AARP Offers "Real Relief" - An Online Resource

2/05/2009

posted by N. Sioris

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As retirement accounts continue to shrink, job losses accelerate, families lose their homes, and the cost of food and health care skyrocket, AARP and the AARP Foundation have launched a new online resource site called "Real Relief."

Real Relief was created to assist older Americans weather this unprecedented economic storm. This one-stop online site emphasizes jobs and job training, and
financial issues like money management and investment help.

According to the Department of Labor, 4.9 percent of age 55 and older workers were unemployed last month. This is a 58 percent increase from one year ago and is the highest figure since 1983.

While workers of all ages are facing layoffs as a result of the worst economic downturn in decades, those workers age 50 and older are especially vulnerable. And for those that have all ready retired, the economy could have a serious impact on their investments and retirement savings, jeopardizing their financial security in future years.

A few of the resources that can be found at the AARP Real Relief site are:

• Tools and resources for retirees who may be facing economic challenges.

• Tips on protecting your money - avoiding scams - choose a financial planner

• Help with taxes and money management: Free tax preparation services

• Public benefits and public assistance programs

• Tips of job seekers - Job search strategies

• Money saving tips - where and how to cut back on expenses