Free Financial Advice From Uncle Sam

Sarah Crane, Acting director
Federal Citized Information Center
Publicized by Dear Abby.

Recently USA Today reported that almost one-third of American workers have less than $1000 in savings and investments for retirement. Among the reasons for this is that people haven't estimated how much money they will need once they stop working until they're near retirement age.

To help sort out the offers for products and financial services, www.usa.gov, the federal government's official website, has created a free Financial Self-Defence Kit. It contains a dozen publications that explain how to make solid investment, shopping, and credit decisions.

It's also filled with advice on protecting your consumer rights and recognizing and avoiding scams — especially those aimed at seniors.

It contains information to help you choose a financial adviser you can trust, and determine the difference between a solid investment and a fraudulent offer.

You will also find the Consumer Action Handbook, (Inside is a sample complaint letter, which can be VERY effective in any number of circumstances when dealing with corporations, and company contact information.)

All this information is free of charge, but supplies are limited. To order, go to www.usa.gov/dearabby, call 888-878-3256 weekdays 7 am to 7 pm or write: Financial Self Defence, Pueblo, CO 81009. Don't procrastinate, because these kits are going to go quickly.

Published in Dear Abby, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, June 17, 2015.

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