CONSUMER ALERTS

Managing your money at every stage of life

Taking care of your finances is probably weighing on your mind in this tough economy. That makes it a perfect time to start adopting habits that will serve you well for the rest of your life, regardless of your financial situation or the state of the economy. Because some of the strategies you’d use to reach your goals when you’re 25 are different from the ones you’d use at 65, check out Money Tips for All Ages, a free publication from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC). 

     Old or young, you want to look for ways to keep banking costs down, maintain a good credit record, monitor your spending, set short-term and long-term financial goals, and avoid fraud. This brochure offers tips to help you do all these things.

     Sometimes age does matter, though. If you’re in your middle years and considering buying a home or need to start saving for retirement, you’ll want to manage your mortgage and explore IRA and 401(k) retirement accounts. Maybe you have children: Teach them about saving money and spending it wisely by discussing how you handle your own money.

     If you’re a newlywed, talk candidly with your spouse about your finances and your shared financial goals for the future. Or perhaps you’re a financial caregiver for an elderly relative. You need to know where to find important papers before an emergency arises and take precautions to protect your loved one against fraud. You’ll find many more helpful suggestions for the stages of your life in Money Tips for All Ages.

     Dealing with money usually isn’t fun, so take advantage of the extra motivation you may be feeling lately. A little time spent now cementing good habits by reading Money Tips for All Ages could mean a load off your mind in the future. There are three easy ways to place your order:

• Send your name and address to Money Tips for All Ages, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.

• Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rc/n80moneytips.htm to place your order online or to read or print these and hundreds of other Federal publications for free.

• Or call toll-free, 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO. That’s 1 (888) 878-3256, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and ask for Money Tips for All Ages.

• Get even more information and take advantage of online government resources at  www.USA.gov and www.GobiernoUSA.gov—your official English and Spanish web portals to the Federal government.