Yesterday I had the opportunity to present to 60 women making a difference in the state of Washington. Through their organization, the Interagency Committee of State Employed Women (‘ICSEW’), they strive to make the lives of state employed women stronger, wiser, and better. Make no mistake – these ladies don’t mess around. This organization is active, thriving, and making the workplace better for all State employees.
In addition to providing professional development resources to State employed women, they also organize Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, and a myriad of personal and professional growth opportunities via lunchtime seminars.
Through the sponsorship of the Investor Protection Trust and the support of the Dept of Financial Institutions (‘DFI’), I had the privilege of meeting these women yesterday and talking to them about how to wisely and safely invest for their futures.
“Investor Education is crucial to ensuring the future success of our society. Information is power, and when people have the power to improve their lives with sound financial decisions, our communities and economy as a whole improve”, says Lyn Peters, Director of Communications for DFI.
During a lunchtime presentation, the audience learned:
• How to make use of the Deferred Comp Program (the States 401k equivalent)
• How to utilize DFI’s educational tools and support by checking out the background of a stockbroker or investment adviser prior to work with them, insuring the investment their considering is registered, and how to file a complain in the event one has an issue with a financial service provider
• How to ask and answer the questions that will help us determine how to choose investments that will help us reach our individual financial goals.
• The variety of IRAs available to investors and their tax consequences
• How to make use of educational resources such as Valueline.com and Morningstar.com.
Attendees learned about the roll of the Dept. of Financial Institutions in the state of WA, and how securities salespeople and investments can be thoroughly checked out by contacting DFI. They also learned how to identify and avoid the most common types of investment fraud targeting Washingtonians.
Thank you so much Alicia; it was a pleasure to have you!
Comment by Kim — January 19, 2010 @ 10:36 pm
Well thanks to you and the group for having me. The opportunities you provide for state employees and citizens in the community are fantastic. Keep up the great work!
Comment by Alicia — January 22, 2010 @ 12:07 am