If you are over 60, retired or almost retiring, you must have encountered an invitation to one of these so-called free lunch seminars—if not, prepare yourself as one of these days, you are bound to get one! While the concept is not new at all—it, being a free food and all, the lure of having to eat at somewhere upscale and classy makes a senior feel important and well, pressured. It was reported that almost ¾ of the senior population, at some point, already received an invitation to a free lunch seminar and almost half of these seniors gave in.  You must have thought seniors are getting wiser now when it comes to putting their retirement funds in order, unfortunately, financial experts warn seniors that 1 out of 4 free lunch seminars is actually a scam. Furthermore, out of 5, 3 of these investment plans don’t even fit your needs. With the success rate free lunch seminar is going, it will definitely put seniors to mad houses soon!
This is why organizations as well as government bodies aiming to protect seniors are now moving to counteract these free lunches without having to restrict seniors in attending authentic ones. By closely monitoring how free lunch seminars work, they were able to come up with a guideline on what to look for when subjected to a free lunch seminar. Here are some basic points you must take note of when attending one:
·    The speaker’s qualification. Not everyone is qualified to give investment advises to anyone, much less to a senior. They must be qualified to do that—and licensed too. If none is mentioned, don’t hesitate to ask since it is your money that’s at stake.
·    The speaker and the company’s contact info/details. This is the only way you can check them out prior to handing over your hard-earned money.
·    Other people mentioned during the seminar. Take note of other people mentioned such as the broker or financial adviser (if they are not the speaker) so you can do your background research on them too. Research is crucial, it will help you make a better decision on whether or not, trust these people.
·    How did they get your name? Did someone referred you or you just came up as a random invitee? As much as possible, stay away from random name picking. The activity itself is questionable enough to start with.
·    The number of questions they throw at you even if you have not decided yet. Be especially aware of the questions pertaining to your other investments such as bonds, stocks and mutual funds. They need not know these things.
·    The atmosphere they are creating while talking with you. Is there a feeling of pressure? Or perhaps confusing statements? Or even aggressiveness on the way they market their plans?
·    What benefits you’ll be able to gain when acquiring their offered plans. When it’s too good to be true then it’s time to get up and go.
·    Risks. Investment plans always come with one. If the speaker failed to discuss this one with a senior then you must proceed with caution when dealing with them.