Money

Texas Utility Help is scarce of funds after a publicity campaign drives interest in the energy assistance program.

AARP Launches National Campaign Urging More Support for Family Caregivers, Passage of Bipartisan Credit for Caring Act.

AARP Texas has collaborated with Texas Appleseed, a nonprofit advocacy organization, to produce a tool kit for financial caregivers who manage money or property for loved ones unable to do so themselves. “Managing Someone Else’s Money in Texas” includes six guides tailored to people serving in specific roles, such as agents under a power of attorney and court-appointed guardians. The kit also includes a fraud-fighting guide to help prevent elder financial abuse.

As temperatures rise and Texans rely heavily on air conditioning in their homes, AARP Texas seeks to educate consumers, including older Texans, on how to protect themselves against the rising costs of electricity and other utility expenses.

AARP Texas and KSAT hosted a recent conversation about the future of Social Security. Starting 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, watch a 30-minute segment from the event.

The following is a statement by AARP Texas Director Bob Jackson applauding the passage of HB 3921 by the Texas Senate today, a measure which would improve the reporting of financial exploitation targeting older Texans and would give new tools to banks and securities firms to place a temporary hold on suspicious transactions. Jackson said:

With the scheduled end of the 2017 Texas legislative session approaching, AARP continues to fight for passage of several bills that aim to improve nursing home quality, ease the stress of family caregivers, protect older Texans from financial exploitation, and help consumers avoid and respond to surprise medical charges.

Retirement should be a time of peace and relaxation, not one of struggle and financial worry. And when retirees seek advice regarding retirement investments, they should expect their professional advisors to give prudent guidance that keeps their best interests in mind.

House Bill 4126, which AARP opposes, would effectively legalize in Texas a predatory practice that is under legal scrutiny across the country.

Texas Appleseed and AARP today released five “Managing Someone Else’s Money” guides, a toolkit for financial caregivers in Texas who manage money or property for those unable to do so for themselves. This interactive series of guides, in English and Spanish, is available in print and online at www.ProtectTheirMoneyTx.org.