Highlights From Senator Duane's Forum On Financial Literacy And Planning.

In July 2008, Senator Duane hosted two forums on financial literacy to provide his constituents with an opportunity to learn about being financially savvy in uncertain economic times. Those who couldn't attend the town halls can get much the information provided by watching this 58-minute, edited version.

The event included presentations from the Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, the Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, and the Alliance for Financial Literacy followed by a Question and Answer session. They discussed how to effectively budget, save, invest, and avoid fraudulent scams.

David A. Dreifuss, Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance for Financial Literacy, spoke of how the consumer should always be informed and cautious when handling his or her money. This process includes creating a road map, which entails determining your objectives so you can plan for the long term as well as for unexpected occurrences and life changes.

James Fuchs, Press Secretary to New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, talked about topics including what to think about in terms of employer/employee benefits and programs, how to prepare for a dependent's college education, general strategies, and the Comptroller's New York State Financial Literacy Initiative.

Ms. Elizabeth Block, Assistant Attorney General from the Investor Protection Bureau of the Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, spoke of how best to detect investment scams and what to look for in a financial professional. Just some of her useful tips to avoid investment scams are to take your time and not rush into making investments, always carefully read through a contract, and always get an estimate in writing.

The State Comptroller's Office of Unclaimed Funds also had a booth at the events where constituents were able to find out if the State is holding unclaimed funds in their names. You can search the State's unclaimed funds database yourself and file a claim for any funds apparently due to you from the State Comptroller's website at http://www.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/.

For more information about this or any other town hall meeting hosted by Senator Duane, please contact his district office at (212) 633-8052.