They often offer a free seminar that includes a free meal at a hotel or restaurant, and they call themselves a senior specialist who has expertise in investments to those over 55.    They review your portfolio and often they recommend that you liquidate stocks and invest instead in variable or equity-indexed annuities.  These are almost always "high-commission" vehicles for the specialist, and the usually have long holding periods and huge early-withdrawal penalties - making them totally inappropriate for seniors.  But their pitch is very compelling.

The Security Exchange Commission (SEC) is advising senior and retired individuals that many agents with titles "senior specialist," "retirement counselor," or "senior counselor" often do not have appropriate training, and often are not even registered to sell investments or insurance.  Before handing money over to them, the SEC advises you to read their online brochure, "Check Out Brokers and Investment Advisers."  It's free and it will help you make an informed decision.

Keeping your retirement funds safe and healthy is just one more reason that Farmers Bank is "Your Bank For Life!"