- Image via Wikipedia
You check your mail one day and find an invitation to a seminar on finances, it claims to be free and with a a catered meal (and at times, other freebies as well). It sounds like a good deal, especially if the only thing required is your attendance.
At times, it can be easy to get into the thought of a great freebie, especially if all you are needed to dole out is a few hours time. Yet, many are finding that at the end of the day, they are also a bit lighter wallet-wise as well. Not all of those types of offers are shadier than they seem, but many are. They target the elderly for many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is that between the fact that they are the fastest growing portion of the population and have a investable income of an estimated $8.5 trillion dollars. It is a hard thing for some people to resist, and they will use some rather questionable tactics to get their hands into the vast piggy bank.
To avoid getting in some financial hot water, before you even think about going it may be a good idea to look into others who went just for the incentives. What are they saying? Figure out if the group or company will use hard-sales tactics, or anther method of getting into your wallet. Think long and hard before agreeing to attend if the overall tone seems more negative about the seminar (or any others that the group does, as the overall tactics will usually be the same).
If you simply aren’t sure, and may want to attend anyway here are a few tips:
- Don’t bring any more money (including cards, checks, etc) with you, save for a small amount for emergencies.
- Remember: There is no such thing as a free lunch (and this is what started the saying as well).
- It is normal for them to use the ‘hard-sell’ tactic, and if you must excuse yourself- do it. Even if it means forfeiting a freebie.
- Remember: All investments carry risk, no matter how safe they make it sound. At times, whomever is holding the seminar will make it sounds easy and guaranteed, and there is never a true guaranteed on any investment (no matter how many glowing reviews they may say it has).
In many cases, they will attempt to wear people down with sales points and hold off the meal until a few hours into the seminar. Don’t be afraid to leave, at any point. No freebie is worth getting sick, or too stressed out over.
Tags: elderly, elderly activities, elderly activity, elderly appreciation, elderly care, elderly entertainment, elderly independence, elderly living, financial stability, senior citizens, town hall
