FinCon’s one-of-a-kind networking and learning expo is a perfect setting for sharing all that AARP is doing to help people achieve a brighter and more secure financial future. We’re eager to collect wisdom from the most creative thinkers in financial planning, retirement savings and investments, entrepreneurship, and career advancement – all major interests for our members.
AARP’s 38 million members might not be quite who you think they are. Afterall, they span six decades, beginning with age 50, but we’re also reaching out to those in their 40s, because that’s when the juggling begins — saving for retirement, working, raising kids, caring for parents, and saving for college all at the same time.
A key characteristic that may surprise you is that the 50-plus population enthusiastically embraces technology because they were the first to use computers and the Internet in their professional and personal lives. According to a Pew Internet survey, fully 82 percent of 65- to 69-year-olds are internet users, and roughly three-quarters of them go online at least daily, including half who do so several times a day. Older adults want technology to make their lives easier and more rewarding, and managing their financial future is a huge part of it.
AARP is already helping to make that possible, and playing a role at FinCon18 will give those efforts a boost.
For Savings and Planning, we provide practical tools, calculators, articles and videos for those looking to get on track toward a brighter financial outlook. Included in the AARP resources is the mobile-friendly Interview An Advisor Tool — a guide that walks you through the questions you should ask a financial advisor before hiring one. It takes the mystery out of interviewing an advisor to understand his or her qualifications, the services offered, and what the charges are – all with an eye toward promoting your best interests with an individual who advises you in terms you understand and accept.
Experienced workers who are looking for a job or seeking to grow in their careers can find the resources they need to take the next step at AARP Work & Jobs. The AARP Job Board connects job seekers with more than 600 employers who have pledged their commitment to an age-diverse workforce. Articles and webinars can help sharpen resumes and interview skills. And at every step, AARP helps fight age discrimination in the workplace to make sure experienced workers get the job opportunities they need and deserve.
AARP also offers the Social Security Benefits Calculator — a resource to help figure out how much retirement income you’ll receive at different claiming ages, so you can decide when you should claim Social Security.
Keeping money safe from scammers is another priority for AARP. With thousands of scammers bilking billions of dollars from unsuspecting victims every year, we help people protect themselves from con artists’ schemes. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network delivers information on the latest scam via Alerts to your inbox The Fraud Watch Network also offers prevention tips based on thousands of hours of interviews with con artists and law enforcement, as well as a toll free helpline (877-908-3360) where trained volunteers help people navigate encounters with fraudsters. The Fraud Watch Network is accessible to everyone – members, non-members, and people of all ages – to learn how to shop and bank safely, create strong passwords, protect yourself from identity theft and scams, and use social media risk-free. And, the Scam Tracking Map allows consumers to report and locate scams in their own communities.
This is just a sampling of what AARP has to offer. There is much more, so please come to Booth 301 and get to know us better. On Thursday afternoon (Sept. 27th) around 2 p.m., you’ll have a chance to meet Jean Chatzky, TODAY show financial editor, AARP’s personal finance ambassador, and host of the podcast HerMoney. We’ll be giving away a Google Home and Amazon Echo, so stop by to register for your chance to win.
AARP is thrilled to be a part of FinCon18, and we thank all of you who have helped us to feel right at home here.
Submitted by Martha Boudreau, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at AARP
Follow @MarthaBoudreau on Twitter
