Money

Identity theft is a growing concern. For the 15th consecutive year, it was the top complaint in the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, accounting for 13 percent of the total 2.5 million filed complaints. Identity theft complaints in Texas totaled 25,843. Nationally, people in their 40s and 50s filed the most complaints – 19 percent – while 18 percent of complaints were made by those in both their 20s and 30s. People age 60 and older filed 13 percent of complaints and people age 70 and older only filed 7 percent of complaints.

Free tax assistance and preparation, beginning this week

AARP Foundation, with support from the Corporation for National and Community Service’s Social Innovation Fund, will choose five community colleges to receive nearly $3 million in grants to help women age 50+ find jobs, reduce debt and rebuild savings--paving the way to greater financial stability. Texas community colleges will compete against colleges in New Mexico, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.

Growing up in the outskirts of Cincinnati was more than fun for AARP Texas volunteer Lisa Lum. It was an education in the importance of being financially strong.

By Charlene Hunter James

By Julia Castellano-Hoyt

This year, AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 45th year, is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service, providing free tax assistance to Texans of any age and giving special attention those 60 and older. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this free service.

By Bob Jackson

Approach now before Senate, on the other hand, moves in the wrong direction for Texas consumers

Statement from Joe Sanchez, AARP Texas Associate State Director for Advocacy, on the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce's passage of Senate Bill 1247: