"Online News" Florida Voice Times.... CPAs to Offer Free Financial Advice to Florida Consumers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 21, 2009 -- Florida’s unemployment rate reached an all-time high of 11.2 percent in late October, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. And according to a Harris Poll survey, 41 percent of American adults gave themselves a grade of C, D or F on their knowledge of personal finance. On the upside, 80 percent of adults agreed they would benefit from advice and answers to everyday financial questions from a professional.

Floridians will have an opportunity to receive financial advice from Florida certified public accountants during Financial Fitness Friday on Nov. 20, 2009. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, volunteer members from the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants will be available to answer financial-related questions – free of charge.

“No matter what your financial level or your level of financial knowledge, one of our volunteers can answer your questions and offer you reliable, objective financial advice,” said Terry Seaton, CPA, chair of the FICPA Financial Literacy Committee.

Financial planners across the country say there is a sense that people are returning to basic investment principles, according to SFGate.com. 1) Maximize your savings; 2) limit credit card use; 3) keep a substantial emergency fund; 4) know how much risk you can tolerate; 5) diversify your investments; and 6) don’t try to take shortcuts to wealth.

According to a 2009 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, 33 percent of respondents had no savings; 33 percent do not have toward retirement; 26 percent do not pay their bills on time; and 58 percent do not closely track their spending.

Floridians can call the FICPA Financial Fitness Hotline on Nov. 20 at (800) 342-3197, Ext. 554, and “ask an expert” any financial question. If you are unable to call, submit your question starting today at www.ficpa.org/FFF.

Additional financial resources are available on the FICPA Web site.

About the FICPA
Founded in 1905, the Florida Institute of CPAs is a Tallahassee-based, statewide professional association representing member-CPAs throughout Florida. With a membership of more than 19,000 members, the Institute's mission is to serve the diverse needs of its members; enhance their competency and professionalism; support professional standards; promote the value of our members; and advocate on behalf of the profession.

FICPA
325 W. College Ave.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (800) 342-3197 (within Florida) or (850) 224-2727

E-mail: hubbardb@ficpa.org
Web Site: http://www.ficpa.org/fff

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