What to Listen For at Free Lunch Investment Seminars

1. How did you find out about the session?

Newspaper__
Mailed Invitation__
Other _________________________________________________________________

2a. Where was event held? (City and state)
____________________________________________________________________________

2b. Date of Event
____________________________________________________________________________

3. Who was listed as the event sponsor/host?
____________________________________________________________________________

4. What topics were discussed during the presentation?
____________________________________________________________________________

5. What was the name of the speaker(s)?
____________________________________________________________________________

6. Did the speaker use a title that suggested he or she was particularly qualified to advise older investors?
Yes                  No

7. What credentials or licenses did the speaker(s) say he or she had? (write "none mentioned" if appropriate)
____________________________________________________________________________

8. Provide the name of any broker or financial adviser recommended or associated with the presentation.
____________________________________________________________________________

9. Provide the name of any company whose investment products were recommended or associated with the presentation.
____________________________________________________________________________

10. Did the speaker say or suggest in any way that AARP, SEC, NAIC, NASAA or a state regulator was involved, had endorsed the session or the product, had sponsored the event, or had provided your name for the invitation list?
Yes                  No

11. Did you feel pressured to make an immediate decision?                             
Yes                  No

12. Was a home visit or appointment mentioned as a follow-up to the event?   
Yes                  No

13. Have you been contacted as a result of the seminar, even if you did not ask to be?
Yes                  No

14. Were you asked to provide information about your finances or investment holdings, such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds?
Yes                  No

15a. For any mentioned investment product:        
What rate of return was promised? ____________________________________________________________________________

15b. Was the investment represented as being qualified for a 401(k) or IRA rollover?
Yes                  No

16a. Were any of these investment opportunities mentioned?

Real estate
Yes                  No
Oil or gas
Yes                  No
Start-up companies
Yes                  No
Promissory notes
Yes                  No
Other _________________________________________

16b. Did the speaker balance both the advantages and disadvantages for the product?
Yes                  No

17a. Did the speaker talk about any of the following annuities?

Variable annuities?
Yes                  No
Deferred annuities?
Yes                  No
Equity-indexed annuities?
Yes                  No
Immediate annuities?
Yes                  No
Other _________________________________________

17b. Did the speaker discuss the risks associated with these products?
Yes                  No
17c. Did the speaker disclose the surrender charges and tax penalties if the annuities were cancelled early?
Yes                  No
17d. Were you encouraged to purchase an annuity?
Yes                  No

18a. What other products were mentioned at the presentation or in the marketing materials?

Living trusts
Yes                  No
Prescription drug or medical-discount programs&
Yes                  No
Life insurance
Yes                  No
Reverse mortgages
Yes                  No
Long Term Care insurance
Yes                  No
Other _________________________________________

18b. Did the speaker balance both the advantages and disadvantages of the product?
Yes                  No

19. Were any of these phrases emphasized at presentation or in marketing materials?

You have to decide today.
Yes                  No
Only a few opportunities are left.
Yes                  No
There's a high rate of return.
Yes                  No
The risk is low.
Yes                  No
People are making a lot of money from similar investments.
Yes                  No

 

Name:
____________________________________________________________________________

Address:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

E-mail address:
____________________________________________________________________________

__Yes, please keep in touch with me by e-mail about AARP activities, events and member benefits.

Share additional comments on the back.

Send completed checklist to:
AARP Free Lunch Monitor Program
PO Box 93028
Long Beach, CA 90809
Or scan and email to nofreelunch@aarp.org