YOUR MONEY Real Relief During Tough Economic Times @ (NAPSA)—Withthe cost of food and health care skyrocketing, families losing their homes, retirement accounts shrinking and millions of Americans without jobs, manypeople are looking for help. Fortunately, a new online tool provides a centralized location for a variety of resources. The onestop online portal, Real Relief at www.aarp.org/realrelief, offers information on programs and interactive tools for those struggling to make ends meet, seeking employmentor job training, worrying about retirement, trying to cut back on expenses, or working to safeguard investments. The site was created by AARP, the membership organization dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of the 50+ population. In these tough economic times, health care and financial security are proving to be the main drivers of personal financial crises. Nearly 700,000 older Americans are facing foreclosure. The number of unemployed increased by 632,000 in December, nearly 60,000 of whom were aged 55 or older. Of the 11.1 million unemployed men and women in December, 1.4 million were at least age 55. Millions of Americans are struggling to put food on the table, while states are struggling to provide assistance to the millions more children and families that need help affording their health care bills. Over $2 trillion has been lost in pension plans. Manysenior citizens’ nest eggs are evaporating, despite all the hard work they have put into savingit. The content on the Real Relief Website will be updated regularly to advise visitors on long-term financial goals while providing immediate solutions and assistance. The site will offer tips on job searching, to free programsfor tax preparation, and up-to-date news about the economy. Also, visitors can check state-specific information about receiving public benefits programs that help cover the costs of food, utilities, health care and medicine. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/realrelief. Also, AARP members can ask questions and find help bycalling, toll-free, 1-888-OUR-AARP.
