Psalm 1:1-3
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
Or stand around with sinners, or join with mockers.
But delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the river bank, bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
There were 3.1 billion dollars in losses in 2022 as a result of fraud for those 60 years of age and older . A level of skepticism is essential when dealing with your finances. Make sure to contemplate your decisions. Utilize the relationships you know are true. Ask your family members or a trusted advisor if they believe you should take action and distribute your money.
Some of the most common scams are government impersonation, sweepstakes & lottery, robocalls & phone, computer tech support, and one of the most insidious, the grandparent scam. The grandparent scam is when a defrauder acts as if your grandchild needs help financially, but makes you promise not to tell anyone.
Heidi Ardis, our founder and CEO, was once a victim of financial fraud, but she made a vow that she would not allow anyone she met with to ever deal with what she had to. “When I was 22, my father-in-law passed away unexpectedly, and my husband and I were left to figure out his estate on our own,” Heidi says. “The financial person we used lost 75% of what we inherited, so I left one semester shy of a master’s degree and went to work in the financial world.”
Discernment is something that we all need from God. He aids us in understanding what comes from a wicked place. We should aim to keep company with those that love and support us, not those that wish to tear us down or even rob us. Taking advice from a financial advisor should give you more confidence, not promise you a financial future that deceives you.
“Insurance products are offered through the insurance business Agape Wealth, LLC. Agape Wealth, LLC is also an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by Agape Wealth, LLC are not subject to Investment Advisor requirements. AE Wealth Management LLC. provides services without regard to religious affiliation and the views of individual advisors are not necessarily the views of AE Wealth Management. 02186876 – 2/24 ”
Citations
Waterman, Genevieve. “The Top 5 Financial Scams Targeting Older Adults.” The National Council on Aging, 8 Dec. 2023, www.ncoa.org/article/top-5-financial-scams-targeting-older-adults.