This resource published by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) and the Investor Protection Trust (IPT) discusses important topics, including scams that target the military, that you need to consider. Some of the major topics featured: Basic Training-Saving and Investing

Balancing Risk and Return

The Rules of Engagement

Retirement Planning

Where You Invest 

Avoiding Inappropriate Investments

Red Flags-Scams that Target the Military

View the Salute To Smart Investing publication to learn about how you can gain financial readiness.

Personal Finance Guide for Military Families

Since military service members  tend to move around more than the typical Americans,  they often face financial challenges.  This resource discusses important topics service members need to consider and the financial resources available to make the transition to deployment or a return to civilian life as smooth as possible.

Topics include:

• Investing in Your Future:  Make the Most of Special Saving Plans and New Rules
• Your Military Benefits: Discover All the Advantages and Protections to Which You're Entitled
• Before and After Deployment: Take Smart Steps to Protect Your Family and Your Finances
• Buying and Selling a Home: Benefit from Special Perks and Resources to Ease Military Moves
• Financial Fraud Watch: Protect Yourself from Scams that Target Service members
• Leaving the Military: Plan a Smooth Transition to Civilian Life with this Checklist
• Financial Resources for Military Families

According to the FINRA Foundation, the difference between a painful move and a positive one often depends on your family’s level of financial and mental readiness. When duty calls, take the following steps to protect your family and your finances.  This resource discusses financial resources available to you as a service member in the U.S. military. Topics include:

When Duty Calls

Save, Save Save

During the Move

After the Move

Helpful Resources

View the FINRA Military Moving Guide here.

What is affinity fraud?
It’s a scam that happens when someone uses shared trust — like military, religious, or professional ties — to sell a fake or risky investment. You’re more likely to trust someone from “your group,” and scammers know that.

Some fraudsters even pretend to have military ties to win trust. Before investing, protect yourself:

• Be cautious of glowing testimonials — early investors are often paid with new investors’ money.
• Ask for written details that clearly explain the risks and how to get your money out.
• Get advice from an independent expert, not someone from the same group.

You can also check with your base community service office for help verifying the person or investment. For more tips, see guidance from the SEC.

Read more about how to stop affinity fraud in your military community and a military guide provided the the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Don’t Make Investment Decisions Based Solely on Celebrity Endorsements

A knowledgeable investor is the best defense against investment fraud. If you're investing outside of the government-sponsored investment options, don't hand over your money until you have completed the "Four C's":

• Consider your options, including suitability and risk.
• Compare it to other investments.
• Consult with an objective, third party on base, someone who is knowledgeable about finance.
• Call or email the Securities Division's Investigator on Duty to verify license status of the investment salesperson, product and company.

Read more about financial readiness. 

Most importantly, contact the Securities Division's Investigator on Duty to ask and check before you invest.