It’s tougher for women to achieve a secure retirement. Women generally earn less than men — and live longer. But there are steps you can take to prepare for retirement, whether you’ve just started working or are nearing retirement age.

The National Women’s Law Center is hosting a two-part series of free webinars for service providers, advocates, and individuals. The first webinar focuses on women and Social Security, the second on pensions and savings.

There is no reason to be intimidated by retirement planning. The webinars, part of the National Women’s Law Center’s Citi Education Series on Family Economic Security, will give you some tips and strategies to obtain peace of mind.

These online workshops are free to participants, but registration is required.

What Women Need to Know About Social Security
1:00 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Find out more about the benefits Social Security can provide, including before retirement, and about how your decisions (and your spouse’s, if you are married) about when to claim benefits can affect your retirement income.

What Women Need to Know About Pensions and Savings
1:00 p.m. EDT, Thursday, September 16, 2010
Find out more about ways you can save for retirement and manage your savings to improve your retirement security