Financial Literacy Awareness Month

Practice Financial Literacy and protect yourself and your loved ones by following these useful tips:

• Organization: Make sure financial records are well organized and have current knowledge of what is in your accounts.

• Trusted Person: Designate a trustworthy individual to assist you in money management in the event you are not able to do so.

• Professional Advice: Talk with your bank, an attorney or financial advisor to ensure your money and properties are executed according to your wishes.

• Secure: Lock up private information about finances such as checkbook, account statements and other sensitive information.

• Double Check: Contact your credit card provider for copies to review charges. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from all three major credit bureaus: AnnualCreditReport.com or 1-877-322-8228

• Personal Information: DO NOT provide any personal information over the phone, such as financial account, social security, or date of birth unless you initiated the call.

• Get it in Writing: Get details in writing and a second opinion from a financial advisor or an attorney before signing.

• Checks/Credit Cards: Ensure a record of your transactions by paying with checks and credit cards, not cash.

For more information on how to protect you or your loved ones from financial exploitation, visit agingresources.com or call 515-255-1310.