Money

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month — a great time to remind ourselves just how much of our lives take place online and the potential threats that exist in the digital world. Any device that stores information or connects to the internet could become a target for cybercriminals seeking to steal from you.

It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a con can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.

Approved by state lawmakers in 2023, the Minnesota Secure Choice Retirement Program will allow employees who don’t have access to a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k), at their jobs to contribute to an individual retirement account via automatic payroll deductions.

Given the projected Social Security shortfall in 2034, AARP is focused on helping older Americans better understand their Social Security benefits and learn about the policies that would strengthen the program for current and future generations. If Congress doesn’t act, millions of Americans who are counting on Social Security will see cuts to the money they’ve earned. If Washington doesn't take action in the next 10 years to protect and save Social Security, it could be cut by 20%, an average of $4,000 a year. That's why AARP Minnesota and AARP Wisconsin have teamed up to bring two events to the Duluth-Superior area that wrestle head-on with the economic impact of Social Security and generational perspectives on retirement.

AARP is urging lawmakers to create a restitution fund that would help compensate Minnesotans who lose money to fraud schemes.

Minnesota Secure Choice will allow employees to contribute to an individual retirement account via automatic payroll deduction. The program could begin operation as early as January 2025.

The generation gap is often used to define and separate people, but it holds the power to strengthen communities and teach across generational lines. Join AARP Minnesota and Pollen for an opportunity to connect with people from each decade – from 20s to 90s – to discuss different perspectives on financial security and wealth disparities.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and virtual tax preparation help to anyone, free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low-to-moderate income.

Join us for an upcoming virtual event! For those approaching retirement, learn more about Social Security and Medicare. Attend this two-part online education session intended to help people nearing retirement make informed decisions about both programs. Speakers from the Minnesota Board on Aging and Social Security Administration will focus on how to get the most out of Social Security in retirement and the basics of Medicare. There is no cost to attend, but preregistration is required.

You may be eligible for assistance. Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program helps pay for home heating and water costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households.