Shelby County residents who are concerned about planning for retirement and the future of Social Security can sort out the facts this Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex.

Nationally recognized financial expert Don Blandin will discuss retirement savings techniques that individuals can practice to help protect future income. Blandin is president and CEO of Investor Protection Trust, a nonprofit organization devoted to investor education.

When planning for retirement, he suggests estimating life expectancy by considering health and family history.

&uot;Then you can begin to determine how much to save, which is usually about 80 to 100 percent of your annual pre-retirement income for each year of life after work,&uot; he said.

&uot;Too many people rely completely on Social Security which covers less than half of retirement expenses. The key is to save and invest wisely outside of Social Security.&uot;

Ron Scott, associate state director for advocacy at AARP Alabama, will also share the group’s positions on strengthening the Social Security program for current and future generations of workers, retirees and their families.

AARP opposes the private account program advocated by President George W. Bush. Scott will offer suggestions from AARP.

The program is offered at no charge by AARP Alabama and refreshments will be served.

To RSVP or for more information, call l-866-542-8167.

– Candace Parke