Retirement Education Foundation

10/13/2026

Why was the Retirement Education Foundation created?

Our founders, Jessica and Kirk Cassidy, saw a huge need for accessible financial education. They wanted to create a place where people could learn the fundamentals, better understand their options, and build the confidence to make informed financial decisions.

What started with a focus on adults approaching and living in retirement has grown into a broader mission that includes financial literacy education for young adults, too.

In this spotlight video, created by our Fiscal Sponsor, United Charitable, Jessica and Kirk share the story behind REF, the people who inspired them, and their vision for the future.

Watch to learn who we are and why we do what we do.

Retirement Education Foundation is a fiscally sponsored program of United Charitable, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

10/08/2026

Buy now, pay later can be convenient, but how many payments are you actually keeping track of?

Volunteer Financial Instructor Michael Masserant joined FOX 2 Detroit to break down how these services work, where they can create problems, and why multiple payment plans can make your budget harder to manage.

Watch the conversation and share it with someone who uses buy now, pay later.

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered tax, legal or investment advice. Retirement Education Foundation does not offer financial services. Michael Masserant is a professional financial advisor in the private sector. He serves as a financial instructor for the Retirement Education Foundation on a volunteer basis.

10/05/2026

This past Sunday, some of our Retirement Education Foundation volunteers and supporters joined more than 6,000 people at the Walk to End Alzheimer's – Metro Detroit.

It was an incredible reminder of the number of people who are committed to supporting Alzheimer’s research and the individuals and families affected by the disease.

In 2026, REF is partnering with the Alzheimer's Association to support research and resources for those affected by Alzheimer’s and their families, until there is a first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease.

We’ve already raised more than $21,000, and we’re continuing to fundraise. We’ll also be contributing proceeds from our Retirement Education Courses through December to support the Alzheimer’s Association.

If you’d like to join us in supporting this important cause, you can donate to our fundraising campaign here:

https://act.alz.org/goto/ref

Thank you to everyone who has already donated, walked with us, or helped spread the word. We’re grateful for your support.

10/01/2026

Financial goals are easy to set. Taking action is harder.

Volunteer Financial Instructor Michael Masserant joined Ryan Ermanni FOX 2 on FOX 2 Detroit to explain why so many people struggle to follow through and how simply knowing your numbers can be a powerful first step.

Know what you earn. Know what you spend. Make a plan. Start today.

Watch Michael's interview for more.

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered tax, legal or investment advice. Retirement Education Foundation does not offer financial services. Michael Masserant is a professional financial advisor in the private sector. He serves as a financial instructor for the Retirement Education Foundation on a volunteer basis.

09/29/2026

When markets feel uncertain, it can be tempting to focus on what could go wrong.

Michael Masserant, Volunteer Financial Instructor with the Retirement Education Foundation, joined Fox2's Roop Raj on The Pulse on FOX 2 Detroit to talk about a better question to ask: Is your financial plan prepared for a market decline?

Michael shares three questions to consider:

1️⃣When will you need the money?
2️⃣How would you handle a 10%, 20% or 30% decline?
3️⃣Are you taking more risk than you actually need?

Watch the conversation and take a fresh look at your financial education.

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered tax, legal or investment advice. Retirement Education Foundation does not offer financial services. Michael Masserant is a professional financial advisor in the private sector. He serves as a financial instructor for the Retirement Education Foundation on a volunteer basis.

09/24/2026

Are you making the most of your 401(k)?

Volunteer Financial Instructor Michael Masserant recently joined Ryan Ermanni FOX 2 on FOX 2 Detroit to talk about why employer-sponsored retirement plans can be an important part of a retirement savings strategy, plus practical steps to consider if you feel behind.

One simple idea: if your employer offers a match, make sure you understand how it works.

Watch the full conversation and share it with someone who could use a retirement savings refresher.



Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered tax, legal or investment advice. Retirement Education Foundation does not offer financial services. Michael Masserant is a professional financial advisor in the private sector. He serves as a financial instructor for the Retirement Education Foundation on a volunteer basis.

09/17/2026

Investing is not gambling.

So what's the difference?

In this FOX 2 Detroit interview, REF volunteer financial instructor Michael Masserant breaks down one of the most common investing misconceptions, including why stock picking and day trading are fundamentally different from long-term, diversified investing.

Watch the video and test your own assumptions about investing.

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered tax, legal or investment advice. Retirement Education Foundation does not offer financial services. Michael Masserant is a professional financial advisor in the private sector. He serves as a financial instructor for the Retirement Education Foundation on a volunteer basis.

09/11/2026

We’re almost two weeks away from the Detroit Walk to End Alzheimer’s! 💜

The Retirement Education Foundation team is excited to participate in this important event supporting the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter and its work to support individuals, families, and communities affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

The Alzheimer's Association is REF’s 2026 charitable alliance, and proceeds from our educational courses this year are supporting the organization’s work. That makes our participation in the Detroit Walk especially meaningful to our team.

If you’re local to Metro Detroit, there’s still time to register and join us. If you’re unable to join us in person, you can still be part of our team by supporting the Alzheimer's Association: https://act.alz.org/goto/ref

Have questions about getting involved? Reach out. We’d love to hear from you!

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Support Retirement Education Foundation in the fight to end Alzheimer's. Donate today to help them reach their goal.

09/10/2026

Don’t miss the mark on retirement.

Going back to work after retiring may be a choice, but for some people, finances play a role.

One of the most important steps happens before retirement: understanding what you have, what you expect to spend, and what retirement actually looks like for you.

Volunteer Financial Instructor Michael Masserant joined FOX 2 Detroit
to talk about working in retirement and the importance of preparing before you retire.

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered tax, legal or investment advice. Retirement Education Foundation does not offer financial services. Michael Masserant is a professional financial advisor in the private sector. He serves as a financial instructor for the Retirement Education Foundation on a volunteer basis.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from the Retirement Education Foundation! 🇺🇸

Today, we recognize the workers whose dedication has helped shape our country.

From our agricultural roots to the many industries that followed, America’s story has always been shaped by people who work hard and keep our communities moving forward.

We hope you enjoy a well-deserved day off.

Retirement Education Foundation is a Fiscally Sponsored Program of United Charitable, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.