. . could just be the costliest lunch you ever had. People are duped out of their life savings by trusting the wrong person. Legal documents prepared by phantom “legal staff” fail and folks end up with a 50-page trust document that has no value because it was never funded.

Outside these salespeople appear charming, polished and smooth, making up in their mastery of the art of persuasion what they lack in knowledge and education. The decision you get pressured in making could unleash a devastating financial nightmare for yourself and later on for your family from which you may never recover.

There are few things in life more bruising than having your confidence betrayed. Even worse is losing your hard-earned savings at a time when you need them most. Before you rush into a decision you may not be able to later unravel, stop, breathe, and simply ask yourself if you will be better off if you decide to work with this person. You are the only one who can protect yourself and your assets by taking the time to educate yourself and investigate before you blindly trust. There is no time for regret. And no amount of regret can turn back the clock.

If you’d like to find out more about financial and estate planning scams, there is an event on April 25th, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the Senior Center in Auburn. This event is part of a statewide effort by the California State Bar to educate and inform senior citizens about these scams happening not only across the State of California, but nationwide.Call Donna Robison, a local estate planning and probate attorney at (530) 305-3808 to find out more information. There is a wealth of information if you just take the time to investigate . . . Take it to heart. It’s about you. It’s about your financial safety. It’s about your future. 

This blog was written by Donna Robinson, Esquire