Bismarck, ND - Governor John Hoeven signed a proclamation declaring the month of April 2003 as Saving and Investing Month for the state of North Dakota. This awareness-building campaign serves to educate North Dakotans of all ages on the importance of saving and investing for the future, stated Governor Hoeven. The campaign encourages individuals to understand their financial options in order to make educated and effective financial decisions.
The North Dakota Securities Department is joining with the securities industry and regulators across the nation in coordinating the sixth annual Saving and Investing Month. This campaign is not only aimed at raising financial IQs of adults, but also emphasizes the need for personal finance education at the elementary and secondary level.
We want to encourage investors to understand their financial needs and develop a comprehensive strategy for meeting them, said Karen Tyler, North Dakota Securities Commissioner. We also want to equip investors with the knowledge they need to identify and avoid financial fraud and abuse.
While individuals are increasingly responsible for their own financial security, many lack the basic information they need to save and invest wisely. During this month-long effort, the Securities Department will focus on youth financial literacy, as well as how to prepare for retirement. Teachers will receive information on financial programs and activities for their classroom; North Dakotainvestment professionals will be asked to visit schools throughout the state to better prepare our young people for their financial futures; and North Dakotans are investment professionals will be asked to visit schools throughout the state to better encouraged to take advantage of the resources available through the web site of the North Dakota Securities Department at www.ndsecurities.com to prepare for their future financial needs, including retirement.
While unlimited investment information is now available at the click of a mouse, state securities regulators remain the investor's first line of defense against fraud. They investigate complaints, bring enforcement actions, register brokers and educate investors at the grass-roots level.
You’re never too young or too old to learn about money and investing. Knowledge, healthy skepticism and good investing habits will pay dividends for a lifetime. Take time to get the facts, said Karen Tyler, Securities Commissioner.
For more information, contact the North Dakota Securities Department at1-800-297-5124 or 328-2910.