Financial Security Resources for Iowans

AARP is working to ensure you have the resources and tools you need to take charge of your future by offering free and unbiased information as you work, plan, and save for the real possibility of long-term financial security.

AARP believes preparing for our financial future is all about achieving the concrete financial milestones that make sense for us. Even if these milestones are very modest, each one makes our financial future bright and more secure. AARP helps you figure out your milestones, and how to achieve them.

Register to attend a Financial Fundamentals Virtual Workshop

Resource list:

• AARP Money Map: Get your finances back on track with an action plan
• Digital Retirement Coach: Begin your retirement planning, your future is created by what you do today.
• Money Tools: AARP's suite of web-based money tools will help you keep track of your finances and plan for events such as retirement.

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Scammers steal billions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers every year. The impact on victims and their families can be financially and emotionally devastating, especially for older Americans. The AARP Fraud Watch Network is working to empower consumers to spot and avoid scams, and to provide support and guidance to victims and their families when fraud happens.

Resource list:

• Iowa Fraud Fighters, Reporting A Scam in Iowa: A whole team of state and local agencies dedicated to fighting fraud. Knowing which scams to report to each agency is the first step.
• AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline: Free for AARP members and nonmembers alike, can provide the information you need to protect yourself and your family.
• Watchdog Alerts: Sign up for biweekly alerts to have news on the latest scams delivered right to your inbox.
• Report a Scam: No matter where you live, fraud is never far away. Protect yourself and others by reporting a scam, or searching for existing scams near you.
• Fraud Resource Center: Learn how to spot and avoid common scams.

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AARP is dedicated to helping members access the information they need to make the right decisions about Social Security for them and their families. You’ve worked your whole life and now you can start thinking about your retirement options. But when should you claim your Social Security retirement benefits to get the biggest check? And how do you get the money coming in the first place? It can be a confusing process. AARP has answers to the top Social Security questions that you are asking.

Resource list:

• AARP Social Security Resource Center
• Social Security Calculator: When to apply for benefits — how much you’ll get.
• What is a "My Social Security" account and how do I sign up?

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Decide your future. The best time to plan for long-term care is long before you need it. Decide where you see yourself in the future and to create a plan that includes financial, health, home and community, and legal considerations.

Resource list:

• Payment Options for Nursing Home Care, Iowa Legal Aid
• Long-Term Care Calculator: Compare costs and types of care in your area. 
• MyHealthfinder: Healthy actions include taking positive steps to prevent disease and manage any chronic conditions. 
• AARP HomeFit Guide: Most people want to stay in their home or community as long as possible. The AARP HomeFit Guide provides lessons, suggestions and practical solutions to help make that happen. 
• Advance Directive Forms: Get all your documents in a row. Give your loved ones clear instructions about what you want them to do, should you need them to act for you. 

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