How ‘Senior’ Do You Need to Be to Benefit?

The FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors, while geared toward older investors, is available for people of any age and can assist in questions about investments or financial advisers.

Column distributed by Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

Links to resources referenced:

FINRA Media Center – Podcasts: FINRA Unscripted
- https://www.finra.org/media-center/finra-unscripted/protecting-investors-finra-securities-helpline-seniors-10th-anniversary
  - Related column excerpt:
    - “It turns out that a helpline for SENIORS who are concerned about their investments (FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors) is available for people of any age. While most calls are from older seniors, calls do come from ‘investors as young as 13, all the way up to 102,’ quoting Elizabeth Yoka in a FINRA podcast. The hotline ‘will assist anyone of any age.’”
FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors
- https://www.finra.org/investors/need-help/helpline-seniors
  - Related column excerpt:
    - “A FINRA staff member will talk with you about your questions, and if not resolved during the call, the staff member will follow up with you or refer you to ‘another regulator or agency for help.’ Visit the helpline’s website to learn more.”
FINRA News Release
- https://www.finra.org/media-center/newsreleases/2025/finra-securities-helpline-seniors-marks-10th-anniversary-more-93#:~:text=Senior%20investors%20or%20other%20individuals,with%20a%20live%2C%20experienced%20analyst.
  - Related column excerpt:
    - “In the past ten years (through Dec. 31, 2024), the helpline has assisted with the return of more than $9.3 million to investors and made more than 2,750 referrals to state, federal and international regulators when the matter was beyond FINRA’s jurisdiction, all starting with a phone call -- 32,000 of them from the U.S. and abroad.”
U.S. Department of the Treasury Press Release
- https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0067#:~:text=Their%20continued%20collaboration%20reflects%20a,Month%20begins%20today%2C%20April%201.
  - Related column excerpt:
    - Education falls squarely into this time of year, as April is National Financial Literacy Month. The goal is to ensure that people make “informed financial decisions and build lasting security,” quoting a U.S. Treasury Department press release.
AARP Membership
- https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/is-aarp-membership-worth-it/
  - Related column excerpt:
    - “Let’s get back to age. You can share with your college-age family members that they can join AARP. While dedicated to the 50-plus population, membership is open to 18-year-olds on up. If you don’t believe me, check the AARP webpage ‘Is an AARP Membership Worth It?’”