Author Archives: FLSecurities
Be Wary of Zika-Related Investments
The SEC has issued an Investor Alert regarding fraudsters attempting to profit by exploiting the dangers associated with the Zika virus. For those not following the news, Zika is a tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Outbreaks have been reported in South America, with cases popping up in the United States. Zika infections in pregnant… Read More »
The Elderly – Vulnerable to Stockbroker Abuse
In our law firm, we frequently represent elderly clients in claims against brokerage firms and financial advisors. These claims usually include allegations that the broker took advantage of the elderly client, or recommended improper investments that benefited the broker more than the client. Why and how do the elderly become so vulnerable to stockbroker… Read More »
Giving Someone Else Power Over Your Investments
As the investing population ages, it becomes more and more likely that investors will suffer failing physical and/or mental health. Your permanent – or even temporary – incapacity could make managing your own investment accounts impossible. One potential preemptive solution is for you to give a power of attorney (POA) to a family member… Read More »
FINRA Provides Preliminary Analysis of its Senior Citizen Helpline
Last spring, FINRA launched a Securities Helpline for Seniors – known as HELPS – as a resource for senior investors with questions and concerns. With the country’s growing population of senior citizens, who are often targeted in fraudulent and deceptive investment schemes, the HELPS line is just another resource in FINRA’s recent push to… Read More »
Joining the Crowd: Crowdfunding 101 for Investors
Starting May 16, 2016, companies can use crowdfunding to offer securities to John Q. Public. Crowdfunding generally refers to obtaining small individual investments from a large number of people to finance a particular project. Here are some helpful tips to see if making a crowdfunding investment may be right for you. Who uses crowdfunding?… Read More »
What is Securities Arbitration?
Securities arbitration is the legal process by which most disputes between customers and brokerage firms are resolved. Arbitration is an alternative to traditional litigation, which takes place in a courthouse before a judge and jury. When a person goes to arbitration, he or she is giving up, or surrendering, the right to have a… Read More »
The Dangers of Non-Traded REITs
Many investors may be familiar with an investment known as a REIT, or real estate investment trust. A REIT is a trust or a company that owns real-estate-related assets, such as apartment buildings, commercial office space, or mortgage debt. REITs come in many shapes and sizes and often specialize in one type of real… Read More »
High Yields on CD’s May Mean Hidden High Commissions
High-yield CD’s offer higher interest rates than other bank products. What the promoters of these high-yield CD’s don’t tell you is that the commissions are much higher than bank CD’s. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) recently issued an investor alert to warn investors that some companies are now using marketing ploys in which… Read More »
How to Find the Right Financial Advisor for You
Are you just starting to invest and ready to open your first brokerage account? Are unhappy with your current broker? Here are some tips from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) on how to find the right financial advisor and brokerage firm. Ask for Recommendations Talk to your friends and family members about who… Read More »
When Money Buys Stress, not Happiness
Many people work their entire lives to accumulate a nest egg of savings for retirement. Others find financial success mid-career. Either way, accumulating money can be surprising in one respect: wealth often leads to stress. Why? Because it can be extremely stressful to realize that the fruits of your entire life’s work can be… Read More »