The Securities and Exchange Commission is taking steps to educate and inform investors around the country during April as part of ‘National Financial Capability Month’. The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (OIEA) announced that its theme for the month is, “Investing for everyone.”
The commission said it is embracing the month as an opportunity to encourage all investors, especially those new to investing, to utilize the information available to help them get acclimated.
Throughout April, the SEC’s leadership and staff are promoting the free tools and resources that are available on Investor.gov (https://www.investor.gov/) and participating in investor education events.
“Investors turn to our capital markets every day, whether to grow a nest egg, plan for retirement, save for an education, or prepare for the inevitable bumps along the way,” said Chair Gary Gensler. “To be an informed investor is to be a more effective investor, and I encourage the public to take advantage of the many resources we offer on Investor.gov.”
A number of outreach events will be held to teach investor education basics to various audiences, including high school students, members of the military, Native Americans, older investors, and women’s groups.
Some of the SEC’s latest resources are those that teach the importance of financial capability and provide tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. These include a high school activity focused on the Howey Trade Investment Program Avoid Fraud videos.
“Our new HoweyTrade Investment Program classroom activity provides an interactive approach for students to learn how to spot and avoid investment scams,” said OIEA Director Lori. Schock. “We also encourage younger investors to check out the saving and investing resources on Investor.gov. Know that the earlier you start understanding the importance of managing your money and building wealth, the stronger your financial future.”
Ms. Schock has also published an article on recognizing scams, called “Unsolicited Investment Pitches: Don’t Answer! Hang Up! Delete!”
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