I appreciate the warning, gmaxwell. That certainly is a danger for her.

I have discussed this with my boss, who is now going to offer employees a financial planning course at a local university, which the company will pay for. I am concerned that this is a pervasive problem for non-profits. There are two levels of employees at most non-profits, as far as I can see. Most of us are women. Some of us are married to spouses who earn decent incomes, or have independent means, or had the advantage of a financial education early in life so we've prepared. Another level of employee, mostly clerical, doesn't have any of these advantages, and since there's no "profit-sharing" or other retirement vehicle available (since we don't make a profit), they are out in the cold retirement-wise.

I think I will ask my boss to take up this issue at the United Way or Community Foundation level, because this lady can't be the only one in such a situation.

Thanks for your interest.