goals and live the life you’ve always dreamed of. 

Scam and Fraud Prevention, April 10, 11:30 a.m., Excelsior Branch 

It is imperative to safeguard your personal and financial information to minimize the risk of financial exploitation and identity theft. If you are educated about the latest frauds and scams, you become better equipped with tools to recognize potential red flags. This program is presented in partnership with California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). 

Prevención de fraudes y estafas, 10 de abril, 1:30 p.m., Excelsior Branch 

Es imperativo salvaguardar su información personal y financiera para minimizar el riesgo de explotación financiera y robo de identidad. Si se informa sobre los últimos fraudes y estafas, estará mejor equipado con herramientas para reconocer posibles señales de alarma. En colaboración con el California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). 

Money Matters, April 12, 11 a.m., Ingleside Branch 

Learn about money management and how to not go into debt. 

How Money Works: Saving, Budgeting and Investing Basics, April 19, 2:30 p.m., Anza Branch 

Learn money basics in a fun and easy way and be empowered to take control of your finances. 

Investing 101: How to Invest in Stocks, April 26, 2:30 p.m., Anza  

Learn about stocks and how to start investing. 

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