Area residents interested in learning more about estate planning can attend a free program, coming up this month at the Escalon Library.

Offered free, Essentials of Estate Planning will be presented on Thursday, July 18 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, July 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The program is presented by AFEA, American Financial Education Alliance, and covers a wide range of topics.

Among the areas to be discussed: Understanding probate; the importance of wills, living wills, health care powers of attorney; do you need a trust; how to keep your estate private; and the most common estate planning traps to avoid.

Upon completion of the program, participants will know how to properly protect their assets from probate, spend down, and take advantage of little-known tax tips and strategies that will help you achieve your goals with the least amount of taxes owed.

Stop by the library at 1540 Second St., Escalon, for more information or to sign up.