Washington Consumer Protection - How DFI Protects You by Licensing and Registering Financial Professionals

It’s National Consumer Protection Week. Each day this week I will be featuring one of the many ways the Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) helps protect you and your money.

Today, I start off with how DFI can help protect you from working with financial professionals or companies that are not licensed to do business in Washington.

I’ll also explain how DFI can help you verify that you are working with a licensed professional.

DFI Director Scott Jarvis Emphasizes Need for Financial Education during Speech in Vancouver

DFI Director Scott Jarvis joined approximately 150 Community Housing Resource Center employees, volunteers and partners at CHRC’s “Home is Where the Heart Is” breakfast Feb. 26 to honor and celebrate the organization’s many successes in financial education and community outreach & support.

The local paper, The Columbian, even offered up a significant chunk of newsprint real estate to promote the event and topic!

Washington residents need access to financial education

Keeping a light tone to his speech, Jarvis related the importance of the morning’s meal to the importance for all Washington residents to have access to financial education.

Financial Jeopardy Onboard the USS Stennis

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to join USS Stennis crew members for several rounds of action packed financial literacy Jeopardy.

The Jeopardy tournament was put on as part of Military Saves week and featured 8 teams with the remaining 2 squaring off in an intense final match.

Let me tell you, the USS Stennis crew members know a thing or two about finances. Out of nearly 100 questions asked during the 2 hour competition, only 3 stumped the crew. The questions weren’t easy either, with topics ranging from investment scams to the inner workings of credit scoring models.

The winning team took home great prizes, including Nickelback tickets and 24 hour freedom, thanks to the Navy and local Military Saves supporters.

New Resources for Financial Professionals Working With Older Investors and Clients

AARP has put together two new resources for financial professionals who work with older investors and clients.

1. A Financial Professional’s Guide to Conducting Seminars for Older InvestorsWith the growth in “free lunch seminars” and other events targeting seniors, this guide developed by AARP and the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) highlights best practices for holding marketing or educational events that will build trust and attract clients.
   
   

Investing for Farm Families: Online Education for Farm Households

Farm families across America can now receive free information about building financial security thanks to a new online course from FINRA.

Funded by the FINRA foundation and developed by Extension educators across the country, the course was developed based on detailed research about the investment practices and learning preferences of farm families. Quantitative and qualitative data was gathered during 300 interviews with members of farm households representing 43 states and through two in-depth telephone focus groups.