Investor Education and Protection Initiative

Cape Girardeau, MO -- The Missouri Council on Economic Education (MCEE), a nonprofit organization that promotes economic and financial literacy in Missouri, has launched a new program intended to provide investor education and protection to Missouri's adults.

Over the past few years, many Americans have suffered greatly because of investment scams or poor investment decisions. MCEE intends to help minimize such future suffering by offering free seminars for established community groups and by disseminating online educational materials through public libraries and other trusted sources of educational resources. By offering this education in both formats, MCEE plans to meet the needs of a diverse group of Missourians.

These seminars will use examples from the recent economic crisis to help explain the following topics:

* How to identify risk

* The importance of due diligence

* Diversification

* Investment vehicles: stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, etc.

* Retirement plans: defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, IRAs, etc.

* Regulation of the investment industry: the role of the Missouri Secretary of State, Securities Division

* Tips for avoiding investment fraud

Seminar costs are covered by a grant from the Investor Protection Trust supported by the Missouri Secretary of State's Office. "Like most things in life, saving money and investing can benefit from a healthy dose of common sense," Secretary of State Robin Carnahan said. "This opportunity to work together with MCEE and the Investor Protection Trust will help provide the investor education that many Missourians desperately need."

Individuals and community groups can register for Investor Education Outreach Programs by calling MCEE at 816-235-2653.