Publications

As a member of the military, saving and investing may feel like the least of your concerns. But knowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you’ll ever need in life. Luckily you just need to know a few basics, form a plan, and be ready to stick to it. In this brochure, we cover the basics on managing debt and credit, saving and investing, and planning for retirement. Part of this brochure also discusses how you can help protect yourself from fraud.

Some financial professionals use designations that imply that they are experts at helping seniors with financial issues. Many seniors, however, don’t understand the sets of initials that may follow the names of these financial professionals or the meaning of the titles - such as “senior specialist” or “retirement advisor” - they use to market themselves.

The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy believes it is important to raise awareness regarding investment scams that target groups. In this guide, you will learn key strategies for protecting yourself and your community from the potentially devastating impact of affinity fraud.

While money doesn’t grow on trees, it can grow when you save and invest wisely.

Knowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you’ll ever need in life. You don’t have to be a genius to do it. You just need to know a few basics, form a plan, and be ready to stick to it. No matter how much or little money you have, the important thing is to educate yourself about your opportunities. In this brochure, we’ll cover the basics on saving and investing.

Variable annuities have become a part of the retirement and investment plans of many Americans. Before you buy a variable annuity, you should know some of the basics – and be prepared to ask your insurance agent, broker, financial planner, or other financial professional lots of questions about whether a variable annuity is right for you.

Seniors are often the target of fraud. However, with some basic understanding of how scam artists work, you can avoid fraud and protect your hard-earned money. Learning how to invest safely can mean a huge difference in your retirement years.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to tactics of scam artists who are “nice” or attempt to develop a false bond of friendship. Scam artists prey on seniors who are polite to others and have difficulty saying “no” or feel indebted to someone who has provided unsolicited investment advice.

Additional Information

Knowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you’ll ever need in life. You don’t have to be a genius to do it. You just need to know a few basics, form a plan, and be ready to stick to it. No matter how much or little money you have, the important thing is to educate yourself about your opportunities.

Mutual funds and ETFs can offer the advantages of diversification and professional management.  But, as with other investment choices, investing in mutual funds and ETFs involves risk.  In addition, fees and taxes can diminish a fund's returns.  This brochure explains the basics of mutual fund and ETF investing - how mutual funds and ETFs work, what factors to consider before investing, and how to avoid common pitfalls.