For release:   August 1997

Contact:
Ellen Potocki
National Center on Women & Aging
potocki@binah.cc.brandeis.edu

Waltham, Mass. -- The National Policy and Resource Center on Women and Aging, in conjunction with its nationwide study on how women can better plan for a secure financial future, has issued guidelines for choosing a financial planner in its most recent Women & Aging Letter (attached).  "Financial planning is essential for almost everyone," says the Letter Editor, James H. Schulz, Professor of Economics and Kirstein Professor of Aging Policy at Brandeis University.  "With the complexities of today's financial markets, women need advice but usually donít know where to find it.  Untold numbers of people jeopardize their financial futures through procrastination, bad decisions, or by falling victim to scams and frauds.  We provide guidelines on finding a planner you can trust."

More than 500 women aged 50 and older are currently participating in telephone interviews about their experiences with financial planning, asset building, pensions, and ways of seeking advice on financial matters.  The goal of the study is to add to the limited body of information on business, policy, and personal planning required to ensure women are not financially disadvantaged as they age.  Preliminary results are expected in November.

National Policy and Resource Center on Women and Aging activities are designed to promote the security, health, and dignity of women in their later years.  The Center collaborates with a broad array of womenís and aging organizations to provide national leadership in addressing the many challenges facing women as they age and to promote the changes necessary to improve older womenís lives.

The Center is funded, in part, by the John A. Hartford Foundation of New York City