ASEC Mission: To make saving and retirement planning a priority for all Americans.
From the American Savings Education Council (ASEC):
- We realize this goal by educating the public about all aspects of financial security through our coalition of major public- and private-sector partners.
- For more about ASEC, download this brochure
November 14, 2008
Summary Report of Fall 2008 Partners Meeting
A summary of the presentations made at ASEC's October 22, 2008 Partners Meeting.
November 3, 2008
FTC Launches New Web Site to Teach Kids Key Consumer and Business Concepts
The Federal Trade Commission today launched a new Web site to introduce kids to key consumer and business concepts. Set in a shopping mall, http://www.ftc.gov/YouAreHere takes kids on an experiential journey that presents the FTC’s mission and its important role in American commerce. Kids under 12 are reported to spend billions of dollars on goods and services every year.
“FTC.gov/YouAreHere links the important work of the FTC to the lives of children,” said FTC Chairman William Kovacic. “It teaches kids how to be more savvy consumers by demonstrating the benefits of competition, how advertising can influence buying decisions, and the rules and regulations that many business people deal with. It’s a great tool for parents and teachers who are trying to help kids understand their role in the marketplace.”
The site features animated guides who help visitors navigate a virtual mall and interact with shopkeepers and other consumers. Kids can design and print advertisements for a shoe store, uncover suspicious claims in an ad, and guess the retail price of various candies based on their supply, demand, and production costs. One game that has players match the features of various cell phones with certain audiences illustrates the principles of target marketing; another allows visitors to compare sales pitches from three pizza joints as it explains competition. A short film playing at the cinema illustrates the history of the FTC.
For parents and teachers, the site offers fact sheets that cover advertising, marketing, and competition in more detail, along with ideas for related activities. “We hope that teachers will use the site in classroom activities that involve consumer economics, government, social studies, history, and language arts,” Chairman Kovacic said. “It takes a unique approach to both consumer tips and the role of business and government in daily life.”
October 28, 2008
ASEC Fall 2008 Chairman's Report
Chairman's Report on ASEC activities for June through October 2008.
October 27, 2008
ASEC's October 22, 2008 Partners Meeting
Agenda for October 22, 2008 Partners Meeting
Below are power point presentations from the meeting.
Below are pdf's of handouts from the meeting.
October 10, 2008
Report on September 18, 2008 Government Interagency Group Meeting
The following link will take you to a report on the September 18th meeting.
October 9, 2008
Consumers Warned to Avoid Fake E-mails Tied to Bank Mergers
Online scammers are taking advantage of tough economic times. While e-mails phishing for sensitive data are nothing new, scammers are taking advantage of upheavals in the financial marketplace to confuse consumers into parting with valuable personal information.
The Federal Trade Commission urges caution regarding e-mails that look as if they come from a financial institution that recently acquired a consumer’s bank, savings and loan, or mortgage. In fact, these messages may be from “phishers” looking to use personal information – account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers – to run up bills or commit other crimes in a consumer’s name.
Consumers are warned not to take the bait. The FTC has advice about how to stay on guard against this type of scam. To learn more, see the consumer alert “Bank Failures, Mergers and Takeovers: A ‘Phish-erman’s Special,’”
Please remember all bad things must come to an end. We will get through this.
September 29, 2008
Investing in Turbulent Markets, Advice from CFA Institute
ASEC Partner, CFA Institute has issued a press release providing Top Five Facts for Investing in Turbulent Markets.
- Having an investment policy statement makes weathering financial storms easier.
- Knowledge (of your risk tolerance) is power.
- Investing in a diversified portfolio of securities rather than individual stocks mitigates risk.
- The fundamental principle of investing is buy low and sell high.
- Frequent trading can be costly.
As we go through these troubling times please keep in mind, all bad things must come to an end.
ASEC Portal
(most recent items)
Read More ASEC News & Activities »
