Finances 50+

The American Health Care Act, which narrowly passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 4 and is awaiting action by the U.S. Senate, would make health care unaffordable and inaccessible for millions of Americans—including hundreds of thousands of Arkansans.

Energy bills can be confusing for consumers, especially in places where utility service areas cross state lines. And increasing utility costs can be tough for Arkansans living on fixed incomes.

AARP on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, sent the following letter to all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the latest version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA). If you are concerned about how this bill might impact you or your family, let your voice be heard by calling your U.S. Representative toll free at 1-844-866-1425.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson on April 11, 2017, publicly signed into law Senate Bill 658 by state Sen. Jason Rapert. The bill, which closes a loophole used by predatory lenders to charge Arkansans up to 280 percent Annual Percentage Rate (APR) interest, becomes Act 944 of 2017.

H.C. "Hank" Klein of Sherwood, a longtime AARP Arkansas volunteer leader, played a key role in removing predatory payday lending from Arkansas in 2009. Klein's expertise, passion and persistence during the legislative session that recessed April 3 of this year helped stop predatory lenders from regaining a foothold in our state.

Warren Searls, AARP Arkansas Lead Volunteer for Advocacy and Executive Council member, in this video explains that while the Arkansas Constitution "caps" interest on consumer loans at 17 percent Annual Percentage Rate (APR), an out-of-state lender is using a loophole to charge up to 280 percent APR! Senate Bill 658, which has passed the Arkansas Senate and is pending in the state House of Representatives, will seal shut this phantom loophole. AARP Arkansas strongly supports SB658—because less than eight years after payday lenders left Arkansas, we can't afford to let predatory lenders regain a foothold in our state.

An estimated 530,000 Arkansans—over half of Arkansans age 18 to 64—do not have access to a retirement savings plan through their employer. Senate Bill 236, which passed the Arkansas Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee today, would help address this issue by creating the Arkansas Small Business Voluntary Retirement Program.

Survey Identifies Common Traits in Victims of Investment Fraud

AARP Arkansas State Volunteer President Charlie Wagener in a column published Feb. 13, 2017, in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette—" Wrong direction: Medicare vouchers a bad idea"—explains the serious risks that current and near-future retirees would face if Medicare is changed into a voucher system.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Beginning today through April 18, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program.